The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-09-23
Revising the Prayer Book.

THE Episcopalian gives us list OF
"Plain Reasons why the Prayer Book
should be Revised" They indicate the
position of the Low Church portion Of
the Protestant Episcopal Church" on
this matter, which is just now exciting
attention. 1t seems to us that the next
General Convention well do well to give
them a careful consideration. Indeed it
cannot afford to ignore reasonable and
dispassionate arguments and appeals for
revision. Our contemporary favors re.
vision
Because it is contrary to common sense
to suppose that alterations should not be
required in human composition, which
has remained untouched for 200 years,
during which time everythingEse has
progressed.
Because alterations have been practi-
cally adopted by the clergy in many
places, and an irregular state of things
has arisen; but it is desirable that all
changes should be carried out under
proper authority.
Because the principle of Revision is
distinctly admitted in the preface of the
Prayer Book itself.
Because the very unwillingness that
exists on the part of large numbers, to
meddle with the existing formularies, be-
tokens strong spirit of Conservatism,
and is asuficient guarantee the Revision
may be safely proceeded with.
Because those who are favorable to
Revision are mainly agreed, and have ar
rived at definite views with respect to the
alterations desired.
Because it might be specially provided
that any Revision should not extend to
the Thirty-nine Articles.
Because the combined use of Three
Services, originally intended to be dis
tinct, leads to unreasonable length and,
to undesirable repetitions.
Because little or no alteration is desir-
ed-in the ordinary Services for Sundays,
except as regards rubrics.
Because there is at present no reasona-
bic latitude allowed for arranging short
extra Services on Sundays or on other
days.
Because as Sunday is the only day
when the people generally hear the Holy
Scriptures, there is need of a greater
choice of chapters to be read On Sundays.
Because it is desirable to revise the
list of Lessons, specially with view to
the disuse of the Apocrypha.
Because various Formularies of the
Church cannot now be read without ap-
parent mental reservation {; and it is most
undesirable that Christian Ministers
should even appear to understand and
interpret words otherwise than in their
plain and strict meaning.
Because the word "regenerate" is a
controverted term; and yet its omission
in the Baptisn'al Services, together with
a few other verbal alterations, would re-
move the ground of contention, leaving
the disputed question open.
Because some things in the Commun-
ion Office are calculated to deter unne-
cessarily from participation in the Lords
Supper; and especially certain passages
from l Cor. XII. are inappropriately quot.
ed in the Exhortation, so as to mislead
the uneducated.
Because it is in the power of any par
ish clergyman to introduce into his church
system of "mufled Popery," and to
indulge in singularities of dress and GER
emonial which were not contemplated by
the compilers of the Prayer Book; and
this abuse of power has occurred, does
occur, and is likely to occur again.
Because, as long as we are Protes-
tant Church, each parish is entitled to
faithful representation of it. The exist
ence of semi-popish practices may be,
comparatively speaking, a minor evil in
cities or towns where there is choice of
churches; but in country parish where
there is no such choice, this state of
things is grievous burden, and per-
manent cause of aversion.