The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole…

Secondly, It's necessary to lay a good foundation in this, Because this sin doth either immediately break the spiritual Union between the Church and God, or else much dispose thereunto. The Prophet Ezekiel and the •est, do frequently delight to express the sin of idolatry by adultery; and going a whoring after ⟨p. 130⟩our imaginations. And when the Apostle was careful to lay a good foundation here among the Corinthians in this matter of worship, see what he saith; His care was to present them a pure Virgin to Christ, 2 Cor. 11.1, 2. He was afraid they should be corrupted from the simplicity of the Gospel. So then, Idolatry and Superstition, they are Adulteries and Fornications: Now as Adultery doth dissolve the marriage bond, and may justly provoke the Husband to be no more an Husband; so it is in matter of worship. It's true, all superstitious worship doth not presently rise to such an height. Many sound Churches have retained some superstitious worship, yet as wanton Dalliances and meretricious behaviour in a Wise, though they do not break the conjugal knot, yet dispose thereunto, and raise much jealousy and anger in the Husband; so it doth in matters of Gods worship. Oh then, how careful should people be, to see they go upon right grounds in the worship of God.

Secondly, It's necessary to lay a good foundation in this, Because this sin doth either immediately break the spiritual Ʋnion between the Church and God, or else much dispose thereunto. The Prophet Ezekiel and the •est, do frequently delight to express the sinne of idolatry by adultery; and going a whoring after ⟨p. 130⟩our imaginations. And when the Apostle was carefull to lay a good foundation here among the Corinthians in this matter of worship, see what he saith; His care was to present them a pure Virgin to Christ, 2 Cor. 11.1, 2. He was afraid they should be corrupted from the simplicity of the Gospel. So then, Idolatry and Superstition, they are Adulteries and Fornications: Now as Adultery doth dissolve the marriage bond, and may justly provoke the Husband to be no more an Husband; so it is in matter of worship. It's true, all superstitious worship doth not presently rise to such an height. Many sound Churches have retained some superstitious worship, yet as wanton Dalliances and meretricious behaviour in a Wise, though they do not break the conjugall knot, yet dispose thereunto, and raise much jealousie and anger in the Husband; so it doth in matters of Gods worship. Oh then, how carefull should people be, to see they go upon right grounds in the worship of God.