THE INDEPENDENTS AND ETERNAL PUNISHMENTS.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPEOTATOR.1
&n,—The majority of the members of the Congregational Union are too wise to be " very angry" either with Mr. White or with myself, because, in a serious and reverent spirit, we endeavour to explore, a little beyond the lines of the popular creed, an obscure and difficult subject, on which, in all ages, very various views hate been held in the Universal Church. But " not angry " is not equivalent to " sympathetic." Some few years ago I declined this Chairmanship, partly because I have no love for even the mildest of ecclesiastical dignities, but mainly be-
cause I shrink from exposing the Union to the kind of misrepresentation which Mr. White, honestly, no doubt, but most unfairly, is attempting now. I accept the honour on this second occasion, in deference to the judgment of many whose opinion justly carries weight with me, and because I am assured that it is perfectly well understood among us that the Chairman of our Union commits no one but himself. Mr. White's conten- tion is about as fair as if I had attempted to represent that the Union shared his views, when an eminent minister of our body, who holds them, received a very cordial welcome to the chair eight years ago. It pains me to have to write to you on a matter so largely personal, but a sense of loyalty to the Union compels me to ask for the insertion of these few lines. I think that I can promise that they shall be the last with which I shall trouble you
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