29 JANUARY 1859, Page 8

The Confessional question seems likely to be revived in rather

a formidable shape. Yesterday, the Court of Queen's Bench, on the application of the Reverend Alfred Poole, granted a mandamus calling upon the Archbishop of Canterbury to make inquiry into the appeal of Mr. Poole against the de- cision of the Bishop of London. It may be remembered that Mr. Poole was curate of St. Barnabas, Pimlico ; that certain charges touching the practice of confession were made against him ; and that Dr. Tait revoked his -license. Mr. Poole appealed to the Archbishop who without formally hearing Mr. Poole, confirmed the Bishop's decision. The Court held that the Arch- bishop's decision could not stand, because Mr. Poole had not been heard, either by himself or counsel, before the Archbishop. The mandamus must, therefore, issue.