Imprimatur.  
Mart. 17. 1686. JO. BATTELEY.   

A PERSUASIVE TO THE Conscientious Frequenting THE DAILY Public Prayers OF THEChurch of England. IN A SERMON UPON 1 THESSALY. 5 Verse 17, and 18.  
LONDON, Printed by A. G. for Walter Kettilby, at the Bishop's Head, in St. Paul's Churchyard. 1687.   

TO HIS Esteemed Good FRIENDS, THE INHABITANTS OF THE PARISHES OF 

St. LAURENCE JEWRY,  
St. MARY MAGDALEN MILK-STREET, &  
St. CHRISTOPHER.    
Gentlemen,  
I Know not how better to express the sense I have of your great Kindness, in making so free a Choice of me to those Relations, in which I now stand to you, than by lodging this Plain Discourse in every one of your Houses. I earnestly request, that it may be attentively read, and well considered of by all those in your Families who can read; and may be read to such as cannot read themselves. And if I can prevail to have it examined Impartially, without all prejudice, and with the same Honest Design, with which it was Written, and Preached, I may modestly hope, that it will, through God's Blessing, produce at least some visible good Effects.  
We have already (praised be God for it) daily Prayers in many Churches of this City, which afford us great choice of Hours; at some, or other of which, certainly most Men may, and the most Wise and Pious Men will find, or make leisure, from their ordinary business, openly to own their Dependence upon, and pay their Public Acknowledgements to that God, who both at first made, and hath since so Graciously Redeemed them, for himself; and who every day Maintains, Preserves, and Blesses them. And I question not but that we should soon have Prayers likewise every day in most, I believe in all our Churches, if the Parishioners could be persuaded to come, and give Countenance to their Ministers, who are now discouraged from the Attempt, by the Shameful, Scandalous Thinness of their Congregations on Wednesdays, and Fridays, when they are read.  
Though I confess myself to be of Opinion (and that upon some Experiment, as well as upon good grounds of Reason) That even in those Churches where there is the smallest Appearance at those times, there would be twice, perhaps in a little while, Ten times as many at Prayers every day, were they once so settled, and men's Minds duly awakened to the Consideration of their Duty, and Interest, as now come on Wednesdays, and Fridays. Since the better any good thing is weighed, and understood, and the more constantly it is practised, the more it will gain upon us; and the nearer it comes to an Habit, the harder it will be to forbear it.  
I should not need to add, were it not to prevent (if it be possible) all manner of Pretence to Cavil, That what is here advanced, manifestly enough appears to be Calculated for Cities, Market-Towns, or such Populous Villages, in which both the nearness of the Church, and the Nature of men's Employments may conveniently afford them so valuable a Privilege, as is that of Consecrating some part of every day, to the Honour, and Public Worship of their Dear Lord, and Master. Nor should I otherwise here say, because I have so often done it in the Body of this little Treatise, That I do all along press this Duty with the Exception, or Allowance of a Just, and Good Reason. That is of such a Reason, as a Prudent, and Pious Man, whose Mind is seasoned with that Genuine Principle of Divine Life, the Love of God, and all the Graces of his Holy Spirit, and influenced by a lively sense, and proportionable care of his Chief, and Lasting concern, that of his Immortal Soul, shall deliberately judge to be a sufficient Excuse for his Absence at that time; all the Circumstances of his Person, and Place, and necessary, or warrantable Occasions, being fairly accounted for.  
What I affirm, and urge, is this, That the Common-Prayers of our Church ought to be every where, and at all times frequented by all those of its Members, who can do it with that conveniency, which Christian Piety, Prudence, and Charity shall state, and agree to be such. And that 'tis every Man's Duty to be present at them, so often as his occasions, and condition of Life, so determined, will permit.  
And this Truth, I think, were there no other Argument for it, may be clearly made out by the General Laws of our Religion, such as are those which Command, and Invite us, To seek first the Kingdom of God. To do all things to the Glory of God. To let all things be done to edifying; That is, to the Building up, and Advancement of the Church of Christ. To think on (in order to practise) whatsoever things are Honest (or Venerable, and Worthy, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) whatsoever things are Just, (and such certainly is the daily Public Homage of an Intelligent Creature, to his Great Creator) whatsoever things are of good Report. To live to the Lord, with one Mind, and one Mouth to Glorify God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. To give Glory to God in the Church (in the Assemblies of Christian People) by Jesus Christ throughout all Ages. To show forth the Praises of him who hath called us out of Darkness into his Marvellous Light; as being thereby made a Royal Priesthood: Of whom, as we are such, God now under the Gospel requires constant Service, in the Public Assemblies, as he did the Sacrifices of the Levitical Priests. (Dr. Ham.) These General Rules, or Maxims of Christianity, being all of them easily applicable to the Subject I Treat of, I thought good to mention here, for the farther Instruction, and Conviction of those whom the Prejudice of a different Education, contrary Custom, Party, or other little Inducement, may be apt to misled, and make unwilling to discern, and own, what they are not willing should betrue.  
