The Rev. E. Francis Crosse, of Barrow-in-Farness, has addressed a
letter to his brother Presidents, delegates, and members of the Council of the English Church Union which does him the greatest possible credit. Though a strong Ritualist, he accepts and bows to the decision of the Arch- bishops, and shows that that decision imposes no intolerable strain on the consciences of those who disagree with it. A great deal of confusion, he points out, has resulted from "the individual picking and choosing " of services used in other parts of the Catholic Church. " If we accept the position of the Archbishops' decision, this confusion will cease." Meantime, the Church possesses every essential of Catholic doctrine and practice. "If our Prayer-book be faithfully and devoutly used, there is found both dignity and beauty combined with primitive simplicity. More, many of us still hope for, both in `beauty and holiness,' and for this we will work and pray, and I feel confident can accomplish without the necessity of disestablishment or the rupture of ecclesiastical parties." That is sound sense, spoken with the modesty and moderation which should, bat too often does not, mark ecclesiastical controversy. Mr. Crosse, like a loyal and sensible Englishman, accepts a defeat bravely, but reserves his right to try to effect a change by all legitimate means.
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