An exposition of the prophecy of Hosea begun in divers lectures upon the first…An exposition of the prophesie of Hosea begun in divers lectures vpon the first…

We had need (my brethren) all pray earnestly for those whom God employeth in public works, that they may not only have strength to assist them, and success in them, but that they may have hearts to give God all the glory of them; for though they may do never so worthily for God in the Church or in the Common-wealth, yet if they be not careful to give God all the glory, God will curse them at last notwithstanding.

We had need (my brethren) all pray earnestly for those whom God employeth in publique works, that they may not only have strength to assist them, and successe in them, but that they may have hearts to give God all the glory of them; for though they may doe never so worthily for God in the Church or in the Common-wealth, yet if they be not carefull to give God all the glory, God will curse them at last notwithstanding.

Further,¹ Jehu doth somewhat which God commanded him, but not all. We learn from hence, that when but half the work is done, God curseth the whole for our neglect of the other half.² I remember Master Calvin upon this place, likeneth Jehu unto King Henry the 8. Henry the 8. saith he, cast off some degree of Popery so far as would serve his own turn, but there were the five Articles in force still, for which many suffered at that time, and so he was like Jehu in that. God will be served with the whole heart, for all our good is in God, & therefore all our hearts must make out after God. God must have perfect obedience in the desire and endeavour, or else he will have none. Certainly that which must make any man acceptable, it is not so much that there is somewhat done, but is there that which God calleth for done? or is it done in regard of the endeavour? for that indeed will be acceptable: though we cannot do all at once, but it we bring somewhat to God as a part, and acknowledge the debt as the whole, and so are working for the other, it will be accepted. As suppose a man owes you an hundred pound, and bringeth you but fifty pound in part of payment, yet if he acknowledge the rest, and promise the payment of it., if you know he will be faithful in the payment of the other he will accept of it: But if a man bring you fourscore pound in lieu of all, you will not accept it. So it is here, Hypocrites they say they cannot be perfect in his world, and so think to put off God with a little; it is true, if thou hadst an upright heart, and didst bring God but part, and labourest after the whole, he would accept of it: But if thou bringest him ten times more then a sincere heart can bring him, it will not be acceptable, no not ninety nine pounds will be accepted if brought in stead of the whole. God must have a man according to his own heart, such an one as David; you know what was said of David,