But whatever the Event may be in reference to those who thus choose to stand in their own light, I shall have, at least, the Satisfaction of having now done what in me lay to persuade you to the Practice of a Religious Duty, which, if undertaken upon the Principles, and performed by the Measures of true, and Undissembled Piety, will very much tend to the Honour and Glory of God, the Credit, Growth, and Advancement of Religion; the Establishment of our Church, the Peace and Welfare of this Kingdom; and our own great good, both in this Life, and in that which is to come. That it may please God so to Bless this little Treatise, as that it may be some way instrumental to the promoting his Glory, the general Interest of Religion, and their particular Advantage who shall read, and duly consider it, is the earnest Prayer of,  
Gentlemen, Your Obliged Faithful Friend, and Servant, John Mapletoft.   

A PERSUASIVE TO THE Conscientious Frequenting THE DAILY Public Prayers OF THE Church of England,  1 THESSALY. V 17, and 18. 
Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  
FRequent Intercourse with Heaven by the ascent, or going up of our minds to God, in the holy flames of fervent Prayer, and devout Meditation, is recommended to us, both by Scripture, and Reason, as the most proper, and most effectual means of our growth in Grace, and Spiritual Proficiency. For, such intimate, and more immediate converse with the Fountain of all Wisdom, Goodness, and Truth, will enlighten our Understandings; must needs attract, and unalterably fix our Wills upon the true Object of Rational Choice, the supreme Good; will untack, and loosen our Souls from the Clod to which they grow; will raise our thoughts above the Smoke, and Dust, the petty Cares, and low trifling concerns of this World; it will sublime our A●…ctions; enlarge and improve our Capacities; refine our Tempers; Spiritualise our Natures; and thus every way fit us for that nearer Approach to, and closer Union with God, that centre of our immortal Spirits, which is to be our Rest, and our Happiness, our Crown, and our Glory in the next Life.  
It must then be acknowledged, that the continued Use, and Excercise of such Abstraction of our minds from material, and sensible things, and devout Application of our Souls to God, in Prayer, and Thanksgiving, is a substantial part of that Employment, and Duty, to which we are obliged, as we are Christians; or of that Will, and good Pleasure of God, which is revealed to us by our Blessed Lord in his Gospel. And this Consideration of the Nature and Efficacy of Prayer, and its necessary subserviency to the great ends, and design of our Religion, may serve (besides the consent of learned Interpreters.) Grot. Vorst. Cornel. a Lapide) to justify the Coherence, or mutual Relation of these Words, as I have now read them together. Pray without ceasing, etc.  
Now these Words, thus connected, do manifestly contain this Proposition; viz. That we Christians are obliged, by the tenure of our Profession, and, as we are such, to great Measures of our Devotion. That we are bound to have a constant, and assiduous Commerce with our good God, in Prayer, and Thanksgiving; who hath vouchsafed to us, in the Gospel of his Son, a more express Revelation of his Nature and his Will; of his Love and Kindness to us, in sending his Son to redeem us, and his Holy Spirit to Instruct, Reform, and Sanctify us; and of our Duty consequent thereupon, to walk worthy of God. 1 Thes. 2.10. i e. To act, and live in some Proportion to that Honour God hath herein done us; who is now in Christ Jesus, after a more peculiar manner, our Lord, our Master, our Friend, and Benefactor, our Father, and our God. That since God is come down to us, (the Word was made Flesh, and dwelled, or had his Tabernacle, among us; appeared gloriously in our Nature) our Souls must now be always mounting up to him, on the Wings of Prayer, and in the daily Sacrifice of Praise, and incense of Thanksgiving. And that we Christians must habituate, and accustom our Souls to dwell above; and to converse with the Original of our Being, the God of all our Mercies, and all our Hopes; since 'tis the great business of our Religion to dispose, and qualify us in this Life, for the Enjoyment of God in the next; and by raising our Minds from gross, and sensible Objects, to a relish, and taste of things Spiritual and Invisible, to Naturalise us to Heaven.  
