The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1872-10-19 00:00:00

BISHOP ELLN,OTT AND THE
ATHAN 9SIAN CREED.

The Bishop of Glooester and Bristol preached on
Sunday morning in the cathedral at Glocester on the
present state of the question of the Athanasian Creed,
the difficulties connected with it, and the duties of
sober and religious people in reference to the whole
subject at the present time.
The right rev, prelate founded his discourse on St.
Mark xvi , 16, and took mainly the folio-ring view.
After expressing some disinclination to enter into slit).
Pets of such keen controversy, he stated that he, not-
withstanding, believed it was the duty of Christian
preachers to endeavour to guide those committed ti their
charge, and to set before the na clearly and candidly the
real facts and difficulties of the case. He added also
his belief that this controversy would not die out, but
would be, and. indeed, ought to be, brought to a concha
Pion. His Lordship then stated the rubrical history of
the venerable document, and the m adifications that
had occurred in its use since its first introduction into
the public service. He then dealt with the nature
and tenour of the various objections, and especially
with that which he said deserved the serious and sym-
pathizing censideration of all really earnest and rein.
gious people—the objection felt especially to the second
and last clauses of the Creed, even ha their most arch-
rate form of translation. The grave queetion, he said,
then presented itself for answer.— Were these objecti. us
valid The only way, he sail, in whi,h such a
question could be dealt with would be by a careful
comparison of the words of the two clauses with
such passages of scripture as the text, St John
ki, and similar places. After a comparison and
close consideration of the terms he arrived at
the conclusion that the general tenour of the
Creed—viz., that belief in fundamental doctrine,
and especially in the Eternal Son, was generally
necessary to salvation—was strictly consonant with the
words and mind of Scripture, and that to give up the
public profession of this truth, especially in such times
as the present. would be in a high degree dangerous
and unfaithful. With regard, however, to the two
particular clauses, he admitted (11 that the terms of

the condemnatioz in the two clauses of the Creed
appeared to be inert sharply accentuated than in the
paseage under comideration, though all must feel that
those passages were full of most monitory gloom
that the faith spoken of in the passages was a belief in
Phrist Jesus, and a will influencing belief, whereas that
referred to in the clauses of the Creed might be felt by
many, owing to the very precision of the definitions,
to be more of an intellectual faith, This, however,
he would not concede to be the intention of the
clauses, though he could not deny that it was natural
for many earnest people to Welt so. This being the
case, it becaase the duty of ail to pray for the spirit
of -forbearance and moderation. Those who objected
to the dames ought to feel and acknowledge the
vital importance of a public profession of a belief
that a heart-faith in essentials is necessary to isal-
cation ; and so far, at any rate, to sympathise
with those who sought to retain the Creed in the
public service. Those, again, who held firmly to
the Creed were bound to consider whether a close
comparison of the clauses with Solipture did not, at
any rate, seem to warrant some, at least, of the objec-
thins urged against them. Let them pray, then, that
their spiritual rulers and the Church at lave might
arrive at a sound and yet conciliatory decision. What
that decision might be the future alone could show;
but it did seem reasonable to hope that it might in-
cln le two things—first, a short but distinct declarwion
that neither mire nor less was meant by the clauses
than was speeined by such texts Be the present ;
smile provision whereby, after reference to
the Ordinary, and a full considerati in of the circum-
stances of the cage, the compulsory use of the (free I
might be relaxed where either the minister and the
congregation together desired it, or the latter did not
expressly object.

HEDGEROW FRUITS.
The following extract from the Gardeners' 3/1
practical value to many of our readers
The planting of fruit-trees in hedgerows has been
frequently recommended in these pages, bat no yet it
has not been carried out to any considerable extent.
The other day, when in the North Riding of York-
shire, I had an opportunity of seeing what can be done
in this direction, for tie hedgerows of the farm of a
very enterprising agriculturist are mostly planted with
apple, pear, and plum trees, which now yield a very
good return. The fields are large, and the hedges
which interswt them are chiefly formed of white thorn,
and kept down to about four feet, and do not exceed
two feet in width. Toe fruit trees are planted in the
hedges at a distance of about 50 feet apart, and
although they have now rather large heads they lo not
materially interfere with the crops. They certainly do
less injury than the old pollard oaks and Oms no
common to hedgerows, are quite as picturesque, and,
moreover, yield a profitable return. This year the
crops of both apples and pears have been exceedingly
light, but I can well understand by the appearance of
the trees that in the majority of seasons they bearheavy
crops. It is worthy of mention that the choicer kinds
only, which can be kept until midwinter, when fruit
generally fetches a fair price, have been planted. The
fears entertained by some people, when the subject was
mooted a few years since, that it would encourage dis-
honest habits among the boys of the village, by placing
them under temptations they would he unable to resist,
have turned out to be groundless. Of course, now and
then a few apples and pears are taken by the boys, but
my friend msured me that the loss during the season
was not worth mentioning. In fact, I was assured that
the losses from the hedgerow trees were not greater
than from tho,e in the orchards.