THE RITUALISTS AND THE POOR.
[TO Tun EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] .
Sut,—I hope you will excuse me for writing to you, but as I have noticed your opinion on the Ritualists and the imprison- ment of our Clergy copied in the Evening Standard of three or four past Saturday evenings, I, as a working man—a carman— beg sincerely to thank you for your outspokenness. I do not believe I have over seen the Spectator, but may it prosper. It is very true, Sir, as you say, these imprisonments are hastening en Disestablishment at a rare pace, and then what will our Bishops do or say ? I myself am not a member of any branch of the Church of England Working-Men's Society, but the first opportunity that presents itself, I hope to join. Allow me to tell you, Sir, that, call the High-Church party whatever the Persecution Society like, it is that very party that is beloved by the poor. They, indeed, are following very closely to the pre- cepts laid down by Jesus Christ himself, and they are winning hundreds to their side, I can assure you. I have reasons to know the good that some of the clergy are doing around here, but it would require more time than I have to spare to write and toll you, Sir, and God will most certainly bless them for it ; and the Clergy ought to thank you for the stand you have made,—ah ! and the laity too. This, Sir, is my poor opinion of the Ritualists, as we are termed, not Romanisto. Again thank- ing you, I am, Sir, Sc.-
[As the writer, who gives us his name and address,•is evidently bearing honest testimony to what he considers the Christian zeal of the Ritualist, this letter appears to us to be too curious and impressive evidence of its kind to be kept back from the public.—En. Spectator.]
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