Non-Members oan obtain this publloatlon froln the Hon. Seoretary, post free 2/- per annum

.JULY, 1924.

C.I)~ ffiontl)lp R~cord or

SOUl!) Plac~ €lbicar South Place~ M~orgate. E.C.2

Oblect qf the Soch.ty. 11 The Object of the Society is the cultivation of a rational religious sentiment, the study of ethical principles, and the promotioll, of human 'Welfare, in harmony with advancing knowledge. "

MEMBERSHIV. Any person in sympathy with the Object of the Society i. oordially invlW to become

a member. Th. amount of subscription is optional, with a minimum of 26. 6d. pel" quarter, or lOs. per annu;m. Any person interested in the Society's work, but not wishing to becom~ a member, ma.y join BS an ASSOOIAT8, the minimult' .subscription being Ss. per annum. Further particulars may b. obtained in the Library b.for. and ofter the Sunday servioe, or on application to the Hon. Registrar, Miss n. nALLO. South Plno. Instltutl>, Finsbu1"1, E.O.2. .

SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES. The following DISCOURSES will be delivered on Sunday mornings.

Service beginning at ELEVEN O'CLOCK.

June 29.-0. DELISLE BURNS, M.A. -The Last Days ofIndustrialism.

A.nthem.

Hymna

July 6.-S. K.

{ 1. Live for sOtrothing (No. 21~) 2. Wake I for th" sun ...

I No. 160. WheD the day of toil is ended. 1 No. 64. A nobler order yet shal1 be.

RATCLIFFE.-The Passing of Empire. Anthem. {I. '1'he future hid,s in it

2. Ben edictu s

Hymns {No. 231. The preooncc of perpetual chang". No. 72. Would you gnin the golden oity.

July 13. -C. DELlS LE BURNS. M.A.-Atheism. Anthems {I ... Make us n A'o~." said man (No. 20l)

2. Dotll not wisdom 01"1 aloud

Hymn. { No. 88. 1\11 before us lies the way. No. 50. Do not crouch to-da.y nnd worship.

July 20.-JOHN A. HOBSON, M.A.-The Endowment of the Family.

Anthem.

HymDol

{ 1. How sw....,t is summer morning ... 2 {(al K~ep InDocency

. Ib Tlw "Voices ...

{ No. 76. These things shall be I a loftier raoe. No. 23. There is a song now singing.

The Services w11l be suspended till September 7. Organi,t: H. SMITH WEDSTER, 53, Lorain. Rond, N.7.

RORRt11i Lellmann

'l'1'olI88ellll G01lnOrl

Gollet llaking

Stna-rt Ma~rarre"

WallheUl

Y,,/toro aro tn~.ted to obtain In,ormat."" regardlnll th. S.ol'l1I in the L/brll")' ... Sunday morning •.

A Goiltet.on " mad. at eaeh SeMlic., to enable tho •• pr ... nt to oontributo t. tA. '''p.n, .. of tit. SOciety

Cy.li,t. de.iring to atUnd the Serv.ce. ar. informed tltat the Committee have m ... erra"gement. for /tOfUl7l0 their machines in th& baA'ement.

The Building Is to be let for Meetings, etc. Forms 01 Application may he hid 01 the Caretaker , 11. South Place, E.C.; and when filled up should be sent to Mr. N. Lldstone, 98, Blackstock Road, Flnsbury Park , N.4.

The Chapel Is licensed for MarrIages. Arrangements can be made lor the conduct 01 Funeral Services On application to

the Secretary.

2 LendIng Library.

The Lending Library is open fr ... to Members of tbe Society on Sunday mornings before and after the Servicea. Aasociates and Non·Members of the Sooiety may under certain condition. I>e grnnted the use of the Library upon payment of a subsoription of 28. Gd. per 8JlIlum. The Oa.talogue, including a supplement for 1905·7, is on sale, price 6d. Subscriptions towards the purch ... e and repair of hooks are invited.

{

WALLIS MANsronD,"TbeOutlook," Kingsend Avenue, Ruislip, Middiesel Hon. Librarian. F. JAMEB, S0'2, Dalston Lane, Hackney, E.B.

MISS V. A. ALP.XANDER, 165, Aslunore Rond, Paddington, W.9. Treasur.r... ... Mns. STEVENS, 1470., Clapton Oommon, E.6.

Esperanto elrcle. Tbe Circle will meet on Sunday., July 13, a t 3.10 p.lO. Convorsatlonal practice,

.inging, and discuesion in Esprranto. Light refreslunenta.

