A man should adapt his personal usage in these
minor details to whatever appears to be customary in the particular
church in which he is worshipping.
It is often extremely difficult for the clergy to know personally the
men of their congregations, since it is rare in most neighbourhoods
for the men to be at home during the hours when it is possible for the
clergy to visit. In these circumstances a man ought to be willing to
take the initiative in making himself known to the clergy of his
parish, and to co-operate as far as possible in any effort which may
be made, through parochial Church Councils or otherwise, to develop
the spirit of fellowship in a congregation. There is very often about
Anglican Church worship a stiffness and frigidity which badly needs to
be broken down. Appropriated seats, where they exist, are a particular
curse, and anything which can be done in the way of abandoning chosen
seats, even if "bought and paid for," to strangers in the interests of
charity is a real piece of Christian service. A stranger ought not to
be made to feel uncomfortable, but to be welcomed in every possible
way.
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