Y Llan

ONE HYMNAL. SIR,—Under the caption "A Table of Lessons, .1918-1919," the Rev. C. Norton Wright, in your issue of August 29, lays stress on the weakness which it is to the Church of the use of so many different hymn books. I hasten—the said issue has only just reached me—to support my brother Cantab in his assertion. Nothing is so detrimental I believe, to congrega- tional singing as this lack of a uniform hymn book; for although the regular members of a congregation will be familiar with the particular book used, in their Church,, yet there are always strangers who are probably unfamiliar with it. It is, however, unnecessary to follow the Nonconformists in this case, for if the Mother Church would only follow her daughter Church of Canada she could have, ready to hand, a single compilation, embracing all that is best in the many English books, as well as many new hymns which I believe I am right in saying are in no other book at all. This, "The Book of Common Praise," was adopted unanimously by both Houses of the General Synod of the Church of England in Canada on September 26, 1908, and is largely, if not entirely, used by the Church in Canada to-day. This book con- tains 795 hymns and over 900 tunes—in some cases as many as four tunes for one hymn. In addition to this great selection of hymns and tunes, there is appended to the hymn book a selection of Anglican Chants Suitable for Smaller Choirs which number 139, and covers fully a simple choral Service and Celebration. The name of Sir George C. Martin, the musical editor of this book, is, I think, sufficient guarantee for the accuracy. and thoroughness of this compilation, which is certainly the best hymn book that I have had the pleasure of using. I came to this country a firm believer in Hymns Ancient and Modern," having suffered in my Old Country curacy both "Church Hymns" and Hymnal Companion," but after five years' use of the Canadian book I afn con- vinced that it is incomparably the best. Concerning the other suggestion of your correspondent—for one PsalterI do not feel that this need is, so pressing, although it would be an advantage from the point of view of simplicity. But this is largely a matter of convenience only for the choir, and,-after all, it is not. very much trouble to refer to one or two chant books for a Service. In my Church here, in the far West, we use the "Cathedral Psalter," the Westminster Chant Book," and our own Hymn Book Chants, and do not find it very inconvenient for the choir. The Book of Common Praise is pub- lished by the Oxford University Press, and so it should not be difficult for any of your ¡: readers who happen to be interested to obtain a copy.—Yours, &c., H. RICHARD RAGG. S. Andrew's Rectory,Trail, B.C., Canada.

DIOCESE OF THE FALKLA'KD ISLANDS. SrRj-Will you be so kind as to grant me space to make known the following vacan- cies in the above diocese? 1. The chaplaincy of the Anglican Church at Iquique, Chile. The appoint- ment would be for three years and the stipend is £,550 per annum from the day of sailing. First class pagsage out and back, I am informed that as the duties are not arduous the income may be con- siderably increased by any man able to undertake tuition. 2. Chaplaincy at Port Stanley, Falkland Islands. An interesting sphere. Stipend o £ 30() per annum and a house provided, with the usual tenant's fixings and lino- leums. Passage paid and 240 for freight- age. There is also a vacancy at Lima. Peru, about ^hich at the moment I can give no particulars. If these posts should seem to be attractive to men, moderate and con- ciliatory in spirit, I shall be glad to fur- nish them with further particulars.— Yours faithfully, S. F. CAMBIE, Commissary to the Bishop. Camerton Rectory, Bath.

VICAR OF BHOUGH S APPEAL. SIR,—I see you have in your widely circulated and highly esteemed per an advertisement by the Vicar of Br o ugh for. funds to build a parochial hall for the parish. Would you kindly allow me to emphasize this need? I have just visited the parish to lecture and to preach, and for want of a parochial hall I had to deliver the lecture in the west end of the jehurch, which, of course, does not lend itssdf to this purpose, with the result that the lecture had to be greatly modified, which was disappointing. Such a hall ought in the interests* of the pärîsh to be put up at once. It is long overdue. The Vicar, a man of energy and enthusiasm, would be able to make great use. of such a building for the good of the people under his pastoral care by ortrania- *■■■■ ■, .FVJL Y Y ing reading room, Mutual Improvement Society, instructive lectures, recreation midweek lantern services, and on Sunday for Sunday-school purposes. I m-ost earnestly hope that those who can will liberally respond to an appeal so much, justified by real need.—Yours faithfully, DAWSON PARSONS. St. James's Vicarage, Sheffield.

