A26892:6904
A Christian Directory
A Christian directory, or, A sum of practical theology and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortify every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.A Christian directory, or, A summ of practical theologie and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortifie every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2. We must not lightly differ from the customs of the Churches where we live in such a thing.
2. We must not lightly differ from the customes of the Churches where we live in such a thing.
3. According to the present state of our Churches, and the signification of gestures, and the necessities of mens bodies, all considered, I like best, 1. To kneel in Prayer and Confession of sin (unless it be in crowded Congregations where there is not room.) 2. To stand up in actions of mere Praise to God, that is, at the singing and reading of the Psalms of praise, and at the other Hymns. 3. To sit at the hearing of the Word read and preached▪ (Because the body hath a necessity of some rest).
3. According to the present state of our Churches, and the signification of gestures, and the necessities of mens bodies, all considered, I like best, 1. To kneel in Prayer and Confession of sin (unless it be in crowded Congregations where there is not room.) 2. To stand up in actions of meer Praise to God, that is, at the singing and reading of the Psalms of praise, and at the other Hymnes. 3. To sit at the hearing of the Word read and preached▪ (Because the body hath a necessity of some rest).
4. Had I my choice, I would receive the Lords Supper sitting: But where I have not; I will use the gesture which the Church useth. And it is to be noted that the Church of England requireth the Communicant only to R••••ive it kneeling; but not to Eat or drink it kneeling when they have received it. The ancient Churches took it for for an universal custom, established by many general Councils, (and continued many hundred years) that no Churches should kneel in any act of Adoration upon any Lords day in the year, or any week day between Easter and Whitsuntide; but only stand all the time. But because the weariness of the body is apt to draw the mind into Consent, and make Gods service burdensome to us, it seemeth a sufficient compliance with their custom and the