17 DECEMBER 1898, Page 15

[To TEE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR. "] SIB, —If popular Protestantism meant,

what English Pro- testantism did once mean, the absolute rejection of the usurped authority of the Bishops of Rome, possibly even "foolish young curates would see no objection to the word 4'Protestant." I presume the word originated' with those who protested at Spires. These men, however worthy, were not English Churchmen, nor could any English Bishop then, or now, have recognised their orders as valid. If a Bishop aow were to allow a Lutheran pastor to minister in his diocese, surely Sir William Harcourt, whose watchword, like that of a celebrated character in Shakespeare, seems to be, "I stand here for law," would write to the Times at once. I suppose our Church is Protestant entirely with regard to the Papacy. Unfortunately, the word " Protestant " is popularly used to mean what no English Churchman can accept, and against this popular interpretation a large and increasing body of Churchmen do, and will, protest.—I am, Sir, &c.,

RICHARD F. JIITP.

Longley Old Hall, Huddersfield, December 10th.