Behind the battle of the Creeds lies the battle of life--a much more serious affair. Wherever the seriousness of the greater battle is deeply felt the acrimony of the lesser is mitigated. The two battles are not unconnected, but let us take them in their right order. Churches and sects which begin by fighting for their creeds are apt to end by fighting for their own importance--which is contrary to the spirit of the Christian religion and to the express command of Christ. Are there not some among us who think that the way to establish their own creed is to destroy the creeds of their neighbours? But is that so? Does the flourishing of my form of Christianity depend on the languishing of yours? I say it does not! The more your form prospers the better for mine. Christianity is big enough to find room for both of us. The more devout you are in holding and practising what you believe the more you help me in being faithful to what I profess. There is only one way in which the truth or falsity of any creed can be demonstrated--that is, by trying whether we can live up to it and observing what happens. What is needed, therefore, first of all, is not that we should destroy our neighbour's creed, but that we should help him to live up to it by living up to our own. I know of no other way in which the union of Christendom can be brought about. [1] For doubts on this point see the last chapter of _Our Social Heritage_, by Professor Graham Wallas. [2] I refer to the fact that for the last twenty years I have been Editor of the _Hibbert Journal_. THE END BOOKS BY PRINCIPAL L. P. JACKS THE LEGENDS OF SMOKEOVER "A brilliant book.... 'The Legends of Smokeover' contains the most daring of all Dr. Jacks' inventions.... The book is a masterpiece of essentially English good humour, magnanimity, and keen thinking."--HORACE THOROGOOD in the _Star_. "An unusually striking book.... Those who enjoy clever and allusive writing will find every page of the volume an intellectual delight."--_Scotsman_. "This remarkable and original book."--_Pall Mall Gazette_. HODDER & STOUGHTON LTD., LONDON THE LOST RADIANCE OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION 1/- net THE LINDSEY PRESS