THE CINEMATOGRAPH AND THE CHUSCH. To the Editor of the C.F.N. SIR,-Everyui,.e realises that the cine- matograph is a great power, and that its influence is rapidly increasing. We agree, also, that the Church must make additional efforts to interest and instruct the masses. We are agreed, further, that the cinema furnishes an excellent means f getting into touch with those who do not go to Church. Consequently, all of us tTe interested in successful schemes which employ the cinematograph for religious purposes. Some of your-readers may not have heard of the Church Pictorial Movement. May I, then, furnish some in- formation about it? The Church Pictorial Movement" ntilises the cinematograph in an educa- tional way for both secular and spiritual purposes in the villages where at present the people cannot obtain this type of in- struction, entertainment, and inspiration. We firmly believe that the Church, by means of v this movement, will have an ex- cellent opportunity of bridging the gulf between the homes of the people and the House of God. The C.P.M. has equipped notor transport with cinematographs, lanterns, films, and slides, which can go to remote villages, and does so, under the tuspices of the Diocesan Missions. Tours He now being organised. The present plan is to work in circuits. The mobility of the motor enables exhibitions to be given in different places from day to day in remote corners of the diocese at short notice. Longer stays are made if required. When parish hails are available it uses them, but the scheme includes a proposal to carry about on motors temporary struc- tures which cap be put up and used where needed. The visits of the C.P.M. are in- tended to effect four objects: To hold* lantern and cinematograph ser- vices in large and small villages, where its advent is hailed as an event even by those who do not usually go to church. To teach, interest and inspire the people by means of the unrivalled medium of the film, which can be used with tremendous effect to entertain and educate the popu- lace in a thoroughly broad-minded and helpful way. To undertake the sale and circulation of religious literature. To help the incumbent in his efforts to rn-ise funds for any parochial objects, without recourse to a bazaar or "sale of work. Working, as it does, under diocesan aus- pices, The Church Pictorial Movement does not enter a parish except on the in- vitation of the incumbent. Where this is forthcoming the movement takes full financial and administrative responsibility. One reason why I hope that you will be able to find space to mention our move- ment in your columns is that your readers may like to know something about a Church society which is already in the field. We should not needlessly multiply similar organisations, because by so doing each has to buy its own experience instead of profiting by the experience already gained by others. Moreover, to multiply similar organisations needlessly is to weaken all of them and cause unnecessary friction and overlapping.—Yours faith- fully, C. L. DRAWBRIDGE. 31, Craven-street, Strand, W.C. 2.

CLERICAL POVERTY. SIR,-No doubt amongst those suffering tecuniarily through the war are many llergy. I hope the appeal you make on behalf of these will receive an immediate and generous response. But-much more is needed than grants and donations to meet emergencies, for I am convinced that the,re is a real, even if obscure, relation between clerical poverty and ecclesiastical waste and mismanagement. What is needed is both a better distribution and a better use of existing financial resources. Money now ill spent in maintaining super- fluous church and similar buildings, and equally .superfluous clergy, if put to proper use would provide not only a "living wage" for every necessary clergyman, but also means for active Church work in populous places now ad- mittedly deficient in both clergy and r accommodation. No small part of the waste on the one hand, and of the scarcity an the other, is due to the rigid (and possibly selfish and exclusive) application of the parochial system which ties up the superfluous power in an overstaffed parish, and leaves another which is understaffed, and probably inadequately endowed also, to get on as best it can. I hope that when it becomes law the Enabling Bill will remove the hindrances which now prevent Churchmen from niak- ing the best and wisest use of the vast financial resources of the Church which are committed to their charge as a sacred trust. to be economically expended to further the work of the Church in this land. With one notable exception, there are evident signs in everydirediol1 of national and individual impoverishment. We are passing through an economic revolution which is effecting a colossal transfer of wealth from the upper classes of society to the lower. This may not be cause for re- gret; but it remains to be seen whether those who are now .receiving so large a share of the national wealth will take the place as subscribers to Church funds which must necessarily be vacated by those who, in the near future, will be unable to give as generously as heretofore. It may be that, for a time, the Church will acutely feel the pinch of poverty. This, possibly, is yet another reason for administrative reforms to enable the best use to be made of existing stable resources. G. A. IIARDY.

