[TO MR EDITOR OF TSR " SPECTATOB..”1
is interesting to compare the views of Lord Halifax, representing the Church Union, expressed in his letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury published in the Times of Friday, 12th inst., and of "Presbyterian Layman" in your issue of 13th. Lord Halifax writes down Nonconformists as guilty of heresy and schism, and twice uses the term " Catholic Church" in a sense which clearly excludes them. To me this attitude appears deplorable. It is akin to that of the Roman Church, which claims an exclusive monopoly of truth, and displays absolute intolerance towards those who differ from it in any degree. Perhaps no Church has an exclusive monopoly of truth. God only knows. It is reasonable that we should firmly adhere to what we believe to be truth, but surely un- reasonable to stigmatize other Christians, who, after faithful study of the Holy Scriptures, have arrived at conclusions which differ from our own on some points, as heretics or schismatics. I infinitely prefer "Presbyterian Layman's" definition of the Catholic Church—" universal; liberal; per- taining to all Christians "—in fact, "the blessed communion of all faithful people." I would deprecate our giving up any doctrine that distinguishes the Church of England, but I respect absolutely the opinions of those Christians who differ from us. I would hold out the right hand of fellowship to them, and would advocate communion and co-operation with
them in worship and every good work. The course adopted by the Bishop of Hereford gives away nothing of our position as Churchmen, but only opens the door to fellow-Christians who do not think exactly as we do to join with us in the celebration of the holiest and greatest Christian mystery.—I
[What is Lord Halifax's meaning when he speaks of the Church we are at a loss to discover. At any rate, be does not mean what is meant by Article XIX. of the Articles : "The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in the which the pure Word of God is preached, and the Sacraments be duly ministered according to Christ's ordi- nance in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same."—En. Spectator.]
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