A letter-writer, "G.H.T.", on 15 August 1913, had commended
the Bishop of St Albans for "dealing faithfully" with the Catholic
League (100 Years Ago, 19 August). Fr Fynes-Clinton (Books, 9
August) joined battle:
Sir, - Your correspondent calls the "service" held by the League
at Corringham indefensible. What does he mean? The "irregularity"
may be without defence, though, doubtless, it would have needed
none if it had been a collection of hymns from Moody and
Sankey.
Admittedly, the real cause of episcopal censure objection was
Invocation of Saints. Does your correspondent know what the
"service" was? It was merely an anthem and a hymn to our Blessed
Lady, followed by a series of prayers blessing members and badges,
etc.; not a "service" properly speaking at all.
Is it possible that he means that Invocation is indefensible?
Can a stronger catena of authority, from the Fathers downwards,
including post-Reformation divines such as Cranmer, be found for
any practice of the Church? To be inhibited for such a Catholic
practice is an honour, and to be in good company.
The late Bishop of Salisbury inhibited from taking a mission in
Dorset a few years ago a Canon-Missioner of Southwark diocese
because he had not expressed disapproval of the [English Church
Union] letter on the subject of the Oxford Reservation case; and at
the same time one of our most popular and beloved Oxford priests
for his authorship of a well-known hymn expressing the truth of the
Real Presence. . .
H. J. FYNES-CLINTON
77, Pavement, Lewisham.
