of God; and the potency of Love, Life, and Truth, which they reflect, will finally reach all nations and will enable humanity to pass through the exalting experiences, the suffering out of the fleshly or carnal pseudo mind, which the Master endured, that he might redeem his immortality. They will ultimately attain the humility which exalts the divine nature in man, and unites him to his Creator." From Kansas City: "Loving service rather than personal gain shall be the keynote of our commercial ambition; the teaching of Jesus, as given in the New Testament shall be our guiding light." The press can be a powerful factor in this great battle for the establishment of righteousness here and now. One is almost awed at the grandeur of opportunity to serve their fellowmen, which is given to the owners and editors of newspapers. If you could know what it means to the great, decent-living public to know that there are men, in the newspaper world, who realize their responsibility and gladly give space to news articles dealing with the vital and higher things of life; if you knew how the weary take heart and the vacillating get strength, you would, I am sure, open your columns even wider to these important topics. A newspaper is indeed fulfilling its greatest function when it gives such news to a storm-tossed but, all the same, a forward-marching public, and I for one thank you most heartily. M. NEW YORK, October 28, 1922. With kindest regards, I am, dear Mr. Roth, Faithfully yours, AUGUSTA E. STETSON. XXXI REPLY TO INQUIRERS REGARDING THE ISSUE BETWEEN DR. PERCY STICKNEY GRANT AND BISHOP WILLIAM T. MANNING, AS TO THE DIVINITY OF CHRIST AND THE HUMANITY OF JESUS Published in New York Evening Post The New York Herald New York Tribune February 4, 1923 The New York Times Brooklyn Daily Eagle February 5, 1923 MRS. AUGUSTA E. STETSON, 7 West 96 Street, NEW YORK CITY. DEAR MRS. STETSON Your articles and statements upon religious questions, which have appeared in the press during recent months, have led me to ask you, what is your opinion regarding the doctrinal controversy in the Episcopal Church between Dr. Percy S. Grant and Bishop William T. Manning, as to whether the Founder of Christianity, Jesus the Christ, was human or divine? The issue raised by Dr. Grant's sermons and Bishop Manning's intimation of a heresy trial, seems to me one of profound importance to all Christians. If it is not presuming too much upon your kindness, will you give me, or give to the public through the press, your views upon a subject that is now engaging the attention of the people? Thanking you for your reply, and with sincere regard, I am, Respectfully, NEW YORK CITY, January 28, 1923. A CHURCHMAN. MRS. AUGUSTA E. STETSON, 7 West 96 Street, NEW YORK CITY. MY DEAR Mrs. STETSON: The present controversy between Bishop Manning and Dr. Grant, which has been given such wide publicity in the newspapers, presents, to members of this Communion, an almost hopeless condition of confusion on points of doctrine. Some members of our Guild, in discussing this matter, recall the highly spiritual messages which you have, from time to time, given out to the daily press, and would like to have your elucidation of the following questions: 1. Is Dr. Grant's assertion of the non-divinity of Jesus more nearly correct than the Canons of the Episcopal Church? 2. Is this controversy the beginning of "A reformation in the Christian Church greater even than the Protestant Reformation," as is the opinion of the Rev. Charles Francis Potter of the West Side Unitarian Church, or is it the beginning of the complete crumbling away and wiping out of church doctrines and ancient creeds? Appreciating your reply, and apologizing for intruding upon your valuable time, Sincerely yours, EARNEST INQUIRERS. NEW YORK CITY, January 30, 1923. |