CHAP. I. Of instant worshipping of God . [ ACTS 26. part of the 7.

Instantly serving God . ]

THe word here translated [ instantly ] properly signifieth to extend , and stretch out , and is frequently used for stretching out , and putting forth the hand , Iohn . 21.18 . When thou art old thou shalt stretch forth thy hands , and another shall guide thee . The word stretch forth in the translation , is the same in the originall with this that here is translated , instantly . When this word is referred to Gods worship , or to the affections of the soul , or the graces thereof , it doth , by similitude taken from the body , signifie the stretching out of them , the measure of them , the earnestnes and fervencie of them , and so is translated either , instantly , as in this place , or fervently , as 1 Pet. 1.22 . earnestly , as Luke . 22.44 . He prayed more earnestly , without ceasing , Act. 12.5 .

Some interpret this word in this place , perpetually , but you see it is translated here , instantly , and in other places of Scripture , when it is applyed to Gods worship : and they that translate it , perpetually , do imply this fervencie of affection , for whence comes perpetuity , length and continuance in any action , but from length of inward affection , the stretching out of that : as the length of the motion of a stone throwne with the hand , depends upon the strength of the hand throwing the same . I take it , hereby is meant that gracious affection of zeal so much called for , and commended in Scripture , which is not a mixt affection of love , and anger but the intention and measure of all the affections , for there is zeal in griefe , Psal. 119.139 . My zeal hath consumed me : because mine enemies have forgotten thy words . The terme being thus explained , the truth to be handled is .

Gods worship is to be performed with intention of affection , not onely the truth , but the strength of affection is to be looked after and laboured for in Gods service . The twelve tribes are here said to serve the Lord instantly or earnestly .

I will shew more particularly , what is meant by , instantly , and then produce proof .

By instantly , is meant the measure and degree of the affections we expresse in Gods service , whether love , or desire , or feare , or greife , or ioy , or anger , or care , that there be much thereof . So what graces we expresse , faith , or repentance , or humility , we take care that there be measure as well as truth , called Luk. 10.27 . all the minde , and all the soule , all the heart , all , hath speciall respect unto the measure and degree of the faculties of the soule ; as all the might of the body doth meane all degrees , and measures of strength , the utmost strength , so in like manner , all the minde , all the heart , all the soul , means all degrees and measures of understanding , will and affections the utmost , and furthest of them , else our Saviours compendium of the first table should not comprehend the third Commandement .

I will for cleerer evidence sake , shew it by instances in the severall parts of Gods worship . 1. Hearing the word , Luk. 4.20.21 . when our Saviour had read his text , the eyes of all were fastned upon him , asigne of an earnest desire to heare him , they they did not looke about them one at another , or at them that came in , but their eyes were fastned upon him , and they wondred at the gracious words that proceeded out of his mouth , a signe they were much affected and moved , and did not sit as stones senselesse . The men of Berea , Act. 17 . 1● . did receive the word with all readines of minde , they did in the greatest measure put forth their hearts unto the words of the Apostle , to meet with it in the way , and to take it up so soone as it was let fall by him , Luk. 24.32 . Did not our hearts burne within us when he opened to us the Scripture ? burne these did and were in a flame , with indignation against themselves for their ignorance , with desire of , and joy in , the good and glad tydings of Christs death and resurrection . 2. Receiving the Sacraments the Passeover , 2 Chron. 35.18 . There was no Passeover like to that kept in Israel since the dayes of Samuel the Prophet . They exceeded in this Passeover , all the Passeovers of a long time , a signe they kept it with a great measure of affection , for would God onely have commended the outward action ? Luk. 22.15 . With desire I have desired to eate this Passeover with you before I suffer , .i. with earnest and vehement desire , earnest desire to the ordinance doth imply earnest desire in the ordinances . The duty of examination required of the communicant , 1 Cor. 11.28 . doth carry as much ; examination is the bellows of affection . The like we finde in the Eunuch in regard of baptisme , Act. 8.36 . See , here is water , what doth hinder me to be baptized ? He had a forward desire , the Evangelist should have stirred up and provoked him , but he prevents him , is more forward to receive it then he to offer it . 3. Prayer , Psal. 119.145 . I cryed with my whole heart , he imploied all the affections of his heart in prayer , and that with earnestnes , he cries , Psal. 142.2 . I poured out my complaint before him , David empties his soule in prayer , leaves nothing behinde , a signe of earnestnes , Psal. 143.6 . I stretch forth my hands unto thee , the instancy here spoken of , he fears lest his prayers should fall short of God , therefore sends them forth with as great earnestnes as may be . 4. Singing of psalms , Ps. 149.5 , 6. Let them sing aloud , let the high prayses of God be in their mouthes , in singing psalmes our hearts must be extended and stretched out , as the extending of the voice implies , our hearts must be wide open and filled with gracious affections . When God would expresse great Joy , he bids the mountains breake forth into singing , Esai . 49.13 . Ephes. 5.18.19 . Be not drunk with wine , wherein is excesse , but be filled with the spirit , speaking to your selves in Psalms , &c. we should labour to drinke deepe of the spirit , and expresse it in singing and makeing melody in our hearts to the Lord , there must be a sweet and loud sounding joy in our hearts when we sing psalmes .

