A TABLE OF PORTIONS OF HOLY SCRIPTURE TO BE READ IN PUBLIC WORSHIP. Reading of the Word in the Congregation, being part of the Public Worship of God, wherein we acknowledge our dependence upon Him and subjection to Him, and one means sanctified by Him for the edifying of His people, is to be performed by the Pastor and teacher. How large a portion shall be read at once, is left to the wisdom of the Minister; but it is convenient that ordinarily one chapter of each Testament be read at every meeting; and sometimes more, where the chapters be short, or the coherence of matter requireth it. It is requisite that all the Canonical Books be read over in order, that the people may be better acquainted with the whole body of the Scriptures: and ordinarily, where the reading in either Testament endeth on one Lord's Day, it is to begin the next. Directory for Worship, by the Westminster Divines: § 2. The following order has been prepared to facilitate selection. A LMIGHTY GOD, who of Thy great mercy hast gathered us into Thy visible Church: Grant that we may not swerve from the purity of Thy worship; but so honour Thee both in spirit and in outward forms, that Thy Name in us may be glorified, and we be indeed the members of Thine Only-begotten Son. And as He hath sanctified Himself for our sakes, may we through His Spirit be made partakers of the same sanctification: Until at length He shall bring us into His heavenly Kingdom, which He hath purchased for us with His own blood. AMEN. CALVIN. |