CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 409, 11 July 1908, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by our correspondents.

[to the editor.]

Sir, — I only returned from the country last evening and consequently have had no opportunity till this morning of considering Mr Young-Woodward’s final letter in the present controversy. I do not wish to occupy more of your valuable space than necessary, but with your permission I would like to say a word or two in reply. I want to again mention a fact that Mr Young-Woodward studiously overlooks in all his statements. I do not criticise his sermon except as, in a public place, outside his own church, he declared that the church of which I am the representative here was no church at all, and my ministry not a Christian ministry at all. These are the things I had a right to ctiticise and defend myself and faith against. It did not concern me whether he based such unwarrantable statements on the prayer-book or anything else. Now, in reference to his challenge, Mr Young-Wood ward finds himself in a tight place and withdraws from the position. That is exactly what his letter in your’ Tuesday’s issue means. He then gives what he declares to be a logical conclusion, which is about the most illogical thing I have ever read. I now venture to give the vicar of All Saints’ a lesson in logic. He says he argues with me on one thing—the authority of Holy Scripture. I am glad of that, because, as I said [in a previous letter, we have here common ground. On point i, then, we are agreed. Next, in point 2, he says, “ the Church is the interpreter of Scripture.” For the sake of argument, although not necessarily agreeing with it, I will admit this. We are now agreed on points x and 2. Point 3, he states when he says “ and the Church has based the Book of Common Prayer on the authority of Scripture.” Now, this clearly means that the Book of Common Prayer is an interpretation of Scripture by the Church, So far, good. Now, then, I assert, and am prepared to prove, that the Scriptures do not teach apostolic succession as described by Mr Young-Woodward. The logical conclusion clearly then is, that either the Book of Common Prayer is not in accordance with Holy Scripture, or Mr YoungWoodward’s interpretation of the Book of Common Prayer is wrong. I make the same assertions and the same deductions in relation to his doctrines of a Christian priesthood and that the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are necessary to Salvation. Mr Young-Wood ward can select which ever of the horns of the delimma he finds the most comfortable. I am disposed to believe that Mr Young-Wood-ward’s interpretation of the Prayer Book is wrong, and I base my belief on his siatement oi the sacraments. Will he be good enough at least to inform me where

in the Prayer Book of.the Church of England, “Confirmation, Holy Oiders, Holy Matrimony, Penance and Ex tremeUnction” are declared to be Sacraments of his Church. In concluding his final letter, he says: “this correspondence has not caused me one thought of bitterness.” Ido not think anyone has charged him with it, but he has charged me with bitterness, and has declined to withdraw it when requested, and when it was proved there was nothing of that kind on my part. I therefore throw back his innuendo as being unworthy of a gentlemen, while his closing platitude I accept as a compliment to my ability in correcting his unscriptural teaching. I have also to thank you, Mr Editor, for the space you have afforded me in my rather lengthy replies, and trust that if your clients have not been educated, they have at least been interested. —I am, etc.,

Geo. K. Aitken

Of all the silly proveubs one Whose vogue should be diminished, Is: “ Woman’s work is never done!” It should be: “ NeverlinEhed !” She’s always working, understand, To keep the home together. And has Woods’ Peppermint Cure on hand For colds in wintry weather 8

Costumes at Watchorn Stiles and Co.’s— 55s for a is, 45s for 20s, 39s 6d for 19s Od, 75s for zjs Od.—Advt. For Children’s Hacking Cough at night Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure is 6d and 23 6d.

The comfort of elderly people depends largely on keeping the bowels in a healthy condition. Alter certain age, mascular weakness causes chronic constipation, a complaint which invariably causes serious illness. No medicine is so safe, pleasant or certain for old people’s relief as Chamberlain’s Tablets. Try them. They are just what you need. For c a le by W. J. Gaidner grocer.—Advt.

For continuation of Reading Matter