13 NOVEMBER 1915, Page 18

CAN THE CHURCHES UNITE IN PRAYER P

LTO THE EDITOR Or TUE " SPEOTATOH."]

Bin,—The Archbishops of Canterbury and York propose that the opening of the New Year shall be marked by a special period of intercession in connexion with the war. His Majesty the King has approved and endorsed the proposal, and the Archbishops have communicated the suggestion to the other religious denominations in England in the hope oi that the whole nation may thus be moved at a solemn hour to turn to Him who is our hope and strength." May I, as a Wesleyan minister, say with profound respect that the Arch- bishops would still more effectively achieve their high purpose and realize the hope that the nation will be moved if they could persuade all devout persons, of whatever denomination, to meet together for common prayer P How deeply the best life of an English parish would be stirred if all who believe in public prayer met with one accord in one place "in solemn intercession and thankful recognition." And what if this were done upon a national scale ! Church and Chapel soldiers are fighting together. Cannot Church and Chapel civilians pray together P There are difficulties. I hear and see some of them as I write. But not one of them is beyond the con- secrated sagacity of the two Archbishops and the leaders of Nonconformity. Of course there would have to be give-and. take. But if the politicians can coalesce, cannot ecclesiastics do likewise P It is inspiring to think what a moving of the nation there would be, and what a thrill in the trenches, if we bad a coalition Church for one brief day. " What do ye more than others P " It cannot be right to do less.—I am, Sir, &e.,