The Rise of Religious Liberty in America. By Sanford A.
Cobb, (Macmillan and Co. 17s. net.)—There is much that is sound and useful in Mr. Cobb's second chapter, entitled "The Old World Idea," and giving a continuous account of the relation between the temporal and spiritual from Constantine onwards. We must take, however, exception to the statement, made, it seems to us, in the very crudest way, that "as a distinct institution the Church of England owes its existence to the Act of Parliament, 1538." Before this, according to Mr. Cobb, "there was a Church of Eng- land, but it was an integral part of the Church of Rome." Yet a Roman Bull could not be published in England without the permis- sion of the Crown. Nothing, on the other hand, could be a better established fact than the official continuity of the Church. If Pole was a successor of Cranmer and Warham, so Parker was a successor of Pole. Does Pole belong to the succession of Primates which began in 1538? In the early religious history of the American Colonies and their relations to the Home Government Mr. Cobb is more at home. Sometimes, we think, he is scarcely sufficiently judicial in tone, expressing a personal opinion with an excessive emphasis. His book, however, which we would gladly treat at greater length did circumstances permit, is a contribution to Church history of no inconsiderable value.
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