YOUTH AND THE. NEW PRAYER BOOK [To the Editor of
the SPECTATOR.]
is strange how we elders look at the matter from our own point of view and neglect one far more important, that of the young. The generation now growing up is unique in history ; it has seen a war which changed the face of the world ; it has seen a great and widespread decline in authority, from princes and parliaments down to homes ; it has seen an unparalleled individualism, from literature and art down to the film star and the breaker of records ; it has seen amazing achievements in science : the break-up of the atom is intoxi- cating to greybeards ; what must it be to those just entering on their inheritance ?
What do these young people think of the Prayer Book controversy ? of the Rubrics, of Reservation, of the Epielesis ? They look upon these matters partly in wonder, partly with amusement, as outside their province. Can we expect that they will grow up to take an interest in them ? Honestly, we cannot. They, or at least some of them, are learning to look upon the Bible as revealing how God has been and is working out His mighty plan for the redemption of mankind. But what of the Prayer Book ? Until it is presented to them afresh, as part of that divine plan, our young people will leave it to their eiders.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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