And, since these general Precepts, Pray without ceasing; In every thing give thanks; do unquestionably import both Frequency, and Perseverance in the whole extent and latitude of Devotion; both as to its several Parts, as also, as to its Circumstances of Time, and Place, including all kinds, and all manners of Address to God; whether settled, and regular; or Accidental and Occasional, in point of time; public in Churches, or private in our Closets and Retirements; or with our Families, in point of Place: it must be confessed, that we are chief, and more especially obliged to that kind, or manner of Address, which most fully answers the Principal Ends, and Fundamental Reasons of Prayer in general.  
Now the great end, and design of praying to God, being to do Honour to him, in the Acknowledgement we make, that as we derive from him, so we wholly depend upon him, for all that we are, or have, or hope for; and, to procure from God a supply to all our own, and others wants, both in our private and public Capacities; it evidently follows, That the commands here given, To Pray without ceasing; and, To give thanks in every thing; or upon all Occasions, and Opportunities, which do present themselves, must be understood, and that principally, to lay an Obligation upon us to make Conscience of frequenting the daily public Worship of God, where we have an opportunity of so doing, Since this manner of Application to God, doth apparently, above any other, advance the glory of God, and promote all the valuable Interests both of ourselves, and others; whether considered personally, or collectively, as we make a Society, or Body, either Civil, or Religious, as I shall show hereafter.  
My Business shall therefore at present be to attempt the clearing up, and making good the Doctrine laid down in these Words, taken in that most genuine and eminent sense, which is allowed them by the most learned Interpreters, both Ancient, and Modern, viz. That we Christians do stand obliged, both by virtue of these, and the like Precepts, and by the reason of the thing itself, conscientiously to frequent the daily public Prayers of the Church, where we have opportunity; and can find, or make leisure so to do. And that therefore no Man, or Woman ought to think it altogether an indifferent thing, (generally speaking, and the Circumstances of particular Cases being allowed for) whether they go to serve God with the Congregation; or stay at home, and employ themselves in some other thing, though lawful, yet at that time, not necessary; or not sufficient to furnish them with such a reason as may serve to justify them to God, and their own Conscience, directed by the measures of Christian Prudence and Piety; of Love to God, and a due Cave of their Immortal Souls.  
Now the Obligation we all have not to forsake the Assembling of ourselves together with our Christian Brethren, every day in God's House, unless we are hindered by some good Reason, I shall, I hope, evince and make to appear from these five following Considerations.  

Firstly, From the import, and meaning of the Precepts here mentioned; and others of the like Sense, and Signification, viz. That this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us.  
Secondly, From the Consideration of the Glory and Honour we bring to God; and the Reputation and Credit we give to Religion, by our daily, open, and solemn Addresses to him.  
Thirdly, From the many, and great Advantages we ourselves shall reap from our constant Attendance on God in this our bounden Duty, and Service.  
Fourthly, From the Consideration of the good, and interest of others; which we do hereby most effectually promote whether single Persons, or the Community of which we are Members.  
Fifthly, From the general Consent, and universal Practice of the Christian Churches of all Ages, and Places, throughout the World.   
1. Then we Christians are obliged to frequent the daily public Worship of God, out of regard to his Authority, who hath enjoined us so to do, in this and the like places of Scripture; such as are these following, Ephes. uj 18. Praying always [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at every season] with all Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all Perseverance. Luke xviij. 1. Where our Saviour, speaks a Parable, to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, not to be slothful, remiss, and negligent in this great Duty, 1 Tim. 2.8. I will therefore that Men Pray every where. Which both St. Basil, and Beza do expound of Houses, or Churches set apart for the Public Worship of God; in which St. Paul would have Christians to Pray, and not only at the Temple in Jerusalem. Dr. Patrick's Discourse concerning Prayer. Now, although it must be granted, that none of these Scriptures do expressly enjoin the daily use of Public Prayers; yet since these do more completely answer all the ends of Prayer than any private Devotion can do, they must of necessity be comprehended, and by parity of Reason chief designed in those general commands.  
