Reverence in prayer, I love and prize—access to God with an holy boldness, but not impudence; nor a gloomy, horrid countenance, as if we were addressing a God that hated us. How solemn and how sweet the address of certain characters, to Jesus—“Lord save me!—Lord help me!—Lord that I might receive my sight!—Lord Jesus receive my spirit”—Let the word of God be your rule in all things—so in an attendance on the public means, be reverent, be serious, be cheerful—in an early attendance—let not your religion disturb the religion of others—if late, do not rush into your seats, while the minister is in prayer. How painful to hear the females come in with pattens on—and others opening and shutting their pews—some coughing and sneezing, so loud as to hurt the feelings, and almost turn the temper of the most amiable ministers in the world, to smother them.—Another species of irreverence I have long noticed with grief, among many dissenters—as soon as the last sentence of the Sermon is pronounced, many directly rush out of Chapel, as though they were glad it was over—in some cases it is excusable; a person may be faint in a warm place—others, in service—some obliged to hasten to their families; they may be excused.—I wish every congregation showed as much reverence in the close of service, as a certain place of worship I had the honour once to preach in—none went out till the Benediction was pronounced; and not till the whole assembly had stood still for the space of one or two minutes: How lovely the sight! Do ye, dissenters, adopt the same plan—it will show your love to the Gospel of Jesus, and to his assemblies. I readily grant that these things have nothing to do with our salvation; but surely no believer will object to them, as they are designed for the honour of that dear Name, in whom centers all our felicity. I might mention many other blessed effects which are produced by the Holy Spirit’s making this Name precious to believers; but I forbear to enlarge on any other particulars—only the bare mention of a few things—an humble reliance, trust, and confidence in him—“they that know thy Name will put their trust in thee.” Supreme love to his Person, Works, Ways, Ministers, Truths, and Dispensations—submission to his Will—a desire to be conformed to his Image—to be like him—to enjoy much communion with him—and to be for ever with him, in a state of endless felicity.—These effects deaden us to the world, mortify sin, lead us to deny all self-righteousness, keep us near him, humble the soul, and create the most intense desire that others may be made acquainted with this Name. This is our refuge, our joy, our glory—“the Name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth in and are safe.” Ye children of the most high God, this Jesus is yours, in the most exalted sense of the word, if you are driven out of every lying refuge, and can say, Other refuge have I none; Hangs my helpless soul on thee!