Each Friday of Lent, laudable Practice is presenting words from Jeremy Taylor reflecting on fundamental practices shared by the Christian traditions. Today's practice is the reading of holy Scripture. Taylor - echoing Hooker - reminds us that the reading of holy Scripture is the first and primary form of preaching; unlike preaching, the reading of Scripture is the direct gift of the Holy Spirit. While hearing a "good sermon" is "of excellent use", it does not, therefore, exceed in spiritual significance the practice and discipline of reading the Scriptures. Taylor, of course, here captures a significant emphasis of the Reformation. However this also flowed from the pre-Reformation Devotio Moderna and the reforming calls of Catholic humanists such as Erasmus and Cassander (both of whom Taylor highly praised). Reformation practices also 'democratised' monastic spirituality, both in terms of individual lectio divina and the community gathering around...
Old High - Burkean - clerk in holy orders