A30242:763
The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole…
The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole third chapter of the first Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians to which is annexed The godly and the natural mans choice, upon Psal. 4, vers. 6, 7, 8 / by Anthony Burgess ...The Scripture directory for church-officers and people, or, A practical commentary upon the whole third chapter of the first Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians to which is annexed The godly and the natural mans choice, upon Psal. 4, vers. 6, 7, 8 / by Anthony Burgesse ...
London: printed by Abraham Miller for T.U., 1659
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1The Answer is this: There can be no excess in the formality of true and lawful worship; so a man is to worship God wit• all his might, and strength; but in the matter of the worship there may be an excess: That is, a man may take up more means and parts of worship then God hath appointed, and so thereby there is a sinful excess: So that all thy good intentions, and zealous devotions, they have no acceptance with God; and whilst thou thinkest to honour him, thou doest dishonour him. Even a Platonist Philosopher said, That a superstitious man was Gods flatterer, not his friend.
1The Answer is this: There can be no excess in the formality of true and lawfull worship; so a man is to worship God wit• all his might, and strength; but in the matter of the worship there may be an excess: That is, a man may take up more means and parts of worship then God hath appointed, and so thereby there is a sinfull excess: So that all thy good intentions, and zealous devotions, they have no acceptance with God; and whilest thou thinkest to honour him, thou doest dishonour him. Even a Platonist Philosopher said, That a superstitious man was Gods flatterer, not his friend.
- 1Answ.
Now this is the rather to be observed, because there are few whom the simplicity of God pleaseth. Oh, that Text Joh. 4. My Father seeketh such as worship him in spirit and truth, is worth the gold of Ophir! See all Christs Institutions, the administration of Baptism, of the Lords Supper; though they be full of majesty and gravity, yet also full of plainness and simplicity.