Elements of Worship
Christianity in Plymouth
Richard Clifton was an English Separatist minister known for his influence on the Pilgrims. Among his significant contributions was shaping the order of worship which the Pilgrims used in their congregation. Clifton's order of worship was distinct in its simplicity and emphasis on the scriptures, mirroring the values of the Separatist movement which sought to purify Christian faith from what they viewed as corrupt and elaborate practices of the English Church at the time.
The service generally began with a call to worship, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the communal nature of gathering to praise Him. This would be followed by a prayer of adoration, which reflected their deep reverence for God. The congregation would then sing psalms, chosen for their thematic relevance and intended to uplift the spirit. This practice of psalm-singing was a hallmark of the Pilgrims' worship, fostering a deep sense of connection among the community.
The central part of the service was the reading and interpretation of Scripture. Clifton’s order emphasized an expository approach, where a passage of the Bible would be read and its meanings and implications carefully explained by the minister. This focused on understanding God’s word directly from the Bible, a core tenet of Separatist belief. This would often be followed by a prayer of confession and petition, where individuals would seek forgiveness and guidance.
The service would usually conclude with a benediction, a blessing imparted by the minister, sending the congregation forth with God’s grace and protection.
This is how Richard Clifton briefly described his order of worship:
Prayer and giving of thanks by the pastor or teacher.
The Scriptures are read, two or three chapters, as time serves, with a brief explanation of their meaning.
The pastor or teacher then takes some passage of Scripture, and expounds and enforces it.
The sacraments are administered.
Some of the Psalms of David are sung by the whole congregation, both before and after the exercise of the Word.
Collection is then made, as each one is able, for the support of the officers and the poor.
Richard Clifton’s order of worship laid a vital foundation for the Pilgrims as they sought to establish a new society grounded in their religious beliefs. It was a deliberate structure that balanced doctrine, communal engagement, and personal faith, aiming to foster a pious, tight-knit community in a new and challenging environment.
Communion
In Holland, the Separatists celebrated the Lord’s Supper weekly, but in New England, by the second half of the 17th century, it was common to only have it monthly. In the Church of England, the sacrament was an instrument of Grace, which carried a spiritual effect with it. In the eyes of Puritans, it was a mark of Grace, since only those who had faith could partake of it and thus had already received Grace. The Separatists took the Lord’s Supper at a table (as they believed the original Last Supper had been conducted) where the leaders of the community sat. The pastor took the bread – which was ordinary, leavened bread – and broke it to pass it around. When everyone at the table had theirs, then it was passed through the congregation. The wine was then distributed by passing the large communion cup, which was larger than the small individual chalice used in the Catholic Mass.