To THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR. " ] SIR,-It has been said
that " we must meet intolerance with tolerance," and I am sure that these words express the view of the Spectator with regard to M. Combes's treatment of the Congregations. There is also a point to be remembered with regard to persecution,-that it invariably• injures others besides the class it is aimed at. You remark in last Satur- day's issue that " the only effectual way. of combating an injurious religious belief is to substitute a better." The Societe Evangelique de France, of which that great and broad-minded teacher, Eugene Bercier, was an active member, has for seventy years past been working quietly and faithfully to do this very thing. An unexpected and widely spreading demand for enlightened spiritual teaching amongst the peasants of Central France has for the last six years taxed its resources to the uttermost. At this critical Ciao M. Combes's tax upon buildings belonging to Associations (" la loi sur lea Associations "), aimed at the Roman Catholic Orders, falls heavily upon this inoffensive Society of Protestants and obliges it to pay a' sum of 21,200 to the Government. Oh, how gladly some of our good and rich men would help the Society in its hour of ' need if only they could know the cir- cumstances !-I am, Sir, &c., ELLEN G. 'HILL,
Grove Cottage, Frognal, Hampstead, AT W.
Previous page
