Religion
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6.Forms of worship, ceremony and devotion
6a.Outward ceremony versus inward worship
See also: God 10c
Confucius, The Sayings of ConfuciusVol. 44
- p. 9Worshipping strangers' ghosts is fawning.read · scan
- p. 9Ceremonial hymns misused in the hall of the Three Clans; grief outweighs nicety at burials.read · scan
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 191–193A new song of praise; God desires obedience rather than sacrifice and offering, and the law in the heart.read · scan
- p. 203–204True worship is thanksgiving and paying vows, not mere sacrificial offerings.read · scan
- p. 205–206God desires a broken and contrite spirit rather than burnt offerings; the penitent vows to teach sinners.read · scan
- p. 226Prayer and thanksgiving preferred by God to sacrifice of an ox; all creation to praise him.read · scan
Ecclesiastes; or, The PreacherVol. 44
- p. 340–341Counsels reverent worship: listen rather than offer fools' sacrifice, be brief in words before God, and pay vows.read · scan
Paul, The First Epistle of Paul to the CorinthiansVol. 45
- p. 499Each should abide in his calling; circumcision is nothing, keeping God's commandments is what matters.read · scan
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7
- p. 214–215Progress in religion is inward, not outward forms; root out one fault a year, with zeal and God's help.read · scan
- p. 262–263Fear God's judgments; true devotion is in the heart, not in books, pictures or signs; prayer of thanksgiving to the Father.read · scan
- p. 296–297Contemplation and the religious life demand mortification and inward examination rather than symbols and external signs.read · scan
Martin Luther, Concerning Christian LibertyVol. 36
- p. 346–347Outward observances, vestments, fasting and prayer profit nothing; hypocrites can perform them; only the word of God matters.read · scan
- p. 372Christian lives in Christ by faith and neighbour by love; both scoffers at and slaves to ceremonies are culpable.read · scan
- p. 373Justification by faith not works; ceremonies neither justify nor should be despised; Paul's middle path between extremes.read · scan
- p. 374Christian must keep or break fasts and ceremonies according to whether hearers are obstinate or weak in faith.read · scan
- p. 376Justification by faith imperilled by ceremonies, which are only scaffolding to be laid aside once the structure is built.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 88The Spirit prefers the upright heart to temples.read · scan
- p. 170Adam and Eve worship God in pure adoration, without other rites, which God likes best.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 92–93Christianity joins external ritual and internal spirit, suiting both common and learned people; pagan religions are merely external.read · scan
- p. 198–199Outward rites give way to inward circumcision of the heart and love of God.read · scan
- p. 199Outward ceremony is worthless without inward devotion; love of God is enjoined throughout Deuteronomy.read · scan
- p. 199–200Jewish feasts, sacrifices and temple displease God and are replaced by Gentile sacrifices and a new covenant.read · scan
- p. 200Aaron's priesthood yields to Melchizedek's eternal one; sacrifices are replaced by pure ones.read · scan
- p. 221–222Temple sacrifice of beasts was believed to purify the Jews.read · scan
- p. 222Paul taught that the kingdom of God is spiritual, not fleshly; God wants a contrite heart, not hand-made temples or bodily circumcision.read · scan
- p. 223Contrast of Jewish and Christian worship.read · scan
- p. 227Outward sacrifice is not essential; trust in external sacrifices is rebuked.read · scan
- p. 243Trust in the temple is vain; God rejects it and makes himself a temple elsewhere.read · scan
- p. 243God demanded obedience rather than sacrifices; sacrifices were given to turn an evil custom to good; trust in the temple is lying words.read · scan
- p. 255Sacrifice is not what honours God; the people's fear at Horeb is granted and a prophet promised, to be obeyed.read · scan
- p. 257The law is placed in the heart rather than in externals; true worship replaces idolatry and animal sacrifice.read · scan
William Penn, Some Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 363Prefer power to form in devotion; the less form in religion the better, since God is a spirit and worship should be mental and silent.read · scan
- p. 363Beholding God's glory instructs us in acceptable worship.read · scan
William Penn, More Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 386Form is good but not formality; people rest on what they do rather than how they do duty in devotion.read · scan
- p. 386–387Inward frame of mind, not outward ceremonies, gives worship acceptance; regular prayers and rites are worthless amid vice.read · scan
- p. 392–393Conformity in indifferent things weakens religion; the chosen should show gratitude to God.read · scan
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Profession of Faith of a Savoyard VicarVol. 34
- p. 235The priest does not impose confession, fasting or vespers as conditions of aid, and holds ceremonies lightly while observing them.read · scan
- p. 282–283Ceremonials must not be confused with religion; God requires worship of the heart, in spirit and truth.read · scan
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, The Education of the Human RaceVol. 32
- p. 194–195Aversion to sensuous images won Cyrus's favour; the returned Jews became a changed people faithful to purified worship.read · scan
William Wordsworth, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 678–680Give all thou canst; heaven rejects nicely calculated less or more in the worship.read · scan
Thomas Carlyle, Inaugural Address at EdinburghVol. 25
- p. 386Piety does not mean a sour face or ascetic gloom; enjoy wisely what the Maker gave, as Knox did with humour.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-RelianceVol. 5
- p. 62Rejects the sacredness of church doctrines and traditions in favor of living from within.read · scan
John Ruskin, Sesame and LiliesVol. 28
