Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

God doth not require of us spirituality in worship to advantage himself, but that we might be prepared to be advantaged by him. If we have a clear and well disposed eye, 'tis not a benefit to the Sun, but fits us to receive benefits from his Beams. Worship is an act that perfects our own Souls; they are then most widened by spiritual frames, to receive the influence of divine blessings, as an eye most opened receives the fruit of the Suns light, better than the eye that is shut. The communications of God are more or less, according as our spiritual frames are more or less in our worship: God will not give his blessings to unsuitable hearts. What a nasty Vessel is a carnal heart for a spiritual communication? The chief end of every duty enjoined by God, is to have communion with him; and therefore it is called, a drawing near to God: 'Tis impossible therefore, that the outward part of any duty can answer the end of God in his institution. 'Tis not a bodily appearance or gesture whereby men can have communion with God, but by the impressions of the heart, and reflections of the heart upon God: Without this, all the rich streams of grace will run besides us, and the growth of the Soul be hindered and impaired. A diligent hand makes rich, saith the wise man; a diligent heart in spiritual worship, brings in rich incomes to the humble and spiritual Soul.

God doth not require of us spirituality in worship to advantage himself, but that we might be prepared to be advantaged by him. If we have a clear and well disposed eye, 'tis not a benefit to the Sun, but fits us to receive benefits from his Beams. Worship is an act that perfects our own Souls; they are then most widened by spiritual frames, to receive the influence of divine blessings, as an eye most opened receives the fruit of the Suns light, better than the eye that is shut. The communications of God are more or less, according as our spiritual frames are more or less in our worship: God will not give his blessings to unsutable hearts. What a nasty Vessel is a carnal heart for a spiritual communication? The chief end of every duty enjoyned by God, is to have communion with him; and therefore it is called, a drawing near to God: 'Tis impossible therefore, that the outward part of any duty can answer the end of God in his institution. 'Tis not a bodily appearance or gesture whereby men can have communion with God, but by the impressions of the heart, and reflections of the heart upon God: Without this, all the rich streams of grace will run besides us, and the growth of the Soul be hindered and impaired. A diligent hand makes rich, saith the wise man; a diligent heart in spiritual worship, brings in rich incomes to the humble and spiritual Soul.