PRINCIPAL RAINY.
Principal Rainy. By Robert Mackintosh, D.D. (Andrew Melrose. Is. 6d. net.)—In this " Biographical Study" Dr. Mackintosh tells us something about Dr. Rainy, but more about his own views of ecclesiastical politics. We do not complain, as be regards the matters in dispute from the standpoint of an Independent ; his opinions are well worth attention. His general conclusion on a most important question we are glad to quote :— "If, then, Dr. Rainy's career leaves any lesson for us it leaves this : that one may be resolutely in favour of disestablishment even as a final policy, in order to safeguard church spiritualities, while refusing to put it on the score of abstract justice as between individual citizens. The other position may be logical; yes, but are we sure that the starting-point is right ? Can you, ought you, dare you tear every vestige of religious belief out of the corporate life Let us make very certain of our ground before we commit the Christianity of the Free Churches to the Secularist alliance. It is probable that the voters of England may give a cold welcome to any such policy. That is a very important opportunist con- sideration; it is awkward to be misunderstood by a whole people. But there are graver considerations still. What if, after all, with the best motives, we should be, in this matter, fighting against God ?" There are times when secularism offers an attractive escape from the fiery folly of hostile Churches and parties, and it is then that such counsels as these are salutary.
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