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APPENDIX D. 283 to us under the highest sanction of uninspired authority. It is in fact a joint work of the wisest and best men that have been found scattered along through the entire range of the Christian era to the sixteenth century. But the work, after all, speaks for itself, and, by whomsoever used, is sure to make impressions of its own holy character. I have never yet seen the Christian, or the man, who could open his mouth against it, on the ground of its intrinsic merits. It is admitted to comprehend every subject of prayer, and the wide scope of Scripture history, devotion, doctrine, and precept. 2. The prescribed'service of the Episcopal Church is objected to as an irksome repetition, and therefore unprofitable. That the public services, under the head of Morning and Evening Prayers, are the same throughout the year, is true; and I have'shown that the public prayers of other denominations, who reject these and all prescribed forms, are notwithstanding for the most part set forms; and it is equally true that they are in general nearly a repetition. The difference in this particular is too trifling to be made of any account, especially when balanced against other considerations, which will generally be allowed to operate in favor of the Episcopal service and against these. For example: The prayers of the Episcopal Church are short, having intervals occupied by the choir and by reading of the Scriptures. This gives variety and relieves from irksomeness. The language also is pure and comprehensive, and equally adapted to all minds. Whereas, in the other case, the principal prayer is long—often uncommonly so. Not unfrequently it occupies a half hour, till everybody is tired. Besides, the language often offends good taste; the subjects are sometimes treated awkwardly, so as to give pain instead of promoting edification; topics are occasionally touched in a manner very objectionable ; and the minds of a large portion of the congregation are unavoidably occupied in criticism, rather than joining in worship. But those who habitually attend on the Episcopal service have no room for criticism, and no provocation. If they are pious and devout, the prescribed form, so far as it occurs as a repetition, is a help to their devotions. Repetition there must be in all modes of worship; it is unavoidable. And
Title | The comprehensive church |
Creator | Vail, Thomas H. (Thomas Hubbard) |
Publisher | Appleton |
Place of Publication | New York |
Date | 1879 |
Language | eng |
Type | Books/Pamphlets |
Title | 00000287 |
Type | Books/Pamphlets |
Transcript | APPENDIX D. 283 to us under the highest sanction of uninspired authority. It is in fact a joint work of the wisest and best men that have been found scattered along through the entire range of the Christian era to the sixteenth century. But the work, after all, speaks for itself, and, by whomsoever used, is sure to make impressions of its own holy character. I have never yet seen the Christian, or the man, who could open his mouth against it, on the ground of its intrinsic merits. It is admitted to comprehend every subject of prayer, and the wide scope of Scripture history, devotion, doctrine, and precept. 2. The prescribed'service of the Episcopal Church is objected to as an irksome repetition, and therefore unprofitable. That the public services, under the head of Morning and Evening Prayers, are the same throughout the year, is true; and I have'shown that the public prayers of other denominations, who reject these and all prescribed forms, are notwithstanding for the most part set forms; and it is equally true that they are in general nearly a repetition. The difference in this particular is too trifling to be made of any account, especially when balanced against other considerations, which will generally be allowed to operate in favor of the Episcopal service and against these. For example: The prayers of the Episcopal Church are short, having intervals occupied by the choir and by reading of the Scriptures. This gives variety and relieves from irksomeness. The language also is pure and comprehensive, and equally adapted to all minds. Whereas, in the other case, the principal prayer is long—often uncommonly so. Not unfrequently it occupies a half hour, till everybody is tired. Besides, the language often offends good taste; the subjects are sometimes treated awkwardly, so as to give pain instead of promoting edification; topics are occasionally touched in a manner very objectionable ; and the minds of a large portion of the congregation are unavoidably occupied in criticism, rather than joining in worship. But those who habitually attend on the Episcopal service have no room for criticism, and no provocation. If they are pious and devout, the prescribed form, so far as it occurs as a repetition, is a help to their devotions. Repetition there must be in all modes of worship; it is unavoidable. And |
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