- A Psalm announced, a blessing invoked singing the Psalm, reading a chapter, and prayer by the leader.
- Bible verse announced, statement of doctrine and remarks.
- A second Psalm, chapter, and prayer.
- Reading in the Confession of Faith or in a sermon.
- A third Psalm, chapter, and prayer.
- The children reciting Psalms and Questions.
- The Shorter Catechism recited by the whole house.
- A fourth Psalm, followed with a short prayer.
- Adjournment at 3 p.m.
These societies were the deep roots of the Covenanted Church. By means of them, she became thoroughly indoctrinated in the Word of God and His holy Covenant. In these meetings the elders became like ministers in the knowledge of Christ, and the people like elders. The feeble in Israel waxed strong as the house of David, and the house of David as the angel of the Lord. There were giants in those days.
The Covenanted Church must revive the society spirit and exercises, if she would recover her vitality; she must resume these spiritual athletics if she would feel the glow of healthy vigor. These roots have suffered decay; therefore the trees are easily upturned. When Social worship of God characterizes the Church, the people will take on strength and be able to stand amidst the spiritual landslides and general defection that characterizes the times in which we live.
POINTS FOR THE CLASS.
1. How did the Covenanted Societies survive the general defection?
2. How did they succeed when they had no ministers?
3. What separated them from others in worship?
4. What caused them the greatest grief?
5. How did they entreat the ministers to come to them?