PROBLEMS OF I LIFE. SIR, I read with interest Dr. Campbell's learned article relative to Einstein's theory. But why it should disturb any. Christian in his belief I fail to see. The .-A ,■ ■ v new theory alters little we knew. For some decades the idea that a straight line is impossible has been well Imown-so that is nothing new. If Einstein's theory does away with the so-called ether, what matters? I for one never believed in it, and it was only u&od to fit in with certain theories. But I think D'r. Campbell mis- interprets the new theory when he says: U Therefore, says Einstein—or so I under- stand him-space is not infii-iite, etc." Ein- stein's theory only limits our own uni- verse, and, as I understand it, nothing could or can leave-it; the law of relativity confining and holding all and everything within our universe. So far as I know— and I have studied astronomy as an ama- teur all my life—no astronomer looks upon, space as anything but infinite. Nor do they deny that it is more than probable that there are other universes outside ours; in fact, they are just discussing whether it is not possible that some of the planetary ,aiid-spiral nebulae are not universes out- side ours, and which we cannot resolve be- cause of their immense distances. Many new theories are being promulgated, but they add, rather than detract, to the all- inspiring power and glory of the Creator! —Yours, etc., JAMES R. GIBBS, F.R.M.S.

DESPAIR OF FORGIVENESS. SIR,—I was both surprised and sorry to observe that Dr. Campbell, when referring to the despair which is so liable to over- whelm those who have yielded to sensual sin, omitted to point out the provision which the Church makes for such cases, viz. The benefit of absolu tion, together with ghostly counsel and advice." The assurance of pardon, given by this means, i < he utmost value to the sin-laden Sf LI, as we priests know by experience in dealing with such cases. A COUNTRY PARSON.

CO-OPERATIVE COLONIES. SIR,To those who expected that a morally healthier industrial and com- mercial England would be created after the war the actual Reconstruction in pro- gress must occasion keen disappointment. Powerful warnings have been uttered that unless other fundamental principles were adopted—not simply .conventionally re- spected and disregarded in practice—the old commercial principles would be re- stored, quickly issue in the same struggle for wealth so many deplored before the war, and ultimately occasion another war., Without nobler thoughts, whatever words we use, there cannot be nobility of action; there must be higher motives than wealth, power and pleasure if the principle of mutual service is to be practised, for the love of service. f The Mission, of Repentance and Hope started many thinking, and the Report of the Archbishops' fifth Committee of In- quiry on Christianity and Industrial Problems has presented the authorita- tive definition of what repentance should be, if. we, as a nation, are to become Chris- tians. Though this most instructive little work has not had the popularity it de- serves,'many have been stirred by its re- velation of real Christianity, and long to share in some industrial undertaking con- ducted on these principles and on a scale large enough to ensure the most economical operation. Are any such societies in existence, or in oourse of promotion, which are officially ,recognised as illustrations of Christianised business and whose members are distin- guished as Christian not by dress, or learning, or ceremonial, but by a definite nobility of character developed under con- stantly favourable conditions? Would the nearest example of a Christian Industrial Order be a Productive Co-operative Society where the last consideration is the divi- dend and all the operatives are share- holders? < Your correspondent is seeking informa- tion of co-operative colonies and similar undertakings with,the purpose of settling in one, and would be most grateful for any assistance you and your readers can supply. Surely a few ideal villages up and down the land would M more to convert England to Christianity than centuries of preaching. Europe has been nominally Christian for many centuries, yet the most 7 .v 7.? 7 4- Y V .■ ■■ :*1 ■' V V V gliantly and exhausting war the world has ever experienced has occurred, and its lessons are not appreciated sufficiently to warrant the safe adoption of Christian principles in business.—Yours faithfully, W. L. SHRUBSOLSS. Long Crendon,' Thame, Oxon.

