The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

8. Endeavour by all good means to draw them to public Ordinances. For there God is in a more especial manner present.¹ There he hath commanded a blessing, and life for evermore. There he walketh among his Golden Candlesticks, when the King sitteth at his Table, the Spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof. He makes the place of his feet to be glorious. Though it were Gods appointment that the males only should at the solemn feasts repair to Shiloh: yet Elkanah carries up all his house to the yearly sacrifice. He would have his wife,² and children, and servants, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his Temple, and you know what a great blessing succeeded upon Hannah. ³Cornelius also when Peter came to preach at Caesarea upon Gods immediate command, he calls together all his kindred and acquaintance to hear the Sermon.⁴ Jesse and his Sons came together to the Sacrifice, which Samuel offered to the Lord at Bethlehem. It is an ungodly wicked custom, to leave many children and servants at home needlessly upon the Lords Day. Indeed in great and numerous families, where there are many small children, that might disturb the Congregation, and where much provision is necessary for such as attend upon God in the duties of Worship; there the case is somewhat altered. For such works of mercy are dispensed with by God himself. But labour to contract the number of absents to the smallest quantity possible, and let servants take their turns, that none may be alway at home; leave none behind thee without necessary and urgent cause. As for such as can be present at Ordinances, remember to examine ⟨p. 204⟩them of what they heard; as our blessed Lord the grand pattern of our Imitation dealt by his beloved Disciples, when he had preached that famous Sermon by the Sea side.⁵ Jesus asks them, Have ye understood all these things; and when they were alone, and apart from the multitude,