On this page
-
Text (1)
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
the fire which consumed the tawdry and the more tasteful orna * merits of that corrupt worship . They assumed the presbyterian form . They prayed as they were moved by the Holy Ghost , by a mind sanctified in the love of truth , aware of the circumstances of
the time , enlightened by the knowledge of the scriptures . They adapted their prayers to the state of their church ; and they have as a body been exemplary for * their gift , ' and have had to bless God for its quickening effect on the souls of men .
In England the glorious work was effected more cautiously , more timidly . The many were less hearty in the cause , and more unwilling to adopt a thorough change . There was the politic retention of much that had been . They satisfied themselves with omissions ,, and the people were allured to the new worship , by making it cunningly resemble the old .
Saint-worship was discarded , but saints days were kept . The virgin mother was stripped of her adoration , but her miraculous history was prominently put forth . The sacraments were reduced , but more were retained than Christianity prescribes . Hence we have a mottled combination of Popery and Protestantism , of the old leaven and the new meal , and reason , which effected the
reformation , is effectually checked in its noble progress by the temporizing timidity which forbad all further change . The expediency of using one form of devotional service , has always appeared to us more than doubtful . We know how much mankind are prone to become mere formalists ; how much the reading of the scriptures , especially favourite parts , takes place , without one glimmering of its genuine meaning ever arresting the mind * And when language is very familiar it is too common for the
mere words to satisfy those who use them ; the sense and the spirit attract no share of attention and thought . Something of vanity appears necessary to quicken intellect ; and he must be sadly ignorant of the power and natural bent of the mind , even when it has not enjoyed the advantages of great mental culture , who is not aware that such novelty of thought and expression as a judicious minister will adopt , so far from distracting attention , powerfully aids the true effect of devotion .
Should any infelicity of expression occur in a form which is constantly repeated , it is only by this mere formal use which we deprecate , that it can escape detection ; and if it be observed , it will always be a painful interruption to that singleness of thought which in devotion should prevail . Should any petitions unsuited to the circumstances of an audience occur , they can feel no interest in offering them as their own , and here again they are drawn to present prayers apparently devout , but in reality the mere language of the lips .
We are aware of the general admiration which has prevailed and been expressed of the liturgy of the Church of England ; nd if we are not prepared to join in this indiscriminate eulogy ,
Untitled Article
The Liturgy . 999
-
-
Citation
-
Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), May 2, 1833, page 299, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2614/page/11/
-