[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."]
SIR,—Immediately after reading your article on "The Ideal Public Worship Bill " to-day, I came across the following prac- tical commentary upon it. A Mr. Tugwell has been appointed to the Rectory of St. Mary-le-Strand. John Bull contains the following :—" Mr. Tugwell has announced his intention of abolishing the surpliced choir, and of preaching in a black gown. He also intends discontinuing the daily service, the weekly celebration of the Holy Communion, and the observance of Saints' days. The Litany stool is to be abolished at once, and all other articles of furniture or ornaments that can he re- moved without a faculty." And this is before Mr. Tugwell has even been inducted to the benefice. A complete revolution is to be effected in the services of the church, before the new rector will even make the acquaintance of his new congregation.
Your correspondent " A. J. C." will find here a despotism that will surpass even the one he groans under. And yet, strange to say, the despot is not a Ritualist ; and—which is perhaps stranger still—no one will attempt to interfere with Mr. Tugwell ; and—strangest of all—if any one, aggrieved by the revolution, were to do so, he would be promptly told by the Press, and by all in authority, to mind his own business. Does there not seem to be room for your Act ?—I am, Sir, &c.,
Previous page
