Hints on the Conduct of Public Worship

To the Editor—Dear Sir.

My experience, as a hearer of the Gospel, prompts me to offer, with your leave, a few remarks, in connection with Public Worship, which those whom they may concern would, I think, do well to notice. I do this not only for my own sake, but for those who like myself, labour under the physical infirmity of having ears dull of hearing, and for others who either cannot read or have no book.

I am attached to my own place of worship, and would generally prefer being in my own place there to join in worship; but I look at the preacher's plan, and find a brother appointed to preach who, although he has got a good voice, has such an unfortunate habit of speaking in different keys, that I can but imperfectly hear him; and to hear only detached sentences delivered by a preacher, you sir, will allow, is not calculated to afford me much edification, and consequently I go to some other place of worship, in the hope of hearing better.

The worship of Almighty God is a solemn duty, and ought to be so conducted that the people may engage therein with both heart and soul.

May I be allowed to say, that a preacher of Christ's holy Gospel should be an example to believers, in prompt attendance, should join in the worship, in his reading and pronunciation be correct and emphatic, with a voice sufficiently clear and audible to be heard by all who are attentive.

With these preliminary remarks I venture to submit to my brethren a few things by way of recommendation, viz:—

1st. That the page of the Hymn Book be given out twice distinctly, and if need be a third or fourth time, during the singing, which would act as a gentle hint to the late comers (for they are many,) that their habit of coming late needs correction.

2nd. That the preacher stand during prayer, in order that his prayer may be better heard, and that the people may "say amen at his giving of thanks."

I am disposed to think that, for the edification of the worshippers, the attitude of standing is not less acceptable to Almighty God than kneeling half buried in the Pulpit. Long, fine formal prayers, are an abuse of the privilege.

3rd. That the Chapters to be read, &c., be so distinctly enunciated that even persons hard-of-hearing may not be at a loss to find them.

4th. That the attitude of the preacher in general, be as though he was addressing those persons near and below the clock before him; I say in general, because a rigid adherence to this attitude would appear stiff, whereas deviations from it in angles of from 20 to 30 degrees, and occasionally even a little more, would not greatly inconvenience his auditory.

The habit of turning about, east, west, and north, is a great hindrance to a preacher being heard, and I am sure that which cannot be heard, cannot profit.

v 5th. That when the Lord's Supper is to be administered, the previous service be short: so short, that family claims may not cause any one to go away who would gladly remain among the communicants.

6th. That not more than one Hymn be selected from the Supplement, at any one service, unless the preacher can tell the people on what page in the conference Hymn Book it is to be found, for many of the Association friends, and especially the Sabbath scholars, buy the conference Hymn Books of the Booksellers. I have known all the three hymns to be selected from the Supplement, and have been distressed to see the congregation so much disturbed and disappointed, as such cases inevitably occasion.

Lastly, I beg to recommend to all the worshippers in the Association thehabit of EARLY ATTENDANCE.

Leeds, July 5th. An Aged Local Preacher