THE ALLIANCE OF HONOUR. SIB,—In these days, when the nations a literally fighting for dear life, having ceased from mutual slaughter, they are engaged in equally grim conflict with the forces of Nature—hunger, thirst. -disea,e-wliich, having been un- chained by the demon of war, are now ravaging the earth-in such days it be- hoves all Christian men and women to unite for the preservation of their com- mon humanity. Not only must the mate- rial resources of mankind be mobilised for the general good, but all spiritual agencies must also enlist for the great campaign. The provision of food and coal we may well leave to the Government and com- mercial enterprise; but the combating of disease caUs for spiritual activity as well, for much of it springs directly from im- moral sources. The privations of five arduous years have been followed by a terrible lapse into self-indulgence, which shows itself in all kinds of foolish extra- -vagance in almost every arena of life. Never did the public-houses do such a roaring trade; never did vice proclaim its programme of lust more loudly or with greater contempt of consequences. And nothing can stem flood but a purified public opinion; while nothing can check the. torrent at its source but the spread of knowledge among the young, and the shedding abroad of the Divine Spirit in the hearts of men. It was a recognition of these facts that first called the Alliance of Honour into being some sixteen years ago, and every succeeding year has but confirmed its founders in conviction of their truth. Truly it has been an uphill struggle, but wonderful things have been achieved. At the present moment an All-round-England Campaign is being vigorously prosecuted, beginning in the north-eastern coun- ties on September 10 and spreading gradually over the whole land from Berwick to, Land's End, and is. ex- peQted to last at least four years. Then literature, bright, instructive, and scientifically accurate, is being poured out by the hundred thousand (about two mil- lions of a special brochure were distri- buted among our forces by sea and land), and the best men in the land are num- bered among ciir contributors r and speakers. Indeed our ambition is only limited by our resources. More would we do if we had more! People have little idea of the cost of this kind of work. A moderate-sized meet- ing costs, in one way or other, at least £ 20 to organise, and if the collection (apart from chairman) produces t5, we think we have not done badly.' The ex- pense of printing in these days is appal- ling, yet we cannot do without it. We therefore beg all friends of theii country, whose sympathies extend beyond their own narrow circle, to come to our help and supply the incessant needs of an ever-growing cause .-Y<)urs .truiy, E. E. BAGNALL, Joint Acting Director, Alliance of Honour. 112, City-road, E.C. 1.

ENGLISH DOLLS FOR INDIA. SIR,—Some time ago my sister, who for some years has been in India working in connection with the C.E.Z.S., wrote to ask if I could interest lady friends in doll- | making and doll-dressing, with a view to sending out parcel's of dolls to her from time to time f,ar,distribution, ae gifts and rewards,\ among the children in the homes and Zenanas to which her work took her. She«&xplained that English-made dolls.— so long as they are not of wax, which would melt in the hot weather—are much appreciated -by the native girls; and that sometimes the gift of a doll would open the wa.y more readily for friendly inter- course 'vvitli the women folk and lead on further to serious religious teaching. Possibly some ladies who read .tki; letter may find a new channel for their energies in this pleasant sort of work; and help of this kind would be very gratefully received by many other missionaries besides my eiater. I have recently been trying to interest the young people who come to my Sunday afternoon children's service-3 in mission- ary enterprise, and they have made little weekly offerings for,this purpose. It is not possible, however, with a con- stantly ohanging community to get the doll-making done in Biarritz. But I have told the children that if someone in Eng- land will kindly undertake to make up or drees the dolls and will send them out to India,, I will forward their offerings for the purchase of the heads—or .complete bodies—of such dolls at3 they will get ready and despatch abroad. It may be that some lady with a Girls' Bibte OlaiSB can find some willing helpers with needles and materials. And I should be very pleased to hear from anyone who would like to undertake to co-operate with me in this efYciTt.-Your,] truly, JOHN H. MATTHEWS, British. Chaplain. Le Presbytkre St. Andre, Biarritz, France.

THE I MPS E € AT O MY PSALMS. SIR,—I heard a sermon long" ago which relieved my mind as to Ps. cix. at all events. The explanation given was that David was not cursing his enemies, but quoting the curses that Shimei had called down on him. Perhaps light on similar lines can be given on the other impre- catory* Psalms.—Yours faithfully, H. B.

RESCUE .WORK AMONG EDUCATED GIRLS. Siit,-Will you once again afford us the hospitality of your columns to plead the cause of the Fellowship of St. Michael and All Angels and to ask for warm support for its work among girls of the educated class? The. increased expenses of house- keeping make the upkeep of the Maternity Home a terribly difficult matter. The Fellowship has, during the year, opened a nursery, which enables mothers who have returned to their home or to work to keep in touch with their babies and to realise their responsibility for them. It is, further, highly desirable that a Home for girls not eligible for the Maternity Home (closed during the war) should be re- opened. We believe the society to be valu- able to the Church and the nation, and we do earnestly ask that it may meet with such generous help as may free it from the, paralysing effect of an overdrawn account at the bank and enable it to go forward and do the work waiting to be done. All information as to the objects and methods of the work can be obtained from the Secretary, 5, Bloomfield-terrace, S,W. 1. All contributions should be sent to the Treasurer, 5, Blobmfield-te'rrace. Cheques should be maab, payable- to the Fellowship and crossed "Lloyds Bank a/c Fellowship of St. Michael." V A. F. LONDON, Visitor; JOHN KKNSIVOTON, President; Y A. CYPRIAN BOIKNE WEISB, Treasurer,

