RITUALISM.

Evening Star, Issue 7649, 27 June 1888, Page 3

RITUALISM.

TO THE EDITOR. Sm,—The Rev. A. R. Fitchett is reported to have said yesterday at St. John’s, Roslyn ; If those who were used to the old forms would not allow what were called the innovations of the younger among them, much harm might ensue. In all charity, has the rev. gentleman no sympathy for those of us who were baptised, confirmed, and love the dear old forms of the Church of England as evangelicals. Speaking as one of the old school, I cannot understand the chancel decorations, screens, changing the colors according to the seasons, intoning, singing the beautiful Litany, and generally taking part in a' service almost wholly performed by the clergyman choir. To many old churchmen I know it is simply repugnant, and they stay away in consequence. The line of demarcation between clergy and laity is daily becoming iqore

apparent, and we are told we have no more right to complain of the service than the preacher has to complain of the Bacchanalian gestures of the Salvation Army. Perhaps I have not sufficient culture nor love for the beautiful to understand these things, and should only display at most intelligent ignorance were I to attempt to prove they had a tendency Homewards. The subject, sir, may be one not lit for newspaper ventilation, yet underlying the whole question a vital issue to the body politic is at once apparent; and this is my plea for asking publication. A few old churchmen are seriously considering the advisability of taking preliminary steps to form a Free Church of England for Dunedin.—l am, etc., Out Cia'KOHM.o. Dunedin, June 2. r ),