congregation quotes

As Sir Roger is landlord to the whole congregation, he keepsthem invery good order, and will suffer nobody to sleep in it [the church] besides himself; for if by chance he has been surprised into a short nap at sermon, upon recovering out of it, he stands up, and looks about him; and if he sees anybody else nodding, either wakes them himself, or sends his servant to them.

-Joseph Addison
 In The Spectator, no.112, 9  Jul.

We receive this Child into the Congregation of Christ's flock, and dosign him with thesign of the Cross, in token that hereafter he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully to fight under his banner against sin, the world, and the devil, and to continue Christ's faithful soldier and servant unto his life's end. Amen.

-Book of Common Prayer
Publick Baptism of Infants, Reception of the Child.

Wherever God erects a house of prayer, The Devil always builds a chapel there; And 'twill be found, upon examination, The latter hast the largest congregation.

- Daniel Defoe
The True-Born Englishman, pt.1, l.1^4.