THE ACT OF UNIFORMITY.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.")
SIR,—Professor Max Muller's lecture in Westminster Abbey bids fair to stir up a question which many of the clergy would gladly see settled,—I mean whether a clergyman has the right to ask a lay friend to speak at all in his church.
A writer in the Times says that the Act of Uniformity is express, and as he signs himself " Q.C.," we " laymen " must attach some significance to his statement, until we have further information. I should like to ask for such information from some of your legal readers.
Put the case in this way. The incumbent of a church has morning and evening prayer ; he fulfils the prescribed conditions of his duty thereby. Has he the power—after such services—to request a lay friend to give a lecture in his church, on mission work at home or abroad, on the amelioration of the poor, on the repression of intoxication, or any of the many questions that might be introduced, occasionally, with much advantage? As a substitute for the technical services, he certainly has not the right. I wish to ascertain whether, as an addition, he may introduce such a proceeding.
A. case occurred not long ago. A certain country vicar, one week-day evening, gave notice to his parishioners that a layman in whom he had confidence would come and speak to them in their parish church. A large congregation assembled in con- sequence, but at the last moment an inhibition came from the bishop, which put a atop to the proceedings. Whether morning and evening prayer had been said previously I cannot tell. But I should very much like to know the actual law upon the point, for I have been associated in a parish with a layman who, for educa- tion, mental power, philanthropy, and Christian goodness, is not to be surpassed. And I have often looked at him in church, and thought, "My good, fellow, I wish I could get you to speak this 'evening, instead of preaching a second sermon myself ; you would 'do more good, and you would vastly strengthen my hands.out of -church, if you were able to speak in it." No bishop can require his clergy to preach a second sermon.
If the parish clergyman has an OA: and zealous friend, whom he .can trust, why on earth may he not utilise him, as Dean Stanley (has 'Alibied Professor Max Muller, in the evening ?—I am, Sir, &c.,
MECOR CANON.
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