For proofe of this truth may be brought in , the testimony of Scripture , examples commended , and reproofs of the contrary .

The Scripture calls for this affection , Rom. 12.11 . Fervent in spirit , serving the Lord : if we should be cold in our owne occasions , which we are not , yet when we come to serve God our spirits should burne within us , with desire and delight , Gal. 4.18 . It is good to be Zealously affected allwayes in a good thing , good , because agreeable to Gods will , to Gods nature , to the nature of the good we are zealous about , zealous affection in good , is allwaies good , other good things have their proper season , this is allwaies in season in every good action .

2. The servants of God have thus practised , Nehemiah was zealous for the service and worship of God , so that he had his conscience on his side to embolden him , to desire mercy of God according to his forward affection that way , Nehem. 13.14 . Remember me , O my God , concerning this , and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God , and the offices thereof . David , Psal. 69.9 . The Zeal of thy house hath eaten me up . Such was his affection to Gods Worship and Service , that partly out of desire thereafter , and partly out of greife for the neglect , contempt and reproach thereof , he was even a devoured consumed man , so great was his affection that way , that he seemed carelesse every other way . And herein he was a type of the best of paterns , the Lord Jesus Christ , who being a Preist , though not after the order of Aaron , did expresse an ardent affection in purging the Temple from the corruption of those times , in so much that his Disciples thought he was an apparent accomplisher of that place of propheticall Scripture , The Zeal of thy house hath eaten me up . John . 2.17 . Who but a man in the power , and possession of zeale to Gods house would have made a whip , and therewith driven out the polluters of the Temple , and have overthrown their Tables and Seats , and that with Scripture-chiding , Math. 21.13 . Another remarkable instance concerning our Saviour we have , John . 4.32.33.34 . Whilst his Disciples were gone into the City to buy meat , he falls into parly with a woman of Samaria about her soul ; when his Disciples come again , they pray him to eat ; he tells them he is provided , he had meat to eat they knew not of ; his Disciples say one to another , Hath any man brought him meat to eat ? our Saviour answereth , My meat is to do the will of him that sent me , and to finish his work . No meat could be more sweet unto him , or refreshing , then the doing of Gods will , a signe he was dearly affected thereto , that he could make food of it . The like we read of Apollos , Acts 18.25 . being fervent in Spirit he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord ; he did not only preach the things of the Lord , but with fervencie of spirit , with a burning heart . Thus unlesse we will be irregular in our serving of God , and unlike the approved Saints and servants of God in Scripture , yea , unlike Christ our patern , who was sent from Heaven to set us a copy , we must perform Gods service with earnestnesse of affection .

3. God hath reproved the want of this fervency of affection in his service , a signe it is a transgression . Where the Apostle saith , Gal. 4.18 . It is good to be Zealous alwaies in a good matter ; he doth conveigh a secret reproof of them who were dearly affected to the false Apostles , who were but counterfeit Ordinances of God , but were abated in their love to him a true Apostle , and so a true Ordinance of God , If it be good to be zealous in a good thing , then it is evil nor to be zealous . The luke-warm temper of Laodicca , the Lord reckons to be worse then key cold . I would thou wert hot or cold , down-right , and sensibly good or evil ; no temper so evil as lukewarm , he threatens to spue them out of his mouth ; shewing , that the ●ord will have no communio●●●●h , but doth detest , and will 〈◊〉 ●ove far from him , the p●●●ons and services that are luke●a●● God tells the Churc● 〈◊〉 ●p●es●● , he had somewhat against her , because she had left her first love ; her love was not utterly gone , but her first love and her first works , she neither did so much , nor so well for God as sometimes , and this God hath against them , a fault it is in them , and makes against them . Thus where God findes this fervency of spirit wanting , he speaks ill of it ; a signe his service cannot well be performed without it , for he cannot be pleased with it without this fervency .

