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Qu. 3. How then are these wayes and means of the worship of God made known unto us?
Answ. In and by the written word only; which contains a full and perfect Revelation of the will of God; as to his whole worship, and all the concern∣ments of it: John 5.39. Isa. 8.20. Luke 16.19. 2 Tim. 3.15, 16, 17. 1 Pet. 1.19. Deut. 4.2. chap. 12.32. Joshua 1.7. Prov. 30.6. Rev. 22.20. Isaiah 29.13.
The End wherefore God granted his word unto the Church, was, that thereby it might be instructed in his mind and will, as to what concerns the worship and obedience that he requireth of us, and which is accepted with him. This the whole Scripture it self every where de∣clares and speaks out unto all that do receive it; as 2 Tim. 3.15, 16, 17. with the residue of the testimonies above re∣cited do declare. It supposeth, it decla∣reth, that of our selves we are ignorant how God is, how he ought to be wor∣shipped, Isa. 8.20. Moreover it manifests him to be a jealous God, exercising that holy property of his nature in an especial manner about his worship; rejecting and despising every thing that is not accor∣ding to his will, that is not of his Institu∣tion, Exod. 20.4, 5.
That we may know what is so, he hath made a Revelation of his mind and will in his written word, that is, the Scripture; and to the end that we might expect in∣struction from thence alone in his wor∣ship, and act therein accordingly.
First, he sends us and directs us there∣unto, expresly for that purpose, Isa. 8.28. Luke 16.19. John 5.39. and not once intimates in the least, any other way or means of instruction unto the end.
Secondly, He frequently affirms, that it is sufficient, able, and perfect to guide us therein, 2 Tim. 3.15, 16, 17. 1 Pet. 1.19. Psalm 19.7, 8, 9. and whereas he hath expresly given it unto us for that end, if there be any want or defect therein, it must arise from hence, that either God would not, or could not give unto us a perfect Revelation of his will; neither of which can be imagined.
Thirdly, He hath commanded us to observe all whatsoever he hath ap∣pointed therein, and not to make any addition thereunto, Joshua 1.7. Deut. 4.2. chap. 12.32. Prov. 30.6. Revel. 22.20. And,
Fourthly, Peculiarly interdicted us the use of any such things, as are of the institution or appointment of Men, Isa. 29.13, 14. So that from the Scriptures alone, are we to learn what is accepted with God in his worship.