Besides that, To Pray without ceasing, or continually, may be very properly expounded of our presenting ourselves before God, in his House, as often as we are either obliged thereto by public Authority, or invited by the laudable Custom, and Example of pious, and well-disposed Persons. For this, in a popular and legal sense, is doing a thing indesinently, or without ceasing. (Dr. Barrow,) when we perform it so often as we are required by Law, or Custom. Thus the Priests are said, Heb. 9.6. to go always into the Tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. Always i. e. at all those solemn times which were appointed for such Service, and the Apostles are said, Luke 24.53. after Christ's Ascension, and their return to Jerusalem, to have been continually in the Temple, blessing, and praising God. i. e. They went daily to the Temple at the usual times, or hours of Prayer. Since than we are commanded, To Pray without coasing; and to give thanks in every thing, or upon every Occasion; to pray always, to pray every where,— in every season, or upon every opportunity; except a man shall be so absurd as to deny the solemn times set apart every day for Public Devotion, to be seasons, and opportunities of Prayer; the Material Church to be a place; and the hours of Prayer to be any part of time; (and so to be necessarily included in the terms, always, without ceasing, continually) he must confess, that all these Precepts of our Saviour, and his Apostles, may, and aught, by the Analogy of Faith, and Deduction of right Reason, to be interpreted at least, as well of the Public, as of our Private Addresses to God. And consequently. That we ought for this great Reason to be Assiduous, and conscientiously Diligent in our daily. Public Approaches to God in his Sanctuary; because this is a considerable part of our Duty, as wear Christians; Or, This is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us.  
And the pious Wisdom of our Church having provided, that not only on all the Lord's days, and some few others, set apart for special Reasons; but on every day of the Week also, Morning and Evening Prayer shall be openly read, or said, by the Gurate that Ministereth in every Church or Chapel, being at home, and not being otherwise reasonably hindered; 'tis hereby plainly intimated, That every one who is not reasonably hindered, should also come to hear it read every day: A Bell being ordered to be tolled thereunto, that the People may come to hear God's Word, and to pray with the Minister. As he who pleases may find at the end of the Discourse concerning the Church, in the Book of Common-Prayer. These things considered, it will not certainly become any Wise and Good Man, who Loves his God, his Religion, his Country, or his own Soul, usually, and customarily, or indeed at any time, to absent himself from the daily Public Worship of God, without a very just and warrantable reason. And he who allows himself in such plain Omissions of his Duty, upon any unjustifiable account whatever, denies to yield Obedience to this Precept, Pray without ceasing; since he ceases, nay he refuses to Pray, when the Providence of God, the Direction, and Order of the Church, the Custom and Example of Devout Persons, do strongly invite, and follicite him, by reforting to God's House, and hearing his part in the Public Worship, to do open Honour to God, and Advantage both to himself, and the whole Church Militant.  
2. We are also obliged to frequent the Public Prayers, because we do thereby bring Glory, and Honour to God; and give Credit, and Reputation to our Religion; and that in much greater Degrees than we can do by any private Addresses to him, either in our Closers, or with our Families. For tho' it be true, that we may Worship God acceptably at home; and it is both our Duty and our Advantage so to do; yet since Honour, and Glory, are properly outward Significations of the inward value and regard we have for Persons; we do not properly honour, and glorify God, in our private Devotions; but do then more especially give him the honour due unto his Name, and make his Name to be Glorious, when we Pray unto, and Praise him, before much People. For, when we every day make our Court to him, as to the great King, and Lord of all; and wait upon him, in his own House, we thereby give a public Testimony of the Esteem and Reverence we have for him. We own ourselves to be of his Family and Retinue; to depend upon him, and to hold all we have as from him, by the daily public Homage we thus pay unto him. Hereby we may also properly be said to serve God, or to do our Duty to him in promoting his Interest, (if, I may so speak,) by keeping up, and maintaining a lively sense of his being in the Hearts of Men; and propagating, and advancing Conceptions of him, Worthy of his Greatness, and transcendent Majesty; of his infinite Wisdom, Power, and Goodness; when we thus avowedly celebrate him, as the Universal yersal Parent, Preserver, and Governor of Mankind; who alone understands, and alone is both able, and willing to supply the wants of all his Creatures, who invoke, and depend upon him.  
