VOTING ON THE REVISED PRAYER BOOK
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—That statistics may be made to support both sides of a disputed question may be illustrated by your correspon- dent's letter of this week on the above subject, where figures are given to show that the large majority voting at the various Diocesan Conferences were in favour of the New Prayer Book. But could the following two considerations be incorporated in making a correct estimate a very different census might be the result.
(1) How many of the clergy—especially among the younger representatives—could bring themselves to vote against the express wishes of their Bishop, with whom their future chances of advance- ment depend ? And, further, how many of the clergy, however much their own opinions might differ from those of their superior, would dare to advise their parishioners to do otherwise than support their Bishop (2) The Church of England is a National Church. What propor- tion of thepeople—not members of the Established Church—are in favour of the New Prayer Book ? Very few, judging by the reports emanating from the various representatives of the Free Churches.
Careful consideration of these two facts, as above stated, is needed if a correct estimate is to be taken of the value to be attached to the figures given by your correspondent.
Your recognized impartiality in the discussion of all disputed questions, although in come cases in opposition to your own views, will, perhaps, admit of your giving publicity to this letter.—I am, Sir, &c., A. ERNEST MAYLARD.
Kingsmuir, Peebles, Scotland.
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