The Apostle, Paul addresses the Corinthians as a Church of Christ; and we have from him a larger and more particular account of the practices of their Church than any other. In chap. xiv. of his First Epistle, after censuring and correcting some improprieties which had obtained in their public assemblies, he gives them this direction: Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be comforted.
“The general practice of congregational Churches in our time seems not to comply with this apostolic injunction, I think, my friend, in your assemblies, especially in your solemn stated worship on the Lord's day, there is seldom more than one speaker. The same minister who preaches, usually begins and ends the service.
~ John Newton, Apologia, Letter 3. Works of John Newton, Vol 4, 1822 Pp. 33-34
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