in confirming, establishing, comforting, and edifying all who are so united ]
Let me then recommend,
1. That these formularies be duly estimated by
yourselves —
[The Homilies are too much laid aside at this time. It is well that the attention of the world is now more called to them than it has been for the last hundred years. I would recommend you all to read them for your own edification, and to circulate them for the edification of others. The Liturgy, also, is too much used as a form, without a suitable endeavour to enter into the spirit of it. But if we will, from time to time, compare our own frame of mind in prayer with the words which are provided for our use, we shall see how exceedingly defective we are in every thing that is good ; and how much we need a supply of the Spirit of God to bring us to any measure of that experience which we are bound, as Christians to attain ]
2. That your regard for them be shewn by your endeavours to circulate them throughout the world —
[From the records of that society, you will see that nothing but a want of funds has prevented a still greater extension of their labours than has yet taken place. If the generosity of the Christian public enable them to proceed according to their wishes, there will not be a country under heaven that will not, in due time, be blessed with the same advantages as we enjoy.]