Chapter 50: The Public Reading of the Holy Scripture
Part III — The Directory for the Worship of God
Sections 50.1–50.4
Section 50.1
50-1. The public reading of the Holy Scriptures is performed by the minister
as God’s servant. Through it God speaks most directly to the congregation,
even more directly than through the sermon. The reading of the Scriptures by
the minister is to be distinguished from the responsive reading of certain
portions of Scripture by the minister and the congregation. In the former God
addresses His people; in the latter God’s people give expression in the words
of Scripture to their contrition, adoration, gratitude and other holy sentiments.
The psalms of Scripture are especially appropriate for responsive reading.
Section 50.2
50-2. The reading of the Holy Scriptures in the congregation is a part of the
public worship of God and should be done by the minister or some other
person.
Section 50.3
50-3. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments shall be read from
a good translation, not a paraphrase, in the language of the people, that all may
hear and understand.
Section 50.4
50-4. How large a portion shall be read at once is left to the discretion of
every minister; and he may, when he thinks it expedient, expound any part of
what is read; always having regard to the time, that neither reading, singing,
praying, preaching, nor any other ordinance, be disproportionate the one to the
other; nor the whole rendered too short, or too tedious.