1. Does he not understand that the apathy of a
congregation is the result of the attitude of those like himself, who attend church, not in a spirit of humility, worship, and thanksgiving, but from convention or in order to criticise the sermon— often the effort of a sadly overworked parish priest ?
2. Did it not occur to your contributor that as the younger man it was his part to approach the Vicar (through the Verger or by letter if he did not know him personally) to express his desire to take part in the various activities in which the Parish is interested, either locally or in the poorer quarters of London ? His sister, too, would have no difficulty in obtaining from the Vicar suggestions for helping the sick poor. Have these young people never heard of the Personal Service League, which gives the fullest scope to willing helpers ?
3. Does Under Thirty, III, never read a newspaper ? The Press is full of appeals for help in Boys' and Girls' Clubs.
Why should he not have pity on those who organise these Clubs and who are still in ignorance of the wealth of experi- ence and ability which he and his friends possess and which, unknown, can therefore not be called upon, as he is " too lazy " even to offer his services or to discover for himself where they are most needed ? If this is the case, would any authority welcome his help, and what, after all, would it be worth ? It is a question whether any regular social work or consistent responsibility would not mean incurring " far too much trouble or discomfort " or at least inconvenience. Does he think that any useful work (either civic or social) can be done without a measure of self-sacrifice of a kind from which he seems to shrink ?
4. Failing any public or general social work, has your contributor ever attempted to find out the needs and circum- stances of those employed by the firm of which he is a director ? No doubt some useful work lies near to his hand there.
5. Lastly, why are so many of the Under Thirties content to be so unadventurous, unconstructive and critical ? The Over Fifties would be more than thankful to hand over the torch to those whose prerogative it should be to carry on.— We are, Sir, your obedient servants,
FORTY-FIVE FIFTY-FIVE
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