.... The Laity not to be excluded from Chancels. "FULHAM, Aug. 6, 1851. Supposing it to be right that the clergy should have a separate place in the church apart from the laity, I consider that the principle is sufficiently maintained by the practice which has obtained since the time of Archbishop Laud, by whom it was introduced, of railing off a space in front of the Communion Table, within which the officiating clergy may remain when not in the reading-desk or pulpit. If the entire chancel is to be set apart for carrying out this principle, an undue prominence is given to the principle itself, and a large space is left unoccupied, which, in the present state of our population, can ill be afforded.... It is certain that at the first and least Protestant period of our Reformation, it was not thought necessary to exclude the laity from the choir or chancel. This appears from the Rubric in the Prayer-Book of 1549, after the Offertory sentences.... It seems probable, looking to this Rubric, and to the practice in Roman Catholic Churches at the present day, that before the Reformation the whole congregation assembled in the choir at the celebration of the Mass. This practice has been continued to the present day, and now universally prevails in our cathedrals. It appears to me therefore that the reservation of the whole chancel to the clergy and their assistants is unnecessary, and at variance with true Christian feeling, ancient practice, and the custom of our own Church; and that a screen, or barrier with gates, visibly and practically asserting such reservation, is a thing which ought not to be allowed. To the Bishop of Salisbury.-Measures must be taken against the aggressions of Popery. "Aug. 20, 1853. ".... I have long been of opinion that we ought to take measures of a directly defensive nature against the encroachments of Popery; and that implies not merely self-protection but aggression. I feel this necessity more particularly with regard to my own diocese, where the mischievous activity of and other men of the same stamp must be resisted and countervailed by more vigorous efforts than have hitherto been employed. Something may be done by curates specially commissioned for the purpose; and more still, I am induced to think, by well-informed and well-trained lay readers, such as those who have worked so successfully in Ireland. It appeared to me that the plan suggested by Dr. was one which each Bishop might adopt or not, according to the circumstances of his own diocese; while I felt pretty certain that if it were made a subject of discussion with all of us, much unpleasantness would have arisen, and those who, like me, felt strongly the necessity of some such effort, would have been precluded from joining in it by the expressed objections of others. Many of the Low Church party will not like having anything to do with a measure adopted by those whom they consider too high. There are difficulties no doubt in the way, but I am determined to try the plan in my own diocese, if I can find the means." This portion of the Bishop's life may fitly be closed by quoting a letter, addressed to the clergyman with whom he had been most directly brought into collision, on the occasion of a domestic calamity; which will show that estrangement could not destroy the natural kindness of the Bishop's heart. "FULHAM, Nov. 6, 1854. "MY DEAR SIR,-Although unfortunately estranged from you by the events which took place while you were under my jurisdiction, I have not ceased to feel an interest in your welfare; and I hope that you will not take it amiss, if I assure you of my sincere sympathy, under the heavy affliction with which it has pleased God to visit you; and of my prayers that it may please Him who has laid this burthen upon you to give you strength to bear it, and to alleviate it with the consolations which none but He can give. "I a am, my dear Sir, "Your faithful Servant, "C. J. LONDON. "The Rev. W. J. E. Bennett." Deublic service of God, according to their sion orship, during the short period of their estrangemey. I think that of the Bishop's of Christian such assistance, will be no more indness with onsistories or s have allowed ne celebration of of the Church of affliction with liament for the you; and of my pra result of Lord o has laid this burthenatter of the ngth to bear it, and to allevi as which none but He can give. v began to al of Con Bishop 3. In "C. J. LONDON.ched |