THE RITUALISTS AND SECESSION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 62, 17 April 1869, Page 5

THE RITUALISTS AND SECESSION.

Great interest is felt in London as to the course that will be taken by the High Church party after the decision of the "Presbyterian liord Cairns," as the ritualists now spealc of him, on the St. Albari's case. The v Glowworm" says a very extraordinary rumour is in circulation, and' which probably has some truth in it, that a large number of the extreme ritualists, who cannot consent to conform to the recent judgment of the judicial Committee of the Privy Council in the case of Martin v. Mackonochie, are c6nsidering the propriety of an immediate secession, with a view to the establishment of a ]?ree , Church of England. In the event of their carrying out this course, they would elect Bishop Jenner, who is returning from Duuedin, as their Bishop, and a church organisation Would be at once complete. The " Q-lobe " says it is evident that i Ritualists have determined to ignore i the judgment recently pronounced by the judicial Committee of the Privy Council, and to break the law as laid down therein. The contumaciousness of this conduct will bring its own condemnation ; and it is becoming obvious that the High Church party are de : ,termined to defy the supreme authority of the Establishment in every case in which its interpretation may be unfavourable to their ' own views and policy. It appears that on Sunday a more exaggerated ritual was observed in many of the churches than used to prevail before the judgment was pronounced. Lighted candles were used at the holy communion in several instances. The Eev. Edward Husband, in the course of his sermon in the ;Church of St. Mary, Atherstone, commenting •on the recent judgment of the Privy Council, said: — "Our leaders -in the great movement, with the assistance of Almighty Grod, are consulting together what future action must be taken at this critical moment. As an individual priest, I must earnestly and fervently* hope that the great army, of , Catholics throughout our land, as a body, will decide to ignore the judgment altogether at all costs, leaving the results in the hand of the All-wise Gro r d. .They may lose some advantage and forfeit some gain. They may meet with iinkindneßS and suffer some pain, but Jesus and Mary will surely bestow richer gifts than from' sin and apostaey-flow. And if by this act it happens, as many anticipate, that we shall be driven from the Church of England as an Establishment, ,G-od will then, build up, for us a free catholic Church exempt'from the tyranny of S_tato interference, and endowed with' "the' liberty which L Christ*! j>inte religion. 'affords to worship Him in the way in which our saintly forefathers loved to worship in the brave days of old."