[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sm,—Criticism usually finds utterance. May appreciation out of the obscurity of a country parish express itself ?
Mr. Dennis' letter suggests the question, Have the critical people any conception of what is going on in the parishes, particularly perhaps at this time of year, when so much time is spent in endeavouring to lead candidates for confirmation to hear " the Voice of the Living Christ " ? What Mr. Dennis wants is our aim also.
As to the Prayer Book, the Voice seemed to indicate such things as the following : " Revise the service of Baptism so as to be better understanded of the people," " Introduce prayers for the comfort of mourners in the Burial Service," " Arrange for the Sacrarhent to be a Holy Communion to the sick as part of the Congregation, though temporarily isolated." _ = -
But the large number who would have opposed the present Prayer Book, " critically and intellectually " (shall we say ?) if it were newly put before them to vote upon, brought much pressure to bear on members of Parliainent against revision.
" Reference to the past " was in the •minds of the leading Reformers, to keep contact and unity with the Church of the early centuries ; and there is reference to the past, e.g., Irenaeus, in Mr. Dennis' letter. The spiritual discernment of our leaders, critical and intellectual; it may 'be, but also prayerful and practical; is a presentground for encouragement, thankfulness, and hope to many " other ranks."—I am, Sir, &c., RANK AND FILE.
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