F. J. HAMEL, H.M.C.S., &c., &c.,

SENIOR CHURCHWARDEN OF STOKE NEWINGTON.

London:

LONGMAN, GREEN, LONGMAN, ROBERTS, & GREEN.

1865.

110. i. 47.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Threatening Aspect of Church Affairs.-Treachery in the Church.—
Character of Church of Rome.-Want of Protestant union.-First
Steps towards Romanism.-Faithful Pastors esteemed.-Dangers of
Retrogression.-Romanish tendency of Universities, &c.

CHAPTER II.

Origin and Progress of Puseyism in Stoke Newington.-Late Rector's
Tractarian innovations.-Mr. Pope's advent as Curate, and results.
-Mr. Jackson's introduction to Stoke Newington-Pledge to main-
tain existing Services-Violation of his Pledge.-Disgust of hi
Congregation.-Appeal to Bishop of London.-Rector regardless of
Bishop and people.-Further Appeal to Bishop, and results.—
Roman Catholic Clergy in Protestant pay.-Warnings from many
quarters.-Letter of a Clergyman on Singing.-Spread of Romanism
in England.-Clergy gone over to Church of Rome.-Cardinal
Wiseman's Self-gratulation.—Romanist Perverts still remaining in
Protestant Church. Romish Practices in London exposed.—
Clerical defiance of Law.-McDermott case.-Excess of Music the
cause of the evil.

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CHAPTER III.

Exposition of Law.-People expected to take part in Services of the
Church of England.-Diversity of Practice the curse of the Church.
-First Act of Uniformity.-Establishment of Common Prayer
Book.-Penalties for disobedience.-Act against Part Singing,
Books, &c.-Clergy found to blame for Innovations.-Reformation
stopped in Queen Anne's reign.-Queen Elizabeth restored Pro-
testantism and Common Prayer Book-Empowered to make Rules
for Government of Cathedrals. Reason for alternative of “say"
and “sing” in Rubric.-No authority to Sing Services in Protestant
Churches.-Catholic tendencies of James and Charles.- Act of
Uniformity of Car. II.—“Read” substituted for "sing" throughout.
-Custom of Catholic and Protestant Churches.-Injunctions of
Elizabeth recognise distinction.-Vestments prescribed by Book of
Common Prayer.-Morning and Evening Prayer substituted for

PREFACE.

AMONGST the most earnest and thoughtful members of the Protestant community, both clergy and laity, the opinion now obtains that the Christian Church of this country is passing through a very critical era of her existence. Although their confidence in the prevalence and undoubted triumph of truth remains unshaken, they cannot but view the present aspect of affairs with some uneasiness, from a serious conviction that, unless a decided stand be made against the Romanising tendencies of the age, troubles and sorrows of which the thoughtless little dream must inevitably ensue. This feeling is not merely entertained by the warmest supporters of the Church of England, but largely participated in by sincere Christian men of various denominations of Protestant Dissenting communities. Circumstances have occurred in the parish and neighbourhood of Stoke Newington which have compelled me to assume a position unequivocally opposed to the spread of Romish practices. I have had occasion to write much upon the subject, and, as the Rector of the parish is responsible for the Anti-Protestant changes recently introduced by him into the Services of