e of that line of
succession of thought and faith which he saw so clearly traced through
the Lollards and the weavers of eastern England, the Dutch
Anabaptists, the Brownists, and the Pilgrims. He gave his hearty
adherence to what he believed to be the demonstration of the truth as
set forth in an article in _The New World_, by the writer, in the
following letter, written February 27, 1896, only four days before
his sudden death and among the very last fruits of his pen. Like the
editor who prints "letters from correspondents," the biographer is
"not responsible for the opinions expressed."

Alwington, 9 Shailer Street, Brookline, Mass.

Dear Dr. Griffis:--I have read your Anabaptist
article,--once for my own meditation, and once for Mrs.
Coffin's benefit. I am glad you have shown up Motley, and
that toleration did not begin with Roger Williams. Your
article historically will dethrone two saints,--Williams and
Lord Baltimore. You have rendered an invaluable service to
history. Our Baptist and Catholic brethren will not thank
you, but the rest of the world will. It is becoming clearer
every day that the motive force which was behind the
foundations of this Republic came from the "Lollards" and
the "Beggars." I hope you will give us more such articles.

Having been for many years an active member of the Congregational
Club, of Boston, Carleton was in 1890 elected president, and served
during one year. This parent of the fifty or more Congregational Clubs
scattered throughout the country was organized in 1869, and has had an
eventful history of power and influence. Some of the topics discussed
during his administration were "Relations of the Church to Politics,"
"Congregationalism in Boston," "Bible Class Study," and "How shall the
Church adapt itself to modern needs?" It was under his presidency,
also, that the Boston Congregational Club voted unanimously, February
24, 1890, to appoint a committee to obtain the necessary funds and
erect a memorial at Delfshaven in honor of the Dutch Republicans and
the Pilgrim Fathers,--both hosts and guests. When the suggestion to
raise some such memorial, made by the Hon. S. R. Thayer, American
Minister at the Hague, was first read in the meeting of the Club in
October, 1889, and a motion made to refer it to the Executive
Committee, Carleton seconded and supported the motion with a speech in
warm commendation