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mind of greater consequence, as they think, than going to Prayers. To some it is a great disturbance to hear the bell sounding in their ears, and calling them to their duty, which they being resolved not to practise, it makes them very uneasy to be so often put in mind of it. Others can make a shift to bear that pretty well, as not looking upon themselves concerned in it. For they take it for granted, that Prayers were intended only for such as have nothing else to do. As for their parts, they have a great deal of work upon their hands, and must mind that, without troubling their heads about any thing else. This is the plain case of some; but not of all. Blessed be God, He hath opened the eyes of many, especially in this city, who now see "the things that belong to their everlasting peace," and therefore are as constant at their public devotions, as they are at their private business. And I trust in His infinite Goodness and Mercy, that He who hath "begun so good a work among us," will one day perfect it, that we may all meet together "with one heart, and with one mouth to pray unto him," and praise and glorify His great name every day in the week, both in this city, and all the kingdom over. What a happy city, what a glorious kingdom would it then be! And how happy should I think myself, if it would please God to make me, the unworthiest of all His Servants, an instrument in His Almighty hand towards the effecting of it in this place! It is too great a felicity for me to flatter myself with the least hopes of. Howsoever I must do my duty, and leave the issue to Him who hath the hearts of all men in His hand.
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That it is His [Christ's] pleasure that we should constantly use that Form of Prayer, which He, as our Great Lord and Master, was pleased to compose for all his Disciples is so plain, that I wonder how any can doubt of it; there being no command in all the Bible more plain than that, "When ye pray, say. Our Father, which art in Heaven," &c. (Luke xi. 2.) But it is as plain, that He designed this Prayer should be used publicly, and in common by his Disciples when met together in their public assemblies: in that he hath drawn it up all along in the plural number, that many may join together in it, and say, "Our Father, which art in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil." So that there is not on
