There is much to be learnt from a saying quoted by Sir Edwin Pears in
writing of certain Mahommedan sects: "The paths leading to God are as
numerous as the breaths of His creatures; hence they consider religious
toleration as a duty." Toleration does not mean simply abstinence from
the thumbscrew and the rack or even the repeal of the Conventicle or the
Five Mile Act, but appreciation of the religious opinions and practices
of others, and due respect for them. Without formal union there may not
only be peace and goodwill between bodies which keep up their separate
organisations, they might also act together heartily and effectively
both in philanthropic work and in combating certain evils for which the
influence of religion is the most effective cure. It is a good sign of
the times that a joint volume has already been published on Religion and
Reconstruction, containing essays by a number of those whose views no
doubt differ widely, but who find no difficulty in uniting in a common
undertaking. The book contains essays by Bishop Welldon, Dr. Orchard,
Monsignor Poock, and others representing different communions, and they
appear to have had no difficulty at all in a joint enterprise of this
kind.

Is there any sufficient reason why the leaders of religious thought
belonging to other denominations should not be invited sometimes to
speak in the pulpits of the National Church? They would not use the
occasion for attacking Episcopacy. Conversely it might be a wholesome
thing if a Bishop or other well-known Episcopalian clergyman
occasionally spoke to the great congregations in such familiar London
meeting-places as the Newington Tabernacle or the City Temple. They
might be trusted not to choose Apostolic Succession as their subject.
Joint religious services have already been held, and the practice might
be extended. The Bishop of London has been seen in Hyde Park on the
platform with representative men from the Wesleyans, Independents (it is
pleasanter to use the old name rather than "Congregationalist," which
may be correct, but is hideous), and Presbyterians, with a band from the
Salvation Army in attendance. Such things do good, and are the best
reply to the orators by the Reformers' Tree, whose most effective weapon
is to sneer--not unnaturally--at the enmity amongst Christians. A
"church" parade for the Volunteers has in a village been held in the
Baptist chapel, and many who had never entered a Nonconformist place o