Puritan Nuggets of Gold # 100

Worship (continued)

Let not satan persuade us to think the worse of the pure Word of God because of his corruption who delivers it. For what were this but to refuse a comfortable embassage from a gracious prince, because we dislike the qualities of the ambassadors? Yea, what is it but to cross our Saviour Christ's express commandment, who commanded all to hear even the Scribes and Pharisees who sat on Moses' chair, and to do after their words though not after their works. (George Downame)

The faithful hearer accuses not his minister for particularizing him. It does not follow that he aimed, because the arrow hit. Rather, our parishioner reasons thus: "If my sin be notorious, how could the minister miss it? If secret, how could he hit without God's direction?" (Thomas Fuller)

God is Lord of my body also; and therefore challengeth as well reverent gesture as inward devotion. I will ever, in my prayers, either stand, as a servant, before my Master; or kneel, as a subject, to my Prince. ( Joseph Hall)

Posture in worship is too often imposture. (Thomas Watson)

It is a poor worship to move our hats, not our hearts. (Thomas Adams)

You think you serve God by coming to church; but if you refuse to let the Word convert you, how should God be pleased with such a service as this? Every time you hear, or pray, or praise God, or receive the sacrament, while you deny God in your heart and remain unconverted, you do but despise Him, and show more of your rebellion than your obedience. God biddeth you come to church and hear the Word, and so far you do well; but withal, He chargeth you to suffer the Word to work upon your hearts, and to take it home and consider it, and obey it. (Richard Baxter)

We have be truly said to worship God, though we want perfection; but we cannot be said to worship Him if we want sincerity. (Stephen Charnock)

In public worship all should join. The little strings go to make up a concert, as well as the great. (Thomas Goodwin)

All in the church may hear the Word of Christ, but few hear Christ in the Word. (George Swinnock)

Attention of body, intention of mind, and retention of memory, are indispensably desired of all wisdom's scholars. (John Trapp)

(The End)