902 ( 6 ) [ AUGUST 16 1906 The Christian Register

The Congregationalist has been publishing a remarkable Following out the logic of democracy and of political series of articles by Edward A. Steiner on the field for and religious liberty , it has abolished the relation be religious work among the immigrants of New England . tween Church and State as completely as it has been A true , broad , warm Christian love lives in that man's dissolved in the United States . S. J. BARROWS . heart .

How very English in the publishers of the Hibbert

Socialism and the Pulpit . Journal to say that it can be had of Stechert , of the A. U. A. , or " from any decent bookseller " ! Or is there some trace here of the old connection in thought

To the Editor of the Christian Register : between sound doctrine and a good life ?

In reply to Mr. Holmes's letter of July 26 , I wish to

state that I reread carefully his previous letter before Those who would know progressive New Testament mailing my criticism . I concluded that I emphasized scholarship at its best should read Prof. Pfleiderer's “ political socialist ” sufficiently , and I do not think that " Christian Origins . ” Forty years of study have been I did him any injustice for most readers . distilled into that small volume . The chapter on Jesus The two letters by Mr. Holmes seem to me typical is as beautiful as it is serious and loving .

of a manner of thought and speech of a group of our

ministry . As a Unitarian Congregationalist I am sen The editor noticed that a horse he was asked to drive sitive to the assumption of a general corporate " Chris persisted in keeping on one side of the road . It was tian Church ” or “ Unitarian Church ” as authority found later that the horse was one of a pair and was for rights and duties as to its ministry and pulpit . always harnessed in on that side . So , even when free , believe in a prophetic tone as to truth and faith . I dis he kept there . Is there any figure here of the sectarian , like an ecclesiastical tone in speaking of “ The Chris even the liberal ?

tian Church ” or “ The Unitarian Church . ” I do not

know any authority in our polity as to what a minister A young American couple wished to be married in

may preach , except the judgment of the sovereign Christ Church , Lancaster Gate , London , but were told

sons and daughters of God of the individual church , that no professing Unitarians could be married there .

the congregation . They decide whether they want to The Bishop of London confirmed the decision of the

hear him any more or not . It has been the policy of vicar , and extended it to all the churches of his diocese .

the last few years to make a denominational govern Meanwhile , according to Mr. Lecky , a goodly number

ment out of our missionary society . The tendency of even Anglican clergy men are virtually Unitarians .

of this must be as amongst older connections to attract men who seek some unfair advantage over their com rades in the ministry , and to mark for suppression and

exclusion those who express independent judgment . Letters to the Editor .

There ought to be much greater missionary interest amongst us , but we can hardly expect it without

encouragement of open criticism of policy , methods , Religious Liberty in England .

work done , and results .

FREDERICK PRESTON .

Boston , Mass . To the Editor of the Christian Register : Mr. Mott's letter in your recent issue of the Christian

First Church in Plymouth . Register , and your comments on the incidents he de scribes , in which the Bishop of London refused to grant permission to Unitarians to be married in any Anglican The following letter from J. Estlin Carpenter , Litt.D. , church in his diocese , is a fresh reminder that religious Oxford , was received too late to be read at the three liberty is far from complete realization in England . hundredth celebration : There is a country with a national church .

Its property and its privileges belong to the people of England , but Dear Mr. Cuckson , I hope that I am in time ( after it is supported at great expense for the benefit of much absence from home ) to send to you and the mem a single sect of Christendom . How long will the Eng- bers of the First Church in Plymouth some brotherly lish people stand the tyranny and discrimination which word of thanks for your invitation to be present at your are inseparable from the Established Church ?

tercentenary festival . What memories of gratitude England has been renowned for its achievements will blend with your worship , as you retrace the great in civic and political liberty , and yet there can be no story of the fathers who landed on your shore ! What complete political liberty when the bishops of one re mighty issues have followed from their faithfulness ! ligious sect are allowed the privilege of membership Happy are you to be linked in historic and spiritual in the House of Lords to the exclusion of all other succession with the heroes of such an age . churches . What should we think in the United States ress of thought has carried you , like ourselves , to wider if bishops of the Methodist or of the Episcopal Church views of God's purposes than our ancestors had at alone among the religious denominations had the ex tained ; but we rejoice that they had the insight to clusive privilege of sitting and voting in the United foresee that there was more truth to break " out of his States Senate . It is somewhat discouraging that dis- holy Word , ” and could trust the guidance of the Spirit establishment does not come to the front politically without imposing bonds of creed . May we be as loyal in England . But the fight on education and such dis to our high cause as they , and may this celebration crimination against dissenters as that reported by Mr. strengthen the devotion of your people in united wor Mott and the English sense of justice will inevitably ship and in common works . It would have been a bring it up . There can be no perfect political equality great privilege to join with you , but the ocean , this sum in England so long as political privileges are made de mer , keeps us apart . With heartiest good wishes , pendent upon religious belief .

Faithfully yours , In this matter France had left England far behind .

J. ESTLIN CARPENTER .

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