Three Plain Sermons PREACHED AT ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST’S, HAMMERSMITH, BY JAMES GALLOWAY COWAN, M.A. Perpetual Curate . “Let all things be done decently and in order.”—1 Corinthians xiv. 40. LONDON: WILLIAM SKEFFINGTON, 163 PICCADILLY. 1866....

1 Corinthians xiv. 40. “Let all things be done decently and in order.” These words are a general precept about Church order following up a particular remonstrance.  The Corinthian Christians, divinely distinguished by the number and excellence of the spiritual gifts and privileges bestowed on them, had, alas! distinguished themselves by anarchy, lawlessness, pride, self-will, self-sufficiency, uncharitableness, ecclesiastical and moral laxity of various forms and kinds.  The Apostle deals with a

I Corinthians xiv. 40. “Let all things be done decently and in order.” I endeavoured last Sunday to exhibit the principle and rationale of Christian ritualistic service.  I reminded you that God had Himself prescribed for Israel an elaborate and splendid ritual, and that, moreover, He had shown in vision to the eagle-eyed Apostle, either what should actually be His worship in heaven, or what would, in figure, most fitly represent it to us, and stimulate us to an interest in it, and a desire and

I Corinthians xiv. 40. “Let all things be done decently and in order.” By the good Providence of God, the Reformation was effected in this country with the sanction, under the immediate direction of the highest authorities in Church and State; by men of sound faith, sober judgment, and calm temperament; on the righteous principle of maintaining as good and necessary whatever of doctrine or practice had universally prevailed among Christians, and of not differing unnecessarily, even in non-essent