MRS EDGHILL'S THANKS. t Sib,—I wish to thank you. most gratefully t. for putting my letter on behalf of reduced I gentle people into your paper last week. I have had a little over £40 sent me, and I am more than thankful. I have written to everyone who gave me their address, but | a few kind donors sent me their gifts [ anonymously, and I wish to thank them now.—Yours, etc., MARY EDGHILL. I

TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILWAYS. ENGLAND'S OPPORTUNITY. ? SPEAKING at the monthly General Meeting of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, on Tuesday, the John Goodchild, F.R.G.S., re- mind-ed the audience that the building of the Canadian Pacific, by opening up the prairie for settlement, had thrown a tremendous burden on to the shoulders of the Church. If we consider the opportunities I offered by railway building in the East- the Baghdad Railway is a typical example—the problem before the Church is complicated by the difficulties of language and the need for medical work. Recruits should be in training, not for the needs of the present time, but for j five years ahead. Already steps are be- ing taken to link Teheran with Baghdad, and far to the eastward the develop- ment of the China Railway presents opportunities on a scale that we in England can hardly recognise. During the war a number of lines have been completed in Africa, and the links connecting one system with another have been built. All Europe is crying out for raw j material which Africa can supply in un- limited quantities when once the rail- ways are built. For the native the railway means civilisation, and civilisation means power. Christianity alone can make that power a blessing. A civilised Africa, heathen or Christian—that is the issue; the opportunity lies with England, These transcontinental routes should be chains of mission stations, schools, hospitals, churches. The whole A problem is not merely big, it is colossal; rightly presented it should be big j enough to capture the imagination of our people—a call to service on such a scale as the world has never seen. i

LIVERPOOL CHARITIES. ) Liverpool is full of excellent local charities which rather exhaust the op- portttnities or sympathies of the strictly limited number of people who can give Y time and energy to social or charitable work. This may account for the fact that the Report of the Diocesan Board of Missions lately 'published records of con- ? tributions towards missionary work hardly proportionate" tQ Liverpool's t wealth and importance as a port. The total sum /contributed was £16,272 r 19s. 6d., of which the C.M.S. got | klO,366 9s 8d., and the S.P.G. t, £ 2,905 12s. 5d. These sums represent, # however, an excess of £ 1,658 over the pre- vious year—and only three parishes seem to have contributed nothing. f It is interesting to compare these figures with those of the report issued from the town hall of the funds raised there during the war. It is not easy to arrive at the precise total, but it would appear that during the period of the war something like C5,52,140 was raised by these appeals for war relief. This in- cludes £ 64,094 to the Y.M.C.A. and £ 1,200 to the Syria and Palestine Fund. r-

CLOSING OF A LIVERPOOL CHURCH. "The closing of St. Peter's Church, how- ever inevitable, wa's felt to be a severe loss for those who valued: a sanctuary in the heart of the shopping centre of the city, to which they could' withdraw. There' is no doubt whatever that the ■ church was used and valued greatly for w this purpose. The Rector has, however, in some degree met this difficulty by fit- ting up ,a chapel in School-lane, where a daily celebration and Evensong are regu- larly held. -And still care is given to the list of those who fell in the war which hangs on the north side of the church. It is hardly possible to read the list from the street, but the picture of the Great Sacrifice is always surrounded with fresh flowers, and serves to remind passers-by of the price that was paid for their free- dom.

SOCIETY FOR THE ASSISTANCE IF LADIES IN REDUCED CIRCUMSTANCES. FINANCE COMMITTEE. WANTED MONEY FOR COALS AND CHRISTMAS GIFTS. Kind friends, please remember my poor Ladies, and send me money for Coals and money for Christmas gifts. We have over j 200 Ladies to help, and some we support entirely. 44 EDITH SMALL WOOD, Hon. Sec., Lancaster House, Malvera.