Widnes Examiner. — 1883-04-14 (Widnes, Cheshire, England)

VIII. Nothing could better indicate the antiquated, dead-alive character of the formalities observed than this simple fact; and the detailed information which is given with respect to the various stages of the appointment, only serves to deepen the impression of the hollow formalism of the proceedings. Reviewing these formalities the pamphlet says : " That they are - antique and to the last degree complex and cumbrous, is the least of the objections to which they are open. Their naked Erastianism, their subordination of all that is spiritual or elevating to what is merely secular, legal, and technical, must strike the most cursory observer; while the Episcopalian who regards the Church as a spiritual institution, receiving its commission from Divine and not human authority, cannot but feel shocked at so ostentatious a disregard of everything which is characteristic of primitive Christianity, and even of the religious feelings of our own time.' The information which is given in the second section will be specially interesting. It brings out in a very striking manner the utter helplessness of the Church of England in regard to these appointments to its highest offices, notwithstanding all the elaborate pretence of freedom of action which is made in the forms employed. The proceedings in connection with the appointment of Dr. Hampden to the See of Hereford and Dr. Lee to Manchester in 1847, and of Dr. Temple to Exeter in 1869, are noticed at some length, and the account given will leave upon the mind of the reader a painful sense of the profane mockery which is involved in much of what takes place on the occasion of such appointments. In the third section a far more agreeable story is told; for this deals with the p/osition of the Episcopal Churches of Ireland, the Colonies, and America, which, as they are not supported by the State, are not controlled by it, and have the selection and appointment of their chief officers entirely in their own hands. Some very remarkable facts are given as to the beneficial results in the Churches concerned, of this power of self-government, both with regard to the spirit which it evokes' and the facility with which it enables the Churches concerned to add to their episcopate in proportion to their needs. The pamphlet closes with the following passage :—"lt is unnecessary to spend many words in pointing the moral of the subject. The Church of England can escape from the humiliation of its present position in regard to these appointments, and can obtain the freedom of action in which its sisfer Churches rejoice, in only one way. It is true some of its leaders are indulging the hope that means may be found for granting to it the liberty of self government without withdrawing from it the advantages of Establishment. But that is a vain dream. If the Church of England would enjoy the blessings of freedom she must be willing to pay the price of D:sestablishment and Disendowment."  Captain Shiel, late of the 75th Regiment, committed suicide at Ihninster, on Wednesday night, by cutting his throat. Mr. Dean, on behalf, of the Church Association, applied to Lord Pefizance on Thursday morning to pronounce sentence of absolute deprivation upon the Rev. A. H. Mackonochie, and he agreed that if by exchanging livings with Mr. Suckling the defendant exempted himself from all the consequences of his ecclesiastical disobedience, then the law might be broken by any number of clergymen with impunity. After hearing Mr. Jenne on the same side Lord Penzance said he would take time to consider his judgment.