THE JUDGMENT OF THE DEAN OF ARCHES.
(TO THE EDITOR Olt TUB " EPROTATOR.1
SIR,—If one did not know that the function of the Dean of Arches is like that of the man on a skittle-ground who seta up the skittles. to be presently bowled down by his betters, this judgment in the case of "Jenkins v. Cook" would be a serious matter. For while in the case of "Wilson v. Fendall " the Judicial Committee of Privy Council declared that "the hope that the punishment of the wicked may not endure to all eternity is certainly not at variance with anything that is found in the Apostles' Creed, or the Nicene Creed, or in the Absolution, or in the Burial Service," and refused 4 to condemn as penal the expression of hope by a clergyman that .even the ultimate pardon of the wicked, who are condemned in the day of judgment, may be consistent with the will of Almighty God," we have in this case a layman excluded from Communion because he denies the endless duration of future punishment. In other words, a layman is forbidden to hold what a clergyman is permitted to teach, or at least to suggest.
One cannot doubt that this judgment will be reversed, but meanwhile two things strike one as worth noticing,—first, the im- policy in a time like this of fencing round the Lord's Table with dogmatic tests, instead of making it a centre of unity for persons of the most diverse views ; and secondly, the extraordinary and grotesque contrast which Mr. Cook's letters present to the spirit of the Prayer-book. What is required of them that come to the Lord's Supper ? "To examine themselves, whether they repent them truly of their former sins, steadfastly purposing to lead a new life ; have a• lively faith in God's mercy through Christ, with a thankful remembrance of his death ; and be in charity with all men," says the Catechism. "To hold the personality of Satan, and the endless duration of future punishment," says Mr. Cook. "Let bim say " 'I believe in the Devil and everlasting punishment,' and I will give him the Sacrament," are the words of Mr. Cook to Mrs. Jenkins. "I believe in God and the life everlasting" are the words
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