This article is taken from PN Review 13, Volume 6 Number 5, May - June 1980.

Robert South

In the mean time, for ourselves of the church of England, who, without pretending to any new lights, think it equally a duty and a commendation to be wise, and to be devout only to sobriety, and who judge it no dishonour to God himself to be worshipped according to law and rule: If the directions of Solomon, the precept and example of our Saviour; and lastly, the piety and experience of those excellent men and martyrs, who first composed, and afterwards owned our liturgy with their dearest blood, may be looked upon as safe and sufficient guides to us in our public worship of God; then, upon the joint authority of all these, we may pronounce our liturgy the greatest treasure of rational devotion in the Christian world. And I know no prayer necessary, that is not in the liturgy, but one: which is this:

That God would vouchsafe to continue the liturgy itself in use, honour, and veneration in this church for ever.

And I doubt not, but all wise, sober, and good Christians will, with equal judgement and affection, give it their Amen.

-ROBERT SOUTH
from A Discourse Against Long and Extempore Prayers: in Behalf of the Liturgy of the Church of England
(1634-1716)
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