Rambles. Saturday, JuIy5,-Epping Forest. COllrlucted by Mr. F. A. UlOBAlIDS, Train 2.10 p. m.

from Liverpool Street. Cbeap return Lougbton 1/3. Sunday, July lS.-Chlpstead and Kingswood, Conducted by Mr . F. M. OVERY.

Train Lonrlon Bridge (S.E. & C.R.) 1.37 p .m. Ohe&p return OIJip.tea<l I/O. Sunday, July 20.-Totteridge. Conducted by Mr!. CLEMEN1'S. Start from 8, Finchley

\Yuy, .Brent Village, Ouurcb Eud, Flnchlcy at 3.30. Sunday, July 27, - Iver Heath, Black Park and Stoke Poges. Conducterl by Mr. and

Mrs. JA~tES. Take cbeap return to Uxbrlclge. Train Baker ::)treet, 'If.59 n.lD. Through IlUokingH Irom varlo". Met. St&tiolls(8ee EZCUT8io7l1eajlets) • .Bring own IUllcb.

Please check train. In case of alteration.

League of Nations Union Branch. This branch is now started, and tb.cre Me thirty·seven members. The annual

subscription for membershIp i8 Is., but Jl. aubscription of Ss. 6d. gives the mcrrber a right to receive .. HEADW.d Y,u thc orgJlJl. of the League of Nations Union, each montb by post. Those who pay £1 y<>lll'ly receive, in addition, any booklets or len.flets which may 00 published during the vear. Members of th" League of Nations Union may belong to more than on" branch. .AlL who would like to bear more about this new activity <U"C requested. to apply to the

Hon. Secretary, HELEN M. FunllAL", B, Scnroorough Road, NA.

Sunday Ji>opular eoncert8 <ebamber Mu.le). The THIRTY·NINTH SEA.SON will open on Sunday, Ootol>er 5, with a Stanford

Memorinl Concert. Doors open at 6.10, commence at 6.S0 p.m. Admissien Fre~, with Oollection.

Transferable Reserved 8Mt 'rickets, 3s. ench (including Tax) for Half·Sea.aon from October 6 to December 21, will be ready on September 21; Programme Subscription, 2s. Gd. extra. Applicntion should be made to thc Hon. Treasurer of th" Concerts, F. A. UAWKINS, 13, Thurlow Park Road, Dulwich, S.E .21 , accompanied bv rereittanee nnd ,tampt'<l addressed envelope, o.nd a stnmped postcard if nn acknowledgment is required before t'be tickds are 9tl1lt. Tiokets will alao I>e on snle at South Place Institute on Sunday mornings, September 21 and 28, nnd on the latter daoe from 4 to 9 p.m.

H The Development of Ohamber Musio." ThrC'e Lectures by RICllARD H. \VALTDEW. Price Is. net. Post free ls . l!d .

Uon. Treas.: FRANK A. HAWKINS, IS, Thurlow Park Road, Dulwich, S.B.!1. Hon. Sec.: ALFRED J. OLEMENTS, B, Finchley Way, N.S. Hon. A •• t. Sec.: Mrs. OLEM I<NTB, B, Finchley Way, N.S.

South Vlaee C!>rehelltra. Conductor: RICHARD H. WALTHEW.

Particulnrs respecting the Orchestra may be had from tl,e Hon. Secretary, AJtTnUB JrnMY, 6, Orossway, N .16.

eonway Mem"rial Lectures. Tbe Oonway Memorial Lecture., which ore delivered annually in March, were innugurated

la 1908, ... a Memorial to Dr Moncure D. Conwny. The Committee is not yet in possssion of the n ecessary onpitnl for tile permanent endowmeut of tbe Lectur .. ship, and in the meantime it m8k~s nn enrnest appeal to all rcnd.e-rs of the MONTDLr RECORD either fOT

subscriptions or donotions, to ensure the oontinu"nc. of the lectures. Thes. S110Uld he sent to the lIon. Treo.aurer, Mr •. COCK8URN. PeJOdeniyn, 18, Northnmpton Road, OroyWm.

Fifteen lectures have been given, and copics of these cnn be obtained in tbe Library . flon Secreta ·c81 EnmsT eARn, I< Lyndnll," Elsenrion Rond, Snnderstend, Surrry

• Tt 1 MM. O. FtETcnER 81dITn, 3n, Stntion Way, Letchwnrtlh.

