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PREFACE.

ALTHOUGH there are many able works on the subject of the Church Prayers, yet as these are generally adapted rather to the use of Divines and Scholars, than of the community in general, the Author of the following pages hopes, that this Manual, which condenses some of their arguments, and sets forth in a compendious view the Apostolicity, and Evangelical harmony and excellency of our Daily Service, may not be altogether unacceptable. The respective authorities which he has adduced may be found in almost every work on the subject; but the Author humbly hopes, that the mode

of arrangement exhibited in this Manual, and the plan of giving the Scripture Authority, and Established Custom, together with the Observation attached to each Prayer, may, from their novelty and conciseness, be found more extensively useful.

For those members of the English Church who may not have other opportunities for a more extended investigation of the subject, and for the young whose minds are susceptible of impressions which every parent would rejoice to infix and convert into principles in the minds of his children, this work is principally intended.

It is not presumed that this defence of Forms, which the Author has attempted to prove founded in Scripture, and in perfect accordance with the custom of the Church of God through all ages, should convince those of the Christian heritage who from conscience and prin

ciple abjure them; but still it is hoped, that whilst they remain steadfast to their modes of worship, they will have the candour to acknowledge, that ours is a form of godliness which may not lightly be spoken against, without bringing into contempt what is sacred alike for its Authority and Evangelical excellency.

It will be enough for the Author, if this Manual shall excite among his brethren a higher relish for the performance of their important office in conducting the prayers of the congregation, and among the people a more intelligent observance of public and common worship, and consequently a more spiritual, lively, and devout attention in the Church. For such spirituality of congregational devotion would accompany them "in their goings out, and comings in," and be followed by a more faithful discharge of all their other duties, as men and members of society, and above all, as Christians.

Their progressive holiness and " growing in grace" would be in conformity with that beautiful arrangement of progressive godliness set forth in the Forms of the Church, modelled upon that amazing plan of redemption which in due time was revealed to the world.

The Ministers of the Establishment cannot be insensible to this arrangement, which, step by step, leads men to a knowledge of spiritual things. How progressively the way of salvation is traced out in the several portions of Scripture embodied in our Forms, both in the daily Service itself, and in the successive appointments throughout the year! What a PLAN is laid down by the compilers of our Public Worship, for the direction of those who," with a zeal according to knowledge," are called upon to lead the people "in the way they should go," by easy advances to the Hill of Sion; from which, in one broad and boundless view,

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