Book of Congregational Worship. (Congregational Union. 2s, net.)—It is an
interesting sign of the times that the Council of the Congregational Union should have set a committee to compile a liturgy, which is now issued for optional use. The committee " has drawn freely on forms consecrated by centuries of usage," especially in the Communion service and the Burial service, and " with equal freedom hoe utilized modern prayers such as no man out of his ` extempore] wit' could devise." The book opens with ten alternative " orders of worship," in each of which " an essential place has been given to extemporary prayer," followed by forms for other services. In the Marriage Service the word "obey" is omitted from the woman's pledge. Then come " occasional sentences " for divers seasons, and prayers and collects, the best of which come, of course, from the Prayer Book. A short and dignified "Litany of Commemoration" is given, and there is a model k °Canary for the festivals and for special occasions. We may assume that the Congregational Union would not publish such a liturgy if there were not a widespread demand for it.
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