For further proof .

I will make use of the Lords own reasons laid down , Commandment third , to which command this duty doth belong , and so I shall open that command , so far as concerns my purpose . What better , more weighty , more perswading argument then Gods own ; God is all truth , and all understanding , he knows us better then we know our selves , and he is all wisdom , that knows what arguments will best take with us upon severall occasions . The first Commandment taketh care that we make choise of the true God , and no other ; the second , that we embrace his commanded worship , and reject all others ; the third , that we use his Name , all that whereby God is made known to us , reverently and respectively as becometh the same . The Commandment is this , Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain , for the Lord will not hold him guiltlesse that taketh his Name in vain ; every word of the command is as well a reason as a command . The thing forbidden , is the taking of Gods name in vain . Before I speak of the grounds of this prohibition , I must show how this truth ( of performing Gods worship with earnestnesse of affection ) is implied in this Commandment , and the contrary sin forbidden ; that will appear if we consider two things : 1. Part of the meaning of Gods name is the worship of God , Word , Sacraments , prayer , 1 Tim. 6.1 . That the name of God and his doctrine be not evil spoken of , where the name of God and his doctrine are all one . Mal. 1.6 . the name of God is put for his worship . 2. Part of the meaning of taking Gods name in vain , is this want of fervent performance of Gods worship : are not light and empty things , vain things ? and is not dead cold service of God , light service and empty service , that wants that weight and substance it should have ? Are not unusefull and unprofitable things vain things ? and is not carelesse service of God , unusef●ll and unprofitable service ? it doth neither honour God , nor please God , nor profit us . Mal. 1.8 . If ye offer the blinde for s●crifice , is it not evil ? and if ye off●r th● lame and the sick , is it no evi ? o●●●r it now to thy Governour , will he be pleased with thee ? As if God had said , If ye offer you care not what , so it be a sacrifice , it will serve the turn , can it be well ? Would an earthly Governour accept you care not what ? much lesse will I. In like manner , if men hear the Word , receive the Sacrament , pray they care not how , so the duties be done , can God be pleased herewith ? and if he be not pleased he is not honoured , for were he honoured he would be pleased , and if God be not honoured , the doers cannot beprofited , for our good is wrapt up in Gods glory , and that service which doth neither honour God nor profit the performers is vain service .

Having thus made it clear , that ardent service of God is implied , and carelesse serving of God prohibited in this third Commandment ; Let us now consider the reasons why we must not rest in carelesse performance of worship , but on the contrary , must earnestly worship him ; they are 5. in number .

1. Gods worship is his name .

2. The name of the Lord .

3. The name of thy God .

4. His Name is taken in vaine by carelesse worship .

5. He will not hold him guiltlesse that taketh his Name in vaine .

1. Gods worship is his Name ; that whereby God is made knowne to us , that whereby he is distinguished from others , and whereby he is made glorious : to be carelesse of Gods worship , is to obscure the knowledge of the Lord , to confound him with Idols , to hinder his glory , to be carelesse whether God be known to us or others , be distinguished from others , be famous and glorious : and to be earnest in the worship of God , is to make the Lord better known to us and others , to difference him from other Gods , and to make him glorious . And shall not our best affections be busied about Gods worship , which is his Name ? God hath betrusted us with his Name , that it lies in our power in ordinary course and for a time , to make him lesse or more known , lesse or more glorious ; and shall we betray this trust ? Mans name is precious , and the name of one man committed to the keeping of another , to bear false witnesse is a sinne , much more is Gods name precious , which is the chief Governour , and much more committed to our trust , and bearing false witnesse to that is much more a sinne , which we shall do , if we be carelesse of his worship . Is not the knowledge of God the ground of our faith , hope , comfort ? If God be not good , wise , powerfull , true , what ground have we to beleeve or hope for any good in this or another world ? and if we know not the goodnesse , wisdom and power of God , what ground of comfort can we have ? To sleight Gods worship , is to sleight the knowledge of God , and so the ground of our faith , and hope , and comfort therein : and to take care of Gods worship , is to take care of the knowledge of God , and so the ground of our faith , hope and comfort . Is not care of Gods glory the way unto , and evidence of our glory ? To be earnest in Gods worship , is to take care of Gods glory , therefore the way unto , and evidence of our glory .

