6 DECEMBER 1873, Page 13

A NOTE ON MR. BALDWIN BROWN'S LETTER.

[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR:1 SIR, —Your singular patience in admitting corrections holds out hope that you may allow a line of remonstrance against Mr. Baldwin Brown's incidental reference to those among the Nonconformists whom he designates as teachers of the "doctrine of the annihila- tion of the finally impenitent," a doctrine in which he says that he does not believe, because it is "a miserable exodus from a tremendous difficulty." I should like to point out that this is not a fair description either of the persons or the doctrine referred to. If I may venture to speak for them, their main point has ever been a positive doctrine on eternal life, not a "doctrine of annihilation." Their basis, as they suppose both scriptural and philosophical, is precisely that of our leading physi- ologists, that nature holds out to man no certain prospect of im- mortality, and they think that the object of Redemption is to bestow perpetual being and blessedness, in body and soul, upon all who, either here or hereafter, will unite themselves with the Eternal Life and Love. T he doom awaiting the "finally impenitent" they regard as the fulfilment of that original and legal destiny of evanescence under which they were born, and not as an "exodus from a tremendous difficulty " for the divine government in dealing with naturally immortal creatures. You will see at once that, right or wrong, there is a great difference here.

Let me add, without interfering in the question between Mr. Leonard and Mr. Tidman—who are really describing the two opposite sides of Nonconformity—that the positive character of the doctrine on life above referred to has probably a great deal to do with what Mr. Baldwin Brown amusingly describes as the comparatively happy condition of its advocates. Had we taught a " miserable" theological negation or governmental make-shift, probably we should have had more to suffer for our misdeeds from the Dissenters, and, I must acknowledge, justly. But to represent Redemption as a revelation of Immortality in Christ has attractions for many who already believe, in a puzzled way, the Christian religion, and for multitudes besides who have lost their faith amidst physical and metaphysical studies, which left them without a gleam of hope beyond the grave.—1 am, Sir, &c.,

Brathay House, Tufnell Park, N. EDWARD WHITE.

[We cannot insert at present further letters on this point. As we admitted a statement by Mr. Baldwin Brown which was not strictly relevant to the issue under discussion, we think it only fair to admit a protest and explanation intended to remove a misunder- standing. But experience has shown us that out of such ex- planations long controversies are apt to grow, for which, in this case, we may as well say at once that we could not possibly find space.—ED. Spectator.]