AN OUTLINE OF THE PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC WORSHIP. BY CHARLES EDWARD DOUGLASS, M.A., INCUMBENT OF ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, BRIGHTON. OTHER "All with one accord in one place." Τὸ ἄθροισμα τῶν ταις εὐχᾶις ἀνακειμένων, μίαν ὥσπερ ἔχον LONDON: JOHN HENRY AND JAMES PARKER, 377, STRAND. BRIGHTON : H. AND C. TREACHER, 1, NORTH STREET, 100. g. 171 BODE TO THE CHURCH, TO THE CONGREGATION OF ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, AND TO HER WHO MORE THAN ANY ONE ELSE IN THE WORLD HAS AGREED WITH ME TOUCHING WHAT WE SHOULD ASK OF OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN. PREFACE. THE following is but an outline of a subject whose depths it would be difficult to sound. Some of the more refined views of it I have omitted even to mention, partly because their very refinement renders them useless to the ordinary reader, and partly because they seem too much the product of individual philosophizing: I have myself endeavoured to resist the temptation to build up any system of my own. If I have expressed a merely private opinion anywhere, as perhaps in the last Lecture, it has been, I trust, in regard to questions where I may fairly have such an opinion and frankly express it, my simple purpose being to meet other opinions which are not, as it appears to me, in harmony with the living voice of the Church of England. As a loving and faithful member of that Church, I have sought to keep always in view, her edifying and positive, as well as her militant and protesting character. The substance of the book consists of Lectures delivered on the Wednesdays of Lent, 1866. I have retained the form of Lectures as best expressing the actual motive of the trea. tise ; but I have made additions and alterations wherever my subject seemed to require them. Hence some things will be found printed which I could not well have preached. My wish has been to do good in an humble way. If I could have laid my hands upon another elementary work which would have quite answered my purpose, I should have shrunk from a task for which I deem my powers inadequate. Enough has been said, I trust, even in outline, to help those who are anxious to find principles of a kindly and comprehensive yet firm and truthful character whereon to rest amidst the ritual controversies of the day. I especially desire to please those who have urged me to publish my little book and have kindly enabled me to do so without loss. If it conduce, directly or indirectly, to the greater glory of God, I shall be well content. The proceeds of the sale, if any, will be given to the Fund for the Renovation of St. Stephen's Church. |