[f. WILL sb.1 + WORSHIP sb., rendering Gr. ἐθελοθρησκεία (Col. ii. 23).] Worship according to ones own will or fancy, or imposed by human will, without divine authority.
1549. Cheke, Hurt Sedit. (1641), 59. Seeing true worship taught, and wil-worship refused.
1565. Calfhill, Answ. Martiall, To Rdr. 6 b. A wilworship, a naughty seruice, hauing no ground of the worde of God.
1611. Bible, Col. ii. 23. Which things haue in deed a shew of wisedome in will worship [Vulg. superstitione; Tindale chosen holynes, Coverdale chosen spiritualtie, Geneva volontarie worshipping].
a. 1629. Hinde, J. Bruen, xxx. (1641), 93. That such service unto Saints, is but witt-worship, will-worship, and Idol-service.
1641. Sanderson, Serm., Matt. xv. 9 (1681), II. 4. Those Pharisees intending by those superstitious Will-worships to honour God.
1730. Berkeley, Serm., Wks. 1871, IV. 641. Not lip-worship, nor will-worship, but inward and evangelical.
1827. G. S. Faber, Sacr. Cal. Prophecy (1844), II. 106. A declension from evangelical soundness to unwarrantable superstition and will-worship.
1846. Trench, Mirac., Introd. (1862), 5. The will-worship of Jeroboam.
So Will-worshipper, one who practises will-worship; † Will-worshipping, will-worship.
1571. Golding, Calvin on Ps. ix. 12. 28. The wil woorshippinges which superstitious persones have forged too themselves of theyr owne heades.
1660. Jer. Taylor, Duct. Dubit., II. iii. rule 13. § 9. He that sayes God is rightly worshipped by an act or ceremony concerning which himself hath no way expressd his pleasure, is superstitious, or a will-worshipper.