Hereby we likewise bring Credit, and Reputation to our Religion; which can hardly be supported, without such Visible Profession. We openly declare ourselves its Champions; and that we are not ashamed of our Blessed Lord, nor of his Words, or the Laws of his holy Institution, in the midst of a crooked, and perverse, a scoffing, and Atheistical Generation. We let all profane Miscreants see, that they can no more banish the Notion of God out of the World, than they can pluck the Sun out of the Firmament; tho' they may possibly wink hard enough, neither to see the one, nor take due notice of the other: That notwithstanding their affected Blindness, and wilful Ignorance, God hath still a very considerable party in the World; numbers of Men, who think it their greatest Honour to be, and to be accounted his Servants, and every day publicly own that Name, and Title; and as such, pay their daily Attendance on their dear Lord and Master, in his own House.  
3. Another Motive, or Reason obliging us to frequent the daily Prayers of our Church, is the Consideration of the Advantages we ourselves shall reap from our so doing. Of which sort, I shall name only these Three.  
First, That we hereby do spend some part of our time every day in the best and most heavenly Employment, and consequently after the best manner that we are capable of spending it.  
Secondly, That this lays a farther Obligation upon us to lead a more strict, and holy Life than other men do; and to be exemplary, as well in all other Graces, as in that of Devotion.  
Thirdly, That this is a certain means, if we are not wanting to ourselves, of our growth in Grace; and particularly, in those two Cardinal Graces (the Top and Perfection, as well as the Groundwork, and Foundation of all others;) the Love of God, and the Love of our Neighbours.  
1. Then I say, That the time we spend in the Public Service of God is the best secured, and the best bestowed of any other. This is certainly the best, because the most Heavenly Employment; it being the continual Business of the Angels, and the Archangels, and all the Host of Heaven, with joint Praises to Laud, and Celebrate the Divine Majesty. So that by thus doing, we begin Heaven here; we do already enter upon the Life, and State, and Employment of Angels; being united to that blessed Choir, and doing as they do. And he that shall duly acquit himself herein, will have this great satisfaction, that he hath spent at least one hour every day to the best advantage, as an Anticipation, and fore-taste of that Life, which we hope to lead in the presence of God for ever.  
2. Another Advantage we derive from frequenting daily the Public Prayers is this, viz. That our so doing lays a strong, and daily Obligation upon us to live a more strict, and holy, a more divine and heavenly Life, than others do; to be unblamable, unreprovable in all our Conversation. And he who doth not charge himself with the daily Practice and Exercise of all those Graces, for which he prays to God, hath reason to suspect himself of Hypocrisy, and Formality in these his open Prayers. Those then who make Conscience of Approaching God twice every day in his Public Ordinances, must also for this very Reason, besides all others, make more Conscience of presenting him, as with a pure Heart, so with a Circumspect, Innocent, Unspotted Life. And certainly if such Men are not much better than others, who pretend less, they are much worse; since they do hereby, openly profess more Zeal for God's Glory, more Love to him, and more Care to please him; and a greater sense both of his Goodness to them, and their Duty to him, so that if they disparage such their Profession, by unsuitable Practice; they give just Reason to believe, they have some other end to serve then that of Religion.  
3. A Third Advantage which will accrue to us from our daily Attendance on God in his House, is growth in Grace; and particularly in the Love of God, and of our Neighbour; those two Eminent and Comprehensive Graces, on which hang all the Law, and the Prophets. For the first of these, the Love of God; 'tis certain, that the more often we Converse with him, the more intimately we are acquainted with him (who being the supreme good needs only to be known, that so he may be loved by us) the more strongly will our Souls cleave unto him: So that if to our Private Meditation, and Prayers, we add such daily solemn Converse with him in the Public Prayers and Thanksgivings, and hearing of his Word, our Love to him must needs grow and increase thereby. And as to the Love of our Neighbour; since every siding, and taking part, though but in some inconsiderable Opinion, Interest, or Custom, Education, or Course of Life, is a peculiar Endearment, and ground of Affection towards those of the same Opinion, Interest, or Way; how much more prone will they be to bear an hearty good Will and Kindness toward each other, who are daily engaged in the same common Interest; and that of the highest Importance, viz. a joint endeavour to bring Public Honour to their common Lord; and to forward their own Salvation; who twist and combine their Prayers, and Praises; and converse here with one another, as they hope to do hereafter in Heaven. Not to mention now the solemn Intercession made twice aday for the whole Catholic Church, and the open Declaration of our so forgiving all Men, who offend, or injure us, as we desire and hope for Mercy, and Forgiveness at the Hands of God. Now, besides the Efficacy of the united Prayers of a Christian Congregation, put up for themselves and for each other (at which Christ hath promised to be present in a special manner, Matt. xviij. 20.) It is, I think, an undeniable certainty, That he who shall both in Private, and also in Public, thus daily importune the Throne of Grace, shall obtain a greater measure of these, and all other Graces, than he who contents himself with his Private, Solitary Prayers only.  
