14 NOVEMBER 1908, Page 26

The taw Relating to Ecclesiastical Discipline over the Clergy of

the Church of England. By Lewys L. Yeatman. (Sweet and Maxwell. 5s.)—The average layman will read this book with interest, and, we venture to say, with some surprise. He will see that, in theory at least, the law is much more stringent than he supposes. Were it put in force in the sense which it seems to bear, there would be not a few vacant benefices in England. Offenders are actually protected by the difficulties of enforcing the penalties provided. In matters of morality the process is simplified ; but what Bishop would undertake proceedings in respect of depraving the Book of Common Prayer?