TIle GENERAL CoMMITTEE will meet on Thurooay . JIl!\·~. Correspondence dealinR' with matters for consideration should be fonv"rdrd to F. M. OVERY , Hon. Seo., 36, Catel'hll.m Rond. Lewisham, S.E.1S, at the CMliost possible moment. A lJ matters rell\ting to finonee should be addressed to the Trea8urer.

Secretari"s of snb·committees arc requ est ed to note thot ony mottor whicll they wish to insert in the MONTnLY REconD shQuld hp in the hand. of Mr . F. W. READ not loter thl\n 15th of the month. All liternry Iratter .honld be forwarded to the Editor. Mr. r. ,T Pm.r.mn, a. early in the month as pos.ibl •.

8

CENTENARY CELEBRA lION APPEAL FUND. Donations to the above Fund will be welcomed by the General Cam.

mittee, as they desire to take active steps as soon as possible, to erect the new South Place. Killdly address subscriptions to the Hon. Treasurer of the Fund, Mr. N. Lidstone, 96, Blackstvck Road, London, N.4.

EDITORIAL. "SOUVENIR SliUSCRIPTIONS. "-We have received further contributions:

5s. each from Messrs. A. S. Toms, E. A. Webb, Miss Gowa, Mrs. E. Johns, Miss E. Johns, and lOs. C. J. Pollard.

"WILLIAM JOHNSON Fox." BY PROF. GRAHAM WALLAS.-" The Daily Herald" of May 28 contained the following friendly note:

" Do people who have ceased to go to church or chapel want any kind of 'meeting'? If so, what kind? In Willia11l Johnson Fox, 1786.1864 (Watts, 2s. and Is.), Prof. Graham Wallas discusses these Questions with his usual penetration and sympathy. Fox was one of the early pillars of 'South Place,' the most famous ethical met:ting.place. Anyone interested in providing such services should read what Professor Wallas has to say about them."

" R.U.R."-We sent to Mr. Paul Selver, the translator of Karel Capek's " R.U.R.," the number of the RECORD publishing our article on this play, and have received from him a note, which concludes: "I have read with gratification your interesting account of 'R. U .R.' "

THE ANNUAL MEETING. The Annual Meeting was held on Sunday, May 25, 1924, when

there was an ('xcellent attendance. Mr. C . J. Pollard was elected lO the Chair, and in moving the adoption of the Report and Balance Sheet said: I do not propose to deal in detail with the various points reviewed in the Annual Report. But I wish to say a word in general terms on one aspect of our finances. I mean, our apparent riches on the one hand, and our actual straitened circumstances on tJ:te other . Mem. bers and friends who do not know, or who forget our real position, are disposed to say, "you have sold the site for a good round sum and yet you continue to press for contributions and subscriptions." This seeming unreasonableness is capable of easy explanation. It turns upon the difference between capital and income. Our recently acquired capital oould properly be regarded as a very considerable amount if \ve were free to use it for current expenses. But if we regard it in the correct sense it is not a large sum, for it is money strictly ear·marked for the purpose of building and equipping the new South Place and of providing a pro. tective endowment for the Society in Us new premises. That use is the only use to which the sum left by the sale of the site may be legitimately applied, and for tbat purpose it is far short of the amount required. Hence our appeal for £20,000. That is, our apparent riches must not be drawn upon for the week·by.week expenditur& of the Society. The de. termined policy of the Trustees and the General Committee, a policy, I am sure, with which you al1 agree, is that the Society must do all possible

4

to pay its way as it goes out of ordinary income. Last year, as you will have seen, there was a deficit. Therefore we must increase our member­ship, and thus our income. Members and friends, we trust, will render the Society all the financial support they can afford, so that we are not forced to trench upon capital.

I now pass on to more general topics. Although our Centenary Celebration took place four months ago we

