RITUALISM.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 307, 24 December 1912, Page 7

RITUALISM.

iTo the Editor.) Sir, —Mast heartily do I agree with "Old Woman," those vestments are not necessary. How can anyone pray with a quiet mind with the vicar displaying such vanity in his go-rgeous robce. I have to work hard all the week, and do not like to think I cannot have my quiet hour at church on Suqday. I think the human heart needa something deeper, something more profound than symbol and'form of worship. The soul demands a living fountain and the living light from the temple of Gbd's Own Spirit, and if we have that light, we need no tallow candles.—l am, etc, OLD WOMAN No. 2.

(To the Editor.") Sir, —I should like, through your paper, to suggest to certain correspondents, who write under the above head in Inst Friday's "Star," and lay so much j ninnta on external matters, with whii'h j they do not agree, how far better it would bo for them if they would >iilyi study what is much more essential—the internal ones—especially at this Christ- j mas season, when we meet to commemorate the birth of One Who came into this world to spread true Christianity—i.e., "peace and goodwill amongst' men.'' How far better if they would try jri their email way to follow His noble example, and not advocate sedl tion and strife. I wonder, if they should attend church on Christmas Day, how they can associate such conduct with His doctrine!—l am, etc., A CHURCHMAN. RITUALISM, OR RATHER SACERDOTALISM. (To the Editor.) •Sir,— l am afraid I touched "M." on a tender spot when stating oroadly facts which are indisputable, for Sacerdotalism docs stand " solidly against the use of individual conscience and liberty." By liberty I mean the right to exercise the intelligence with which God has endowed us in matters ap- . pertaining to our spiritual welfare, with- ; out the impertinent intrusion of either | Church or priest, for Christ emohatically ; taught us to "search tho Scriptures."'----j Yet recent letters on the "Interpretation of Scripture" ought to show "M." that I ' ,am right, for Sacerdotalism, which means priest-craft, does, when it has tho power, prohibit individual interpretation. The reading of English Church (low high), Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, and Congregational theological works is rather a hobby with mc, but through it all there constantly emerges an intense longing to see the pure Christianity of Christ, in all its beauty, simplicity, and unworldliness, established, and all human Churches, under whatever name, with their dogmas, prayer books, traditions, and narrow sectarianism, thrown overboard, and our sole reliance placed on Christ and His Holy Spirit. Then, and then only, are we on absolutely safe ground. If Christ and His Holy Spirit. dealing with each individual soul, cannot secure this safety for us, it's a moral certainty no Church can. Therefore, in all disputes concerning Christianity our appeal can only be to the New Testament, not to tradition or prayer books. — 1 am. etc, ENGLISH CHURCHMAN.