12 MAY 1906, Page 13

CHURCHMEN AND THE BIBLE.

rTO THE EDITOR OP THE "erserrros."1 SIR,—I have read with much satisfaction your article in the issue of April 28th headed "Churchmen and the Bible," and I hope many of our extreme clerics will read it and be influenced by it. You are perfectly right. I have myself rejoined to some who have written to me : " Undenomi- nationalism ' is an ugly and awkward word, but the thing meant is good—as far as it goes." It is certain that the great and most vital truths of Christianity are those on which all Christians agree, and it is of the utmost importance that these truths should be thoroughly and effectively taught to all our children, of whatever class or rank. I may say that I am one of the old Tractarians, the chief of whom was my intimate and dearest friend and guide for many years. I am sure that on the great foundation truths of the Christian faith such men as he, together with Spurgeon, Wesley, and even Roman Catholics of intelligence, would be of one mind. At the same time, I consider that it is only common justice that in our Church schools the Church Catechism and Church teaching should be the rule for all children except those who are purposely withdrawn from such instruction, and my experience is that very few would be so withdrawn.—I am,