are still feeling the excitement it set up in us, and it is only natural that the Annual Report should be dominated by it. I consider that we memo bers of the Society at the time of the Celebration are to be heartily con­gratulated upon our good fortune. It is not accorded to every unit in a movement that one of the most important and glorious days in its history should form a part of his own personal experiences. The Centenary afforded not only the actual pleasure of the Celebration itself, it also whipped up the spirits of t,hose who were inclined to Bag, and it stimu­lated even the most devoted to further endeavour. We, therefore, who were members on February 1, 1924, the anniversary of the }ilundreth birthday of South Place Chapel, have much to congratulate ourselves upon. Who could hear without a thrill the testimony of the splendid work done by our predecessors; who could help feeling proud of his relationship, through the Society, with William Johnson Fox and Moncure Conway, however slight the thread connecting him with these great men. To-day the opportunities may be less of vindicating the cause of liberty of thought, of freedom of conscience in religious matters, and it was principally in this sphere that the independence and courage of our predecessors was shown. But there is still plenty of scope for the maintenance and cultiva­tion of the spir~t of toleration and freedom of thought. I have heard it said that unless you are intolerant with regard to opinions and actions you think wrong, enthusiasm for your own views is almost impossible, that even martyrs were incipient persecutors if power came into their hands. But is this conjunction of zeal and intolerance unavoidable, or can you hold your own views determinedly and enthusiastically and yet refrain from vilifying and persecuting those who oppose you. We know that the lion and the lamb cannot discuss their differences in a friendly fashion; whether human beings in the main can exercise tolerance a,nd yet hold their own views with fervour is a question on which I have an open mind; but I do feel sure that such a spirit is essential .(0 the world's peace. This ideal should be, I think, the natural and particular concern of ethical societies. It is desirable to discover wiser principles of politics, of economics, of living and to increase our command over the forces of nature, but we have also the duty of using this greater knowledge and power in a spirit of toleration and not of persecution. I fully recognise from my own proclivities that it is very difficult to urge reform without blackguarding the opposition. We tend to believe that those who oppose what we consider righteous reforms must be wicked, and if wicked should be trampled upon . This feeling is, I fear, one of the chief sources of bitter hostilities and, finally, war. The religion that can keep at high temperatuf,e the belief of its adherents and yet maintain a spirit of toler­ance will take a leading place in the civilising forces of the future...; Ethical societies are favourably situated, both from their past history and their present aims to carry on this mission. If I am right the particular traditions of South Place celebrated at the Centenary are not a dead end. The task they set out to achieve is still incomplete, and this conclusion brings me to the second chief consideration in the Committee's Annual Report, namely, the new South Place. Some of our friendly critics have

5

asked what we propose to do at the new South Place in addition to making it a lecture, education and social meetings centre. I would reply, we have still work to do even more fundamental and distinctive than that covered by the three ~reat aims of ventilating ideas, spreading culture, and pro­viding recreaHon, that of upholding, nol a new religion, but an attltude towards life that shall continue the traditions of William Johnson Fox and MonGure COIl way, not only in the religious sphere, but also in the realms of politics, economICS, industrial relations and human activities in general; an attitude of which the watchword shall be zeal and persistence of purpose together with liberal mindtOdness.

Mr. Toms seconded the ado{Jtion of the Report and Accounts.

Mr. Wallis Mansford, in opening the discussion, referred to the Centenary Celebration and to ~he great pains that had been taken 10 get into touch with Mr. Ratciiffe , for the connection of the Society with America was unique, and it was regretted that our efforts had been unsuc­cessful. With regard to Mr. Conrad Thies' gift of £100 to the R.P .A. and ourselves for the joint use o f the two societies in a united library, owing to tbe altered circumstances Mr. Thies had been approached, and in his letter, which was read, he emphasised the importance of the written over the spoken word, and said that the gift could be utilisep as we deemed most useful for our purpose. Mr. Mansford called attention to the fact that we were paying £1,200 per annum in rent, and suggested we attempt to get some reduction. It was questionable wbether we should not be better off in a similar building with library, committee rooms, etc. We should require a large hall for the concert u se, but it was possible the Holborn Hall or some other place might be hired for that purpose. In our present circumstances the attitude was worth considering. There was a danger that instead of encouraging membership and fellowship we should losE' the opportunity. He suggestlO'd further that perhaps it would be possible for us to commence building on the new site wi th the money we have, completing the building later. We had hoped to ha"e the co-operation of the R.P.A. in this matter, but circumstances had turned out differently.

The Treasurer, Mr. C. E. Lister, thanked tbe Chairman for his excellent remarks on finance, and said that the outstanding feature of the financial report was that the lettings had increased by £68 more than last· year. Comparing the Repor.t this year with last year it wa. about £100 better. Tf it had not been for the cost of the Centenary Celebration and Souvenir Number we should have had a deficit of only about £30, so that taking everything into consideration this had been a very good year, and from what can be seen at present the lettings will be as good next year.

