Note 13b — AN EARNEST EXHORTATION, &c.

I cannot here deny myself the pleasure of inserting in a note, a passage I have lately met with in Mr. Archdeacon Daubeny’s Guide to the Church (a work which ought to be diligently perused by every affectionate and dutiful son of the venerable and apostolic church of England), and which peculiarly applies to our present subject: “It is a remark that has long since been made, that no man who prays can long continue a sinner; for either his praying will make him leave off sinning, or his sinning will make him leave off praying.” [13c] Apply this to that more solemn office or prayer and thanksgiving which is used in the administration of the Holy Sacrament, let a man pray the prayers of our Church, and devoutly attend her Sacraments, being in charity with all men, and we may venture to predict, that religion will soon get the mastery over such a man’s worldly and sinful dispositions, and that, through the merits and atonement of Christ, his salvation is secure.