[TO THE EDITOR Or 'PUB "SPECTATOR:']
Sia,—Your interesting article in the Spectator of May 16th on "The Literary Aspects of the Prayer-Book" leads me to send you the enclosed appreciation of it from the same stand- point which appeared about four years ago in a Unitarian paper, the exact title of which I forget.—I am, Sir, &c., "No wonder that the Episcopalian loves the service of his Prayer Book. For those to whom its leading thoughts are true, to take part in it must be like taking part in rendering a noble oratorio. The simple stately phrases move on like solemn music. Observe their orderly procession: first the head bows in quiet confession, and then uplifts a bright and shining face ; then follows reverent listening as to oracles, Bible oracles, broken by the peals of praise; then the firm tread of the 'Creed,' and last the bowed head again in low, long responsive murmurs of the Collects and Litany. Each part beautiful in detail, each richly varied from the next, yet all conspiring to unity. The service is a noble work of art. And it is what public service should be---a common service. The Book is truly called `The Book of Common Prayer.' The people make together that 'General Confession' with which it opens ; the people praise in choral psalms and glories ; the people read the psalms for the day in alternation with the priest ; the people respond, petition by petition, in the Litany, and take each the Ten Commandments to themselves, and by Anions appropriate the prayers and collects which the priest recites; and here and there the people rise, and here and there they kneel together. The priest, though having much to read, never for a long space reads alone, so closely do the people follow with him. Many ages and experiences and modes can enter into this service, and each find that which is its Own: the little child in its first Church going will recognise the 'Our Father' he has learnt at home, and to the old in years it must be full of clustering associations. And the use of the same book by all Episcopalians widens the communion through all the lands. At the hour of worship all who bear this name are treading the same word-paths of thought and praise. Let Sunday come, and wherever he can find his church the traveller is a native and the stranger feels at home."
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