This was principally evident under the Old Testament, whilst they had carnal Ordinances and a worldly Sanctuary. Oft times under that Dispensation the People were given up unto all sorts of Idolatry and Superstition. And when they were not so, yet were the Body of them carnal and unholy, as is evident from the whole tract of Gods dealings with them by his Prophets, and in his Providences. ⟨p. 222⟩Yet had they great delight in the Outward Solemnities of their Worship, placing all their trust of Acceptance with God therein. They who did truly and really believe, looked, through them all unto Christ, whom they did foresignify; without which, the things were a Yoke unto them, and a Burden almost insupportable, Act. 15. But those who were Carnal, delighted in the things themselves, and for their Sakes rejected him who was the Life and Substance of them all. And this proved the great means of the Apostasy of the Christian Church also. For to maintain some Appearance of Spiritual Affections, men introduced Carnal Incitations of them, into Evangelical Worship; such as singing with Music and pompous Ceremonies. For they find such things needful to reconcile the Worship of God unto their Minds and Affections; and through them they appear to have great delight therein. Could some men but in their thoughts separate Divine Service, from that Outward Order, those Methods of Variety, Show, and Melody, wherewith they are affected, they would have no Delight in it, but look upon it as a thing that must be endured. How can it be otherwise conceived of among the Papists: they will with much earnestness, many Evidences of Devotion, sometimes with difficulty and danger repair unto their Solemn Worship. And yet when they are present, understand not one Word whereby their Minds might be excited unto the real actings of Faith, Love, and Delight in God. Only Order, Ceremony, Music, and other Incentives of Carnal Affections, make great Impression on them Affections Spiritually renewed are not concerned in these things. Yea, if those in whom they are, should be engaged in the use of them they would find them means of diverting their Minds from the proper work of Divine Worship, rather than an advantage therein.
This was principally evident under the Old Testament, whil'st they had carnal Ordinances and a worldly Sanctuary. Oft times under that Dispensation the People were given up unto all sorts of Idolatry and Superstition. And when they were not so, yet were the Body of them carnal and unholy, as is evident from the whole tract of Gods dealings with them by his Prophets, and in his Providences. ⟨p. 222⟩Yet had they great delight in the Outward Solemnities of their Worship, placing all their trust of Acceptance with God therein. They who did truely and really believe, looked, through them all unto Christ, whom they did foresignify; without which, the things were a Yoke unto them, and a Burthen almost insupportable, Act. 15. But those who were Carnal, delighted in the things themselves, and for their Sakes rejected him who was the Life and Substance of them all. And this proved the great means of the Apostacy of the Christian Church also. For to maintain some Appearance of Spiritual Affections, men introduced Carnal Incitations of them, into Evangelical Worship; such as singing with Musick and pompous Ceremonies. For they find such things needful to reconcile the Worship of God unto their Minds and Affections; and through them they appear to have great delight therein. Could some men but in their thoughts seperate Divine Service, from that Outward Order, those Methods of Variety, Shew, and Melody, wherewith they are affected, they would have no Delight in it, but look upon it as a thing that must be endured. How can it be otherwise conceived of among the Papists: they will with much earnestness, many Evidences of Devotion, sometimes with difficulty and danger repair unto their Solemn Worship. And yet when they are present, understand not one Word whereby their Minds might be excited unto the real actings of Faith, Love, and Delight in God. Only Order, Ceremony, Musick, and other Incentives of Carnal Affections, make great Impression on them Affections Spiritually renewed are not concerned in these things. Yea, if those in whom they are, should be engag'd in the use of them they would find them means of diverting their Minds from the proper work of Divine Worship, rather than an advantage therein.
