THE object of this Service-Book is to make our
public worship more interesting, more reverential,
more various, more congregational, and more effect-
ual in promoting the sacred purposes for which the
worship is offered.
It is believed that the designed manner of using
it will be understood, on a little attention to the
contents, without explanation. Though the circum-
stances have required a considerable deviation from
the "Book of Common Prayer," that is recognized
as the most complete body of liturgical exercises in
our language. No entire service, for a day or season
of devotion, is found arranged in order. That ar-
rangement is left to the liberty and choice of the
minister or the congregation. By way of suggestion,
an "Order" is given on the page next after the table
of Contents.
The passages intended to be given as responses to
the minister, by the congregation, or by the choir,
or by both together, as may be found expedient in