The practice and experience of Christian worship; a study of Biblical and ecclesiastical worship practices with especial reference to the origin and development of the worship service of Episcopal Methodism

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Preface

THE lectures that follow are the product of an earnest effort to give a conspectus of the worship practices of the Christian Church and of the Jewish institution out of which the Church arose through the revelation and atoning work of our Lord. They do not lay claim to making an original contribution to the topics of the several lectures, but I trust they may not be without value for students as showing the historical course of the parallel streams of Sacrifice and Prayer, and their beautiful and significant issue in the worship of the Church, by which our own spiritual experience is enriched. I desire chiefly, however, that by these lectures some inspiration may be afforded those upon whom rests the responsibility of leading congregations in public worship; and that thereby the enjoyment of Christians in the use of this means of grace may be made both deeper and more definite. I trust also that the study of worship and, above all, the practice of worship may become an aid toward the unity of the Body of Christ among Christians of differing and divisive theological opinions.

Many of the numerous books that issue from the press upon the subject of Worship are concerned with practical directions for the conduct of public worship. In view of this supply, I feel free to treat a et the subject from another point of view, trusting rather to stimulate ministers and lay Churchmen to a just appreciation of the Christian’s privilege of communion and fellowship.

The printed page preserves the original form of preparation for oral delivery. I am indebted to many books that cannot be referred to in the footnotes, by means of which I have acknowledged my indebtedness to others. Quotations from the Bible are in the superior translation of the American Revised version (Thomas Nelson & Sons). From the text of ‘‘The Songs, Hymns, and Prayers of the Old Testament,’’ by Charles Foster Kent (Scribners), I have made two important quotations. To my friend Dr. W. P. King, editor of the Methodist Quarterly Review, I am indebted for the suggestion of the form of title chosen; to Mr. Curtis B. Haley, Assistant to the Book Editor, for typographical suggestions and careful correction of proof, as well of matter as of form. The Cokesbury Press has achieved a record-breaking piece of manufacture in making available the completed book within a month of the time when the “‘copy”’ was placed in their hands.

FITZGERALD SALE PARKER.

NASHVILLE, TENN., March 24, 1929.