Revised Services for Modern Churchmen. By H. D. A. Major,
B.D. (Oxford : Blackwell. 9d.)—Though there is little differ- ence of opinion among those who use the Prayer Book as to the desirability of its revision, the difficulties in the way of reform are great. The Church Party advocates changes in the direction of mediaevalism, and insists on the retention of such features as the Athanasian Creed and the Ornaments Rubric. The resistance of the Evangelicals and Liberals is feeble ; public opinion is indifferent ; to judge from the recent discussion in Convocation, it is probable that a modified but unmistakable mediaevalism will prevail. Mr. Major's proposals are on other lines. They bear, in particular, on the offices for Baptisire Marriage, and Burial:—
" These are the most frequently attended by people who seldom attend any other Church Services. It is, therefore, particularly important that they should be free from certain features which, without adding any essential value to them, often provoke hostile or puzzled criticism at the present time. When such features can be eliminated without any real loss to Christian faith, worship, or morals, it is the positive duty of the authorities of the Church to accomplish it."
A liturgy, says Paley, should contain " as few controverted propositions as possible. Why should every position which the Church maintains be woven with so much industry into the forms..of public worship ? " The argument holds oven more strongly with regard to positions which the Church has ceased to accept in any real sense, and which the best and wisest Church- men repudiate. We hope that Mr. Major's suggestions may help to create a movement of opinion in the direction of a revision rather on religious than ecclesiastical lines.
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