6 MARCH 1920, Page 25

The Pother of the Spirit. By Percy Dearmer, M.A., D.D.

(Humphrey Milford. 3s. 6d.)—In these four lectures, which The Pother of the Spirit. By Percy Dearmer, M.A., D.D. (Humphrey Milford. 3s. 6d.)—In these four lectures, which

were delivered at an American Divinity School in 1919, Dr. Dearmer has certainly avoided the commonplace. Many of his remarks are happy :—

" The Church does not exist to be in opposition, or even in contrast to the world, which is already half with her."

" There have been, and still are, many phases and fashions of Christianity which are harsh and ugly, cruel, narrow, and envious, and therefore are not really Christian at all. From them saints move out towards Heaven, and become Christian."

" In the Middle Ages it was well understood that the Holy Spirit was the giver of intelligence. Judges opened their tri- bunals, professors their courses, and councils their deliberations with a Red Mass, the service of the Holy Ghost."

Whether it is well to include under the heading of " Charis- mata " such abnormal gifts as Glossolaly, and certain other alleged " powers," is doubtful. That they " have given occa- sion to many superstitions " is certain ; and it is probable that their abuse is more common than their use.