Some say to us, What need is there of joining a church?
Why may I not be a Christian by myself?
We know what we say, in reply to such questions.

We are aware how much the public act helps the private feelings and conduct, besides being required by our feelings when they are deep and strong.

I thought of this illustration: In the wakeful moments of the night, upon a lonely bed, one feels a special nearness to God.

He can think of God, as he lies upon his pillow, both with prayer and meditation; but suppose that he rises from his bed and kneels at the bedside, and, with oral prayer, prevents the night-watches, and cries?
His voice at that midnight hour affects his mind; the darkness and stillness impress him with a sense of the presence of God, and though his ejaculations on his pillow were acceptable, has he not probably done that which, through Christ, is peculiarly acceptable to God, and is profitable to himself as his child?
He who was always in communion with the Father, the man Christ Jesus, nevertheless, sometimes withdrew into a mountain, and continued all night in prayer, and, rising up a great while before day, he went into a solitary place, and there prayed.

These special acts of worship, no true Christian needs to be told, are good and acceptable to God, and profitable for men.