13 NOVEMBER 1909, Page 28

The Church and the Duty of the Hour. By John

Huntley Skrine. (The Holywell Press, Oxford. 1d.)—Mr. Skrine urges on the clergy their duty in the matter of national defence. It is against them that the taunts about militarism are chiefly directed, and they must be content to bear any reproach that may follow. It is dis- heartening to read the foolish talk that is uttered at Congresses. Of course it is only what might be expected from men who have but a narrow view of the present, and no knowledge at all of the past. Still, we cannot but hope that the manliness and good sense of such thinkers as Mr. Skrine will prevail in the end.