Mr. Todd's and Mr. Ganter's legacies had been handed to the Trustees

Mr. Read referred to what the Chairman said about Capital and Income and ag-reed with Mr. Lister that the Chairman's remarks on finance were admirable, but he would like to m'.)dify one p(lint. What the Committee objected to was using the interest from the Society's capital to subsidise the ordinary income of the Society. As to the reduction of rent, at the beginning of the negotiations with the purchasers a much larger sum had been suggested, and it was considered at the time by our Solicitors that £1,200 was a reasonable rental.

Mr. Murphy, alluding to the discussion held recently on the musical por.tion of the Sunday Morning Service, recalled that most people at that meeting had agreed that the music was not what it should be in view of the reputation South Place 'bas as a centre of chamber music. It is reallv important for us to have an attractive form of meetina-. At present it is not inspiring for everybody to look at a hymn book while the choir sinl!'. and it was suggested we have as an introduction to the lecture a classical oiece of music which would attract those who are music lovers and at the same time produce a frame of mind receptive to the discourse. It would be well if we had some exprE'ssions of opinion on the subject. and the

.1

6

Society should agree to go imo the matter with the idea of carrying OUl experimen.ts in the future until a satisfaciory form of service has been evolved.

Mr. Lawrence said, as ..1 new member of the Society, his views migbl strike us in a new light. He felt under a difficulty, as his informatIon as La South Place and its activlties was limited. .tie thought the fact that it is necessary to raise funds bad, perhaps, not been very well repre­sented ·to new members. Many people coming into the Institute to listen and enjoy tbe lectures bave tbe suggestion in tbeir minds tbat tbis is a wealthy Society_ He tbought it would be weH for tbe Trustees to emphasise !l10re than they do at tbe present time tbe necessity for people who listen to tbe lecmres to join the Society thereby helping to raise tbe necessary money. He joined .tbe Society very largely for tbe Library, but found it difficult to select any book required, and tbe printed catalogue was dated 1902. Tbe speaker suggested it would be quite useful and reasonable to make a charge for tbe use of tbe Library. It has many book which would appeal to Ethical students, and a subscription of Ss. a year would be a belp to the funds of the Society. It would possibly popu­larise tbe use of the Library, for as far as he Bad been able to observe it is not used to a great extent. Tbe catalogue should be brougbt up .to date and freely advertised from the platform. He agreed that tbe music we have on Sunday mornings is depressing.

Mr. C. Delisle Burns, in response to an invitation from tbe Chairman, said be bad come to listen, not to speak, and felt there was nothing to add to what bad already been said as he was so much in agreement with the views expressed. He .suggested that the success of the meeting was because most of us feel we are in a state of transition. It was clear we ought to begin to pave the way for our departure from our old building, the trouble was in beginning, and if we are going to rest bere for some years, paying out £1,200 yearly and so on, we shall find ourselves in two years time very much worse off than we are now. It would be difficult to find a place more suitable to our general purposes than this, and yet we shall have to transfer our attentions to Red Lion Square and find some means of meeting one another more easily than most of us can do at South Place. It is possible we might start on a very small scale as an introduction to the new area of activities, possibly the hire of a room in whlch members can meet. There are many things to be thought abou·t. People who have came to South Place and are not members have said that the place does not look cheerful enough. We cannot spend money on a place we are going to leave, but if we are going . to attract we have to experiment. Experiment in the form of service or meeting; experiment in new methods of decoration and so on, and perhaps experiment in what we may call . the social side of the Society. Mr. Burns expressed belief in the meeting of various smalf groups of six or seven people who are willing to think out this or that problem either definitely connected witb the Society or con­nected with the purposes for which Sonth Place exists . \\Ie do no t know in what direction we can change, but we must not imagine that everything is to remain the same until we get to the new building. We have to modify our cu~toms and traditions so that we take a Jive institution into new surroundings.

Mr. Herbert Mansford pointed out that tbe rent of South Place was really not more .than £900 net, as we received over £300 in rent and let­tings. He said if we stayed here much longer it might be possible to have the interior of the building distempered, or even white-washed. Referring to the question of music Mr. Mansford personally enjoyed the hymns. They gave the audience an opportunity of taking par.t in the meeting, otherwis.e there would be little on the musical side to distinguish · the Morning Service from the Concerts.

Mr. Errington disagreed with wbat Mr. Herbert Mansford had said about the hymns, for he, Mr . Errington, bad great ,objection to them and suggested we replace tbe hymns with instrumental music. Tbe suggestion Mr. Wal1is Mansford made that we might get a suitable place in which to

7

meet was very useful, but the difficulty is to find such ,a place where we should have absolute oontrol and at a. reasonable rental. The sooner we can make a change the better it will be for the Society.