- p. 122–123Ruskin attacks a dramatic, theatrical Christianity of organ and aisle that revels in faith's sensation yet fails to do plain Christian righteousness.read · scan
- p. 124Modern English religion is smoke and show; the true Church is wherever one hand helpfully meets another.read · scan
6b.Hymns, psalms and sacred music
See also: Poetry 5c · The Sublime 4a · God 4b · Angel 4b
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 180Call to praise with harp and new song, fear and trust in God's name.read · scan
- p. 199–200Worship is enjoined: clap hands, shout, sing praises with understanding.read · scan
- p. 214–215Worship expressed in song, trust and prayer for deliverance.read · scan
- p. 222–224Calls for all peoples to praise and sing to God.read · scan
- p. 224Procession of singers and minstrels into the sanctuary; blessing God in the congregations.read · scan
- p. 254Song of praise to God's lovingkindness and faithfulness; blessed are those who walk in his light.read · scan
- p. 265–266Calls to sing new songs with harp and trumpet, give thanks, and reject idols.read · scan
- p. 272Opening blessing of Jehovah in praise.read · scan
- p. 275–277Calls to praise Jehovah and give thanks.read · scan
- p. 326–327Hymn of praise to God, generations declaring his works, all flesh blessing his holy name.read · scan
- p. 327–328Calls to praise God with song and thanksgiving; trust in him rather than in princes.read · scan
- p. 330–332Worship in song, dance and instruments; the assembly of saints praises God with trumpet, harp, timbrel and cymbals.read · scan
Plato, PhaedoVol. 2
- p. 48He composed a hymn to the god of the festival in obedience to the dream.read · scan
Cleanthes, The Hymn of CleanthesVol. 2
- p. 186–187The hymn asks that men requite God with worship and praise.read · scan
Epictetus, The Golden Sayings of EpictetusVol. 2
- p. 117Worship is to be practiced in daily labor through hymns of thanks.read · scan
- p. 117–118Hymn-singing is his appointed duty and post; he calls others to join.read · scan
- p. 167Thanksgiving, adoration and hymns of praise as fitting response to life.read · scan
Hymns of the Christian Church: Greek HymnsVol. 45
- p. 541–543Hymns of worship, prayer, mercy and evening prayer for protection through the night.read · scan
- p. 543–545Prayer for preservation, Easter hymn of resurrection joy, and the weary invited to follow Christ.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 142Reading the Psalms kindles devotion and prayer in the catechumen Augustine, with his mother's Christian piety beside him.read · scan
- p. 146–147Hymn singing introduced in the Milan church during Justina's persecution of Ambrose; relics of martyrs found and the faithful stirred.read · scan
- p. 161–162Hymns, weeping and thanksgiving of brethren offered as incense to God.read · scan
- p. 186Weighs church psalmody, approving singing so that weaker minds rise to devotion, though moved by the voice rather than the words he sins.read · scan
Hymns of the Christian Church: Latin HymnsVol. 45
- p. 546Liturgical hymn of worship, petition for mercy, trust and daily sinlessness.read · scan
- p. 547–549Prayer and worship asking sanctification, guidance and adoration of Father, Son and Paraclete.read · scan
- p. 549–552Devotion to Jesus as joy and fount of life; adoration and longing for his presence.read · scan
- p. 552–554Devotion to the Crucified and his Mother; prayer for sharing his passion.read · scan
- p. 554–556Prayers and adoration of Christ; Christmas invitation to kneel and worship.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20
- p. 149Spirits sing 'In exitu Israel' and are blessed with the sign of the cross.read · scan
- p. 170–173Spirits sit chanting Salve Regina, a prayer to the Virgin.read · scan
- p. 175A spirit sings the evening hymn Te Lucis, with hands raised and gaze eastward, telling God he cares for naught else.read · scan
- p. 191'Blessed are the poor in spirit' is sung as they climb the holy stairs, contrasted with hell's shrieks.read · scan
- p. 208Spirits sing Agnus Dei in concord, praying to the Lamb of God; Dante asks for prayer.read · scan
- p. 228–229The mountain shakes and all shout 'Glory to God', like the shepherds at Bethlehem.read · scan
- p. 246–250The penitents sing hymns such as 'God of mercy' from the flames as part of their purgation.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, ParadiseVol. 20
- p. 339–340Saints sing of the Trinity and the incarnation rather than pagan Bacchusread · scan
- p. 344Saints sing thrice to the Trinity in worshipread · scan
- p. 344A hymn of lofty praises heard on the cross, 'Arise' and 'Conquer'read · scan
- p. 383Mary, the Rose in whom the Word was made flesh, is honored with angelic song and the saints' devotion.read · scan
- p. 383–386The blessed sing Regina Coeli in devotion to Mary, and Peter triumphs with the keys of glory.read · scan
Traditional BalladsVol. 40
- p. 78–79Heaven at the Lord's knee, psalms of Heaven sung.read · scan
William Roper, The Life of Sir Thomas MoreVol. 36
- p. 103More sings in the parish choir in a surplice.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 237–238In the dungeon he sings psalms, prays and keeps festival with God, weeping at the sight of his sacred drawings; prayer brings reassurance.read · scan
- p. 405Cellini travels singing psalms and prayers in honour of God.read · scan
Sir Philip Sidney, The Defense of PoesyVol. 27
- p. 8–9Psalms are songs of praise; poetry rightly applied deserves not to be scourged from the church of God.read · scan
- p. 11–12Sacred poetry like the Psalms brings comfort to those in sorrow for death-bringing sins.read · scan
Francis Bacon, The New AtlantisVol. 3
- p. 165–166Hymn praising Adam, Noah and Abraham, thanksgiving for Christ's nativity, private prayer and solemn blessing in God's name.read · scan
Richard Rowlands, Our Blessed Lady's LullabyVol. 40
- p. 258–259Worship of the Christ child: shepherds and kings adore, mother offers thanks and praise.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Dr. John DonneVol. 15
- p. 351–352Devotion, hymn-singing and church music at St. Paul's bring Donne joy and zeal in worship.read · scan
