One hundred years ago
THE Archbishop of Canterbury has cited the Bishop of Lincoln to appear at Lambeth Palace on Tuesday, February 12th, to answer the various charges against him of ritual innovation — for the use of lighted candles during the celebration of the Communion, on the communion-table or a ledge appertain- ing to it, when not needed for light; for using the 'mixed chalice' — i.e., water with the wine; for maintaining the Eastward position; for using the `Agnus Dei' after the prayer of consecration; for using the sign of the Cross while pronouncing the absolution and the benediction; for practising an ablution of the paten and chalice before the Communion service terminates. It is, we hope, true that the Court, which is a revival of one not summoned for a very long period in our history, will hold itself not to be bound by the precedents of such cases as the Purchas or Ridsdale cases, but will claim to reconsider for itself all ritual questions. A great deal will depend on the constitution of the Court. We feel little doubt that the Archbishop will avail himself of the services of the new Bishop of Oxford (Dr Stubbs), whose accurate historical knowledge would add the greatest possible weight to the decision of the Court. A large knowledge of the past must tend to large comprehension in the present. Ritual should be elastic.
The Spectator, 19 January 1889
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