[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] 'SIR,----Unquestioning acceptance of the
new Prayer Book, on .thegrOunds stated by Lord Wolmer in your issue of April letlf, :appears- to me to extend the respect due to Episcopal authority beyond-its rightful limits, and is barely distinguishable from A :pled for the subservience Of the laity which one had hoped the .establishment of the House of Laity in the Church Assembly had once for all removed from the Church of England.
The Bishops and the Convocations decided, by a great majority that a Measure authorizing the use of the Deposited Book be submitted to the Church Assembly. By. its constitu- tion and standing orders the acceptance or the.rejeetion.of the
Book is the only issue, amendments being disallowed. is that submission a inere formality, or do the Church Authorities desire the laity to consider this important subject in all its bearings and to decide, after weighing the evidence, either to accept or to reject the Measure- and incidentally decide
whether or not the Deposited Book is generally acceptable to the people mainly concerned ? • If the Measure is rejected the way will be cleared for con- sideration of the Bishop of Norwich's plan for the authorimt of the greater portion of the Revised Version, leaving the whole Church in possession of the present Holy Communion Service, without doubt a greatly valued bond of union. That, rather than a revolt against the Bishops and clergy, is I he real issue the Church Assembly is facing.---I am, Sir, &c.,
J. H. HILKEN
(Member Chelmsford Diocesan Conferenee). Ashdene, Prospect lull, Walthamslmr, E. 17,
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