Old Anglicanism and Modern Ritualism #267560

Ritualism has very commonly been regarded by English Church people as a system of ceremonial practices supposed to enliven and brighten, the. Church services. Looked at in this light, it has been condoned by many to whose taste the practices did not appeal, as harmless to congregations and as giving to clergy who liked ceremony a greater interest in their routine of work. 'They will get tired of it when the novelty has worn off,' laymen have thought with a half-kindly, half-contemptuous smile, 'and meantime we will let it alone.' Of late, however, the Church has awakened to the apprehension that the Ritualist ceremonialism has a very definite doctrinal meaning, and that Ritualist ceremonies are not introduced as a matter of æstheticism but to teach a faith. What is that faith?