But while the observance of the Sabbath may be regarded as a national duty, yet it is, at the same time, an individual duty. While we are required, as a nation, to honour GOD in this respect, we have, besides, an individual responsibility which is independent of it. The subject opens to us a very wide field, and it would be impossible, within the brief limits to which we are confined, to enter upon all that might be said. The words of Isaiah contain, perhaps, the fullest explanation of the manner in which the Sabbath should be observed that is to be found in the records of inspiration. They enjoin an entire cessation from our worldly business and pleasures, and from all such conversation as shall unfit us for the duties of religion; and, at the same time, they teach us that our thoughts and attention should be directed to the great business for which the day was instituted. Now our duty upon the Sabbath naturally divides itself into three parts: the public worship of GOD; the cultivation of family religion; and the maintenance of personal piety. It is not needful that I should seek, by anything which I might say, to impress upon you the importance of a constant and devout attendance upon the services of the Church. I need not remind you of the blessings which shall surely be the portion of those who shall “dwell in the courts of the LORD’S house,” and whose feet are to be found in “the sanctuary of GOD,”—who are ever mindful of the Saviour’s promise, “Where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.” {18a} In many a heart does the language of the sweet singer of Israel find an echo, when he gives utterance to those exulting words, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the House of the LORD. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, Oh Jerusalem.” {18b} I speak to those who love and reverence the Church of England—the Church of our country and our fathers—the Church beneath whose hallowed walls are strewn the graves of Martyrs and Confessors—the Church which has been watered by the blood of the Saints, and which is surely “built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, JESUS CHRIST Himself being the chief corner-stone.” {19a} Oh that that Church, whose “walls are Salvation, and her gates Praise,” {19b} may increase a hundredfold, and flourish in the midst of us! Oh that she may be enshrined in the hearts of the people of this land; that her divisions may be healed, her time-honoured system be developed, and above all, her “priests be clothed with righteousness,” {19c} that so her mission upon earth may be accomplished in the subjugation of the hearts and affections of men to the sway of JESUS, and in the building up, “on their most holy faith,” of “a people prepared for the LORD!” “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces!” {19d}