Ancient Quote by John Wesley
“I believe there is no liturgy in the world, either in ancient or modern language, which breathes more of a solid, scriptural, rational piety, than the Common Prayer of the Church of England. And though the main of it was compiled considerably more than two hundred years ago, yet is the language of it, not only pure, but strong and elegant in the highest degree.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Works of John Wesley, 1790s
The Common Prayer exemplifies a rare blend of solid doctrine, rational devotion, and elegant language unmatched by other liturgies.
In simple terms: The Common Prayer is uniquely rational and elegant.
Key Takeaway
Appreciate its depth and clarity.
Themes
faith
liturgy
language
tradition
Mood
reverent
reflective
Type
theological
historical
When to use this quote
- personal worship
- academic study
- sermon preparation
- liturgical reform
Key Concepts
theology
rhetoric
historical context
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language affect spiritual experience?
- Can modern worship retain this elegance?
A Different Perspective
Some may find its archaic style less accessible today.
![“I am not of the opinion generally entertained in this country [England], that man lives by Greek and Latin alone; that is, by knowing a great many words of two dead languages, which nobody living knows perfectly, and which are of no use in the common intercourse of life. Useful knowledge, in my…” quote by Lord Chesterfield](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8ad/lord-chesterfield-757_amusement_i-am-not-of-the-opinion-generally-entert_1598465.jpg)
