Page:The Parson's Handbook - 2nd ed.djvu/13

 the criticisms on this point afford a curious illustration of the strength with which generations of careless slovenlihood have impressed us. If I had written a Cricketer's Handbook, no one would have complained of minutiæ ; if a Cookery Book, every one would have been up in arms against me for the superficial treatment of a great and serious subject. Yet I cannot help thinking that the worship of God calls for as careful treatment as the playing of games, and that an orderly complement of accessories is as necessary in the church as in the scullery.

In this edition I have carefully revised the text ; and I must express my obligations to the Rev. F. E. Brightman and the Rev. W. H. Frere for their suggestions and corrections, as well as to Mr. W. A. Luning to whom throughout I have been greatly indebted.

I can only add that I shall always be grateful for any further suggestions which may lead to the improvement of this book. No one can be more sensible than I of its many deficiencies.