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§. 135. Of serving God reverendly.
THe next word translated a 1.1 acceptably, notes out the manner, and that in ge∣neral. 1. That is said to be done acceptably, which is so done as God is well pleased therewith; For the word b 1.2 God in the Greek is so placed after both the matter and the manner, as it may have fit relation to both, thus, c 1.3 Whereby we may perform service acceptable to God. This importeth, as knowledge of Gods will, so a conscionable care to conform all that we do in and about our serving of God, to his will. Hereby is evidently demonstrated unto us, That Our service of God must be so ordered, as it may be pleasing unto him. Hereof see Chap. 8. v. 5. §. 17.
For further explanation of his mind herein, The Apostle addes two particular properties, which must alwayes accompany our serving of God, if we will do it ac∣ceptably. 1. Reverence. 2. Godly fear.
The Greek word translated d 1.4 reverence, signifieth such an awful respect, as works an high esteem of him whom they serve, and keeps them from unseemly thoughts, words, or deeds against him.
By this speciall property added to our serving of God, the Apostle giveth us to understand, That God is to be served with due reverence. See Psal. 2. 11. and 95. 6. and 132. 7.
The ancient gesture of bowing down in the worship and service of God proveth as much, as Gen. 24. 26. and 47 31. Neh. 8. 6. So kneeling, 2 Chro. 6. 12. Dan. 6. 10. Luk. 22. 41. Act. 9. 40. and 20. 36. Eph. 3. 14. Yea standing, as Neh. 9. 2. Luk. 18. 13. Mar. 11. 25. And Prostrating, Joh. 7. 6. Ezr. 10. 1. Matth. 26. 39.
- 1. It importeth an high esteem of God, and due respect to his glorious Majesty. Subjects by their reverence testifie their good and dutiful respect to their earthly So∣veraign,* 1.5 Gen. 41. 43. How much more should we testifie it every way that we can to our heavenly Soveraign, the King of Kings?
- 2. It gaineth a good esteem in God of them, who so reverence him, and a graci∣ous respect towards them, Psal. 112. 1. &c. Mark how Iaacobs reverence wrought upon Esau, Gen. 33. 3, 4. and the Sons of Iaacob, on their brother Ioseph, Gen. 50. 18, 19. Now if men that are hard-hearted, can be so moved, how much more the pitiful, merciful and gracious Lord, and that when their reverence is sincere and hearty? Note Luk. 11. 13.
- 1. This may serve for the taxation of sundry misdemeanors about Gods ser∣vice.
- 1. Such as have no care of preparation before hand, but suddainly, and rash∣ly come to serve God, their minds being stuffed with many bio worldly matters, if not with sinful and abominable trash. How is it possible that such should serve God with reverence? such an one was he that came with∣out his wedding garment. Note his doom, Matth. 22. 11, 12, 13.
- 2. Such as in serving of God, suffer their thoughts to rove abroad, and are not attentive upon the work they are about? Can that be reverently done, which is not attentively thought upon while it is in doing. Can he pray reverendly, that minds not what he prayeth? Can he hear reverendly, that heeds not what is preached? Can he receive reverendly, that hath not his head and heart upon the mysteries set out in the holy Sacrament?
- 3. Such as openly proclaim their want of reverence, by their outward irreve∣rend, unbeseeming gestures, which are stately comming into the Assembly of Gods people, even when they are serving of God, with their hats on their heads; sitting at prayer; casting their eyes this way, and that way, on pictures, and sometimes on Church-wals, on such as are in brave apparel, on proper and comely personages, on beautiful faces, and other like objects; or talking one with another, or reading books.
These and other like bie gestures, are open testifications of much want of reve∣rence. These are like the fool that layeth out his folly, Prov. 13. 16. and telleth to all that he is a fool, Eccl. 10. 3.
- 2. This may direct us how to serve God, namely reverendly. We have had suf∣ficient motive to incite us to be willing and desirous to do what is here required.