Chapter Fourteen: Dialogues of Theology

 It was as warm in Oxford as it was in Chesterfield. As June arrived, so did many blossoming flowers, which were, in many ways, symbols of Felicity's maturing youth. 

Two women enjoyed a long stroll outside Lady Anne's. Over the past half hour, Margaret and Felicity had conversed about many topics, including their mutual love of Earl Gray. But soon, their dialogues turned more serious, and Felicity never refused the wisdom of her beloved aunt. 

Margaret turned to Felicity. ''Do not be upset that you have not seen a more interesting gentleman around here. You are so young. Besides, the world is far bigger than Oxford. Indeed, some of the local balls around here are not nearly as satisfactory as those in Chesterfield. Hopefully, you will get to stay at my home again as you did when you were quite small. Someday, I would love to have you as my own.''

Felicity smiled with excitement. ''At Churchill Estates?'' she questioned. ''That would be lovely.''

''Yes, it would. I know many people in Yorkshire and beyond. When my husband, General Weathers, passed some years ago, I still retained contact with many of his friends and their wives. Some of them still attend my house from time to time. But acquaintances are far more common than friends, Felicity, with the latter being more rare than gold.'' 

''Of course. I can plainly tell you that Isabelle and I value each other as the closest of friends and you as our wise and watching starlight. Certainly, I would love to visit your home again someday.'' 

''My parish is also quite fine, though your father would not bid you to visit it. I do hope that someday you see it also. My rector is an old man and his assisting priest is as jolly and good hearted as anyone in Yorkshire.'' 

''Of course, I would love to visit your church,'' Felicity returned. 

Margaret smiled. ''Really?'' 

''Yes, to think that it is named after Saint George. How exciting! I love that Medieval legend of that heroic knight.'' 

''Yes, as do I. Mr. Roger Longwood, the younger of the two priests, also preaches many fine sermons, though not in the style or in the demeanor that you may be accustomed to---being a Baptist after all.'' 

''Aunt Margaret, what is your church like?'' Felicity asked, wondering what it could be like to be an Episcopalian. ''I know that you are Anglican, after all. But describe for me why you are Anglican and not a Baptist, as are my parents. While I am intrigued by the Cathedrals of the Church of England, I often hear my father criticize all of it as Medieval superstition.'' 

''Well, it is very different than your Baptist one,'' Margaret replied while thinking of a way to explain her parish. ''Anglicans are, by default, members of the Church of England. Those Americans who call themselves 'Episcopalian are hardly Anglican at all---they lost their legitimacy when they separated from the crown. But those of us in England who are members of the Anglican Church seek loyalty from our monarch while sustaining a unity of bishops. The Baptists, on the other hand, have no unity among themselves. They each split among each other on a daily routine, making one congregation after the next. In many ways, their system of government is akin to Scottish clans. For them, loyalty to one's clan matters more than loyalty to the universal church.''

Felicity pondered her aunt's words. Before she could reply, Margaret continued. 

''The early church was one church, Felicity,'' Margaret added. ''In the New Testament, Titus exercised authority over the local churches, as explained in the first chapter of Titus. In the fifteenth chapter of Acts, the council of Jerusalem was assembled by church leaders beyond and outside of those in Jerusalem---the idea of autonomous local churches was not created until the sixteenth century and later. In many ways, the Baptists are very liberal in terms of their polity, their government, their Lord's Table, their Baptism, and their sacraments.'' 

Felicity nodded. 

''You see, Ada studied the history of the ancient church with a friend, who liked it as much as she did,'' Margaret added, without explaining who the friend was. ''Like my daughter, I have always cared for the history of Christian thought---as all women should.''

Felicity had never heard any other woman say this. Was it really important that women study theology? Why not leave it to men?

''Yes, Aunt Jane has always thought the same as you do in expressing to me over this matter,'' Miss Barton returned. ''Still, these are not the sort of opinions that I am used to. It does seem, however, that the Early Christians---at least from what you are telling me, were more embracive of women's roles in ministry than are many in the current era. Is this true?'' 

''Yes, it is without question,'' Margaret quickly returned. Long ago, many of the nuns studied the doctrines of the Christian faith, and some of them knew them as well as any monk. Despite whatever the Baptists may have told you, in the ancient church, women baptized and contributed significantly to early Christian practices. In many ways, it was the Puritans who, with their hatred of Christmas and wedding rings, decided to also cast out any role of women in the church.'' 

Despite her admiration of nunhood, Ms. Barton was unaware of this. Ironically, for all sixteen years of her life among the Baptists, they had avoided discussing Christian history before the Protestant Reformation. Now, she was feeling both confused and illuminated at once. 

''There are many reasons to be Anglican, Felicity,'' Margaret added. ''Ignatius of Antioch said that where the bishop is, there is Christ. The Baptists, though, have no bishops, and Rome has added claims of authority to one bishop over all the rest. The Church of England, however, is faithful to the teachings of the Apostles.''

The words were followed by silence. The two women approached a clump of local trees before the aunt smiled at her niece. 

''Take your time and study these things. Do not be hasty to either accept or reject my claims. It is always wise to study something for a great long while before making claims about it.''

Felicity contrasted her aunt's wisdom with her father's opinions. Mr. Barton has always been quick to accept the opinions of their one minister while ignoring the views of all else, and this was derived from his strong trust in Reverend Dalewood's opinions. 

''I will study these things,'' Felicity added. ''All of my life, I have loved the study of English language and literature. While I have listened to many long sermons, the longer that I have lived, the more that I see that no critical mind can simply follow the mind of another---not even you, dear aunt.''

''Touche,'' Margaret conceded, smiling, knowing that Felicity was as free-spirited as she was. 

''You have given me a lot to study. I know that for certain.''

''Indeed. Unfortunately, Baptist potlucks have made more gluttons than philosophers out of the Baptist Churches. The mind, however, thinks best when the stomach endures frequent fasting---something that most Baptists have never learned.''

Felicity nodded again.

Mrs. Weathers turned to the sky and enjoyed a breath of fresh air. ''The last week here has been enjoyable. Soon, though, I will be headed back to Chesterfield. I have some errands there. We will meet again at Bath for the ball.''

''Of course,'' Felicity replied, surprised that Margaret would soon be leaving. 

Mrs. Weathers turned again to Ms. Barton. ''Felicity, I look forward to seeing you at the Devonsham's ball. It will be a splendid time.'' 

The two embraced. 

In the distance, the evening sun began to set on Felicity's childhood. She imitated her aunt in many ways, becoming more like Mrs. Weathers. Like Helena Somerset, Felicity was young and beautiful and had been born in a changing world.