[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Before we go any
further with this interesting dis- cussion may I suggest that we should first agree (if we can) as to the meaning of the words we are using ? So far, the word " Protestantism " seems to be used as if it meant a new kind of religion distinct from, if not opposed to, Catholicism. As a Protestant, I have always understood that the word " Protestant " was an adjective qualifying the substantive " Catholic " and meaning a Catholic who " protests " against something in the Roman branch of the Christian •Church with which he does not agree.
It is equally misleading to use the word " Catholic " by itself to indicate the Roman branch of the Church. We " Protestants " are all Catholics as members of the Universal Christian Church.—I am, Sir, &c., J. W. PENNINGTON.
(Jplyme, High Wycombe.
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