The much-looked-for decision of the two Archbishops on the vexed question of the uso of incense and lighted candles in churches was given by the Archbishop of Canterbury a few days ago. His Grace of York was not present, but it is understood that ho entirely concurs in the verdict, which is to the effect that the use of incense in churches except for the purposes oF fumigation (and then not during the hours of worship) is illegal, and to be forthwith discontinued. The same order applies to processions and the carrying of lights are neither enjoined nor permitted and therefore cannot be countenanced. To light up a church for the purpose of adding to its Deauty or dignity {s said to stand on the same footing as hanging up banners, or decorating with flowers, holly, etc. This appears to be unobjectionable, so presumably may be continued, "The Archbishop went. back to the first Prayer-took of tdward 'VI for his authority. Most of our errors seem to have erept in through the use of a later book, which was popular during the reign of Queen Mary and which Elizabeth did not put down on account of the possibility of causing a civil war, though she herself preferred the earlier edition. George Herbert, it appears, used incense for the purpose of sweetening his church, but never (as has been supposed) as an act of worship. It will be curious to note the effect of this judgment. Mr. Kensit will be triumphant and we may again hear of imprisonments for conscience sake. Mr. Westall, vicar of St. Cuthbert's, Earl's Court, was one of the clergymen' whose actions have caused the judgment to be delivered; and it was at his church that Mr. Kensit made his celebrated Good Friday raid, so we may be sure future proceedings will be carefully watched, and matters are not carefully handled, the so-called crisis in the Church may' become something very real before many months pass by.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.