BARON VON HÜGEL [the philosopher, who had died on 27 January, aged 73] described himself as, and was, “a convinced Roman Catholic”. But his loyalty to the Church was combined with a penetrating consciousness of its defects. He viewed the attitude of authority in Rome towards Biblical criticism as untenable, and in the long run destined to change. . . The circle of Von Hügel’s friendships outside the Roman Church was exceptionally large. His Anglican friends were numerous. The present writer is assured by one of the most intimate of these that the impression left by frequent conversations with him, in the course of many years, is large-heartedness and openness of mind, and intimate knowledge of men. Altogether a very exceptional personality. . . Von Hügel was undoubtedly one of the profoundest thinkers of our time. An omnivorous reader, with exceptional power of assimilation and reflection, he became a man of massive learning. He never was a popular writer. He laboured under the disadvantages of a peculiarly involved and intricate style: a sort of galvanized English which, while often incisive and sometimes brilliant, requires a constant effort, and while it always repays study, does not attract the ordinary reader. He has been an instructor of teachers. He has left to others the task of popularizing what he has reflected. His influence can easily be traced in much popular Anglican writing.

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