A discourse concerning liturgies

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.

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 shew 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.

Certainly, it was a hard task (and required so good a memory, as all cannot be supposed to have had, who were employed therein) to get all the Prayers they then used by heart. Since the Christians then continued, and principally in Prayer, sometimes Nine hours (and this twice every Week) in their ^dStations; sometimes Twelve ⟨p. 126⟩hours, as at their Fasts, besides what were usual at their Vigils, Festivals, and Lords-days Assemblies, at their Baptizings, Ordinations, reconciling Penitents, and other occasions; all requiring variety of Prayers.

Certainly, it was a hard task (and required so good a memory, as all cannot be supposed to have had, who were imployed therein) to get all the Prayers they then used by heart. Since the Christians then continued, and principally in Prayer, sometimes Nine hours (and this twice every Week) in their ^dStations; sometimes Twelve ⟨p. 126⟩hours, as at their Fasts, besides what were usual at their Vigils, Festivals, and Lords-days Assemblies, at their Baptizings, Ordinations, reconciling Penitents, and other occasions; all requiring variety of Prayers.