A brief instruction in the worship of God, and discipline of the churches of…

In no state or condition then of the Church, did God ever accept of moral Obedience without the observation of some instituted worship accommodated in his wisdom unto its various states and conditions. And not only so, but as we have seen, he hath made the observation of them according unto his mind and appointment, the means of the trial of Mens whole obedience, and the rule of the acceptance or rejection of them. And so it continues at this day, what ever be the thoughts of men about the worship which at present he requires.

In no state or condition then of the Church, did God ever accept of moral Obedience without the observation of some instituted worship accommodated in his wisdome unto its various states and conditions. And not only so, but as we have seen, he hath made the observation of them according unto his mind and appointment, the means of the tryal of Mens whole obedience, and the rule of the acceptance or rejection of them. And so it continues at this day, what ever be the thoughts of men about the worship which at present he requires.

Besides, God hath appointed that his Ordinances of worship shall be as effectual means as to instruct us in the mysteries of his will and mind, so of communicating his love, mercy, and grace ⟨p. 72⟩unto us; as also of that communion, or intercourse with his holy Majesty, which he hath graciously granted unto us by Jesus Christ. And this as it is sufficiently manifested in the Scriptures quoted in answer unto this question, so it is at large declared in the writings of those holy and good men, who have explained the nature of gospel Ordinances, and therefore in particular we need not here insist much in the farther proof of it. Thus Abraham was instructed in the nature of the covenant of grace by circumcision, Gen. 17.10. which is often explained in the old Testament, by applying it in particular to the grace of conversion, called the circumcision of the heart, Deut, 10.16. Chap. 30.6.