The law unsealed

The second way (which is less gross, but more ordinary) whereby we fail in reference to this Command, is in lawful and necessary duties of worship, by sinful and unprofitable discharging of these; whereby the Name of God is often taken in vain, and his holiness which he loveth profaned: this fault and failing is two ways fallen into.

The second way (which is less gross, but more ordinary) whereby we fail in reference to this Command, is in lawful and necessary duties of worship, by sinful and unprofitable discharging of these; whereby the Name of God is often taken in vain, and his holiness which he loveth prophaned: this fault and failing is two wayes fallen into.

1. In respect of the manner of going about such Ordinances or duties of worship. 1. When the Lord is not sanctified in them, nor the rule and manner prescribed by Him, kept; this way, sinned Nadab and Abihu, Levit. 10. by their offering of strange fire. The Lord complaineth of Israel as guilty of this, Isaiah. 29 •3. compared with Matth. 15. 8. 9. While they drew near with their lips, and their hearts were far away, they worship me in vain, saith the Lord, teaching for Doctrines the commandments of men. 2. When men use not such ordinances, and perform not such duties profitably, when prayer, reading of the Scripture, Sacrament, Sermons, &c. want their native fruit, then his Name is taken in vain, and in that respect his Ordinances frustrated and made, as if they had not been used or performed, so 2 Cor. 6. 1. To receive the Grace of God in vain, is to miss or let go the benefit of it, and to frustrate and disappoint our selves of the native end and use of it; This is the first way in respect of which our duties are in vain as to God, so as he will no regard them.