Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-11-09
Ritualism.

We take the following communication
from the Mobile Register, on The subject
of Ritualism--thst seems to be the latest
sensation in the revolution of events:
Whether wisely or otherwise, the Epis'
copal Convention has decided to let
Riiuslism alone at present. After
warm debate, running through two days.
on reports submitted on thin subject,
the Convention has accepted a sub
stitute for the reports 10 the shape OF
a resolution to the effect that the House
of Bishops shall consider bo tn reports
(nsjorty and minority and inform the
next Convention of their deci sion. This
looks very much like dodgne; the ques-
ton, which, perhaps, is about the wisest
thing the Convention could do. For
Ritualsm is becoming ticklish qnes-
non to handle, and by the time the next
Episcopal Convention meets it may be a
dissgreeable one.
THE GROWTH OF RITUALIsM.
Il is only couple of years since the
new ritual was introduced in New 7 York
ItwAs then confined to small chapel,
so far mp town that it almost escaped no.
tice. Its novelty attracted the public
and the press, and pretty soon every body
was talking about Father Morrill and the
odd form of service at St Adams. The
little chapel was crowded every Sunday
afternoon and evening, not with wor-
shippers, but with gossips and idle gazers.
Father Morrill, was laughed at, but he
kept on. Gradually he gathered a con-
prega,ion around lin, and then the reg
ular Episcopal ministers became uneasy.
They appealed to the Bishop to stop the
"show business at ST. Adams, but the
B shep did not choose to interfere. de
was not sure that be had authority to do
so, and besides, it was whispered that be
was somewhat inclined to Riualism
himself. At any rate, he would not
stop "the show" at ST.. Albans. Stead
ily the congregation increased, and new
attractions we're introduced in the little
chanel in Forty-Seventh street The seq
sation increased too, and presently Rit-
ualism became contagious. Ii even
invaded Fifth avenue Dr.. Ever, Rectnr
of Christ's Church, one of the most fash
iopable edi6c .s ia the metropolis, began
to copy from Father Morrill,. Rituslism
in Forty-seventh street was compara'
lively q small affair, but Ritualism on
Fifth avenue was a great matter indeed
Dr.. Ewer's parishioners first wondered,
then grew Indignant, next became
recouciled, and finally settled down into
a liking for the new service RI.uehsm
had secured a 6rm foolhold on Fifth
avenue, and obtained the entree into
good society. Presently it began to
be rumored that Trinity Church had
caught the contsgion, and it certainly
seemed so to the people dropping in there
Of a Sunday. But Trinity Church soon
shook it of, and it then seized Trinity
Chapel, up in Twenty Gfth street, where
Rev. Morgan Dix, son Of the man who
became famous by writing shoot him
on the spot," oficlates. D.. d was not
attacked so violently ss DR.. Ever, bat
the virus of Ritualism got so far into his
svs,em that il could not be got out BE
does not practice Rtualism TO quite the
same extent as DR.. Ever and Father
Morrill,, but be believes in 1t, and MS De-
lief threatens to grow.
THE RTUALIsTIc DOCTRINE.
The points Of doctrine of the Ritual
lists are doubtless quite clear to them,
though they may be hszy TO others lney
have been so often misrepresenied, tnat
the Ritualist priests are not now Wiling
even TO speak Of them. exceptto persons
nf more than ordinary intelligence. The
Riiualisis believe 10 paying homage to
The Mother Of God. They DO not believe
in the Inmaculaie Conception, out they
20 nearly as Ear as Catholics did bsfore
that dogma became an article OF faith IN
.doraiion Of the Virgin. They call hsr
Qseen Of Heaven and our Blessed Mother.
md, in their prayers, they ask her inter