2. Gods worship is the name of the Lord , the name of Jehovah , therefore carefully and fervently to be performed . His name it is who is the fountain of being , therefore the first being , and so of due the first and best service belongs to him , because none is before him , therefore none is to be served before him ; our Saviour when he duely ranketh and ordereth the Commandments , saith , Thou shalt love the Lord with all thy heart , this is the first and great Commandment , and the second , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self ; Why is the love of God , and so the service of God , the first and great Commandment , before and greater then the love of our selves ? but because he is the first and greatest before our selves , and greater then our selves ; It had been sin in Moses and Paul , to wish themselves out of Heaven for his glory , and in hell , had not this been true , that God is before us , and so above us , of due to be honoured by us , though by our utter dishonour ? None should go to hell , were not this true , that there is an honour due to God from the creature , above the salvation of the creature ; and could men be willing to go to hell that God might have glory , hell should be no hell unto them ; that which makes the torment of hell , is this , that God takes his glory , because men will not give it him . All the godly , though they do not think so , do seek Gods glory above their own salvation , as they should do , for they desire their salvation as a way unto Gods glory ; now the way that serves unto the end is lesse desired , then the end whereto it serves . The worship we performe is the worship of Jehovah , the fountaine of being , therefore the author of our being , from him we have all , unto him therefore we must give all ; all is his , we have nothing of our owne , our most lively affections are his owne , he is not beholding to us for them , we cannot without injustice and robbery with-hold them ; will we with-hold that which is Gods ? will we dispose of that which is Gods ? Not only doth David acknowledge the outward wealth , liberally given to the Temple , to be Gods own , but the willingnes , and joy of their hearts , whereby and wherewith they gave so liberally , to come from God , also 1 Chron. 29.18 . in that he prayes God to keepe this frame in them , and to prepare their hearts towards him : he that must keepe that willing and chearfull frame of heart in him , hath surely made the same , and he that must prepare their hearts at other times , hath prepared them now .

The worship we performe is the worship of Jehovah , his name who hath promised this fervency unto his people , Psal. 110.3 . Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power , .i. in the day of the powerfull preaching of the Gospel , these shall with earnest affection attend upon Gods ordinances , God having promised fervent affections in his service , by labouring after the same , and expressing the same , we shall confirme and establish the truth of God , and on the contrary , as the Apostle saith , 1 John . 5.10 . He that believeth not maketh God a liar , , so he that doth not fervently worship God , doth what lies in him to falsifie the word of God , to make him a liar , for God hath said , his people shall be fervent .

3. Gods worship is the worship of the Lord thy God , therefore to be performed with earnestnes . His name it is , who is not onely the Lord , but our God , a God in Covenant with us , he hath promised to be wholly ours , all that he is , or can do , shall be for us , and we have promised to be wholly his , to be all that we are , or can do for him . If we bestow the utmost of our affection upon him in his service , we do no more then he hath done for us : and what can we give to him , if we give all we have , in comparison of what he gives to us ? Not only doth he give to us that strength of affection , in comparison of which all ours is nothing , but he begins to us , he gives first , he gives not only more then we can give , but before us , we may well follow him with lesse : what though others serve God they know not how ? they have lesse reason to shew strength of affection to God then we ; though they have reason enough , for God hath not bestowed himself wholly upon them as upon us . Beside , being our God , the service that is done to him , redounds upon us , be it well or ill done , because the Covenant doth not only imply relation , but union , it is a marriage-Covenant , God becomes ours , and we become his . A man loves his wife , not because shee is a friend , and loves him , but because shee is himself , they are no more twain , but one , in loving her he loveth himself , and so much as he doth not love her , ( though shee do not deserve ) he doth not love himself , for shee is one with himselfe . A man doth not love himself , because of desert , but because he is nearest to himself , he is his own : so a m●n loves his wife because his own , nearest unto him . So God is our own , he is by the humane nature of Christ , one with us , and we with him ; did not God therefore deserve our best affections ( which he infinitly doth ) yet we were bound to bestow the same upon him in his service , because he is our own , we have made him as our own soules , by entering into a marriage-Covenant with him ; so much as we fall short in affection to him , we fall short in affection to our selves .

