existence of a pure church. As our 19th article expresses it," the visible church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in the which the pure word of God is preached, and the sacraments be duly administered, according to Christ's ordinance, in all those things that are of necessity requisite to the same." But as respects worship, we believe the manner of it is nowhere established by divine command. In the words of our 34th article, it may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and men's manners, so that nothing be ordained against God's word." And in accordance with this sentiment, the Preface to our Book of Common Prayer says "It is a most invaluable part of that blessed liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, that in his worship different forms and usages may without offence be allowed, provided the substance of the faith be kept entire; and that, in every church, what cannot be clearly determined to belong to doctrine must be referred to discipline; and therefore, by common consent and authority, may be altered, abridged, enlarged, amended, or otherwise disposed of, as may seem most convenient for the edification of the people, according to the various exigencies of times and occasions." per The simple inquiry then for every Christian to make is this, what form of worship is most expedient and pro? Which tends most to the preservation of peace and unity in the church, the procuring of reverence, and the exciting of piety and devotion in the worship of God? Which guards most securely against the introduction of schism, heresy, and error? He need not, ask, which is most lawful in public worship, extempore prayer, or precomposed forms? for both are equally lawful; and extempore prayer is as much a form, for the congregation to pray by, as the liturgy is; but the question is, which is the most decent and proper, the most rational and edifying, the most befitting those who feel, as they enter into the presence of the adorable Jehovah, the importance of the admonition-be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God?* The subjects thus briefly touched upon, will be considered more fully hereafter. It is the design of the writer to set forth, in as clear and concise a manner as possible, the claims of the Protestant Episcopal Church in these United States, to a sound and scriptural creed, a divinely constituted ministry, and a pure and primitive, a rational and edifying manner of worship. The inquiry, by the help of divine grace, shall be conducted with mildness and candour, and so as not to "wound" the weakest conscience. Towards christian ministers of other denominations, the author desires to entertain none but the kindliest feelings. However much he may differ from them in many points, however much he may think they err in their doctrines, in their views of the ministry, and in their modes of worship, to their sincerity, and zeal, and piety, he freely bears testimony; he can even number among them some of his dearest personal friends; and the Great Searcher of hearts knows, as respects strength of faith, purity of heart and life, and entire devotion to God's * Eccles. v. 2. will and service, how earnestly he desires to be altogether such as they are. He can cordially extend the hand of friendship to every brother, who loves our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity; and to all such he can truly say, Grace be with you, and peace. But he by no means considers it a matter of indifference to what church a christian belongs-whether it is sound in faith and doctrine, apostolic in ministry, and pure and enlightened in worship, or not. He verily believes that that church, which the Divine Redeemer purchased with his own most precious blood, must show in doctrine uncorruptness; that church which he entrusted to his beloved apostles, and with whom as its constituted guardian, he promises to be “always, even unto the end of the world," must be able to prove that her ministry continues apostolic in its origin; that church, which is intended to fit and prepare mankind for the endless worship of Jehovah in his heavenly temple, must, on earth, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness, or it can have no claims to our respect and love. No subjects can be presented to the mind of a christian, of more commanding importance than these. If the following pages should aid the reader in his honest inquiries, if they should remove any of the existing prejudices against the church, if they should confirm attachments, already formed, to those doctrines, that ministry, and that worship, which the author believes in his heart, (with all due respect for the piety, and wisdom, and zeal of others,) is more sound, more apostolic, more pure, than in any other church on earth-if these prejudices are removed, or these attachments strengthened, by his humble labours, his object will be attained; while all the glory and praise shall be ascribed to HIM, from whom all good gifts do come. Thus saith the Lord-Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.-Jer. vi. 16. |