- p. 353Public prayer and praise bring tranquillity and willingness to leave the world; Augustine wept over lost hymns and profaned sanctuaries.read · scan
- p. 353–355Sacred poems foster habits of peace and piety; Christ's crucifixion as cure and grace.read · scan
- p. 355–356Praise and sacred song offered to God, tuning the instrument for the heavenly choir.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Mr. George HerbertVol. 15
- p. 377–378Donne's letter sends holy hymns and invokes Mary Magdalen rising early on Sunday.read · scan
- p. 379–380Contrasts the ancient martyrs' fervent devotion with present neglect of worship in song.read · scan
- p. 400Herbert teaches that hymns and lauds after the lessons are a duty of gratitude and praise, joining the Magnificat and Simeon's song.read · scan
- p. 405–406Prayer and cathedral music are his heaven on earth; religion does not banish mirth but moderates it; he examines a stranger's faith.read · scan
- p. 416Herbert sings hymns to God on his deathbed, trusts Christ's merits for good works, and meditates and prays until death.read · scan
George Herbert, PoemsVol. 40
- p. 345–346Easter song of praise; Christ's rising outshines all suns.read · scan
Hymns of the Christian Church: Hymns Based on PsalmsVol. 45
- p. 535–537Hymns of trust, praise and prayer to Christ the shepherd king whose kingdom spreads to all nations.read · scan
- p. 537–540Hymns calling all people to worship, praise and trust the Lord.read · scan
- p. 540Trust and adoration of God in praise.read · scan
Sir Thomas Browne, Religio MediciVol. 3
- p. 321–323Church music and even tavern music move him to devotion and contemplation of the First Composer.read · scan
Pierre Corneille, PolyeucteVol. 26
- p. 110–111Polyeucte's hymns invoke Christ, his heavenly aspiration and martyr's faith against pagan persecution.read · scan
John Milton, Poems Written at School and at College, 1624-1632Vol. 4
- p. 7–9Hymn of worship on the Nativity; the Muse is urged to offer an ode at the infant's feet.read · scan
- p. 9–11Shepherds unwittingly receive divine visitation, ravished by heavenly song.read · scan
- p. 16–18Refrain of thanksgiving worships God's enduring mercy.read · scan
John Milton, Poems Written at Horton, 1632-1638Vol. 4
- p. 34–39Cloister, organ, choir and dim religious light bring ecstasy and heaven before the eyes.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 136The angels bow in solemn adoration, cast down their crowns and sing sacred hymns to the Father and the Son.read · scan
- p. 180Heavenly worship through song, mystical dance and hymns about the throneread · scan
- p. 220Saints sing halleluiahs and hymns of praise around the holy mount.read · scan
- p. 261The human pair join creatures' morning worship of the Creator.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise RegainedVol. 4
- p. 359Heaven sings hymns; the Son meditates in solitude on his saving office.read · scan
- p. 395Sion's songs praising God rightly are held far above pagan hymns.read · scan
- p. 405Salvation of mankind through the Saviour is celebrated in anthems.read · scan
Andrew Marvell, PoemsVol. 40
- p. 374–376The Bermudas song opens as a hymn of praise sung by the English exiles.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 163–164Worship and praise of the Lamb; entry granted to those who keep his commandments and love the King.read · scan
- p. 238Song urges sacrifice of one's best; blessings given and godliness enjoined on the boys.read · scan
- p. 239–240Birds' song praises God's favour, mercy and truth enduring; pilgrims receive a scheme to recall edification.read · scan
Joseph Addison, HymnVol. 40
- p. 400Hymn of praise to the Creator.read · scan
Hymns of the Christian Church: Modern HymnsVol. 45
- p. 557–559Hymns of trust, praise and thanksgiving to the Trinity.read · scan
- p. 559–561Prayer for refuge in Jesus, faith and trust amid life's storm.read · scan
- p. 561–564Prayer for Christ formed in the believing heart.read · scan
- p. 564–566Worship, adoration and prayer to Christ and evening devotion.read · scan
- p. 566–568Prayers of trust and devotion asking God to abide and lead.read · scan
- p. 568–571Prayers for nearness to God, faith and love for the Saviour.read · scan
- p. 571–572Faith, prayer and missionary hope that gospel light spread to all mankind.read · scan
Samuel Johnson, Life of Addison, 1672-1719Vol. 27
- p. 172–173He planned a defence of the Christian Religion and a poetical version of the Psalms; Tonson's malicious claim of a bishopric motive is dismissed.read · scan
Christopher Smart, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 492–494David's Psalms lift the heart to alms and control passion; adoration of God.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, The Tragedy of Faust, Part IVol. 19
- p. 35–36Angelic Easter chorus announces Christ is risen, freeing mortals from earth's prison.read · scan
- p. 36–38Easter hymn and bells recall Faust to childhood faith and prayer, turning him from suicide; faith is weak yet moving.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, EgmontVol. 19
- p. 256–257New bishoprics, new psalms and suspicion of heresy stir dissension; Ruysum calls spiritual song godly and edifying.read · scan
James Hogg, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 763She sings holy hymns of other worlds in ecstatic devotion, in a sinless, peaceful vision.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 595Procession of penitents with cross, rope and chanted Miserere.read · scan
George Long, The Philosophy of AntoninusVol. 2
- p. 329–330Cleanthes's hymn is an elevated expression of devotion and philosophy.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, English TraitsVol. 5
- p. 459–460Cathedral service and organ music, good but not quite religious, like a monk panting to the Queen of Heaven.read · scan
Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17
- p. 272–273Eliza prays in fear, and the siblings sing psalms on the rock, which give them comfort and courage.read · scan
- p. 334Organ and children's chorus fill her with peace and joy at the end.read · scan
