History of the Free Churches of England. By Herbert S.
Skeet and Charles S. Miall. (Alexander and Shepheard.)—Mr. Skeat wrote the History as far back as 1850. This work was published in 1868. N r. Miall now continues the work down to the present time, adding in his five chapters about half as much again to the original work. It was, says Mr. Miall, Mr. Skeat's contention that " the best features in the political and social constitution, and the mental as well as the religious life of England, can be traced to the direct or indirect influence of the principles of Dissent." A more arrogant claim can hardly be conceived. Surely the moral and mental life of the nation has been developed out of many influences. We would not deny its proper share to the action and sentiment of the Nonconforming bodies. But Mr. Skeat's claim, if, indeed, Mr.
Miall fairly represents him, means that more than nineteen- twentieths of the formative elements were comparatively worth- less. How small a part of what England is, has been created by Dissent ! How justified Matthew Arnold was when he spoke of the glorification of the "dissidence of Dissent" ! Mr. Skeet has not been happy in his successor and continuator.
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