The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-09-15
FOREIGN CHURCH NEWS.

The SCENE OF A GREAT CONTEST
The case of the Rev. A. H. Mackonochie, the
Ritualist, whose prosecution for his extreme
views and acts has cost the Church of England
something like sixty thousand dollars, and who
yet holds on to his clerical office and his church
despite all the efforts to GUST him, is the most
celebrated with which the Establishment has
had to deal of late years. A correspondent de.
scpIbes st. Albans, Mr.. Mackonochie's church in
London, which he found to be very disappoint-
ing place, very unlike the imposing home OF
ceremony he had expected to see. A common
place exterior In squaid section of the me-
tropols, dingy interior with gray walls in sad
want of repair, plain glass windows and plain
benches. Not sign of the anticipated gorgeous
altar and stained windows shedding a Soft reli-
glous light on figures to be adored. The audi
ence was an equally great surprise and disap-
pointment. Not only was there a lack of ele-
gance in dress, but the faces were not of either
marked commercial or intellectual culture,
though it was not difficult to find odd, dull and
even stupid-looking people" The women and
girls courtesied to the altar as in the Catholic
churches, while the male members INDUCED in
all styles of salutation.' The officiating priests
bowed down, others took off their caps and nod
ded, and many of the men paid no heed to that
part of the ser vice. 1t seemed common to make
the signs of the cross before making PRAYER.
and at one the priest of st. Adams made four OF
them, one after the other in surprisingly rapid
| fashion. as if it were an incantation. The meth
cd OF performing the sacrament is thus described
The priest wears a robe upon the back OF
which large Cross about FIVE feet by two is
deliberately worked, and he keeps bowling mn
and down, crossing himself, folding and unfold
ing his hands, lifting up the elements and then
letting them down again. Altogether more
painful even than ludicrous; but one part of the
performance is certainly ludicrous. fdon'tun-
derstand It, All the while the officiating priest
Is going through these motions at the altar, a
poor crlnging subordinate is prone as if bowling
to him. with greater servility than the priest at
the cross and twice, when this yiceperent of
Heaven falls upon his knees his attendant
cumsily takes hold Of the hem of his priestlv
robe and lifts it up, as if trying to exalt the cross
upon it.-Eraminer and Chronicle.
The Canada Presbyterian Church
reports TAO charges and 600 ministers. The
charges embrace $50 churches or stations
The number of families connected with the
Church is 63,843. There are 1O7871 members.
During the year 1918 were received, the net
increase being 1913. The total amount of
stipend offered ministers was $3.50 794. all of
which was paid save $4,000
The death Of the eminent English
missionary to India, Rev M. A. Sherri2g Of
Benares, IS announced. He was the author Of
several volumes Of high repute-"The Indian
Church during the Rebellion :" "Tbe Sacred
City Of Hindus !" "The Tribe Castles of India as
Represented in Benares" q vols.); and The
History Of Protestant Missions in India" &c
MIR. Sherring has visited this country once or
twice, and we had the pleasure of meeting him
also at Benares, where he was held in the high
Get esteem for his learning and devotion TO fbe
missionary work.