1/85] REV. WILLIAM SMITH, D. D. 153 



The press began on Monday, and Mr. Hall assures me it shall work 



constantly; and that when the assembly shall rise, he will set two 



presses agoing. 



I am, yours, etc., 



W. White. 

 Dr. Smith. 



I suppose it will be best in the Ash Wednesday Service to omit the 

 Commination Psalm, which may be read on that occasion in the proper 

 place; and to introduce the prayer immediately after the collect, with 

 a rubric, directing the reading of them after the Litany and imme- 

 diately before the General Thanksgiving. 



Rev. Dr. White to Rev. Dr. Smith. 



Philadelphia, November 23, 1785. 



Dear Sir: No letter came to hand from you to-day, which I suppose 

 is owing to your visit to Annapolis ; and that on your return you will 

 carefully revise the Psalms and examine the division I have proposed. 



On looking over the offices as they stand prepared in the Prayer 

 Book, I determined to propose the following matters to your considera- 

 tion : 



1. In the Baptismal Service, will it not be best to omit the command 

 to kneel at the latter part of it, this being often inconvenient, espe- 

 cially in private houses? As we have shortened the printing of the 

 private baptism, by referring to the public for all that follows the 

 declaration, "We receive this child," etc., may it not be further 

 shortened by reference as follows? viz. : after the address, "I certify 

 you," etc., insert this rubric — 



Then shall follow the gospel from St. Mark x. 13, with the exhortation and prayer 

 following the same, as in the form of Public Baptism. 



2. In the beginning of the Marriage Service, we have changed the 

 word congregation into the word company. Quaere, is not either word 

 improper, as there used, if it be in a private room, and will it not be 

 better to speak only of our being in the sight of God ? 



jdly. In the Burial Service, this verse was struck out, " Lord, let me 

 know my end," etc. But as it stands in the Burial Service is it not 

 unexceptionable, and will it not be the best introduction of the Psalm? 



4thly. In the Forms at Sea, there are two Thanksgiving Psalms. I 

 think one (viz. : the last) will be sufficient. 



I was in hopes of having for you the fifth form from the press, but 

 am disappointed. The two enclosed forms will be finally struck off this 



week. 



I am, yours, etc., 



W. White. 

 Rev. Dr. Smith. 