- p. 360–361The prince sings his evening hymn; all nature is a holy church and blessed spirits sing a hallelujah.read · scan
Alexander Smith, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1146–1147Church music, psalms and blessing frame the vision while his heart is elsewhere.read · scan
6c.Liturgy and the Church service
See also: Education 3b
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 172–173Longing to dwell in God's house, offer sacrifices, seek his face and be taught his way.read · scan
- p. 193–194Longing for the house of God, joyful worship remembered, and hope in God amid mockery.read · scan
- p. 200Praise of Zion and the temple; worshippers are told to tell the coming generation of the holy city.read · scan
- p. 232Entering God's sanctuary brings understanding; the psalmist declares it good to draw near to God.read · scan
- p. 246–247Call to sing, play instruments and keep feast days as an ordinance; worship of no foreign god.read · scan
- p. 248Enemies seek to possess God's habitations; the psalmist wants them to seek his name.read · scan
- p. 260–261Sabbath song of thanks and praise with harp and psaltery; the righteous planted in God's house.read · scan
- p. 263–264Call to worship, kneel, sing and bring offerings; warning not to harden the heart as at Meribah.read · scan
- p. 315Call to praise and bless Jehovah in his house; the Levites and Israel worship him.read · scan
- p. 316Liturgical refrain of thanks to Jehovah for his wonders and deliverance.read · scan
- p. 318–319Worship toward the holy temple, songs of praise, kings of earth giving thanks.read · scan
Herodotus, An Account of EgyptVol. 33
- p. 32–33Egyptians first held solemn assemblies and processions; the festival voyage to Bubastis with music, wine and huge crowds.read · scan
- p. 33Festival rites at Busiris, Sais and Papremis: ritual mourning, lamp-lighting, and a ritual procession of the god's image.read · scan
Paul, The First Epistle of Paul to the CorinthiansVol. 45
- p. 496Believers must purge the old leaven and keep the feast in sincerity, Christ being the sacrificed passover.read · scan
- p. 504Rules for praying and prophesying in worship and holding to delivered traditions.read · scan
- p. 508Worship should edify the church; pray and sing with understanding as well as spirit.read · scan
- p. 509–510Orderly worship: tongues, psalms, teaching and revelation regulated so all is done to edification, God being a God of peace.read · scan
- p. 510–511Paul closes rules on worship: all things done decently and in order; then restates the gospel he preached.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 358–359Temple rites, Simeon's blessing and Anna's worship with fasting and prayer.read · scan
- p. 362–364Jesus insists on worshipping God alone, reads scripture in the synagogue by custom.read · scan
- p. 367–368Fasting versus feasting and sabbath observance are contested; Jesus says the Son of man is lord of the sabbath.read · scan
- p. 390–391Sabbath healing controversy and parables of the kingdom of God as mustard seed and leaven.read · scan
- p. 416Joseph, a righteous man, buries Jesus; the women observe the sabbath commandment.read · scan
- p. 419Jesus blesses the disciples and ascends; they worship him and continually bless God in the temple with joy.read · scan
Luke, The Acts of the ApostlesVol. 44
- p. 427Baptism, teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers mark the life of the first believers.read · scan
- p. 467Believers gather on the first day to break bread while Paul discourses until midnight.read · scan
Chapters from the KoranVol. 45
- p. 942–943Believers are called to Friday prayer and to leave commerce for the remembrance of God, which is better than sport.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 322–323The blacks approach God only through set words and see a light and hear a voice on Fridays.read · scan
The Song of RolandVol. 49
- p. 99–100Karl hears Matins and Mass; hopes Marsil may be baptized and saved.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20
- p. 227–228The spirits' prayers by day praise poverty and Mary; the Church is the spouse of the Great Spirit.read · scan
Jean Froissart, The Chronicles of FroissartVol. 35
- p. 14The king hears mass before sunrise before the assault.read · scan
- p. 17–18The king keeps the feast of Our Lady and forbids violation of churches and abbeys.read · scan
- p. 35–36The prince invokes God's name; the French king hears mass and the host sets forth in the name of God and Saint Denis.read · scan
- p. 67–68The king hears mass before going out.read · scan
Geoffrey Chaucer, The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales; The Nun's Priest's TaleVol. 40
- p. 12She sings the divine service through her nose, a sign of conventional religious observance.read · scan
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7
- p. 223–224Regular prayer, meditation and observance of feasts and duties, prepared for as if for the end of life.read · scan
Traditional BalladsVol. 40
- p. 129–131Robin hears three daily masses, for the Father, Holy Ghost and especially Our Lady, and fears deadly sin, so he never harms company with women.read · scan
Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35
- p. 105Pentecost feast, the abbey of nuns and appeals to God frame the scene.read · scan
Sir Thomas More, UtopiaVol. 36
- p. 229–232Utopian holy days, dim large churches, no images, and common prayers acceptable to every sect, honouring one divine nature.read · scan
- p. 232Describes Utopian worship: sacrifices, incense, candles, vestments, and ceremonies that lift men to devotion and reverent fear of God.read · scan
- p. 232Ritual, prostration, silence, praise and common prayers in which each man acknowledges God as maker, governor and source of goodness.read · scan
Martin Luther, Address to the Christian Nobility of the German NationVol. 36
- p. 308Saints' days and church wakes should be abolished except Sunday, as occasions for drinking, gambling and sin.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 163Cellini takes part in the feast of Our Lady with a procession and torch-bearer.read · scan