Furthermore having promised the best of our affections unto him in his service , truth doth binde us , do we not hate to be liars ? false , Covenant-breakers ? men and women of no truth ? do we not glory in our truth , that if we have said it , we will do it , our word shall be as good as our band ? then must we bestow our best affections upon God in his service , for so we have promised .

4. Carelesse worship is a taking of Gods Name in vaine , vaine worship . What an evil it is to take Gods Name in vain , it will appeare if we consider ,

1. It is an holy Name , Psal. 111.9 . Holy is his Name . Holynes is so lively an image of God , that it commandeth respect from the light of nature , and holy things are carefully handled . Gods worship is an holy worship , free from all impurity and pollution , take we heed that we do not prophane it by carelesse use of it .

2. A great Name , Psal. 76.1 . His Name is great in Israel . A Name above all names , no worship like Gods worship , because no person like him , no lawes of worship like his , no subject like the subject of Gods worship , the whole man , soul and body the str●●g●h of both , the whole earth and heaven , none too great to worship God ; to take in vain a small name , a poor● mean worship , is an evil , but to take in vain agreat Name , a powerfull worship , is more evil .

3. A Glorious Name , Deut. 28.58 . a worship of eminent worth , breaking out and manifesting it self to all that have seeing eyes , for man to pray to the God of heaven to open all his heart to him , for man to deliver the minde and counsell of God , for man to seal a Covenant with the God of heaven , these are glorious things , of great worth even at first sight . Here , by the way , in a word , and under correction , I must needs acknowledge , that since I had any glimps of light to discern the glorious worship of God , I could never get over that unsutablenesse that is between these obscure additaments to Gods worship amongst us , and his glorious worship . What is the vestment to prayer ? what the Crossing of the fingers to baptisme . Indeed sprinkling of water in baptisme , or dipping the childe therein , bread and wine in the supper , are but small things in appearance , but when we consider the glorious God hath commanded and appointed these , and doth produce glorious effects by them , that puts a glorious lustre and brightnes upon them ; but when nothing can be shewed , but mans command , obscure and darke man in Divine things , his command cannot put glory upon Divine Ordinances , wherefrom he borroweth light , but can adde none thereto , nor can he put any glorious effect into such his commanded meanes , that they shall beare weight with the Judgement , or helpe the affections , and so they remain obscure and darke , as man himselfe is in heavenly things , and so unsutable to Gods glorious worship . To be carelesse in obscure , darke , hidden good , is a small matter ; but to be carelesse about eminent good , as Gods worship , is eminent and apparent sin .

4. A reverent or fearfull Name , Deut. 28.58 . Psal. 111.9 . Gods Name is such a name , as considered of , doth strike with reverence and feare , the holines of it , the greatnesse of it : things holy and great have a Majesty in them . Gods worship is a holy worship and a great worship , therefore a fearfull worship . Now to take in vain , light and triviall matters , is a small thing but to take in vain a reverent and fearfull worship , argues senselessnes .

5. God will not hold him guiltlesse that doth take his Name in vain , as a man doth his worship by carelessnes . 1. How ever men performing Gods worship onely outwardly with the outward man , may go for innocent with men , none will say that they have sinned , yet God will not count them innocent , unlesse they have performed the same carefully : which is a weighty consideration . When men have been at the Sacrament , or word , or prayer , they thinke all now is well , but God accounts them sinners , if they have not performed the same with their best affections , he holds them guilty , they are sinners in his account , and if sinners , he will so de●le with them , and so he profes●●●● , M●l . 1.14 . Cursed b● the deceiver , that hath a male in his flock , &c. He is a deceiver , there is his sinne ; his guiltines , cursed be the deceiver , there is Gods dealing with him as guilty . A deceiv●r , as if God should say , I observe such men , all the week about their owne occasions , they are up early and down late , they sweat hard , but when they come to serve me on my day , they are heavy and carelesse , they are deceivers , they have better affections to bestow , then they do bestow upon me . Cursed be the deceiver , what 's that ? evil shall befall him , evil of punnishment .

Losse of good . Presence of evil .

Losse of good : what ? Gods acceptance . Gods recompence .

Gods acceptance promised , Ezek. 20 , 41. I will accept you with your sweet savour .

