THe Mattins and Evensong begin with one sentence of holy Scripture, after which follows the Exhortation, declaring to the people, the end of their publick meeting: Namely, [To confess their sins, to render thanks to God, to let forth his praise, to hear his holy Word, and to ask those things that be necessary both for body and soul.] All this is to prepare their hearts (which it does most excellently) to the performance of these holy duties with devotion, according to the counsel of Ecclus. 18. 23. Before thou prayest, prepare thine heart, and be not as one that tempteth God. To which agrees that of Ecclesiastes 5. 1. Be not hasty to utter any thing before God, but consider that he is in Heaven, and thou upon earth.

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