PLAIN SPEAKING

The University will learn with pleasure that the Reverend Percy Stickney Grant has accepted an invitation from the Christian Association to speak here on the problems of modern religion. As a defender of liberal interpretation of the Bible and of a livable, modern religion. Dr. Grant has won the admiration of many, as well as the deep-rooted antagonism of others; but nowhere should he find a warmer reception than at Harvard.

In his letter to the Christian Association, Dr. Grant mentioned his habit of speaking plainly; he may be pleased to know that this is the only kind of speaking which can appeal to the undergraduate. Hedging, platitudinizing, nationalizing may all have uses in justifying antiquated doctrines; but what the student demands is new light, new ideas, a new philosophy which will fit in with his own operations and his own knowledge.

Dr. Grant need not fear that he has gone too far along the path of "modernism" for the University. He will find, probably, that his congregation has gone almost as far. One generation may begin where the preceding generation leaves off. So whether there is to be a debate--which, naturally, would be highly interesting--or whether Dr. Grant comes alone, the University will listen with the keenest attention to whatever plain speaking is forthcoming.