The Waldenses.—In this issue we print a circular issued by the Waldensian Mission Aid Society, in which there is a brief sketch given of the contentions of this heroic people. We would direct the attention of our readers, especially the young, to Dr. Wyllie’s History of the Waldenses. It is one of the most soul-stirring books one can read. Unfortunately the book is somewhat scarce, and can only now be had second-hand, but as it is a reprint of the section dealing with the Waldenses in his History of Protestantism, it can be had in the latter work, which sells comparatively cheap second-hand. It is interesting to know that the Waldenses are still imbued with a keen missionary spirit in seeking to extend the kingdom of Christ in Italy. Mr. A. Forbes Moncrieff, C.A., 9 Cumin Place, Edinburgh, is the Secretary of the Waldensian Mission Aid Society.
Sovereign Grace Union Booklets.—The Sovereign Grace Union, which has as its object the printing of literature setting forth and defending the doctrines of free and sovereign grace, has issued another two booklets—”The Clay” and “The Potter,” two sermons by Thomas Bradbury, and “The Anvil” (poetry), by Thomas Watson. There is a refreshing and soul-uplifting acknowledgment in Thomas Bradbury’s sermons of God as the author of salvation. Man’s merits have no part or lot in this wonderful work—all the glory is given to God. In Thomas Watson’s poem—”The Anvil”—the attempt to shatter the Word of God is represented as so many blows delivered on an anvil, around which lie hammers broken to pieces in smiting. The idea is well worked out and pleasingly phrased.
Glasgow Education Authority Election Result.—It is gratifying to notice that the Roman Catholics and the Socialists have suffered defeat at the recent election. Commenting on the result, the Glasgow Herald says it was due to the aggressive attitude of the Roman Catholic and Socialist sections, and their attitude of cynical indifference to financial exigencies. In many cases, also, the financial motive was reinforced by a very natural resentment at the openly confessed attempt of the Roman Catholics to obtain a larger representation on public bodies than that to which their actual numbers entitle them. Their protagonists have for some time been very busy on the whole educational front. If the Roman Catholics complain that they are inadequately represented on the new Authority, they have mainly to thank the propagandist campaign carried on so indiscreetly and, we may add, so impudently by Professor Phillimore and some of his co-religionists. What these gentlemen have done is to arouse a long-quiescent spirit of self-defence among Protestants.
On Dancing.—The article under this heading, which appeared in last issue, has been reprinted at the request of a friend, and may be had from the publishers, N. Adshead & Son, 11 Union
Street, Glasgow, at one penny each, or twopence post free; 30 copies, 2s. 6d., post free. Those who wish quantities for distribution should apply at once, as only a limited number are for sale.
Thousands Leaving the Church of Rome.—The Republic of Czecho-Slovakia, formed since the war by the union of Bohemia, Moravia, and slices of Slovakia and Silesia, says a special correspondent of the Glasgow Herald, is being swept to-day by a mass movement away from Rome, which is comparable only to that which thrilled Europe in the sixteenth century. For centuries the Hapsburgs have treated Bohemia with merciless severity, from the time of the martyrdom of John Hus in 1415 till the outbreak of the war, this richest and most fertile province of Austria was held down by an iron rigour which can find no parallel elsewhere in Europe. The Protestant Churches Lutheran and Reformed—have united under the name of the “Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren”; they have drawn up a new democratic Presbyterian constitution, and tens of thousands of former Roman Catholics are pouring into the Protestant Church, of which President Masaryk is a devoted member. The movement away from Rome is sweeping over the cities, towns, and villages of Bohemia. Congregations numbering thousands are in existence to-day where formerly there were mere handfuls of Protestants. Great industrial centres such as Pilsen are being moved, and multitudes are seeking instruction and teaching. Of course, not all who have left Rome are turning to Protestantism; many are coquetting with the Orthodox Church of Serbia and with other forms of religion. But the fact remains that about two millions have shaken off allegiance to the Papacy, and are groping after spiritual light and guidance elsewhere.
Church of Scotland Commission Appointed.—The Secretary for Scotland has appointed Viscount Haldane (chairman), Sir Joseph F. MacIay, Sir James M. Dodds, the Very Rev. Sir George Adam Smith, and Mr. John Prosser to be a committee to advise as to the legislative provisions with reference to the property and endowments of the Church of Scotland which may be necessary or expedient in view of the Church of Scotland Act, 1921. The precise terms of the remit to the committee will be published later.
CORRECTION.—In last issue, p. 367, line 8, “cursed” should read “covered.”
When the truth of grace is wrought in a Christian, his desires go beyond his strength, and his prayers are answerable to his desires; whereupon is it that young Christians oftentimes call their estate in question, because they cannot bring heaven upon earth, because they cannot be perfect; but God will have us depend upon Him for increase of grace in a daily expectation.—Sibbes.