- p. 263Good Friday is invoked as a reason for restraint; the postmaster scorns it and the old gentleman rebukes his blasphemies as offence to God.read · scan
William Harrison, A Description of Elizabethan EnglandVol. 35
- p. 263–264Describes Church of England worship: Scripture readings, homilies, prayers and litany, and clergy's duty to instruct and exhort to amendment of life.read · scan
- p. 265–266Sabbath order of communion, sermon, baptism, catechizing and psalms, all in plain vulgar tongue so all may understand.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 506–507Villagers hold rogations and processions to entreat God's mercy for rain, ending at a hermitage.read · scan
- p. 507The procession's priests sing litanies as they carry the sacred image.read · scan
Edmund Spenser, PoemsVol. 40
- p. 239–240Bride enters the temple with humble reverence before the Almighty; altar, priest's blessing, organs and anthem celebrate the sacred marriage ceremony.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Dr. John DonneVol. 15
- p. 347–348As dean, Donne beautifies the chapel, vowing like David to give the house of God his care.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Mr. George HerbertVol. 15
- p. 386–387Herbert, as prebend, rebuilds the ruined Layton church so parishioners can worship; prayer and preaching to have equal honour.read · scan
- p. 399–400Herbert explains Church service, collects and psalms as a reasonable, acceptable sacrifice of confession, prayer and praise.read · scan
- p. 401–402Herbert instructs his people to daily worship and thank God, and explains mutual prayer of priest and congregation.read · scan
- p. 402Herbert explains to his parishioners the meaning of liturgical prayer, kneeling, standing at the creeds and the doxology in Church of England worship.read · scan
- p. 403Church festivals and the fast of Lent commemorate the events of Christ's life and call for praise and imitation.read · scan
- p. 403–404Church calendar, catechising, and reverent, unhurried prayer; Herbert reproves irreverent behaviour and ministers who rush the prayers.read · scan
- p. 409–410Sick Herbert asks a priest to pray the Litany, praising the Church of England's prayers as unequalled.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 227The Sabbath is kept with song, incense and hallelujahs; man made to worship and rule.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 13Great amusements, especially the theatre, are dangerous to the Christian life.read · scan
- p. 206The law severely governs religious worship and duty.read · scan
- p. 242Keeping the Sabbath and covenant earns an everlasting name.read · scan
- p. 302–303Levelling feasts with workdays and Christians with priests leads to opposed errors.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 266–267The supper's dishes are symbols of devotion: prayer and praise first, preaching and ordinances as the laying of the table before the heavenly feast.read · scan
John Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning EducationVol. 37
- p. 136Custom is almost religiously observed, as orthodoxy in education.read · scan
William Penn, Some Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 360Public worship is commendable but God is not bound to time or place; serving him concerns the frame of spirit in whole life.read · scan
Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1
- p. 15–16He evaded public worship to study, though he still thought it a duty.read · scan
- p. 36Keimer keeps the Mosaic beard and Sabbath as essentials; Franklin agrees if he adopts a vegetarian diet.read · scan
- p. 77Franklin values public worship in principle but leaves the dry, sectarian sermons of the Presbyterian minister for private liturgy.read · scan
- p. 106–107Franklin proposes a public fast to implore Heaven's blessing, drawing on New England custom; clergy of various sects then rally their congregations.read · scan
- p. 142Chaplain Beatty's poor prayer attendance is fixed by serving rum after prayers, which Franklin prefers to military penalties for non-attendance.read · scan
- p. 143Franklin describes Moravian church worship, music and sermons.read · scan
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Profession of Faith of a Savoyard VicarVol. 34
- p. 300–302Vicar honors all established religions when God is served sincerely, and observes church rites with reverence and scruple.read · scan
John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1
- p. 291–292Holds meetings in the cabin and urges sailors to the fear of the Lord.read · scan
- p. 294–295Cabin meeting; scripture from the prophets applied to the case.read · scan
- p. 299Reformation of soul and life; meeting for worship on shipboard; serving the Lord.read · scan
Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in FranceVol. 24
- p. 294Money spent on majestic religious edifices and on those serving God is better used than on vice and luxury.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, The Tragedy of Faust, Part IVol. 19
- p. 43–45Crowds celebrate the Lord's Resurrection, escaping churches' gloom into the light.read · scan
- p. 164–167Church service with organ and Latin hymn intensifies Margaret's terror and guilt.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 186–187Catechism and kirk folk figure in the satire, with wry prayers against temptation.read · scan
William Wordsworth, Appendix to Lyrical BalladsVol. 39
- p. 295Selkirk's verse laments absence of church bells and sabbath on a desolate shore, praising religion as treasure.read · scan
William Wordsworth, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 608–610They plight their faith in church as husband and wife.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 564–565Bells call the people to common prayer at the Archbishop's direction, giving sadness mingled with comfort.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, An Address Delivered before the Senior Class in Divinity CollegeVol. 5
- p. 35Prayers and dogmas are like relics cut off from life; the minister facing hollow formality cannot honestly invite people to worship or communion.read · scan
