[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR:'] fora, — You say, "The Clergy
ought to be specially grateful to Mr. Bradlaugh's followers for giving them tracts, or doing any- thing to bring before them the nature of their own views." We, clergy, have yet to learn that infidelity is spread through other, cheaper, and wider channels than high-class periodicals.
There is excuse for Secularism. We recognise in theory the importance of this present life, the need of " secular effort," of action, of energy, to meet and remedy the sufferings of men. 'Our Prayer-book teaches to pray that every day we may " live a godly, righteous, and sober life ;" it insists on the worth of the human body. But in practice we fall very far short of the standard which is presented to us in the Book of Common Prayer. We have very narrow ideas of the meaning of " Gospel," and of the mission of Christ as the saviour of men. May I recommend my brothers in the ministry to procure the secular tracts published at 84 Fleet Street, and a most valuable little pamphlet called " The Secular Work of Jesus Christ, His Apostles, and the Church of England," by Mr. Stewart Headlam, to be obtained at the office of the "Women's Printing Society," 38 Castle Street, Holborn, price one penny ? It has taught me much, for one. Does it answer that the Clergy should shut their eyes to the efforts which are being made to spread infidelity among the poor ? What is needed? Surely— especially as regards Secularism—a larger, truer interpretation of the " Gospel," and a desire to act in Christ's spirit. And also more sympathy with doubting men, more tenderness in -dealing with them, a belief in their honesty.—I am, Sir, &c., 1 Duchess Road, Clifton, Bristol. J. R. GRAHAM.
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