Foreword

It is recognised gratefully that there is taking place in Australia a wider and deeper interest in Scriptural doctrine. In certain cases this has led to an interest in Scriptural worship. Unfortunately, many inquirers are content to restrict their investigation for they fail to recognise that doctrine covers worship even as it encompasses every aspect of our life. They do not recognise the organic relationship of Christian doctrine and worship. Indeed, so interrelated are doctrine and worship, that a failure to learn the truth concerning one inevitably imperils the other. If a church claims to be Scriptural, it should show its Scriptural nature by adherence to the true doctrinal position and form of worship. On Scriptural grounds there should be no addition to or subtraction from that which is of divine appointnent.

It should be noted that the mode and quality of the worship in Christian Churches determine, in a great measure, their influence. There is a light form of worship which fails to nourish reverence and which repels even the ungodly. Worship which is truly Apostolic in character powerfully promotes the cause of Christ. Thus the reasons are urgent why the Churches should retrace their steps by returning to thoroughly Scriptural worship. Those who hold that the New Testament is mostly silent in reference to the mode of worship practised in Apostolic days have a very superficial knowledge of its teaching.

We desire a careful consideration of the contents of this booklet. In a day when many professing Christians are seeking excuses for not following the clear guidance of Scripture, we pray that God will incline graciously the hearts of those who peruse these pages to cleave to that which is Scriptural and to count it an honour to maintain it.

We look for brighter days. We are not without hope that the wonder-working God will perform many great works of grace, in our day, in these southern lands. May He implant in many hearts intense longings to know and to do the will of God set forth in His Word! May there be a return to the Scriptural principles maintained by the Apostles! To this end it is our privilege to pray and labour. "Turn Thou us unto Thee, O Lord, and we shall be turned" (Lam. 5:21).

The author of the following pages had desired for many years to write on the subject of Divine Worship, but the demand of a busy pastorate prevented the preparation of even a very brief treatment of it. Now, late in life and in partial retirement, it has been possible to achieve that purpose. I would like to acknowledge indebtedness to my wife, whose love of the Lord and devotion have contributed invaluably to my life and work. Tribute is gladly paid to Mr. R. D. Eagleson, M.A., Senior Lecturer in English at the University of Sydney, who has given much encouragement and great practical assistance, including many valuable suggestions.

May the God of truth bless what is written to the formation of correct views and practices in reference to Divine Worship, to His glory!

M. C. Ramsay.