- p. 40–41Emerson urges reviving faith and the Church by breathing new life into existing forms rather than contriving new rites; praises Sabbath and preaching.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1246–1247Likes church and cowl and prophets of the soul, yet would not be the cowled churchman.read · scan
Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17
- p. 256Church bells, altars, censers and a bishop's blessing mark the wedding, which she does not heed.read · scan
- p. 332–333Karen is taught a criminals' psalm and tries to enter the church, but the shoes bar her.read · scan
- p. 358Confirmation day moves the children; all stand equal in the eye of God.read · scan
John Stuart Mill, On LibertyVol. 25
- p. 284–286Sunday restrictions defensible only as religiously wrong; the notion that it is one's duty that others be religious founded all persecutions.read · scan
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1302–1303Farmer lives at peace with God; youths kneel in church, and Evangeline is a saint of devotion.read · scan
- p. 1336Church chimes and psalms on the Sabbath morning accompany her charity and calm.read · scan
Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the BeagleVol. 29
- p. 12–13Visits the ancient church and cathedral with its inharmonious organ and black priest.read · scan
- p. 407Sabbath observance is rigidly kept by the natives; the missionary Mr. Wilson receives the visitors.read · scan
- p. 418Describes Sunday divine service at Papiete led by a missionary, a full chapel, pleasing hymns, and monotonous preaching comparable to an English country church.read · scan
Alfred, Lord Tennyson, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1024–1025In church his heart beats so that he no longer hears the priest intone; devotion is displaced by love.read · scan
William Makepeace Thackeray, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1060Christmas carol and the angels' song of the first Christmas invoked as sacred.read · scan
Robert Browning, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1074–1075Church honors, tomb, and worship at the Jesu church.read · scan
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Two Years Before the MastVol. 23
- p. 23Some vessels devote Sunday to instruction and religious exercises, but this crew of swearers gets only rest and quiet enjoyment.read · scan
- p. 39–40Sailors believe loosely in another world; the cook urges them to keep the Sabbath and be prepared.read · scan
- p. 89–90Religious captains give Saturday afternoons for washing and mending, so sailors prefer religious vessels.read · scan
- p. 112Sunday liberty tempts young sailors to break the Sabbath; Dana proposes a Saturday half-holiday instead.read · scan
- p. 126Catholic ships mark Good Friday with yards a'cock-bill and crews keel-haul an effigy of Judas.read · scan
- p. 133Catholic crews enjoy Easter holidays while Protestant Yankees work; Yankees keep no festivals.read · scan
- p. 229Narrator seeks church worship but finds only an early mass; hospitality is called the Lord's gift.read · scan
- p. 349–350Joking talk of going to church and of being shipped as a deacon.read · scan
- p. 371–372A captain who conducts regular religious exercises uses his influence for good; Dana saw no religious service in two years at sea.read · scan
- p. 372A religious captain gives a ship its character: Sabbath kept, services held, Bibles read, no profanity, and aid at death.read · scan
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Twenty-Four Years AfterVol. 23
- p. 377–378San Francisco offers many churches and denominations; services and Sunday observance mirror those of eastern cities.read · scan
Matthew Arnold, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1123–1124She leaves for Easter prayers and the holy church, losing her soul in the sea.read · scan
- p. 1124–1125Margaret, eyes sealed to the holy book, will not return; the church door shuts.read · scan
6d.Family and private devotion
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 298–299Devotion through night and day: thanks at midnight, remembering God's name, keeping his precepts.read · scan
- p. 304–305Prayer, praise seven times daily, hope for salvation and awe of God's words.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 72Monica's piety: alms-deeds, daily worship at the altar and prayer, asking not gold but her son's soul.read · scan
- p. 147Monica was educated in the fear of God in a Christian house.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 78The envied man builds an oratory and worships God, and Fakirs gather around him in reverence.read · scan
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7
- p. 232Live as a pilgrim on earth, pray daily, venerate the saints, and care only for salvation.read · scan
- p. 266–267Counsels the devout life: hiding devotion, persevering in prayer and duties when spiritual consolation is withdrawn.read · scan
Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35
- p. 124–126Galahad commends himself to God; Gawaine hears mass and seeks harbour at a hermitage, where he is asked how he stands with God.read · scan
- p. 197–199They dwell half a year in the ship serving God daily and nightly.read · scan
William Roper, The Life of Sir Thomas MoreVol. 36
- p. 91More leads his household in daily prayers, psalms and retreat to a chapel, devoting Fridays to devotion.read · scan
- p. 114He says the seven psalms and litany with his daughter before speaking of worldly matters.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 236–237He spends his days in prayer, communion with God and singing psalms.read · scan
- p. 237Cellini keeps his festival in prayer and communion with God, drawing devotional images on his cell wall, finding happiness in faith amid imprisonment.read · scan
Francis Bacon, The New AtlantisVol. 3
- p. 180–181Daily hymns and prayers thank God and seek his blessing on their labours.read · scan
Richard Rowlands, Our Blessed Lady's LullabyVol. 40
- p. 256–258Devotional lullaby to the infant Jesus, the mother's service, thanks and worship.read · scan
Robert Herrick, PoemsVol. 40
- p. 334–336A child's grace lifts hands for a blessing on meat and all.read · scan