Mr. Lawrence said that probably the interior of the building could be redecora.ted for £100. Mr. James and Mr. Lane suggested that it might be possible to erect a ,temporary hut or buildings on the site, Mr. Read asked for practical suggestions which would bring home to visitors our need for money. Mr. Sowter .suggested that it would call attention to the notices if somebody came on to the platform from the body of ,the hall and made tbe announcements. Mr. Read said that from previous experience he knew that most lecturers would reSent the idea. Mr. Overy, on behalf of the Society, said how glad we , were to see Mr. Burns, and to have his suggestions. Mr. Overy hoped that this year we should be able to make two small alterations. in the I!lles, namely, that the Sunday Lecture Secre­tary and the Minutes Secretary should be ex-officio members of the Com­mittee. The idea of renting a room where members can meet was good, and it was possible we might obtain accommodation in Red Lion Square. The discussion was continued by Mr. Martin and Mr. Clements. The adoption of the report was put to the vote and carried unanimously.

The fOllowing members were elected to serve on the General Committee: Mrs. James, Mrs.,Langford, Mr. J. J. Murphy, Miss E. Simons, Mr. S. J. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Watson.

Messrs. C. E. Fairhall and W . T. Wixcey were appointed Auditors. It was agreed that an expression of sympathy be conveyed to Mr. Wixcey, who was i l l.

Mr. C. Delisle Burns, M.A., Mr. J. A. Hobson, M.A., and the Right Hon. J . M. Robertson were appointed Lecturers for the coming year.

Various names were suggested for the new South Place, particularly Conway Hall. After considerable discussion Mr. Errington moved that the new building be called '" The Conway Hall." Mrs. Fletcher Smith seconded. Carried, with one dissentient.

It had been suggested by the General Committee that the work of the Moncure Conway Memorial Committee be an activity of the Society and not of an independent body. After discussion Mr . Overy moved that this meeting approves of the suggestion that the General Committee should take over the work of the Conway Memorial Committee on terms to be ar­ranged. Mr. Toms seconded. Carried, with two dissentients.

SUB-COMMITTEES FOR THE YEAR 1924-5 HAVE BEEN APPOINTED AS FOLLOWS:

Building.-Messrs. E. F. Errington, N. Lidstone, Wall is Mansford, F. A. Richards, E. Snel1ing, and F. H . Mansford (Secretary).

Concert.-Mrs. H. Brown, Miss A. Carpenter, Miss D . Chappell, Mrs. D. V. Clements, Miss G. Davison, Miss H. M. Fairhall, Miss L. C. Harris, Mrs. E . Hicks, Miss A. M. Howship, Miss E. Shorter, Miss E. Simons, Miss F. J. S:mons, Miss P. Snelling, Miss F. M. Ville, Messrs. A. Andrews, G. Andrews, E. CUDningham, W. Deadman, A. Jermy, W. Maidstone, F. St. Aubyn, E. P. Service, P. F. C. Sowter, S. J. Smith, W. Varian, A. E . Watson, F. E. Woolhouse, S. H. Woolhouse, F. A. Hawkins (Treasurer), and A. J. Clements (Suretaryl.

Discussion.-Miss H. M. Fairhall, Miss R. Halls, Mrs. Langford, Miss F. J. Si mons, Miss F . M, Ville, Messrs. C. J. Pollard, F. W. Read, E. Snelling, R. E. Snelling, A. S. Toms, and J. J. Murphy (Secretary).

Esperant.?-Miss H. Halliday, Miss H. Langelaan, Miss F. J. Simons, Messrs. A. W . Bradbrook, E. A. Hawkins, H. Lane (Treasurer), and S. J. Smith (Secretary). .

Lending Library.-Miss V. A. Alexander, Miss Henman, Mrs. James, Miss H. Langelaan, Mrs . Langford, Miss F. A. Law, Mrs. Lister, Miss Marquardt, Mrs. Wade, Mr. F. James, Mrs. Stevens (Treasurer), and Mr. Wallis Mansford (Secretary).

8

Melllbers.-Miss V. A. Alexander, Miss A. Carpenter, Miss R. Halls, Mrs. Richards., Miss E . Simons, Messrs. A. J. Clements, J. J. Murphy, C. J. Pollard, F. W. Read, F. A. Richards, S. J. Smith, E. Snelling, R. E. Snelling, A. S. Toms, F. E. Woolhouse, and Miss H. M Fairhall (Secretary).