4. Another Consideration enforcing this Duty of our waiting upon God, in his Sanctuary every day, is the great Benefit, and good which others may receive from our so doing; and that, not only as particular Persons taking notice of our regular, steady, exemplary Piety, joined with an unblemished Life; and a truly Christian Conversation, may be won by our good Example, to the same practice; and by the shine of our Light, by seeing our good Works, may also themselves come in like manner to glorify our Father which is in Heaven. But also, because Public Prayers, both as they tend to the bettering all those, who do conscientiously frequent them, and so to the augmenting the number, and improving the Graces of Righteous Persons, for whose sake God often spares a wicked Place, or People; and also, in their Nature, Design, and End, are the proper Instrument for the obtaining and continuing Public Peace, and Tranquillity; or the Establishment, and Prosperity of a Church and State. Whence R. Maimonides, well observes, That he who dwells in a City in which there is a Synagogue, or House of Prayer, and doth not therein Pray with the Assembly, he is to be censured as an ill Neighbour: as one that is wanting in his Duty to promote, by his Prayers, the good of that Community, of which he is therefore an Unworthy Member.  
And I have been credibly informed (to apply this point to ourselves) That in the Days of Queen Elizabeth, when our Church by the Blessing of God upon her necessary and warrantable Reformation, had quite broken off the Chains, and Fetters of the Romish Usurpation; some (perhaps most) of our Parish Churches were as numerously thronged at the daily Prayers, as they have since been at Sermons. And that, as our Liturgy grew afterwards into neglect, by the Indevotion and Profaneness of some; and then into Contempt, by the Mis-perswasion, Vain Affectation of Novelty, false Pretences to greater Purity of Worship, and the like evil Artifices of others: So true Piety, and Loyalty, Men's Duty to God, and their Prince, Justice and Charity, Brotherly Kindness, and good Will to each other, began proportionably to lessen and decay: till at length every thing of Religion, but the Name, and Pretence only, seemed to die, and expire in a Bloody Civil War: Of which our Poor Church still wears the Marks; and feels some of its dire Effects to this very day, in those breaches which are yet unclosed. From whence we may rationally conclude, That as the neglect, and dis-use of our Common-Prayer was the beginning of those Confusions, and Miseries, which ruined both our Church and State; so the most probable means to secure our Religion, as it is now Established, and to engage Almighty Power on our side, is, for us all to unite ourselves as in the Profession of the Evangelical, Primitive, Apostolical Faith; and in Uniform Obedience to all the Laws of God; and in steadfast Loyalty to our Prince; and Universal Love, and hearty good Will one towards another: So also, in the same daily Public Worship of our great Lord. Which, together with the Articles of our Religion is the proper, Characteristic, and Distinctive Mark of the purest, and best constituted Church in the World, the Church of England; in which, by the goodness of God, we do now live; and in which, by his Grace, we hope to die.  
The 5. (and last) Consideration, from which I proposed to deduce our Obligation to the daily service of God in the Church, is the general Consent, and Universal Practice of the Church of Christ, in all Ages, and Places, almost in the World. The Apostles, as we read Luke 24.53. after Christ's Ascension, were continually in the Temple, i. e. Every Morning and Evening (in which sense the Morning and Evening Sacrifice was called the continual Burnt-Offering) at the time of Public Prayer, Praising and Blessing God. And the Apostolical Constitutions (which are by all allowed to be very Ancient) do enjoin the Bishop to Admonish and Command the People to come every day, both Morning and Evening, to the Public Prayers; and that none by absenting himself, should maim the Church, and take away one Member from the Body of Christ. 2. Constit. Chap. 59  
And as in all Ages, so in all Places, the Churches both of the Eastern, and Western Communion, Greek, Armenian, Roman, Lutheran, and Calvinist; all Christian Churches, almost do so Universally Understand, and Agree, That the daily Public Worship of God is enjoined both by the Scriptures, and the very Nature of a Christian Church, That there is scarce any place in which it is not constantly, and Religiously observed, and used. For a Christian Church is in its proper Notion, An Assembly of Men and Women met together to Worship God by Christ; Or, A company joined together to have Fellowship with God, and one with another in all holy Duties; of which Prayer, Thanksgiving, and Praises are the Chief. As those who need, or Desire farther Information, or Satisfaction in this Argument, may find largely, and convincingly handled, in a Discourse concerning Prayer, lately published by a pious and learned Divine of our Church, Dr. Patrick, which I wish were in all Men's Hands.  
