LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
THE ENGLISHMAN'S PRAYER- B 0 OK.
Many distinguished laymen have written to us expressing general agreement and sympathy with the Bishop of Norwich's articles, though they are unwilling, for various reasons, to take any direct part in the controversy. Others, however, though unable to deal with the matter in full, have authorized us to publish a general expression of their views. The Duke of Devonshire writes "I fully recognize the importance of the subject, and I have taken considerable interest in it Very briefly, while I recognize the advantages in certain directions of -Prayer-book Revision, I am strongly opposed to any change in the Communion Service."
Lord Derby and Lord Curzon express a general agreement with the Bishop of Norwich's articles.
Sir R. W. Perks writes expressing his sympathy with the articles. He states that there are many thousands of English parishes where there are no Nonconformist Churches, and where the parishioners might, if the Bishop of Norwich's protest is not heard, "have to choose between a Romanist service or nothing." "And yet," he adds, "is it true to say 'nothing,' for were not Wesley's largest congregations gathered and his most powerful sermons preached on the town moors and village greens ? "
[To.the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—May I express my agreement with what the Bishop of Norwich says-in your issues of the 2nd and 9th inst. ? No one has any right to tamper with the Prayer-book, which has come down to us as a national heritage, and for which many members of the laity-entertain a greater regard than clerical extremists seem either to realize or to-respect. Asia all eases of so-called "reform," the advocates of Prayer-book Revision are very active. It is necessary, therefore, that those who object to revision should be equally alert, and should so organize their efforts that the full weight of their objections-may be brought home to the proper authorities.
What we chiefly need at the present moment is not a revised Prayer-book, but that junior clergy of the advanced type should display greater willingness to conform to the instruc- tions of their superiors ; should recognize the same need for discipline in the Church as in all other institutions ; and should remember that the clergy exist for the benefit of the laity, and not the laity for the benefit of the clergy. The observance of these principles would go far to remove that- disunity in the Church which now unfortunately prevails: On the other hand, as the Bishop warns us, the adoption of the fundamental changes now proposed in the Order,. of Holy
Communion can hardly fail to make matters not better, bull worse.—! am, Sir, &c., W. R. Roaearsow, F.M. 88 Westbourne Terrace, W. 2.
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