A discourse concerning liturgies

Thus were the Devotions of the Heathen regulated; but the Christians, says Tertullian, (describing them in opposition to the Gentiles) had no such Monitor, did need no such Prompter; their Prayers are not de Scripto, but de Pectore. In Answer to this, thus much is granted, That the Christians in those times prayed without Book; and so it is acknowledged, that those who read their public Prayers out of a Book, are therein nothing like the Ancient Christians, but more resemble the Pagans in that mode of Praying, for which Tertullian ⟨p. 125⟩here derides them. This cannot be denied, it seems; yet, which is the only shift left them, de Pectore, they will have to be no more than saying their Prayers by heart.

Thus were the Devotions of the Heathen regulated; but the Christians, says Tertullian, (describing them in opposition to the Gentiles) had no such Monitor, did need no such Prompter; their Prayers are not de Scripto, but de Pectore. In Answer to this, thus much is granted, That the Christians in those times prayed without Book; and so it is acknowledged, that those who read their publick Prayers out of a Book, are therein nothing like the Antient Christians, but more resemble the Pagans in that mode of Praying, for which Tertullian ⟨p. 125⟩here derides them. This cannot be denied, it seems; yet, which is the only shift left them, de Pectore, they will have to be no more than saying their Prayers by heart.

But this is not to Pray de Pectore, but de Memoria, not as their heart moves and prompts them, but as their memory serves them.

And this supposes, that in those times they had written Liturgies, and were wont to get their Prayers by heart; for which they should produce some expression, or intimation, or show of proof, from some credible Author of that Age, before they take it for granted. I have yet seen no proof of it, and I am confident never shall.