Presbyterian Book of Common Worship
The Presbyterians, after a three years' effort, have adopted a prayer book entitled the "Book of Common Worship." We have not seen it, but the Sabbath Recorder says of it that "considerable struggle has taken place over the introduction of such a book of worship; but the majority of Presbyterians represented in the General Assembly ordered it." Also that "the book is in many respects similar to the 'Book of Common Prayer' of the Episcopal Church." Such disasters as recently befell San Francisco are happily provided for in the following petition: Almighty God, who art a very present help in time of trouble; let not the heart of Thy people fail when fear cometh, but do Thou sustain and comfort them until these calamities be overpast; and since Thou knowest the cause and reason why this grievous disaster of earthquake and fire hath fallen upon men, so do Thou heal the hurt and wounded, console the bereaved and afflicted, protect the innocent and helpless, and deliver any who are still in peril, for Thy great mercy's sake. Amen. To people in this vicinity it would almost seem that this prayer was prepared for the special occasion, but the compilation was a previous work, and no doubt there will be occasions for its use in other localities in the future. We are in the time of "earthquakes in divers places."