Chapter 49: The Ordering of Public Worship
Part III — The Directory for the Worship of God
Sections 49.1–49.4
Section 49.1
49-1. When the congregation is to meet for public worship, the people
(having before prepared their hearts thereunto) ought all to come and join
therein; not absenting themselves from the public ordinances through
negligence, or upon pretence of private meetings.
Section 49.2
49-2. Let the people assemble at the appointed time, that all being present at
the beginning they may unite with one heart in all the parts of public worship.
Let none unnecessarily depart until after the blessing be pronounced.
Section 49.3
49-3. Let the people upon entering the church take their seats in a decent and
reverent manner, and engage in a silent prayer for a blessing upon themselves,
the minister, and all present, as well as upon those who are unable to attend
worship.
Section 49.4
49-4. All who attend public worship are expected to be present in a spirit of
reverence and godly fear, forbearing to engage in any conduct unbecoming to
the place and occasion. Since the family, as ordained by God, is the basic
institution in society, and God in the Covenant graciously deals with us, not
just as individuals but also as families, it is important and desirable that
families worship together.
The Public Reading of the Holy Scriptures