The Church is once more said to be in danger.
Certainly the storm rages round the ship ; and the crew, or lower clergy, suggest very cautiously protective measures ; while the Upper House, or officers, mildly put by the suggestion, "cast four anchors out of the ship, and wish for the day." The Lower House of the Convocation of Canterbury have adopted resolutions to the effect that if legislation were to take place in relation to the Ornaments Rubric, "surplice, stole, and hood" should "suffice" for the celebration of the Holy Communion ; that other vestments should not be brought into use,—though those already in use should be tolerated,—without the previous consent of the Bishop. Further, in relation to the position of the celebrant, diversity of practice ought to be admitted except in cases of dispute, and then reference should be made to the Bishop. Hereupon the Upper House passed nem. con. a resolution that legislation on these points is at the present time neither desirable nor practi- cable, and that the Bishops do not, therefore, "deem it expedient to discuss the course which any such legislation should take, or the principles on which it should be regulated." The Bishop of London moved. this resolution, the Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol seconded it, the Bishop of Winchester supported it, and the Archbishop of Canterbury gave it his authority, coming down with much gravity on the Ritualists. These are the four episcopal anchors by which the endangered vessel rides. The decision of the Court of Appeal can, we suppose, alone bring the day.
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