[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
Sia,—I dare say many men will point out that the Dean of Wells is mistaken in assuming that the reversal of the Ridsdale judgment would involve any practical or moral obligation to obey the Ornaments Rubric literally. All reasonable people, and all lawyers, admit that custom has force, not to make obedience to a rubric unlawful, but to justify disobedience to it. Distinct evidence is forthcoming that this rubric has not been acted on, or only for a very short time. In the faze of this fact, no Court would enforce obedience to the rubric.
Dean Plumptre's intentions are most kind and excellent, but I must hold it to be a grave mistake to wish to change the rubric, which practically does the very thing the Dean thinks inadmissible,—sanction a maximum, and permit any departure on the side of defect which is sanctioned by use and Episcopal approval.—I am, Sir, &c.,
Rhayacler Vicarage, April 12th. ARCHER GURNEY.
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