use of a pre-composed form, as in any extempora- neous effusions of our own : and it is certain, that persons may be very fluent in the expressions of prayer without the smallest spiritual influence upon their minds ; and that they may, on the other hand, be very fervent in prayer, though the expressions be already provided to their hand : and consequently, the promised assistance of the Spirit is perfectly consistent with the use of prayers that have been pre-composed.
But the lawfulness of forms of prayer is in this day
pretty generally conceded. Many however still
question their expediency. We proceed therefore to
shew next, that the use of the Liturgy is expedient
for us.
Here let it not be supposed that I am about to condemn those who differ from us in judgment or in practice. The legislature has liberally conceded to all the subjects of the realm a right of choice ; and God forbid that any one should wish to abridge them of it, in a matter of such high concern as the worship of Almighty God. If any think themselves more edified by extempore prayer, we rejoice that their souls are benefited, though it be not precisely in our way : but still we cannot be insensible to the advan- tages which we enjoy ; and much less can we con- cede, to any, that the use of a prescribed form of prayer is the smallest disadvantage.
We say, then, that the Liturgy was of great use at the time it was made. At the commencement of the Reformation, the most lamentable ignorance pre- vailed throughout the land : and even those who from their office ought to have been well instructed in the Holy Scriptures, themselves needed to be taught what were the first principles of the oracles of God. If then the pious and venerable Reformers of our Church had not provided a suitable form of prayer, the people would still in many thousands of parishes have remained in utter darkness ; but by the diffusion of this sacred light throughout the land, every part of the kingdom became in a good