THE WAR AND THE CHURCH.
[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] Sie,—May I be permitted to call attention, through your columns, to the great and pressing need of some prayer for peace, which may be used in common in the worship of the Church, alike by those who uphold the war in which this nation is now involved, and by the many who believe it to be unrighteous and unwise ? It is matter of regret and perplexity, among both clergy and laity, that in a crisis like the present, when the hearts of many devout worshippers are so deeply stirred, the Church should either be silent altogether, or should offer to God, on behalf of her members, a prayer in which conscience forbids them to join.
It is surely possible to pray in common that we may be de- livered, as a people, from the great peril and scourge of war—that peace may be restored, and the wouirls of both nations healed— without invoking God's vengeance on those who, rightfully or wrongfully, are in arms against us? If our Bishops have not the power, cannot our Primates issue such a prayer ?—I am, Sir, &c., M. C. T.
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