- p. 338–339Devotion and prayer set against joy of Maying; staying in called sin.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Dr. John DonneVol. 15
- p. 367Prayer, devotions and 'Thy kingdom come' mark his last hours; he daily paid public devotions.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Mr. George HerbertVol. 15
- p. 404–405Herbert attends public prayers twice daily with his family and keeps private devotion, drawing parishioners into the practice of piety.read · scan
- p. 408Though weakened by consumption, Herbert keeps reading prayers daily, saying his life is best spent in service to Jesus.read · scan
- p. 411Farrer's household keeps daily prayers, hymns, psalms and a night watch in church and oratory.read · scan
- p. 411–412The psalter is sung through every twenty-four hours, and the household serves God day and night, in his presence.read · scan
George Herbert, PoemsVol. 40
- p. 341–343Devotional poems: serving God in all things, making drudgery divine.read · scan
Sir Thomas Browne, Religio MediciVol. 3
- p. 328–329Bedtime prayer-poem to God asking protection through night and awakening with Him.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 154Adam and Eve keep evening worship in their bower.read · scan
- p. 180Adam and Eve pay morning orisons, praising their Maker in extemporaneous verse and prose.read · scan
- p. 180Morning hymn and prayer calling all creation to worship and asking deliverance from evil.read · scan
Abraham Cowley, PoemsVol. 40
- p. 368–369He lived with zeal, devotion and piety, never forgetting his God.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, LettersVol. 48
- p. 328–329Holy things, though familiar, should be heard again; prayer, sermons and charity serve as instruments of grace.read · scan
John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's ProgressVol. 15
- p. 225–226The pilgrims end supper with prayer and psalm; Christiana hopes to worship the Lord the King with her husband; music in heaven for their joy.read · scan
- p. 237–238Pilgrims are given sights for meditation: thanksgiving, Jacob's ladder, anchor, Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac as devotion.read · scan
John Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning EducationVol. 37
- p. 115–116Morning and evening prayer in plain form suits children better than speculative inquiry; warns against superstition and atheism.read · scan
- p. 131–132The Lord's Prayer, Creeds and Ten Commandments should be learned by heart through recitation before reading.read · scan
William Penn, Some Fruits of SolitudeVol. 1
- p. 360–361Continual watch outdoes morning and evening devotion; serve God by obeying the commandments.read · scan
Joseph Addison, The Vision of MirzaVol. 27
- p. 73Mirza keeps the holy day with washing, morning devotions, meditation and prayer.read · scan
Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1
- p. 81–83Composes daily prayer prefixed to his examination tables.read · scan
John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1
- p. 230–231Gratitude and piety, gospel published freely, educating children in fear of the Lord.read · scan
Christopher Smart, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 484–486Prayer, fasting, temple-building, Sabbath and worship of David shown as pious life.read · scan
- p. 490–492Prayer, tithes, baptismal bond and Christian meekness urged; God's praise prevails.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 136–137The father takes the family Bible and calls the household to worship God.read · scan
- p. 137–139Family worship: psalm singing, Bible reading, prayer; sincere heartfelt devotion contrasted with pompous formal religion.read · scan
- p. 198–200Hermit raises thoughts to heaven; boy to be catechised and taken to kirkread · scan
- p. 238–239Sincere prayer to the God of love and truth to bless and guide the household.read · scan
Carolina Oliphant, Lady Nairne, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 563–565Father's evening prayer and mother's psalm remembered as hallowing home.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 279–280He rises and repeats his matin prayers with more than usual devotion.read · scan
Thomas Carlyle, Sir Walter ScottVol. 25
- p. 415Family Bible reading is comically broken off by the arrival of the keg, leaving the young clergyman in despair.read · scan
Hans Christian Andersen, TalesVol. 17
- p. 266–267Eliza prays her evening prayer alone in the wood.read · scan
- p. 333–334She prays, reads hymns and the Bible, and hears the church organ; devotion brings her comfort and vision of the church.read · scan
Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the BeagleVol. 29
- p. 415The Tahitian guides pray and say grace sincerely without ostentation, refuting claims they pray only before missionaries.read · scan
- p. 430–431Household prayers read in the native tongue; missionary happiness contrasted with the land of cannibalism.read · scan
William Makepeace Thackeray, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1058–1059Praying and kneeling, learned at home, confessing Heaven's rule.read · scan
6e.Pilgrimage, relics and images
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 249Longing for God's tabernacles and courts; pilgrims to Zion; a day in his courts is better than a thousand.read · scan
- p. 307–308Joy in pilgrimage to the house of Jehovah in Jerusalem; prayer for mercy and trust in God's help.read · scan
- p. 309–311Trust in and fear of Jehovah bring blessing; songs of ascent express pilgrim devotion and thanksgiving for return to Zion.read · scan
Luke, The Gospel According to LukeVol. 44
- p. 360–361Yearly Passover pilgrimage; Jesus must be in his Father's house.read · scan
Saint Augustine, The Confessions of St. AugustineVol. 7
- p. 80She obeys Ambrose's ban on bringing food and wine to the martyrs' churches, seeking devotion rather than pleasure.read · scan
The Voyages to VinlandVol. 43
- p. 20Gudrid makes a pilgrimage, and then becomes an anchorite; her son builds a church.read · scan
The Song of RolandVol. 49
