“ROBERT ELSMERE.”

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 475, 28 May 1890, Page 4

“ROBERT ELSMERE.”

PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT IN LONDON OF A UNIVERSITY HALL. The author of “Robert Elsmere ” probably had no idea when she composed that famous novel of trying to write the gospel of a new dispensation. Yet an earnest and promising effort is being made to give practical and energetic form to the principles expressed in “ Robert Elsmere,” and Mrs Humphrey Ward herself is the most conspicuous factor in promoting it. Associated with her are many ladies and gentlemen well known in social and religious life, among them being the Earl of Carlyle, the Dowager Countess Frances Russell, Dr. James Drummond, president of the Manchester New College at Oxford ; Mies Frances Power Coble, the venerable Rev. James Martineau, the Rev. Stopford A. Brooke, Dr. William Blake Odgers and • others. The plan to be pursued, or rather which has been adopted and is now being executed, is explained by Mrs Humphrey Ward herself as follows : “We propose,” she says, “ to establish in London what may be called a university hall, somewhat on the line of the Toynbee Hall, which was founded at the East End a few years ago in memory of Arnold Toynbee, with, however, some marked differences. “The object of the university hall will be not only to promote the study of social problems, but to draw together those who are interested in certain new conceptions of religion and Christianity. It- will provide such with a working centre where their conceptions may be practically applied to human life, instead of withering away under the influence of either controversy or disuse. “Closely connected with this aim will be the endeavour to promote the scientific study of religion, and especially to make a new outlet for that higher criticism of the Bible of which so little is as yet popularly known in England. There will be continuous teaching at the hall on such subjects as Old and New Testament criticism and the history of Christianity and other religions. There will also be maintained a Sunday Bchool for children of all classes, both rich and poor.”