Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

2. In regard of the Divine Sovereignty, 'tis both honourable and advantageous to obey God. 'Tis indeed the glory of a Superior, to be obeyed by his Inferior; but where the sovereign is of transcendent excellency and dignity, 'tis an honour to a mean person, to be under his immediate commands, and enrolled in his service. 'Tis more honour to be Gods Subject, than to be the greatest worldly Monarch; his very service is an Empire, and disobedience to him is a slavery.^* 'Tis a part of his sovereignty to reward any service done him. Other Lords may be willing to recompense the service of their Subjects, but are often rendered unable; but nothing can stand in the way of God, to hinder your reward, if nothing stand in your way to hinder your obedience. Levit. 18.5. If you keep my Statutes, you shall live in them, I am the Lord. Is there any thing in the World can recompense you for Rebellion against God, and obedience to a Lust? Saul cools the hearts of his Servants, from running after David, by Davids inability to give them Fields and Vineyards. 1 Sam. 22.7. Will the Son of Jesse give every one of you Fields, and Vineyards, and make you Captains of thousands, and Captains of hundreds, that you have conspired against me? But God hath a Dominion to requite, as well as an Authority to command your obedience. He is a great sovereign, to bear you out in your observance of his precepts against all reproaches and violences of men, and at last to crown you with eternal honour. If he should neglect vindicating one time or other your loyalty to him, he will neglect the maintaining and vindicating his own sovereignty and greatness.

2. In regard of the Divine Soveraignty, 'tis both honourable and advantagious to obey God. 'Tis indeed the glory of a Superior, to be obey'd by his Inferior; but where the soveraign is of transcendent excellency and dignity, 'tis an honour to a mean person, to be under his immediate commands, and enrolled in his service. 'Tis more honour to be Gods Subject, than to be the greatest worldly Monarch; his very service is an Empire, and disobedience to him is a slavery.^* 'Tis a part of his soveraignty to reward any service done him. Other Lords may be willing to recompence the service of their Subjects, but are often rendred unable; but nothing can stand in the way of God, to hinder your reward, if nothing stand in your way to hinder your obedience.