Church Reform.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 1865, 2 August 1886, Page 3

Church Reform.

“ The Book of Common Prayer and other rites sod ceremonies of the Chnrch of Ood in New Zealand, being an amendment of the present Chnrch of England service, respectfully suggested tor the nee of all men who desire to worship God side by side in brotherly adoration,” ia the title of a pamphlet jnst issued by Messrs Lyon and Blair and written by Mr Coleman Phillips. In the preface Ur Phillips says “ Tbe accompanying form of prayer has been prepared principally for the purpose of preventing persons who profess Freethought doctrines from drifting into Atheism. Tbe alterations in the Church of England Service are alight, bat very important, fnlly as important as the alterations effected in Henry tba VUTs time. Amendment being better than abolition, it has been thought better to amend than to abolish. The Lyceum Leaders and Guides published throughout Australasia offer no form of prayer; they are rather hymn books than prayer books. Tbe accompanying amendment of the Chnrch ef England Service will allow all persona to worship God reverently side by side. This, I take it, is what most colonists desire; thinking men being anxious to escape from tbe wretched differences of religious creed. A subsequent work will contain an adaptation of those glorious anthems and hymns used by all Churches in God’s worship; bnt in this 1 nope to receive the aid of friends possessing musical ability. Mane hath the power of softening tbe feelings of men worried by tbe cares of the world, and rendering them more ready to bow their heads te God. 1 would also gladly receive any suggestions towards correcting the accompanying drafts, which in two or three instances do not satisfy my mind. Especially would I ask Presbyterian and Wesleyan clergymen to take them into consideration.” Mr Phillips is one of a large number of chnrch adherents who desire to see a change in the Cbnrob of England service. Tbe highest dignitaries of this Church in tbe Mother Country hive openly expressed their conviction that the time hat come when the prayer book ehonld be revised, and this opinion is shared by tbe clergy and their congregations in every land.