CHRISTIAN COMMONWEALTH, THE. One of the publications which have been closely identified with a new development in religion and theology (cp. ESSAYS AND REVIEWS, LUX MUNDI, etc.) was the weekly journal which bore the name " The Christian Common wealth." When Mr. R. J. Campbell was bitterly attacked as the apostle of the " New Theology " (q.v.), this journal boldly supported and defended him. Its alleg iance never wavered, and the journal was recognised as the organ of that progressive movement in religion and social ethics which was associated with the name of Mr. R. J. Campbell. The adoption of the " New Theology " was commonly supposed to mark a great change in policy, but those who knew " The Christian Commonwealth " best claim that the development was a natural one, and that in all essential particulars the principles and policy of the paper had remained unchanged. The journal was founded in 1SS1 by Dr. W. T. Moore, Dr. John Kirton, and Mr. Henry Varley. Dr. Moore, an ardent follower of the Scottish American Alexander Campbell (see CAMPBELLITES), had come to England from Cincinnati, U.S.A., where he was minister of a large church, to carry on an evangelistic campaign in this country. In 1879 he founded with Mr. Timothy Coop in the North of England a paper called " The Evangelist." On moving to London, he produced with his coadjutors a new newspaper unlike any other religious journal published, and to this was given the name " The Christian Commonwealth." As explained in the first number, the editors aimed " to be liberal without being lawless: to be modern in our sympathies.
thoughts and expressions, without being guilty of that popular spiritual vandalism which, whilst bearing the Christian name, attempts to destroy the whole Divine literature. and aims to remove the ancient monuments and landmarks. Our politics are not necessarily either Liberal or Conservative." They proclaimed that " Christ ianity comprehends true politics, which is another name for national righteousness, and we shall ardently co operate with all those who labour for this result, by whatever name they may be called." One more state ment is worth quoting. " We intend fearlessly to resist all attempted divorce between Commerce and Christ ianity, between wise legislation and national morality, between Law and its power and function to repress lawlessness. Wholesome laws are moral agencies, and sound legislation must stand on the side of truth and righteousness." In course of time Dr. Moore became sole editor. The " Christian Commonwealth " was the originator, it is said, of what was known as the Christian Unity Movement. It persistently attacked the evils of sectarianism and denominationalism. For four or five years it enjoyed the exclusive rights for the weekly serial publications of the sermons of Dr. Joseph Parker of the City Temple. Ultimately Dr. Parker's paper, " The Christian Chronicle " was absorbed by " The Christian Commonwealth." From 1901 the paper was edited by Mr. Albert Dawson.