It was his constant aim to do everything for the glory of God, and to be "a useful instrument of the church." And if this was the case in all his efforts to educate youth, how much more was it the case when the church itself was concerned! He was not one of those with whom Christianity and affection for the church is something so internal that it never manifests itself. He approved of the use of particular forms of prayer. He says: "We are not to despise the verbal prayer, which helps to arouse us. Dr. Jerome Schurff very properly observes: Christ says, when ye pray, _say_: Our Father, which art in heaven. Therefore it is not sufficient to pray in the spirit, but if it is possible we must also utter words by which the devotional feelings of our hearts are increased." In his prayers he steadfastly relied upon the promises of God, and doubtless frequently rejoiced in having found that which he sought. He loved the house of God, and was a faithful attendant at the public worship of God. HEERBRAND of Tübingen, in his Eulogy, bears this honorable testimony: "He was anxious to frequent public worship, not only to set a good example to others, but because he knew that the Holy Spirit exercised his power through the word of God, and that the Son of God was present, so that his faith might be strengthened, and the spirit of prayer be enkindled in the congregations of the saints; even as he constantly prayed with inexpressible sighs, and offered up prayers and supplications for the church and himself. We, who knew him, are all able to testify in regard to this."
He once remarked to his hearers: "You are not to act in so brutish and impertinent a manner as to think it does not matter even if I do not go to church, for it is nothing but Popery and superstition. No, but it is barbarism to neglect these privileges. There is no more beautiful sight than orderly and holy assemblies, in which men are instructed of God, and where they unite in prayer and thanksgiving. We have here a type of eternal life, where we shall sit in the presence of God and his Son, and hear the Son of God instructing us in reference to the greatest wonders."
In another place he says: "You must connect yourselves with the church, and maintain the public worship of God. You know how frequently the Psalmist prayed: "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." O Lord, let me live where there is a church, however small. Just as I once related of my little daughter, who said: "Königsberg is a very nice place too, for there they go to church just like here." She saw how glorious these assemblies are. He also in another place expresses his sentiments in regard to this matter in a very decided manner: "We love the united devotions of the house of God. Those who do not come to church, but accustom themselves to walking about, feasting, and other abominations, while the godly are assembled to hear the word of God, will degenerate more and more. They will become swine, lewd fellows, and devils. In my house at Tübingen, in which Dr. Jerome Schurff had also resided, this ancient verse was written upon the walls: "To go to church delayeth not, to give alms impoverisheth not, and unjust wealth remaineth not."