29 AUGUST 1952, Page 14

The f§pettator, attgugt 28th, 1852

WHAT THE CHURCH WANTS

Sir,—You have been wisely asking what the Church wants. If you will allow me, I will briefly explain to you.

(a) A better selection of Sunday Lessons, or else the clergy- man allowed to select for himself.

(b) A practicable service for week-days, much on the plan of King Edward's First Book, omitting a good deal about our most gracious Queen and Parliament, and approximating more to family prayers.

(c) Clergymen no longer obliged to thank God for removing the most horrid profligates to heaven.

(d) The political State services (of Charles and William) made less acrimonious, and less contradictory; though some acknowledgement of Divine providence in moulding the national destiny might be retained.

(e) A discretion, within defined limits, of singing substitutes for the liturgical hymns or psalms, which were formerly sung, but which are now read in addition to the singing.

(f) Divers arrangements for hastening the abolition of sine- cures and pluralities, subdividing parishes, giving deacons in charge of large districts superintendence from neighbouring presbyters; an option of offertories or partial pew-rents instead of church-rates, or to eke out stipends; consultations about the possibility of moral discipline, lay or diaconal exhortation, and ordaining schoolmasters in poor districts to act as clergy-