The defects of preachers reproved in a sermon preached at Northampton, May 19th. 1723

8. If men preach for such Ceremonies in Worship as God doth not allow, that is not good Preaching. There be those that plead for ⟨p. 22⟩Humane Inventions in Worship; that would if they could, defend the Ceremonies of the Church of England, that would retain some Jewish Ceremonies that are abolished, and practise other Humane Appointments. Jeroboam was Condemned not only for Worshipping the Calves of Dan and Bethel; but for appointing a time of Worship in his own heart, 1 King. 12.32, 33. So it is noted as an imperfection, in the Reformation of Asa, Jehoshaphat and Manasseh: That the high Places were not taken away. This is spoken of as a great sign of Hypocrisy; Isa. 29.13. This people draw near me with their mouth, and honour me with their lips; but have removed their heart far from me: and their fear towards me is taught by the precept of men. When men impose such Ceremonies, they usurp a Power that God has not given them. It is God's Prerogative to appoint in what ways we shall Worship Him: And men therein go quite beyond the bounds of their Authority: Men therein impute imperfection and defect to the Ordinances of God, as if they could teach him how it is fit that he should be Worshipped; and they presume on a Blessing without a Promise: Mat. 15.9. In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. This is a way to make men Formal in their Worship; the multiplying ⟨p. 23⟩of Ceremonies eats out the heart of Religion, and makes a People Degenerate. Men that multiply Ceremonies, are apt to content themselves with the Form without the Life.

8. If men preach for such Ceremonies in Worship as God doth not allow, that is not good Preaching. There be those that plead for ⟨p. 22⟩Humane Inventions in Worship; that would if they could, defend the Ceremonies of the Church of England, that would retain some Jewish Ceremonies that are abolished, and practise other Humane Appointments. Jeroboam was Condemned not only for Worshipping the Calves of Dan and Bethel; but for appointing a time of Worship in his own heart,