Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

Though departing from Iniquity is in its self very good and necessary, yet the Motive for such our departing does very much vary it. Our Saviour taxeth the Scribes and Pharisees, that they did all their works to be seen of men, ¹which was as a Fly in the Box of their precious Ointments; any good Action ought to consist (ex integris causis) of good Causes in every respect. If the Principle out of which it flows, or End to which it tends be not good, the whole work is marred, it cannot be a good work. Our business at present, is to enquire about the End which we propound in our Obedience, in which,

1. 1Mat. 23.5.

¹(1.) If it be to Expiate for by past offences, or to merit undeserved Favours, it must needs be abominable in the sight of God, being the highest act of Pride or Presumption that can be imagined. Let our ⟨p. 73⟩works be what they will,² (though the Best are as filthy Rags,) if they be offered unto God by way of Barter or Exchange; they become most abominable: As if God stood in need of something that we have, or that we were so sufficient as to be able to benefit God too.

¹(1.) If it be to Expiate for by past offences, or to merit undeserved Favours, it must needs be abominable in the sight of God, being the highest act of Pride or Presumption that can be imagin'd. Let our ⟨p. 73⟩