Divers practical cases of conscience satisfactorily resolved ... to which are added some counsels…

Others think that though they may not serve the Devil at any time, yet giving God his dues morning and evening they may serve themselves the rest of the time. But in vain do they lay claim to God, who live more to themselves then they do ⟨p. 35⟩to him. This will be found horrible sacrilege to put off God but with the tenth. God is to be eyed, and served in all that you do; and this is that I drive at, that we may not divide our selves between God and the world; between his service and our own ends, and so put off him with a partial service, but that we may do all in obedience to him, and we may be entirely the Lords. That he in all things may be glorified by us, and we may not lose our Reward.

Others think that though they may not serve the Devil at any time, yet giving God his dues morning and evening they may serve themselves the rest of the time. But in vain do they lay claim to God, who live more to themselves then they do ⟨p. 35⟩to him. This will be found horrible sacriledge to put off God but with the tenth. God is to be eyed, and served in all that you do; and this is that I drive at, that we may not divide our selves between God and the world; between his service and our own ends, and so put off him with a partial service, but that we may do all in obedience to him, and we may be intirely the Lords. That he in all things may be glorified by us, and we may not lose our Reward.

2. Some holy Principles must be received and retained. As

Pr. 1. That the pleasing of God is our only Business, and our highest Blessedness. First our only Business: what is it that we call or count our Business? 1. That is a mans Business which his livelihood and subsistence depends upon. The Lawyer counts the Law his Business: And the Tradesman counts his Trade his Business; because upon this their livelihood and subsistence depends. Brethren, our whole depends upon the pleasing of God: Do this and do all: miss in this, and you mar all: please him and you are made for ever: if he be not pleased you are undone for ever. How careful is the selfish Courtier to please his Prince? how will he crouch and flatter? and if he can but divine what will gratify and please him, he thinks himself happy: And why? but because all his dependence is upon his Princes favour: Much more do we depend upon the favour of God. Blessed is the man whom he chooseth,