Untitled - Electric Scotland

i86o-68] MR. MACKONOCHIE AND MR. HUBBARD 425
absent the whole day. I cannot too strongly express my entire
concurrence in your Lordship s opinion of the extreme importance
of preventing any recurrence of so painful an event as the
preaching of the sermon in question. I desire to assure you,
my Lord, that no negligence on my part shall be wanting for
that purpose. Believe me, my dear Lord Bishop, yours most
truly and respectfully,
ALEX. HERIOT MACKONOCHIE."
The ritual troubles increased, and in December 1863
the Bishop offered, in accordance with the direction given
in the Preface to the Book of Common Prayer, to in
vestigate carefully,
with Mr. Mackonochie and Mr.
Hubbard, the various points upon which they differed,
and to give his direction respecting each, transmitting
any questions which might
still remain doubtful
the formal decision of the Archbishop of the Province."
"
I shall," he added, u be glad, before I enter on the questions
at issue, to be assured on the part of the Incumbent and Church
wardens that there is a bona fide agreement to abide by the
decision to be pronounced. I understand it to be the desire of
both parties that the questions at issue should be decided in the
quietest way possible without giving occasion for needless offence
and scandal, and I am of opinion that the mode of settlement
thus prescribed by the Church is at once the most likely to avoid
any such evil consequences, and that in which earnest and loyal
members of the Church of England may most suitably bind
themselves to acquiesce."
Mr. Mackonochie, however, declined to give any such
assurance, and the proposed reference came to naught.
It would be impossible to follow in detail the history
of St. Alban s during the next few years. Mr. Mac
konochie introduced coloured vestments in 1864, and
incense in 1866. Mr. Hubbard complained in each case
to the Bishop that he had done so
"
"
for
without the consent
of either of the Churchwardens." On the second occasion
the Bishop replied :