Music.-Mr. and Mrs. A . J. Clements, Mrs. James, and Miss F. J . Si mons (Secretary).

Publications.- Miss M. W. Cassidy, Miss Henman, Mrs. Lister, Mrs. Richards, Miss E . Simons, Messrs. A. W . Bradbrook, F. A. Richards, R. E. Snelling, F. St. Aubyn, and E . Snelling (Secretary).

Rambles.-Miss H. M. Fairhall, Miss R. Halls, Mrs. James, MrF. Richards, Miss F. M. Ville, Messrs. N. Lidstone, F. A. Richards, S. H. Wool house, W. T. Wixcey, E. F. Errington (Treasurer), and Miss E. Simons and Miss F. J. Simons (Secretaries).

Soiree.-M1SS V. A. Alexander, Miss R. Halls, Mrs. James, Mrs. Langford, Mrs. Lidstone, Miss R. Raftery, Mrs. A. H. Smith, Mrs. Watson, Messrs. F. A. Hawkins, C. J. Pollard, R. E. Snelling, and Miss F. M. Ville (Secrctary).

Childrm's Sodals.-Miss V. A. Alexander, Mrs. Catherall, Miss H. M. Fairhall, and Mrs . A. H. Smith (Secretary).

Ex.Officio.-Notices of all meetings should be sent to C. E. Lister, Treasurer, and F. M. Overy, Secretary, of the Society, who are members of all the e sub-committees.

NOTE to Messrs. G. WHALE. C. A. WATTS & c. T. GORHAM NOT Private or Confidential.

As to the use of the word RELIGION in R.P.A. Circles. The current" Guide" (June) announced that our friend McCabe would

speak on the future of the Rati0nalist movement, and, at the nineteenth May Dinner, he did so, and he consistently and clearly condemned the use nf the word Religion, even in a Humanist sense; and thus he confirmed the view expressed in his "Guide" article, namely, "Rationalism is an attack on religion." Mr. William Archer, at the Dinner, supported this view. As these remarks were associated with a proposal for a special out· put of popular literature, it seems to me as well to ask how far this objec­tion to the term Religion (in the Humanist sense) is likely to be approved by the Board of the R.P .A.

Mr. Marvin, who was invited to speak at tbe Dinner, stated bis dissent from Mr. McCabe's view; and no doubt the Board knew, when inviting Marvin, that he had for some thirty years been publicly associated with Harrison, Beesly, Swinny, and others, in the exposition of the Rdigiorl of Hlt1nanity. Mr. J. F. Green, present at the Dinner, would join Marvin in his dissent. So do 1. Various friends connected with South Place (Delisle Burns, Pollard, and others) must also do so, since South Place prints its object as the promotion of a "rational religious sentiment." Mr G. A. Smith, present at the Dinner, recently issued "Little Essays in Religion," a book warmly commended by Gorham in a review. Mr. Gowans Whyte wrote an excellent book, "Religion of the Open Mind," and, not long ago, C. A. Watts asked me to speak, in broadcast, on the Rcligio,) of Service. Mrs. Gran t Duff, daughter of Lord Avebury, and author of the " Life Work of Lord Avebury" (pub. ·Watts), was present for the first time at the May 19 Dinner; and she may have recollected that her father approvingly used the term Religion. Stanton Coit and the Etbical Societies generally use the phrase EtMcal Religion. Mr. Whale's views I do not know, but I cannot think be would wish to expel Watts, Gorham, Whyte, Coit, and others from the R.P.A. because, in various ways, they favoured the term Religion. And since the R.P.A. publishes a Life of Thomas Paine, it may be in place to say that, so far as is known, Paine first coined the phrase, "Religion of Humanity."

li

9

During many years, in the "Guide," I have, with some frequency, used the word, with approval, in the Humanist significance, and, while I naturally recognised the right of colleagues to object to the term, I had not supposed it woul,l be officially banned by the R.P.A. The Articles of Association do not ban it. And Mr. Marvin, on bis first attendance at the Dinner, would, of course, take 'it for granted that the Board, in ordinary courtesy, and knowing his long connection with the ., Religion of Humanity," would welcome him to a harmonious atmosphere.

I have consulted nobody in the preparation of this Note.

Armorel, Woodfiefd Avenue, Ealing, London, W.S. F. J. GOULD.

May 23, 1924.

