Gospel Worship: Being an Attempt to Exhibit a Scriptural View of the Nature, Obligations, Manner, and Ordinances of the Worship of God in the New Testament (Hall) HB

With the Westminster Shorter Catechism, we confess that “the second commandment requires the receiving, observing, and keeping pure and entire, all such religious worship and ordinances as God has appointed in His word.” Insofar as worship is not conducted God’s way, it is unacceptable in the sight of God and unprofitable for His children. In this book, Archibald Hall displays the system of Christian worship as God has instituted it in His Word. Convinced of the importance of God’s ordained way of worship, Hall carefully examines the New Testament with an eye to discern between the elements and exercises appointed from heaven and those that are inventions of men. Gospel Worship stands as one of the clearest and ablest expressions of the traditional Reformed understanding of Christian worship. In examining the Reformed system of worship, may you also see the delight of worshiping God His way.

Contents

Editorial Note

Foreword

Preface

Introductory Discourse

Gospel Worship

1. Reading the Holy Scriptures
2. Preaching the Gospel
3. Hearing the Word Preached
4. Singing the Praises of God
5. Prayer
6. The Public Blessings of the Congregation
7. The Sacraments in General
8. Baptism
9. The Lord’s Supper
10. The Observation of the Lord’s Day
11. The Observation of Times of Thanksgiving
12. The Observation of Religious Fasts
13. Ministerial Visitations of the Flock
14. Ministerial Visitation of the Sick
15. Catechizing
16. Social Religious Meetings
17. Family Religion
18. Personal Religion
19. Liberality to the Poor Saints
20. Swearing by the Name of God
21. Vowing to the Lord
22. Casting Lots

Appendix

Archaic Words

Bibliography

Scripture Index

Endorsements

“Worship remains top priority in time and in eternity. Why? Because the gospel culminates in worship, all biblical reformation centers on worship, the Christian life revolves around worship, and heaven ushers in eternal worship. Gospel Worship provides one of the most comprehensive treatments of biblical worship in the history of Reformed literature. Hall covers the doctrine, practice, and experience of worship across the full scope of biblical ordinances. These truths remain critical. Worship transforms us into the likeness of the object we worship (Ps. 115:8; 2 Cor. 3:18). For those living in the wake of recent worship wars, Gospel Worship delivers clarity and dispels prevailing confusion. It will aid every believer in prioritizing what matters most.”

—Robert D. McCurley, pastor, Greenville Presbyterian Church

“What we have in this massive tome is a significantly applicatory yet also highly intellectual consideration of the doctrine and practice of worship. The work is a manifestation not only of the seriousness but also the genius of the Scots…. So, enjoy this volume. Sip it. Savor it. And relish the thought that this work not only will bring blessing to whatever land in which it is implemented but will aid in leading you beside the still waters and into pastures green in eternity.”

—Frank J. Smith, from the foreword

About the Author

ARCHIBALD HALL (1736–1778) was born in the Scottish parish of Penicuik, Midlothian. He studied under John Brown of Haddington and James Fisher of Glasgow. Hall served as the minister of the Associate Synod congregation at Torphichen in West Lothian and later became minister of the Secession church in Well Street, London.