Marrow of Modern Divinity - Fisher - XIV - Part 2 continued

Required reading
Marrow of Modern Divinity by Edward Fisher (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Continue Part Two by reading about the second, third and fourth commandments.

My summary
Today we continue looking at what is taught in the ten commandments.

The second commandment teaches us that we are to worship God with true worship, not false worship.  Fisher shows how this commandment applies to the Christian's praying, Bible reading, preaching, administrating and receiving the sacrament, singing, meditating, speaking about the bible, fasting and making of vows.

The third commandment teaches us to worship God with right manner - that our worship will not be in vain.  Fisher also demonstrates the negative and positive aspects of it: 'And in this commandment likewise, there is a negative part expressed in these words, "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain." And that is, thou shalt not profane it, by using my titles, attributes, ordinances, works, ignorantly, irreverently, or after a formal, superstitious manner. And an affirmative part, included in these words, "But thou shalt sanctify my name," (Isa 8:13); by using my titles, attributes, ordinances, works, and religion, with knowledge, reverence, and after a spiritual manner, (John 4:24).'

The fourth commandment sets the time when God should be worshiped.

What grabbed me
Some really great material from Fisher in his dealing with the second commandment.  Particularly liked Evangelista's challenge to anyone who believes they have kept it: 'If you make any question of it, I would entreat you to consider with yourself, whether you have not gone to the church on the Lord's day to hear the word of God, and to receive the sacrament, and do other duties, because the laws of the kingdom require it, or because your parents or masters have required it, or because it is a custom to do so, or, because you conceive it to be a credit for you to do so. And I pray you also to consider, whether you have not abstained from worshipping of images, and other such idolatrous and superstitious actions which the Papists use, merely because the laws of the land wherein you live do condemn such things. And I pray you also consider whether you have not been sometimes zealous in prayer in the presence and company of others, to gain their praise and approbation; have you not desired that they should think you to be a man of good gifts and parts? And have you not in that regard endeavoured to enlarge yourself? And have you not sometimes performed duties merely because otherwise conscience would not let you be quiet? And have you not sometimes fasted and prayed, and humbled yourself, merely or chiefly in hopes that the Lord would, for your so doing, prevent or remove some judgment from you, or grant you some good thing which you desire? Now, I beseech you, answer me truly and plainly, whether you do not think you have done so. '

Seeking the praise of others is an idol and all too easily worshiped.

Next week's reading
Continue Part Two by reading about the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth commandments.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.