Still more letters by the Bishop of Exeter! One is
a controversial reply to some resolutions against the proposed changes. Another is a tart answer to resolutions passed by a meeting held in St. Andrew's Church, at Plymouth, and forwarded by the Churchwardens- - Bishopstawe. Torquay, 20111 December 1844. " Gentlemen—I have received from you a letter, which contains documents relative to a meeting, under designation unknown to the law of Church or State, holden contrary to law in the Church of St. Andrew, Plymouth; thus dese- crating the house of God, of which you are the official guardians. To the pro- ceedings of such an assembly I cannot permit myself to pay any attend= whatever.
" I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, 11. EXETER." "The Churchwardens of St. Andrew, Plymouth."
A third letter approves of the manner of performing divine service in the churches of St. James and St. Sidwell, at Exeter, as reported to the Bishop; and states that very little change would there be needed to make the observance of the Rubric complete. A fourth is addressed to Mr. IL March Phillips, in reply to some friendly inquiries which that gentleman was instrumental in making, as to the changes which would be required in his parish ; and it comprises much controversial vindica- ion of the writer.
The Oxford Chronicle of this day contains a description, by a corre- spondent, of some alterations and observances in the church of St. Peter-le-Bailey; which was reopened on Sunday last, after being closed for some weeks in order to make the changes. The pews are replaced by open seats ; a new and large dipping-font is placed just within the door ; the walls are covered with texts arranged to form crosses ; a large cross and gold or silver-gilt candlesticks decorate the altar ; the text "Except ye eat my flesh and drink my blood" (the standard of those who asssert " the real presence,") is inscribed over the altar. On Sunday, at the request of the Curate, the Reverend W. B. Heathcote, the congregation arrauged themselves so as to separate the sexes. The alterations are said to have been made at Mr. Heathcote's expense.
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