THE CREED OF THE NATIONAL CHURCH.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."]
Sra,—It appears to me, that Christianity being the actual religion of the English nation, the Church ought to include all Christians who desire to be admitted. The few Positivists would be excluded, and the Romanists would exclude themselves. You say that " comprehension would destroy the power of common worship." But does that power exist universally now ? Would the followers of Dr. Pusey be satisfied to worship in the same building with those of Dr. McNeile ? Christians must agree to differ. Some think with you, that direct spiritual communion with Christ is an essential part of worship. Others, equally conscious, probably, of spiritual allegiance to Christ, feel such communion to be impossi- ble. Will the Legislature venture to say which is right ? It surely cannot be right that the use of forms of worship should be required in the national Church, including anything in which some good Christians cannot join, though other good Christians may find it precisely fitted to their needs. If the spirit of Christianity were more truly prized than its forms, our fear would be lest any be excluded from the communion of the Church, in whom the fruits of that spirit may be traced.—I am, Sir, &c., W. T.
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