2. These Distractions frustrate the Ordinance; and cause the great name of God to be taken in vain. Instead of forcing ⟨p. 48⟩the Hearers, these do but beat the air, and cannot reach the Heart of God, *because they never reach your own. And this is one of the follies of a roving heart, that it consumes as much time in a senseless as in a serious Duty, and yet doth nothing in it, brings nothing to pass. And so the Holy God stands over the heedless sinner with Jobs words, Job. 16.3. When shall Vain words have an End? I am weary with this tinkling Cymbal, either pray in earnest, or pray not at all; hear in earnest, or hear not at all: As good not at all, as never the better. The service of God requires a man, not a shadow, yea all a man, and more than a man, our spirits, and Gods spirit also. Those that tremble at the profane mans taking Gods name in vain, should make a Conscience, lest they do it themselves; lest They be damned for their Oaths, and You for your prayers; because you wrong Gods Majesty under the pretence of serving him, and so affront him with more solemnity.
2. These Distractions frustrate the Ordinance; and cause the great name of God to be taken in vain. Instead of forcing ⟨p. 48⟩the Hearers, these do but beat the air, and cannot reach the Heart of God, *because they never reach your own. And this is one of the follies of a roving heart, that it consumes as much time in a sensless as in a serious Duty, and yet doth nothing in it, brings nothing to pass. And so the Holy God stands over the heedless sinner with Iobs words, Job. 16.3. When shall Vain words have an End? I am weary with this tinkling Cymbal, either pray in earnest, or pray not at all; hear in earnest, or hear not at all: As good not at all, as never the better. The service of God requires a man, not a shadow, yea all a man, and more than a man, our spirits, and Gods spirit also. Those that tremble at the prophane mans taking Gods name in vain, should make a Conscience, lest they do it themselves; lest They be damned for their Oaths, and You for your prayers; because you wrong Gods Majesty under the pretence of serving him, and so affront him with more solemnity.
- *Vis esse Deum memorem tui cùm rogas, quando tu ipse memor tui non sis? Quomodo te audiri à Deo postulas cùm te ipse non audias. Cyprian. de Orat. Dom.
