Chap. Xxiii.—Of Kneeling.
CHAP. XXIII.—OF KNEELING.
In the mattter of kneeling also prayer is subject to diversity of
observance, through the act of some few who abstain from kneeling on
the Sabbath; and since this dissension is particularly on its trial
before the churches, the Lord will give His grace that the dissentients
may either yield, or else indulge their opinion without offence to
others. We, however (just as we have received), only on the day of the
Lord's Resurrection ought to guard not only against kneeling, but every
posture and office of solicitude; deferring even our businesses lest we
give any place to the devil.[9] Similarly, too, in the period of
Pentecost; which period we distinguish by the same solemnity of
exultation.[10] But who would hesitate every day to prostrate himself
before God, at least in the first prayer with which we enter on the
daylight? At fasts, moreover, and Stations, no prayer should be made
without kneeling, and the remaining customary marks of humility; for
(then)[11] we are not only praying, but deprecating, and making
satisfaction to God our Lord.[12] Touching times of prayer nothing at
all has been prescribed, except clearly "to pray at every time and
every place."[13]