Now then let us make this Use of the Institution of Bells. First, Let not only the Musick and Delight the Bells give thee, invite thee to come to the Temple, to be partaker of that Pleasure they may afford thy Body, but let their Musick invite thee to come thither when they call thee, to exercise thy Soul in Devotion; to God. Do not let thy frequent coming thither on Week-days for thy Diversion, make thee absent thy self on Sundays from thy Devotion; but let their Original Use make thee mindful of the Sanctum Sanctorum, the most Holy Place. Do not let the Sunday Mornings Peal engage thy presence then, and the Ale-House have thy company afterwards. Be as quick in hearing the Chyming for Prayers, as thou art in the Notes for Pleasure.
When ere the Old-Exchange of Profit Rings,
Her Silver Saints-Bell, of uncertain Gains,
Thy Merchant-soul can stretch both Legs & Wings,
How canst thou run, and take unwearied Pains?
And shouldst thou not be as nimble, when the Saints-bell of the Church sounds in thy Ears, and calls thee to attend the Priest, who now signifyes his entrance into the Holy-place, and invites thee to joyn with him in the Sacrifice of Prayers and Praises.
Secondly, Nor let the Bells be made thy Lullaby, to drown some Dissatisfaction, and so makes thee repair to the Belfree, (like the Nurse to her Whistle-Bells) to quiet thy disturbed mind, and thus (as the Divine Poet excellently expresses it) to silence it with
Look, Look, What’s here! A dainty Golden thing?
See how the dancing Bells turn round, and Ring
To please my Bantling! here’s a Knack will breed,