[To THY EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR.")
Szn,—May I say a few words suggested by the article
in the Spectator of November 9th headed " Mr. Balfour on Faith and Conduct" ? It is there truly affirmed that
Christianity is more that " altruism," and there is a depreca- tion of the absorption of the best and ablest clergy and other Christians. in "good works" to the diminution of their efforts to convince the world of the data whereon Christian conduct is based. To determine this question it seems needful first to recognise a signal distinction among these data. They are of two kinds, often deplorably confused—historical and spiritua- -the latter resting on evidence different from that of the former, but not therefore inferior. The historical evidence is open to all in written documents ; if opinion thereon has varied from time to time, this is only what must happen to all writings compiled and handed down under like condi- tions. In judging of their truth he will decide best who is best qualified by intelligence, historical training, and impar- tiality Such an one may assuredly be a Christian, but his
Christianity in itself will make him no better judge: And if, as a clergyman, he is pledged, or thought to be pledged, to certain views of historic fact, he is not likely to be generally accepted as impartial however absolute his sincerity. Far otherwise is it with the other order of data, the spiritual ex- perience of the soul. Here the Christian has knowledge which the sceptic has not. The latter may have his explanations of this evidence, but he is at a disadvantage from his lack of such experience, and is nowise entitled to deny its reality in others. It is of this evidence that Christians can speak with real force to the world. But "by their fruits ye shall know them." Their practiCal life is based on their spiritual, but is an indispensable proof of it. There is no need to fear an excess of " practical benevolence" Even if it has to take rather prosaic forms, the glow of spiritual life will sometimes transfigure these with unexpected radiance. And if it rise to heroism, it is the supreme witness to the Master who- " Wrought With human had the creed of creeds In loveliness of perfect deeds More strong than all poetic thought" A Father Damien is a weightier "evidence" of Christianity than a library of apologists.—I am, Sir, &c.,
ERNEST 31VERS.
Previous page
