Question 50

How doth the worship, required in the second Commandment, differ from the worship required in the first?

The worship required in the first Commandment hath a respect unto the object of worship, whereby we are bound to worship the true God, and none else: The worship required in the second hath a respect unto the means and manner of worship, whereby we are bound to worship God according to the way and means of his own appointment.

What is the way and means which God hath appointed for his worship?

The only way and means which God hath appointed for his worship, is his Ordinances which he hath prescribed in his Word.

What Ordinances?

1. Prayer unto God with thanksgiving, and that^a publickly in Assemblies,^b privately in Families, and^c secretly in Closets. 2. Reading and searching the Scriptures. 1 Tim. 4. 13. Ioh. 5. 39. Neh. 8. 8. Acts 15. 21. 3. Preaching and hearing of the Word. 2 Tim. 4. 2. Isa. 55. 3. 4. Singing of Psalms. Psal. 149. 1. Iam. 5. 13. 5. Administration, and receiving of the Sacraments both of Baptism, and the Lords Supper. Mat. 28. 19. 1 Cor. 11. 23,—26. 6. Fasting. Ioel 2. 12. Esther 4. 3, 16. 1 Kings 21. 27, 28, 29. 1 Sam. 7. 6, 10. Ionab 3. 5, 10. Luk. 5. 35. 7. Instruction of Children and Households in the way of the Lord. Gen. 18. 19. Deut. 6. 6,—10. Ephes. 6. 4. 8. Holy Conference, and Religious Discourse. Mal. 3. 16. Luke 24. 17, 32. 9. Meditation. Psal 1. 2. and 77. 12. 1 Tim. 4. 15. 10. Vows to the Lord. Psal. 76. 11. 11. Swearing by the Name of the Lord, when lawfully called. Deut. 6. 13. Ier. 4. 2. and 12. 16. 12. Exercise of Church-Discipline. 1 Cor. 5. 3, 4, 5, 11. with 2 Cor. 2 6, 7, 8. Mat. 18. 18.

What doth God require in the second Commandment, in reference to his Ordinances and means of worship?

He requireth the receiving, observing, and keeping of them pure and entire.

What is it to receive and observe Gods Worship and Ordinances?

To receive and observe them is heartily to entertain, embrace, and attend on them as oft as opportunity is offered, and to make answerable improvement of them.

What is it to keep them pure and entire?

To take diligent heed that they be not corrupted by our own inventions and additions.^d

How know you what Worship, and Ordinances God hath required?

God hath appointed all his worsh’p and Ordinances in his Word.