these together are obliging calls, both of encouragement, if we answer as we should; and of danger, by provocation, if we neglect. It is a new declaration of his gracious condescension, and readiness still to receive us into favour, if we will wisely embrace it, consider our ways, and set to our duty in good earnest; and not think to satisfy him with the formality of a day of thanksgiving, without any just act of a real hearty gratitude. Who can or dare say, that this Divine favour hath not been obtained of Almighty God by this beginning of a restitution of the daily Christian Sacrifice, under the conduct of his special Providence, as a principal means for a manifestation of his approbation thereof to the whole nation? If we well consider the judgments both of ancient Christians, and of learned and judicious Divines of our own Church in this age, concerning the prevalence of this holy means, together with the circumstances we are under, it will appear no unreasonable thing to think so. The celebration of the Holy Sacrament (saith a late Bishop, Dr. Jeremy Taylor) is in itself, and in its own formality, a sacred, solemn, and ritual Prayer, in which we invocate God by the merits of Christ, expressing that adjuration, not only in words, but in actual representment and commemoration of his Passion. And if the necessities of the Church were well considered, we should find that a daily Sacrifice of Prayer, and a daily Prayer of Sacrifice, were no more but what her condition requires. And I would to God the Governors of Churches would take care that the necessities of Kings and Kingdoms, of Churches and

States, were represented to God by the most solemn and efficacious intercessions: and Christ hath taught us none greater than the praying in the virtue and celebration of his Sacrifice. And this is the counsel that the Church received from St. Ignatius : Hasten frequently to approach to the Eucharist, the glory of God; for when this is daily celebrated, we break the powers of Satan. If all our Bishops, Deans, and Prebends, did constantly and devoutly attend this Solemn Worship at their several Cathedrals, and there perform this Holy Service as it ought to be, we should soon find that to be of greater importance, both to Church and State, and the whole Nation, than all the service our Bishops ever did, or ever will do, in Parliament, or the rest at their particular cures, attendances, and I know not what occasions, to withdraw them from their proper and principal business. These are such relics of Popery as ought to be reformed, if ever we expect to receive the favour and blessing of God in any great degree. How others can satisfy their consciences, I know not: but I am clear of opinion that they who take such preferments for lucre' sake, and attend the duty of them no farther than our laws do require, are guilty of the greatest sacrilege; and that those Princes and States, who presume ordinarily to withdraw such persons from the service of God in their proper places, to serve them in matters of State, are likewise guilty of sacrilege, impiety, and great imprudence, to make so bold with sacred matters. The reformation of these things would be a greater demonstration of real gratitude to God, than any thing this nation hath produced of a long time.

THE LITURGY

THE ANCIENTS.

OF THE

PART I.

The Priest, turning toward the People :*

Pr. The Lord be with you;

Pe. And with thy spirit.

O COME, let us sing unto the Lord, &c.

Then toward the Altar :*

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good-will towards men.

BLESSED be the Lord God of Israel, &c.

Glory be to the Father, &c.

*Note. According to ancient usage, whatever is spoken to God, is spoken toward the altar; whatever to the People, toward them. [v. Mede. Ep. 56.]

GOD be merciful unto us, and bless us; and shew us the light of his countenance, and be merciful

unto us.

PREVENT US, O Lord, in all our doings with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help, that [as by thy special grace preventing us thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect; and in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee,] we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally by thy mercy [may] obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

OUR Father, who art in heaven, &c. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid : Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then, turning toward the People :

Pr. GOD spake these words, and said, I am the