Gods recompence promised , Isai . 36.7 . I will make you joyfull in my house of prayer . Isai . 58.14 . Then shalt thou delight thy selfe in the Lord . .i. encrease their delight , more and more delight : inlargement of heart in duty is an evidence of Gods acceptance , what God prepares he will accept , joy in duty , fitnes for , and forwardnes unto duty is Gods recompence , when the more we pray , read , heare , or receive , the more we joy therein , and are forward thereunto . They that are carelesse in Gods worship , shall neither finde Gods assistance , nor joy therein , nor willingnes thereunto , but shall be bound up and backward unto the same . Positive evil shall befall carelesse worshippers , Jer. 17.5 , 6. Cursed be the man whose heart departeth from God , and pitcheth elsewhere : why ? he shall inhabit the parched places of the wildernes , the sunne of Gods wrath shall light upon him , and parch soul , and body and estate , dry up graces and affections , and if body and estate prosper , yet the soul and the good thereof shall be much more parched : so experience shews , Carelesse worshipers of God are barren of spirituall good .

Vse . Information . 1. The perfection of the law of God , it reacheth to the inward and spirituall part of man , yea to the utmost of that . As it is said of the sunne , Psal. 19.6 . Nothing is hid from the heat thereof , the beames peirce into the bowels of the earth : so not the heart , not the extent of the heart , which is most spirituall , and comes nearest God , is hid from the command of the law ; a signe the author thereof is above man , in knowledge in power .

2. The dignity of Gods worship , the best part of man , yea the best of the soul , the utmost of it is but meet for it : if any thing in the soul be better then other , it must be drawn forth . This was shadowed out in the sacrifices of the law , Gods sacrifices were to be without blemish , and the fat , the best of the beast was specially his . If civil worship have the body , the outward man , it is sufficient , because it is done unto men that can look no further , are capable to receive no more ; this is as much as will be honour to them before men : but religious worship requires the soul , and the best of the soul , because it is done to that God that searcheth the hearts and trieth the raines , is capable of the best , and most honoured thereby .

3. All performance of worship is ●●t equally good , and equally pleasing unto God , he requires fervencie ; God is life , and the more lively worship , the more sutable , and delightfull unto him .

2. To reprove , 1. Neglect of Gods worship : this is a contrary extream unto instant worshipping of God , when men pray not at all , go not to the assembly on the Lords day , sanctifie no Sabbath , but their whole soul , and body , and strength of both , are taken up about the world , or about their lusts , this is fervencie , and strength , either of ignorance , or of disobedience . Do not men know that God is to be worshiped ? that some time is appointed for his worship ? that is grosse ignorance : what ? God have no worship who is your King ? your maker ? works of creation and providence do cry aloud against this ignorance , Act. 17.26 , 27 , 28. And if we know God is to be worshipped , and time is sanctified for that end , and yet neglect , do we not manifest strength of disobedience , great frowardnes of heart ?

2. Our inconstancy and partiality in the worship and service of God , our inconstancy : sometimes we take it up , at other times we lay it downe ; some will pray , and be very reli●ious in affliction , or on the Sabbath-day , or at least against they go to the Sacrament , but not ordinarily ; others will ordinarily worship God for a time , but they have their interruptions and breakings off , one while they will pray , and another while they will be unpraied , these have their cold fits , the fire of love ( were that in their hearts , ) would consume these interruptious . Others are partiall in Gods worship , they will come to the word , not to the Sacraments , some will come to both , these , yet do not strive to joyn with the Congregation in prayer , these have but halfe hearts to Gods worship , the rule of their worshipping of God , is not love to God , for then they would be found in all his worship , and expresse their love in all .

3. Our constant carelesnes in Gods ordinary worship , though we observe part , and are observant of appointed times with Gods people , yet we make it not matter of feare , we do not stir up our affections thereunto , or therein : we are not of Davids spirit , who would not offer that which cost him nothing . The worship of God should cost us something in carefull preparation and serious observation , the weale of our mindes and affections s●ould be laid out thereabouts . Our carelesnesse ●oth either cha ge God with ignorance , th 〈◊〉 knows not what we offer ●or with neglect of his own glory , that he regards not how we worship him .

3. To perswade us unto this instant worshipping of God , to presse forward unto a further degree of affection , a greater measure of life and fervency in every holy performance ; I will use the Lords own arguments to presse hereunto , they are two , Rev. 3.19 , 20.

Drawn from , 1. The danger . 2. The benefit .

