Untitled - Electric Scotland

62 LIFE OF ARCHBISHOP TAIT [CH. in.
for the Times were in full circulation. It would be out of
place
to discuss here the causes and character of the
influence exercised by
the famous Tracts. The fact of
their success, however it be explained, is beyond dispute,
and surprise has sometimes been expressed that no more
serious attempt should have been made at the time to
counteract their influence by the issue of any similar
series upon the other side. The following letter would
seem to show that the possibilities of such a scheme were
at least under consideration, though nothing came of it :-
" MY
Mr. A. Hall Hall to the Rev. A. C. Tait.
"
LONDON, Jany. 2oth, 1837.
DEAR TAIT, We were very sorry not to have the
pleasure of seeing you in town. . . . Jones and Oakeley are
regular Newmanites, and hate moderate men, and scout your
notion altogether. Oakeley says, if he writes at all, it will be
for the Oxford Tracts. He is more virulent in old Jones com
pany than out of it. I think myself there is something
in the
idea. But I want you to define your moderate men, and give
work : whether is it to refute
something of a plan to your
doctrinal or political dissenters, to convert antagonists, or to
fortify Churchmen in their own opinions? These would require
and might allow of a very different cast of arguments. . . .
" On the whole, Our Judgment is that you had better mature
your opinions, and try them by the test of years before you com
mit yourself. ... If, however, disregarding Jones and Oakeley,
who are much more decided on the subject than I am, you still
determined to write, I will give you any assistance I can, or
at least I will promise to buy and read. I will not promise to
distribute till I know that it is sound. ... -Believe me, very
truly yours,
ALEXR. HALL HALL."
The immediate cause of such a scheme coming under
consideration was probably the publication of Mr. Richard
Hurrell Froude s Remains. This book, which appeared
in the last months of 1836, was a shock to many who had