- p. 185–187Roland's horn laid on a saint's altar; the dead commended to God and saints in shrines.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, ParadiseVol. 20
- p. 415–416Dante gazes like a pilgrim in the temple of his vow, in awe, hoping to tell of it.read · scan
Jean Froissart, The Chronicles of FroissartVol. 35
- p. 75King hears mass and makes offering before the miracle-working image of Our Lady, in which kings had great trust.read · scan
Geoffrey Chaucer, The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales; The Nun's Priest's TaleVol. 40
- p. 11Folk long to go on pilgrimage to Canterbury to seek the holy martyr who helped them in sickness.read · scan
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of ChristVol. 7
- p. 331–332Saints are to be honored; despising them or speaking against them offends God.read · scan
Traditional BalladsVol. 40
- p. 135–137Knight trusts Our Lady as pledge and plans pilgrimage to Calvary; Robin calls him Our Lady's messenger.read · scan
Sir Thomas Malory, The Holy GrailVol. 35
- p. 114–116Galahad is received at an abbey; a monk shows the holy shield with red cross; Galahad acts in God's name.read · scan
- p. 128Launcelot finds a ruined chapel with an altar, silver candlestick and a cross, sacred signs of the quest.read · scan
William Caxton, Prefaces and EpiloguesVol. 39
- p. 13He translates the Golden Legend of saints' lives and miracles to edify the unlettered and lead them to heaven.read · scan
Martin Luther, Address to the Christian Nobility of the German NationVol. 36
- p. 298Pilgrimages are false good works encouraged by popes' Golden Years for money, misleading simple believers.read · scan
- p. 299Pilgrimages and vows should be abolished; keeping God's commandments and baptismal vow is the true way.read · scan
- p. 310Country chapels and pilgrimages are devil's inventions breeding false belief, covetousness and debauchery; true faith finds all in parish churches.read · scan
- p. 311Pilgrimages and glorified saints lead people from true faith; God alone should be glorified, and parish sacraments and preaching suffice.read · scan
- p. 312Luther condemns the cult of saints, church privileges and papal sales as serving avarice and pride instead of God's glory and Christian unity.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 82The reliquary is to hold the blood of Christ said to have been brought by Longinus.read · scan
- p. 112The chalice carries Faith, Hope and Charity and scenes of the Nativity, Resurrection and Peter's crucifixion.read · scan
- p. 177–178Cellini proposes a crucifix with figures of Faith, Hope, and Charity as a gift.read · scan
- p. 178–179Cellini insists that a piece in which Christ plays a part is best.read · scan
- p. 198–200Cellini performs his devotions at Loreto on the way to Rome.read · scan
- p. 277Cellini resolves to abandon his art after making a Christ and to journey to the Holy Sepulchre.read · scan
- p. 419Friars and church committees decide where the crucifix and burial place may be set.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 65–66The lady and her gentlewomen make vows and offerings at devout places of Spain that God deliver them.read · scan
Francis Pretty, Sir Francis Drake's Famous Voyage Round the WorldVol. 33
- p. 209The chapel's silver chalice and altar-cloth are looted and given to Drake's minister.read · scan
John Webster, The Duchess of MalfiVol. 47
- p. 805–807The Cardinal accuses the Duchess of making religion her riding-hood; pilgrims visit the shrine of Loretto.read · scan
- p. 807–808Ritual at the shrine: the Cardinal exchanges his cross and robes for a soldier's arms while the Duchess's family is banished.read · scan
Sir Thomas Browne, Religio MediciVol. 3
- p. 254–255Browne honors pilgrims, friars, processions and ceremonies as real devotion despite errors, refusing scornful contempt; reformations varied by nation.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 319Adam laments losing the places of worship where God appeared, and would raise altars and offer gums and flowers.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, LettersVol. 48
- p. 335–336Honoring relics and the former Eucharist custom for the dead explained.read · scan
- p. 358–359Relics of saints deserve veneration because the Holy Spirit rests in them until the resurrection.read · scan
David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human UnderstandingVol. 37
- p. 327–328Catholic ceremonies and images enliven devotion, illustrating how sensible types make objects of faith more present.read · scan
- p. 328–329Devotees seek saints' relics to enliven devotion and imitate exemplary lives, as causal effects of the saint.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 519Decurioni request a solemn procession with the body of San Carlo; the Cardinal refuses.read · scan
- p. 522Procession bearing San Carlo's relics, with penitents in sackcloth, clergy, fraternities and nobility, displays public devotion in plague.read · scan
Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve, MontaigneVol. 32
- p. 105–106Devotees practice a kind of religion of relics around Montaigne, an ironic cult of the man who disliked disciples.read · scan
Robert Browning, A Blot in the 'ScutcheonVol. 18
- p. 369–372Mildred places the Virgin's image in the window as a signal, mixing devotion with guilty secrecy.read · scan
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Two Years Before the MastVol. 23
- p. 130The padre with crucifix meets the funeral at the decayed mission; narrator hesitates to water horses at a possibly consecrated fountain.read · scan
Henry David Thoreau, WalkingVol. 28
- p. 395Walking likened to a crusade to the Holy Land; saunterers as Holy-Landers.read · scan
- p. 424–425Sauntering toward the Holy Land until a great awakening light shines into minds and hearts.read · scan
Ernest Renan, The Poetry of the Celtic RacesVol. 32
- p. 177Ritual pilgrimage to St. Patrick's Purgatory: bishop's permission, penitents lowered into the shaft, processions and psalms.read · scan
- p. 177–178Purgatory pilgrimage was a local cult older than Christianity; preachers cited it against doubters.read · scan
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