an ecclesiastical instrument, containing directions for the
conduct of religious worship, drawn up by the assembly of divines, by
order of parliament, in 1645. It was intended to supply the use of the
Common Prayer Book, which had been abolished. It orders the reverent
observation of public worship, prayer, singing of psalms, the reading
and exposition of the Scriptures, &c. It enjoins no forms, but
recommends the Lord’s prayer as a model of devotion; directs that the
Lord’s Supper may be received sitting; that the Sabbath day be strictly
observed; but puts down all saints’ days, consecrations of churches, and
private or lay baptisms. This Directory, which was formerly bound with
the Westminster confession of faith, is still, in effect, the plan of
worship among the Dissenters, and especially the Presbyterians.
conduct of religious worship, drawn up by the assembly of divines, by
order of parliament, in 1645. It was intended to supply the use of the
Common Prayer Book, which had been abolished. It orders the reverent
observation of public worship, prayer, singing of psalms, the reading
and exposition of the Scriptures, &c. It enjoins no forms, but
recommends the Lord’s prayer as a model of devotion; directs that the
Lord’s Supper may be received sitting; that the Sabbath day be strictly
observed; but puts down all saints’ days, consecrations of churches, and
private or lay baptisms. This Directory, which was formerly bound with
the Westminster confession of faith, is still, in effect, the plan of
worship among the Dissenters, and especially the Presbyterians.