OF THE ASSEMBLING OF THE CONGREGATION,
           AND THEIR BEHAVIOUR IN THE PUBLIC WORSHIP OF GOD

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.

Let  all  enter  the assembly, not irreverently, but in  a  grave  and seemly  manner,  taking their seats or places  without  adoration,  or bowing themselves towards one place or another.

The  congregation being assembled, the minister, after solemn  calling on them to the worshipping of the great name of God, is to begin  with prayer...

The public worship having begun, the people are wholly to attend  upon it,  forbearing  to read anything, except what the  minister  is  then reading  or  citing;  and  abstaining  much  more  from  all   private whisperings,  conferences,  salutations,  or doing  reverence  to  any person  present, or coming in; as also from all gazing, sleeping,  and other indecent behaviour, which may disturb the minister or people, or hinder themselves or others in the service of God.

If  any,  through  necessity, be hindered from being  present  at  the beginning,  they ought not, when they come into the  congregation,  to betake  themselves  to  their private  devotions,  but  reverently  to compose themselves to join with the assembly in that ordinance of  God which is then in hand.

(From the Westminster "Directory For The Public Worship Of God"; 1645)
 




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