The pattern of perfection exhibited in Gods image on AdamThe paterne of perfection exhibited in Gods image on Adam

Answ. Because without it, Adams obedience could not have been acceptable: The Lord loves, as a cheerful giver, ¹so a cheerful performer of service. It is the Apostles rule, The Lord accepts a willing mind. If a man grudge to give to a poor man, God flings his gift into his face: a willing mind makes the service acceptable. All Gods servants must be Volunteers, not pressed. As Deborah, Jud. 5.4. My soul is with those that offer themselves willingly. ⟨p. 134⟩We abhor it in our servants when they come to their work as a Bear to the stake, and will God accept it at our hands? All the offerings of God must be freewill offerings. Thus our Saviour did, that knew how to please God, Psal. 40.8. I am delighted to do thy will, O my God, and thy law is within my heart. He comes not off with murmuring,² but saith It is my meat and drink to do thy will. When you are at a feast, you can sit at it hour after hour; so if our duties be as our meat and our drink, they will not be tedious to us. Eph. 6.7. We must serve God with a goodwill: It is an unseemly thing, to cause God to distrain for his service. God will have his praise out of a ⟨p. 135⟩proud heart: but then God honours himself, we honour him not. The Devil himself will do duties after this fashion. In Job 1.6. it is said, the Devil came also. He would have been ranging and raging about the world, but God made him come also. Mar. 5. We know that thou art the Son of God: God wrested a confession out of him. It is not acceptable, when we are haled to duty; the Devil doth so: the service that God accepts is done willingly. Thou shalt serve the Lord with a glad heart, and be carried on full sail in the ways of godliness.

Answ. Because without it, Adams obedience could not have beene acceptable: The Lord loves, as a cheerfull giver,