Deuteronomy 16

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XVI.—Is it not shameful that even the most solemn ordinances of our fellowship with God should need to be so frequently inculcated upon us! But since Jesus, our passover, hath been sacrificed for us, and our pentecost, the effusion of the Holy Ghost, by an ascended Saviour, is fully come, and the tabernacle of God is in manhood, and is with men upon earth, with holy joy and gladness, let us, and others instigated by us, observe our solemn feasts, and keep our eyes always fixed upon the Lamb of God. And while we ourselves are comforted of Christ, let us remember, it is both honourable and God-like to follow his example, and to manifest a tender regard to the poor and afflicted. Let us observe likewise that magistrates are necessary for the regulation of mankind; and should be so placed that people may have easy access to them, and it is becoming that, in all their ministrations, they shew themselves of proper abilities and remarkable integrity. But dangerous is it, in the worship of God, to copy after the example of wicked and idolatrous men; his worship is pure and spiritual; he regards not the external appearance, but they who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 3