NEWS OF THE WEEK.
Tnn week has been remarkable for a singular epistolary agita- tion, as if the Polite Letter-Writer had superseded Hansard ; and foremost in English interest stands the Archbishop of Canter- bury's address to the clergy of his province, on the Rubrical dis- putes. The pith of his letter is this. Much may be said on both sides—for the uniform observance of the Rubric as the more re- gular, and for the existing practices as sanctioned by usage and the tacit acquiescence of eminent and pious divines. The solu- tion of some questions, indeed, is not at all so easy as people have imagined ; and those who insist on restoring conformity to the Rubric may pause in doubt whether after all they are approach- ing nearer to the original intent of the law-maker. A legislative settlement of the disputes would be impossible at the present mo- ment, and would not be feasible while excitement endures. There- fore the Archbishop's advice is, that further action in the contest should be suspended ; the practice of worship in the several churches remaining as it is for the present, until, on fitting op- portunity, steps can be taken towards an authoritative settle- ment of the matter. It is complained that Dr. Howley's letter ,settles nothing'; and he does not profess that it can. He :says that an immediate settlement is impossible ; and no one has disproved his words. Without some authoritative poiver, if even with that, no one could settle it. - The attempt to -enforce stricter observances' and the recoil from it, are but forms, perhaps, of that spirit of difference and controversy which last year rent in twain the Church of Scotland, and which has shown itself in a variety of polemical heats ; and that spirit is not rea- dily to be laid at the bidding of any dignitary. But Dr. Howley asks a present suspension of hostilities, with a view to .ulterior proceedings, and meanwhile mutual forbearance and charity. His recognition of the practical difficulties is such as -might be expected from an experienced man of the world ; his manner is calculated to conciliate all; and it appears even to have won over to a temporary quiescence the perturbed spirit of the Prelate of Exeter.
