Ga. Can you desire any Thing truer than the Gospel?
Er. That is unreasonable; but there are some who can't believe themselves to be Christians unless they hear Mass (as they call it) every Day.
Ga. Indeed I don't condemn the Practise in those that have Time enough, and spend whole Days in profane Exercises; but I only disapprove of those who superstitiously fancy that that Day must needs be unfortunate to them that they have not begun with the Mass; and presently after divine Service is over they go either to Trading, Gaming, or the Court, where whatsoever succeeds, though done justly or unjustly, they attribute to the Mass.
Er. Are there any Persons that are so absurd?
Ga. The greatest part of Mankind.
Er. But return to divine Service.
Ga. If I can, I get to stand so close by the Holy Altar, that I can hear what the Priest reads, especially the Epistle and the Gospel; from these I endeavour to pick something, which I fix in my Mind, and this I ruminate upon for some Time.
Er. Don't you pray at all in the mean Time?
Ga. I do pray, but rather mentally than vocally. From the Things the Priest reads I take occasion of Prayer.
Er. Explain that a little more, I don't well take in what you mean.