An obvious and immediate objection to this policy is that
it seems to be a defiance of the decision of Parliament not to sanction the Book of 1927 or that of 1928. But we think it will be seen; on reflection, that' it would not be wise to press this accusation. At present there is widespread and various illegality in the Church. All that the Bishops say in effect is, " We want to make sure at last of checking this illegality. The only practical criterion for us to apply is the -revised Book, because it embodies the whole of the considered judgment of eccle- siastical authority." It may be that the opponents of the revision, acting on the most rigorous interpretation of the collision between the Church and the State, will try to force the Church back to the Book of 1'662. That would mean Disestablislimerit. It is a matter not only for churchmen to consider but for -all others who revere the association of Church and State, which, in the past, has spiritualized many of the efforts of secular statesman- ship. Shall that association be ended ? It is a grave question.
