Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

2. 'Tis such a Dominion as cannot be renounced by God himself. 'Tis so intrinsic and connatural to him, so inlaid in the nature of God, that he cannot strip himself of it, nor of the exercise of it, while any Creature remains. 'T•• preserved by him; for it could not subsist of its self; 'tis governed by him, it could not else answer its end. 'Tis impossible there can be a Creature, which hath not God for its Lord. Christ himself though in regard of his Deity equal with God, yet in regard of his created state, and assuming our nature, was God's servant, was governed by him in the whole of his office, acted according to his command and directions; God calls him his servant. Isaiah 42.1. And Christ in that Prophetic Psalm of him, calls God his Lord. Psal. 16.2. Oh my Soul, Thou hast said unto the Lord, thou art my Lord. It was impossible it should be otherwise; Justice had been so far from being satisfied, that it had been highly incensed, if the order of things in the due subjection to God had been broke, and his terms had not been complied with. It would be a Judgment upon the World, if God ⟨p. 706⟩should give up the Government to any else, as it is when he gives Children to be Princes. Isaiah 3.4. i. e. Children in understanding.

2. 'Tis such a Dominion as cannot be renounced by God himself. 'Tis so intrinsick and connatural to him, so inlaid in the nature of God, that he cannot strip himself of it, nor of the exercise of it, while any Creature remains. 'T•• preserv'd by him; for it could not subsist of its self; 'tis govern'd by him, it could not else answer its end. 'Tis impossible there can be a Creature, which hath not God for its Lord. Christ himself though in regard of his Deity equal with God, yet in regard of his created state, and assuming our nature, was God's servant, was govern'd by him in the whole of his office, acted according to his command and directions; God calls him his servant. Isaiah 42.1