Communion with God. in two sermons preached at Paul'sCommunion vvith God. in two sermons preach'd at Paul's

The hypocrite he employs himself about the exterior, and more pompous work of Religion, with a secret hatred of inward sanctity: the unwary Christian is busy about the Essentials of Christianity, and too much neglects ⟨p. 38⟩those circumstantials, whereby others seeing their good works, might glorify their Father which is in heaven: But those Christians that do give every Ordinance of God its due respect, that do not interfere in Acts of worship, are most likely to receive the benefit of every Ordinance. Divine Ordinances are social means of Communion with God. One string untuned, hinders the harmony: one Ordinance neglected, makes a flaw in our enjoyment.

The hypocrite he employes himself about the exteriour, and more pompous work of Religion, with a secret hatred of inward sanctity: the unwary Christian is busie about the Essentials of Christianity, and too much neglects ⟨p. 38⟩those circumstantials, whereby others seeing their good works, might glorifie their Father which is in heaven: But those Christians that do give every Ordinance of God its due respect, that do not interfere in Acts of worship, are most likely to receive the benefit of every Ordinance. Divine Ordinances are social means of Communion with God. One string untun'd, hinders the harmony: one Ordinance neglected, makes a flaw in our injoyment.

Apostasy you know is directly opposite to the enjoyment of God. If those that are now turned rank Apostates, would but ingenuously confess their way of declining, they must tell you 'twas by disliking and undervaluing some Ordinances of God, as if they might well be spared. e. g. How many have stumbled first at the singing of Psalms? then what need Scripture be read publicly, they can read that at home? then why should they instruct their children, they cannot relish what they learn? then why should they baptize their children, they know not what is done to them? then why should they attend upon their Ministers that preach by Office, others can do as well as they? then why should they pray but when the Spirit moves them, and so they pray but by fits, &c. And so on, who knows whither? I dare appeal to their consciences, whether these, or such as these, are not the degrees, whereby the Sun of Righteousness hath gone backward in their Dial. Christians, if ever you would have Communion with God, do not think that God will suffer any of his Ordinances to be tried at your bar, and not to be currant without your approbation. Must Jesus Christ consult with you what Laws to give his people?