11, 1866.
My dear Dr.Alexander--You will not suppose me to be an advocate for the donkeyism of vestment ritual.

But I wish you not to have unfavourable impressions as regard _our_ concern with such matters.

We have a canon declaratory on vestments, asserting the ordinary surplice, gown, hood, and stole.

It is stupidly worded, but the meaning is obvious.

I was vexed from your experience to hear of such foolish proceedings at Bridge of Allan, contrary to canon and to common sense....