Reformed Covenanter
Cancelled Commissioner
Too many in our day shun private worship as "pietism", however, the Westminster Confession tells us that "God is to be worshipped ... in secret each one by himself" (21.6). John Newton gave a very pointed warning to those who thought that they could neglect the private worship of God because they were attending public ordinances (and vice-versa):
... Every thing is beautiful in its season; and if one duty frequently jostles out another, it is a sign either of a weak judgment, or of a wrong turn of mind. No public ordinances can make amends for the neglect of secret prayer; nor will the most diligent attendance upon them justify us in the neglect of those duties, which, by the command and appointment of God, we owe to society. ...
For more, see John Newton: Attendance on public ordinances does not justify the neglect of secret worship.
... Every thing is beautiful in its season; and if one duty frequently jostles out another, it is a sign either of a weak judgment, or of a wrong turn of mind. No public ordinances can make amends for the neglect of secret prayer; nor will the most diligent attendance upon them justify us in the neglect of those duties, which, by the command and appointment of God, we owe to society. ...
For more, see John Newton: Attendance on public ordinances does not justify the neglect of secret worship.
