THE KING’S BUSINESS
474
TWO WAYS OF SEEING IT
“Don’t imagine yours is the only Gospel, because it isn’t.” Yours truly, P. S.—As “Fundamentals” is only sent to Protestants, why have you sent it to me, and many other Catholic priests?
WO letters just received from England in the same mail are full of suggestion when read side by side. The one that at tacks “Fundamentals” illustrates the need of the publication quite as much as the one that speaks in commendation of it. Neither letter really needs any comment: “Y ork H ouse , W itney , O xon , March 15, 1915- D ear S ir : —I am heartily glad to hear that “Fundamentals” has reached its final volume. As the perusal of its-pages (with occasional exceptions) causes one mental and spiritual nausea, Y shall be grateful if you will kindly refrain from sending me any similar productions. It is with a feeling of intense relief that I assure my self that the true presentation of the Chris tian faith is to be found in the sober, solid and sacramental teaching and practice of that branch of the Catholic Church called the Church of England, of which, unworthy though I am, I have the privilege of being a priest. The Sacramental Life is of the very essence of Christianity. It seems to be absolutely ignored in “Fundamentals.’ As Christianity is sacramental to the core, a non-sacramental religion cannot be true Christianity. Mere emotionalism, combined with childish attacks on devout and capable Biblical scholars, would drive me away from religion if I thought that such teach ing was the real teaching of Christianity. The one sickens me, the other irritates me. I will pass on to you what Archbishop Temple said to a pictistic clergyman: G IVE us a watchword for the hour, A thrilling word, a word of power, A battle-cry, a flaming breath That calls to conquest or to death. A word to rouse the Church from rest To heed her Master’s high behest. The call is given: Ye hosts arise, Our watchword is, Evangelize!
T he S chool H ouse , C oate D evires ,
W ilts , E ngland ,
March 16, 1915. D ear S ir : —Having just received Volume XII of “The Fundamentals,” I must again send my warm thanks. The value I set upon the twelve volumes'is-greater than I can express. The articles from every point of view are excellent. Not only are they helpful as present reading, but will serve as a storehouse of truth for reference upon subjects dealt with in the articles. Do please convey the thanks of the writer to the two Godly lay men, servants of Christ, who have rendered this great service to our Master and to His church. These brief words may appear cold and formal on paper, but I can assure you they are indited by a grateful, appre ciative heart. My regret is, keeping in view the immensity of the undertaking, its valuable ministry, and the generosity of the whole scheme, that I am not able to express myself more suitably. But I am one of the 100,000—and again thanks. Yours in Christ’s service, (P astor ) T. S mith . t , Hope to receive a copy of T he K ing s B usiness .
The glad Evangel now proclaim Through all the earth, in Jesus’ name. This word is ringing through the skies— Evangelize, Evangelize! To dying men, a fallen race, Make known the gift of Gospel grace. The world that now in darkness lies, Evangelize, Evangelize! — Selected.
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