1. The danger , as many as I love , I rebuke and chasten , be Zealous therefore . However God deal with others , if he finde his beloved luke-warme , he will make them smart , he will correct them , as a father doth his sonne , and the rather , if his words of conviction will do no good . God will first rebuke , and then chasten ; first correct by words , and then by deeds . Better any chide then God , his words have in them more wisdom and power then any other , and therefore carry a greater strength of love , or anger : one word of love will lift the heart to heaven , though never so heavy , and one word of anger will make it sinke to hell . What is the eff●ct of Gods chiding words , see , Hab. 3.16 . they will make the body tremble , yea rottennes to seize upon it . And what meane those burning feavers that are abroad , that are excessive in heat , but to check our coldnes in Gods service ? What those fiery darts of Satan thrown against the godly , feares of hell , and feeling of Gods wrath in some , and raising lusts of anger and uncleannes in others , but cold service of God ? What meanes the plague , that raging hand of God , that zealous messenger , that makes quick dispatch of persons and families , but our carelesse worshipping of God ? What rumors of wars , threatnings of the sword , the instrument of Gods zeale and fury , but our coldnes ? If we would escape these feirce fiery afflictions , take we heed of cold service , get we burning , flaming hearts , God will fire out this coldnes , by one 〈…〉 o● other .

2. The benefit , 1. Christs presence . 2. Communion with Christ .

1. Christs presence , If any man open the doore , if the heart be inlarged with love , desire , Christ will come in , he will come in as a King of glory , gloriously manifest himself . What is the reason that Christ is so farre from the soul in holy duties ? but because our hearts are shut , there is no roome for him , no desire after him , no delight in him . Wee should have more sense of Christ with us , were our hearts more lively . Though Christ hid himself whilst he reproved the ignorance and unbeleife of the two Disciples , yet when their hearts burnt within them at his Doctrine , he made himselfe known unto them , Luk. 24.16 , 25 , 31.

2. Communion with Christ , 1. In comforts . 2. In glory .

1. In comforts . 1. He will sup with us . 2. We shall sup with him .

1. He will sup with us , the affections , and graces we expresse in holy duties , shall be as food unto the Lord , refreshing and comfortable , contentfull and satisfying : we then feast God , as it were , when our hearts are inlarged in love , when our hearts are opened in holy performances to entertaine him . When the warmth of our hearts is in our duties , God will readily accept them , take great delight in them , we make him a supper of savoury meat , such as his soule loveth . How should God accept our duties , take any contentment in them , when we have better affections in our recreations , businesses ? If a servant should minde his own occasions more then ours , would we accept such service ?

2. We shall sup with him . No dainties can be wanting where God is the feast-maker . He makes a feast of fat things , the best things that heaven can afford , yea that the God of heaven can afford , Isai . 25.6 . Sense of his love , peace that passeth all understanding , joy unspeakable and glorious , Psal. 16.3 . The Lord is the portion of mine in●●r●●●nce , and of my cup , not onely is God ours in the generall , to live upon as an inheritance , but he is the portion of our cup , he is in every particular mercy , that is measured out to us , he is the comfort , and strength of it . They that feast with God , shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatnes of his house , and drinke of the river of his pleasures , for with him is a fountain , Psal. 36.8 , 9. And that we may not misse of these benefits , the Lord doth urge them upon us , from consideration of his patience and paines to make us fit . I stand at the doore and knock . He useth the force of ordinances , and afflictions , with the rod of his mouth and hand he strikes to get the doore of the heart open , that he might feast with us , and we with him .

2. Communion in glory . Rev. 3.21 . To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne . Such as conquer their coldnes , their remissnes , and carelessnes in Gods worship , shall partake of Christs Kingly office , to subdue corruptions , to overcome Temptations . Why are corruptions so lively , but because we are cold in ordinances the meanes of deading them ? Why are corruptions , and Temptations strong and above us , but to keepe us lively in Gods worship ? Ease breeds security : troubles do provoke , and stir up graces . The overcoming soul shall finde a mighty power in ordinances , and providences . The power of a King , is a commanding , conquering power . And that we might be assured of this fellowship with Christ in his throne , he adds , as I overcame , and am set down with my Father in his throne , which doth imply , 1. That it is matter of striving , warring , will not be had with ease , will cost somewhat . 2. When we have met with most difficulty , then shall we most partake in Christs glory , so Christ first overcame , and then sate downe . 3. This is Gods way , and wonted course his servants must winne the crowne , ere they weare it : so God hath dealt with Christ the Lord , and so will he deale with his members .