AN UNUSUAL SCENE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1013, 5 October 1882, Page 3

AN UNUSUAL SCENE.

The compilers of the Prayer-book somewhere remarked that it is much to be wished that the ‘ Godly discipline’ of penance could be restored so that notorious sinners could once a year ac least be brought to book before the congregation. A certain vicar of a parish in Somerset—to wit, Past Clevedon —has lately thought to attempt a icvival cf this mediaeval custom. A certain member of his congregation had, it seems, been rather lax about the meral law, and, unfortunately, his intrigue had involved some unfortunate girl in a course which led ultimately to her now standing for trial at Wells Assizes for child murder. About two Sundays ago the clergyman of the p. risli, before entering the pulpit, requested the congregation to remain seated, and he then gave a short address on the desirability of restoring the Church’s ancient rule, and remarked that of all the English bodies the Church of England was the only one that did not possess some machinery of the kind. However, he added that the offender already referred £• would soon be present, and he would sisk forgiveness of his sin in the presence < -f the whole of the members of the Church. Hereupon the churchwardens brought forward the culprit, who then, kneeling at the chancel steps acknowledged a declaration of guilt and a petition for forgiveness, which was read out by tlie Vicar as being his own handwriting, and he then further took upon him the penance of going to the assizes and taking his place in the clock alongside of the girl he had so cruelly wronged. The congregation was then asked if they would forthwith shield the offender from reproach, and furthermore give him their aid to lean a better life in future, to which appeal everybody earnestly answered ‘ I -will.’ Afterwards, tin* Vicar pronounced a blessing on the man, and then, ascending the pulpit, preached a sermon as usual.