The law unsealed

A second reason to clear this to be the meaning, may be taken from the perfection of the Law, which lieth in this, that it condemneth all sin, and commandeth all duties: now it is a sin not only to worship false gods, but to worship the true God in a false way; and it is a duty also to worship him rightly, according as he hath appointed in his Word; now these sins must be forbidden in this second Commandment, or they are forbidden in none at all; and these duties must be commanded in this Commandment, or they are commanded in none.

Next, that we may clear, that it is sinful to worship God otherwise then he hath commanded, it would be observed, there was a twofold Idolatry found in Israel, and condemned in the Scripture: the first was, when Groves and Images were planted, and made to Idols; and so the people of Israel did often to the Heathen Gods: the second was, when they had Groves, and worshipped in high places, but not to Idols, but to the Lord their God, as 2 Chron 33. 17. so in that place before cited. Deut. 12. 2▪ 3 4. &c. you will find two things forbidden. 1. Making of Image to the false Gods, which the Canaanites worshipped. 2, Making use of their manner of worship, and turning it unto the true God, both are forbidden, the first by the first Commandment, the last by the second; compare vers. 8. (which holdeth forth this scope.) Ye shall not do, every man what seemeth right in his own eyes, with what followeth, and with vers. 30. and 31. See thou enquire not how these Nations worshipped their gods, to wit, by Images. &c. as if ye would do so to the Lord, no, but vers. 32. Whatsoever thing I command you, observe to do it, thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it, which cleareth the scope of this Command, as being purposely there opened up, Ye shall not do so to the Lord your God, wherein more is comprehended then is expressed; namely, not only ye shall not serve the Lord, as they do their gods, but also ye shall serve him, as he himself prescribeth.