Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

Direction 1. Keep up spiritual frames out of worship. To avoid low affections, we must keep our hearts as much as we can in a settled elevation. If we admit unworthy dispositions at one time, we shall not easily be rid of them at another^*: As he that would not be bitten with Gnats in the Night, must keep his windows shut in the Day; when they are once entered 'tis not easy to expel them: In which respect, one adviseth, to be such out of worship as we would be in worship. If we mix spiritual affections with our worldly employments, worldly affections will not mingle themselves so easily with our heavenly engagements. If our hearts be spiritual in our outward calling, they will scarce be carnal in our religious service. If we walk in the Spirit, we shall not fulfil the lusts of the Flesh^*. A spiritual walk in the day, will hinder carnal lustings in worship. The Fire was to be kept alive upon the Altar when Sacrifices were not offered, from morning till night, from night till morning, as well as in the very time of Sacrifice. A spiritual life and vigour out of worship, would render it at its season sweet and easy, and preserve a spontaneity and preparedness to it, and make it both natural and pleasant to us.

Direction 1. Keep up spiritual frames out of worship. To avoid low affections, we must keep our hearts as much as we can in a setled elevation. If we admit unworthy dispositions at one time, we shall not easily be rid of them at another^*: As he that would not be bitten with Gnats in the Night, must keep his windows shut in the Day; when they are once entred 'tis not easie to expel them: In which respect, one adviseth, to be such out of worship as we would be in worship. If we mix spiritual affections with our worldly employments, worldly affections will not mingle themselves so easily with our heavenly engagements. If our hearts be spiritual in our outward calling, they will scarce be carnal in our religious service. If we walk in the Spirit, we shall not fulfil the lusts of the Flesh^*. A spiritual walk in the day, will hinder carnal lustings in worship. The Fire was to be kept alive upon the Altar when Sacrifices were not offered, from morning till night, from night till morning, as well as in the very time of Sacrifice. A spiritual life and vigour out of worship, would render it at its season sweet and easie, and preserve a spontaneity and preparedness to it, and make it both natural and pleasant to us.