LORD SHAFTESBURY. The lilterature of social and industrial history has received a notable

addition in the volume in the Makers of tbe Nineteenth Century Series on Lord Shaftesbury, by J. L. and Barbara Hammond, published last year. It is not so much a biography as a sketch of I!he political and social life of the time on its industrial side, with Sbaftesbury as a prominent, and, in many respects, a typical figure. For its literary charm the book is a pleasure to read; it is as faSCinating as a novel; and has the important advantage of being quite veracious.

The industrial revolution is often regarded as a. time when a few Englishmen developed a peculiar passion of greed, and mercilessly ex. ploited the labour of the helpless part of the working people. There is no reason to suppose that any such manifestation occurred. The working popu­lation had always worked hard and long; the change from agriculture to industry meant indubitably an increase in comfort. The evil aspect of !the transition was largely due to the public attitude towards the problem of pauperism. That a man was a pauper was virtually to rank him with the criminal, and ,the taint descended to his children. All parishes burdened with pauper children found the new factories a convenient means of getting rid of their obligation, and the extension of indnstrialism soon drew io the children of the ordinary workers, who naturally shared the same conditions. There is no evidence that the working parents displaye,l any antipathy to the labour of their children; Charles Dickens always had a rankling griev­ance against his moth'er because she sent him to the blacking factory; and the Lancashire operatives, until the other day, strongly resisted the aboli­tion of the half-time system.

English individualism long held it as a dogma that the labour of adult. men should not be subjecl; to legislative interference, and this attitude was consistently taken by Shaftesbury; his mission was to help Ithose who could not help themselves. In .this aim he had the help and monetary assistance of many manufacturers, some of whom were willing to throw overboard the cherished dogma, and limit factory working hours absolutely. Reform was achieved largely by the clash of landed and indusltrial interests. The aristocracy was resentful at the loss of its influence in 1832, and lost no opportunity of pointing out the blots in manufacturing life; the manu­facturers retaliated by allusions to ,the down-trodden agricultural labourer. Yet we are assured that the record of the ruling classes is not an ignoble one; they regarded it as a duty to rule and accepted the obligation, The authors of the book sum up by saying:

Lt was fortunate for England that landlords pitied the pale factory faces of the Lancashire mills, and that manufacturers pitied the cottagers of Dorset, starving in their creeper-hidden hovels.

In the domain of public health, Shaftesbury and other reformers notably Chad wick , were in advance of their time; their effol'lts were checked by the general apathy. The at>-empt to abolish that special English scandal of the chimney boys was long frustrated by the same cause; the Jaws which were intended to prevent boys being sent up the chimneys to sweep them were set at naught bv magistrates and municipal authorities. Perhaps the deepest feeling calJed forth by Shaftesbury's achievement re-

10

lates to the humane treatment of the insane, in which be laboured as a Com­mIssioner in Lunacy for nearly fifty years.

Shaftesbury was a child of the Evangelical Revival, and the religious impressions which be derived from his nurse at seven years of age lasted '.ill his life; his mental attitude never varied. His father belonged to the eighteenth century type of formal Anglicanism; the son only inherited from him the right and the duty of aristocratic leadership, but in him it was tempered by the earnest conviction that the service of God involved the succour of the most needy human creatures. He had no sympathy with any of the modern developments in religion. He described Seeley's Ecu Homo as the most pestilential book ever vomited from the jaws of hell-it is very difficult to think that he can have read it. When he went to St. Alban, Holborn, he thought the service suitable to the worship of Jupiter and Juno, and calculated to lead the worshipper to Baal. The methods of the Salvation Army, too, met with his disapproval. But he can hardly be regarded as having a narrow or bigoted temper. He declined to serve on the Co=ission on Ritualistic Practices because he ,thought that he could not be impartial, and during the time Lord Palmerston was in power that easy-going indiffereIlotist habitually entrusted him with the dispensing of church patronage. He objected to Colenso's writings on the Pentateuch, but stoutly opposed the attempt to deprive him of the See of Natal. He is an outstanding refutation of that freethought inference ,that concern for the salvation of one's soul involves the negation of all effort for the im­provement of social conditions on earth, rather is it ,the fact that the spiritual outlook gave an emotional stimulus which might otherwise have been lacking. A gospel of humanism may conceivably stir the choicer ~pirits to the height of devotion to human service attained by Shaftesbury, but t'he framework of current social activity does not seem appropriate to such a development. Yet if the spirit of tbis ardent Evangelical be not, in some form, transmitted to the new order, human life will be the po?rer.

A. S. TOMS.

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