iainduguid
Puritan Board Junior
Then you have to explain why the Directory did not suggest a particular frequency (even as desirable) but explicitly said "how often, may be considered and determined by the ministers, and other church-governors of each congregation, as they shall find most convenient for the comfort and edification of the people committed to their charge."I would refer you to Jerrod's post above - what is clear from the SL&C from which the Westminster Standards flowed is that the Assembly agreed that the Scots' practices should be followed: "That we shall sincerely, really, and constantly, through the grace of GOD, endeavor, in our several places and callings, the preservation of the reformed religion in the Church of Scotland, in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, against our common enemies; the reformation of religion in the kingdoms of England and Ireland, in doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, according to the Word of GOD, and the example of the best reformed Churches; and shall endeavour to bring the Churches of GOD in the three kingdoms to the nearest conjunction and uniformity in religion, Confession of Faith, Form of Church Government, Directory for Worship and Catechising; that we, and our posterity after us, may, as brethren, live in faith and love, and the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us. (SL&C 1.). I do not believe the Assembly was "comfortable leaving different churches to make different choices" - their stated intention was quite the opposite (consider also the disproportionate sway the relatively few Scots commissioners had).
It also recognized that some churches might not be able to celebrate it frequently, in which case special preparatory measures would be required:
Where this sacrament cannot with convenience be frequently administered, it is requisite that publick warning be given the sabbath-day before the administration thereof: and that either then, or on some day of that week, something concerning that ordinance, and the due preparation thereunto, and participation thereof, be taught; that, by the diligent use of all means sanctified of God to that end, both in publick and private, all may come better prepared to that heavenly feast.
It doesn't rebuke such churches and tell them to get their act together (nor does it commend them for the special way in which they reverence the Supper); it explicitly allows for the needs of different situations to be met. I think they understood that sometimes unity is best served by not imposing uniformity. Just as they allowed local pastors to pray for whatever the Lord laid on their hearts rather than following a set diet of prayers, as the Anglicans did, so also they trusted local Sessions to determine how often the Lord's Supper should be celebrated in their context.