AMERICA AND BRITAIN.
[TO THE EDITOR OP THE "SPECTATOR:1
SrD.—You say "it would be impossible to get the people of this country to go to war" with America (Spectator, September 21st). If that is so, it is a truth still somewhat hidden both on this side the Atlantic and, one is given to understand, on the other side as well. Is there no means of making it more visible? May I suggest one which I believe, if acted on, would do something to this end among ourselves ? During the past fortnight reference has been made to America in many of our churches, and in those where our services are not governed by liturgical forms, almost universally, the President of the United States has been prayed for after the King's Majesty in the petition for rulers. This laudable practice once begun should not be allowed to drop. It was a happy instinct that led the authorities of the English Church, in the prayers for use abroad, to insert always a petition for the President between that for our own Sovereign and the head of any other State. On coming back from a Continental holiday one has always missed this petition and wished it might find a permanent place in the prayers at home. That is, of course, impossible in the Anglican service, for the present at any rate. But there would seem to be no difficulty in the way of its adoption forthwith by the Scottish and Free Churches, since it only depends on the goodwill of their ministers. I venture most respectfully to urge that thus to remember together, week by week, at the throne of the heavenly grace our own King and the head of the American people would do not a little to foster among us the sense that they and we are indeed one, which after all is what really makes the thought of strife with them like that of civil war.—I am, Sir, &c., WM. W. GOLDSWORTHY. The Manse, Sedlescombe Road, St. Leonards-on-Sea.
ffe, like our correspondent, have always felt a strong sense of gratification at hearing while abroad this prayer for the President, and heartily wish his proposal could be adopted.— ED. Spectator.] .
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