Directory for the Public Worship of God
James Dodson
Though great efforts were put forth during the times of the kings to effect reform, yet the vestiges of idolatry were often left untouched. It is noted as a defect in the reform wrought in the days of the kings that...
First prepare the heart, then stretch forth thy hands in prayer. This duty of heart preparation is held forth in the following considerations: 1.) The fixing or preparing of the heart is that which precedes the service of God, Ps. 57:7, 8; Judges...
Isa. 66:2; Jer. 23:29; Rom. 10:17. It is a mark and sign of dependence and subjection to God noted throughout the Scriptures, Ex. 24:7. Question 2.—Is the reading of the word a means sanctified by God for the edifying of his people? Answer.—Yes. Luke 16:29. Thus it appears: 1.) It was the...
It is a great part of our adoration of God to have a proper estimation of our own meanness and unworthiness to draw near to God and speak to him, 2 Sam. 7:18-22. Question 2.—Ought there to be a confession of sinfulness by reason of Original sin? Answer.—Yes. Ps. 51:5. So far from...
Clearly, preaching of the word is that instrument ordained by God to be the power of God unto salvation, 1 Cor. 1:21; Rom. 1:15, 16. It is one of the greatest and most excellent works entrusted to those in the ministry, 1 Cor. 9:16; 2 Cor. 2:12. Indeed, other duties of Gospel ministers...
The Word of God is likened unto a hammer and ought to be wielded with precision, Jer. 23:29. Its message should be pointed, not dulled, Matt. 3:7. Question 2.—Ought he to do this, though it prove to be a work of great difficulty...
Prayer is the means by which all things lawful are sanctified unto God’s appointed use, 1 Tim. 4:5. It is through prayer that it can be expected that the word preached is effectual to the salvation of those who...
Whether children or adults, baptism is not to be unnecessarily delayed, Luke 18:16; Acts 8:36. Christ’s command to his ministers was to baptize, and that, as long as there is a standing ministry, Matt. 28:19, 20. Those who by deliberation reject the sign and seal of the covenant...
The word often indicates that the supper is repeatable and that more than seldom, Heb. 9:25, 26. Under the Law, God prescribed the times of the sacraments, but under the Gospel circumstances are at more liberty, and spiritualness is more called for. In this sacrament...
The Lord requires us not only to take heed of the matter of our duties, but also to the manner of them. As we must seek God in due ordinances, so we must seek Him in due order, 1 Chron. 15:13. We must, therefore, remember the sabbath before it come so as...
Marriage is a creation ordinance, not a sacrament. It is common to mankind and of public interest in every commonwealth. The essence of marriage lies in a mutual compact between a man and a woman, whereby they bind themselves to an indissoluble...
All that labor in word and doctrine, are bound to preach the Gospel publicly, but this is a part, not the whole, of the ministry they have received of the Lord. Undoubtedly, some of the greatest labors wrought on behalf of the Gospel have...
The body, being prepared for burial, John 19:40; Acts 9:37, upon the day of burial is to be decently attended from the place of preparation to the place appointed for public burial. The place of burial is not to be under the “altar,” or in the place of assembling the Church, for...
When our Saviour excuses his apostles for not fasting, he does not say that fasting was abrogated, but reserves it for calamitous times, and conjoins it with mourning. Religious fasting is an appointment of God to humble a people and loose the power of sin over their lives...
The keeping of a day of thanksgiving is to be performed by the saints, Ps. 145:10. In order to this, there should be, some convenient time before, notice given that the day might be kept in a spiritual manner...
That the Book of Psalms ought to be used to the exclusion of all other songs appears in the following: 1.) Songs, to be suitable for the celebration of God’s praise, must be descriptive, not of anything human, but of the divine...
That the first day of the week, or Lord’s day, is the only day to be kept under the Gospel appears: 1.) Because there is an implicit command, concerning the observation of the Lord’s day, 1 Cor. 16:2. From which place, we may reason thus...