Thus have I shown the Obligation we all have as far as every Man's Opportunities, and Circumstances will give leave, to a Conscientious Attendance on the daily Public Worship. And that this Duty is pressed, and bound upon us;  

1. By that Obedience we own to the Will of God, revealed in the Gospel.  
2. By that Zeal we ought to have for the Honour, and Glory of God, and the Interest of our Religion.  
3. By the Advantages we may reap from our so doing, viz. The laying out so much of our time in the best manner, and to the best Account. Being hereby put upon great Circumspection, and Watchfulness over ourselves, that we lead unreprovable, and exemplary Lives; our own growth in all Grace; and especially in the Love of God, and of our Neighbour.  
4. By the concern we ought to have for the good of others; the Public Prosperity, and Establishment both of our Church and State.  
5. By the Authority and Example of the Church of Christ in all Ages, and Places.   
But after all this, Men have not leisure from their secular Employments; and serving God in their Calling, they tell us, is better than Praying. But is not Religion our Calling too? I am sure the Scripture uses the Word, Vocation, or Calling in that Sense, and I think in that only; and the Apostolical Constitutions tell us, That our secular Callings, Trades, or Professions, are our Work, by the buy only, as providing for the Necessities of this lower Animal Life. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. But the Worship of God is our Principal Business. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Const. 61.  
If we must live Godlily, as well as Soberly, and Righteously; we must then reckon the Public Worship of God among the Businesses of our Lives, and allow a competent time for the Discharge of what appears to be one third part of our Duty. I would advise even the Poorest Persons, who maintain themselves and Families by hard Labour, to venture so much of their time with God, as the Prayers take up every day; and I am persuaded they would find it no ill Husbandry, God would not be in their debt at the years end. But those who have not leisure, because they will not have it; because, not being Content with Food and Raiment (the Wealth of a true Christian) they will be dangerously Rich; though they do thereby fall into Temptation and a Snare, and into those many foolish and hurtful Lusts, which often drown them, or their Posterity in Destruction and Perdition: these aught well to consider the Nature, and Doctrines of our Holy Religion, viz. That it teaches us not to Love the World, nor the things of This World; to be Crucified to the World: To set our Affections on things above, and not on things on the Earth; To lay up our Treasure in Heaven: To provide for ourselves Bags that Wax not old, To be rich towards God, To be led by the Spirit, and to walk after the Spirit; and then let them well weigh, whether a Religion Established on these, and the like Maxims, may not reasonably demand at least one 24th. part of their time for the public Honour, and Service of God, and the promoting their own great Interest, that of their immortal Souls; and the good of the Community in which they live, and whether their constant, or frequent Pretence to want of leisure for the Public Worship, be not in truth a Criminal Vicious Love of the World, and too much minding Earthly things, and, in plain English, choosing to serve Mammon, rather than God?  
Certainly if the generality of Men were as truly Wise, and as truly Pious as they ought to be; if they understood the Interests of their Souls, of their Religion, of their Church and Nation, as well as they do the little concern of getting Money; they easily might, and would, so order their Affairs, that our Churches might be every day as well filled in the Morning and Evening, as the Exchange is at Noon. And doubtless, he who having the necessary Preparations of an holy Christian Conversation, a Life led in all Godliness, and Honesty; (or a serious, prevailing Resolution so to Live;) of an upright Intention, and sincere aim at the glory of God; his own growth in Grace, and the good of others; shall make Conscience of entering God's Courts twice every day; when he comes to die, will find more Satisfaction in that one hour thus spent, than in all those he spends in his Worldly concerns, and no particular will stand fairer in the account of our time, which we must all make to God at the last day, than the Item, So much spent every day, when we had opportunity, in the Public Worship, and Service of God.   

ERRATA.  
PAge 3. l. 17. deal Our. p. 7. l. 18. deal lie in Firstly. p. 8. l. last. lege 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. p. 11. l. 6. we are. p. 12. l. 14. league bearing. p. 23. l. 11. put L. before 2. p. 25. l. 21. put L. before 2. p. 28. l. 10. lege This Item.  
FINIS.