Presbyterian Church -- Sermons; Sermons, English; Theology -- Early works to 1800; Theology -- History -- 17th century
we are as common and careless as if he were an idol.
It is not in vain that it is expressed thus: “through faith we know that
the worlds were framed.” For certainly the firm believing and pondering of
this one truth would be of great moment and use to a Christian in all his
journey. You may observe in what stead it is to the saints in scripture
this raises up a soul to high thoughts, and suitable conceptions of his
glorious name, and so conforms the worship of his majesty unto his
excellency. It puts the stamp of divinity upon it, and spiritualizes the
thoughts and affections, so as to put a true difference between the true
God, and the gods that made not the heavens and the earth. Alas! the
worship of many Christians speaks out no diviner or higher object than a
creature, it is so cold, so formal and empty, so vain and wandering. There
is no more respect testified unto him, than we would give unto some
eminent person. You find in the scripture how the strain of the saints’
affections and devotion rises, when they take up God in his absolute
supremacy above the creatures, and look on him as the alone fountain of
all that is worth the name of perfection in them. A soul in that
consideration cannot choose but assign unto him the most eminent seat in
the heart, and gather those affections which are scattered after the
creatures, into one channel, to pour them out on him who is all in all,
and hath all that which is lovely in the creatures in an eminent degree.
Therefore know what you are formed for,—to show forth his praise, to
gather and take up from the creatures all the fruits of his praise, and
offer them up to his majesty. This was the end of man, and this is the end
of a Christian. You are made for this, and you were redeemed for this, to
read upon the volumes of his works and word, and from thence extract songs
of praise to his majesty.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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