1785] REV. WILLIAM SMITH, D. D. 161 



4th. Whether all the Psalms of David are applicable to the state and 

 condition of Christian societies, and ought to be read promi.icuously as 

 they now are; and whether some other method of reading lliem might 

 not be appointed, including a choice of psalms and hymns, as well for 

 ordinary use, as for the festivals and fasts, and other special occasions 

 of public worship? 



5th. Whether the subject-matter of our psalmody or singing psalms 

 should not be extended beyond those of David, which include but a few 

 heads of Christian worship, and whether much excellent matter might 

 not be taken from the New Testament, as well as some parts of the Old 

 Testament, especially the Prophets ; so as to introduce a greater variety 

 of anthems and hymns, suited to the different festivals and other occa- 

 sions of daily worship, private as well as public? 



6th. Whether, in particular, a psalm or anthem should not be adapted 

 to, and sung at, the celebration of the Eucharist, as was the primitive 

 practice, and that recommended in our first Liturgy? 



7th. Whether all the lessons which are appointed to be read in the 

 ordinary course are well chosen ; and whether many of them may not 

 be subject to one or more of the following objections, viz. : i. Either 

 inexpedient to be read in mixt assemblies ; or, 2. Containing genealo- 

 gies and passages either obscure, or of little benefit to be read in 

 our congregations; or, 3. Improperly divided ; sometimes abrupt and 

 unconnected in their beginning, as having respect to something that 

 hath gone before ; and sometimes either too short or too long, and 

 apocryphal lessons included among the number ? 



8th. Whether our epistles and gospels are all of them well selected ; 

 and whether after so many other portions of Scripture they are neces- 

 sary, especially unless the first design of inserting them, viz. : as intro- 

 ductory to the Communion, should be more regarded, and the Com- 

 munion be again made a daily part of the service of the Church ? 



9th. Whether our collects, which in the main are excellent, are 

 always suited to the epistles and gospels ; and whether too many of 

 them are not of one sort, consisting of the same kind of substance? 

 And whether there is any occasion of using the collect for the day twice 

 in the same service? 



loth. Whether the Athanasian creed may not, consistently with 

 piety, faith and charity, be either wholly omitted, or left indifferent in 

 itself? 



nth. Whether our catechism may not require illustration in some 

 points and enlargement in others ; so that it may not only be rendered 

 fit for children, but a help to those who become candidates for confir- 

 mation ? And whether all the other offices, viz. : the litany, the com- 

 munion office, the offices of confirmation, matrimony, visitation of the 

 sick, churching of women, and more especially those of baptism, buriaE 

 II 



