Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

2. It must be the best and most exact obedience. The most Sovereign Authority calls for the exactest and lowest observance, the highest Lord for the deepest homage: being he is a great King, he must have the best in our flock. Mal. 1. Obedience is due to God, as King, and the choicest obedience is due to him, as he is the most excellent King. The more majestic and noble any man is, the more careful we are in our manner of service to him. We are bound to obey God, not only under the title of a Lord in regard of jurisdiction and political subjection, but under the title of a true Lord and Master in regard of propriety: since we are not only his subjects but servants, the exactest obedience is due to God Jure servitutis, Luk. 17.10. when you have done all, say you are unprofitable servants, because we can do nothing which we owe not to God.

2. It must be the best and most exact obedience. The most Soveraign Authority calls for the exactest and lowest observance, the highest Lord for the deepest homage: being he is a great King, he must have the best in our flock. Mal. 1. Obedience is due to God, as King, and the choicest obedience is due to him, as he is the most excellent King. The more majestick and noble any man is, the more careful we are in our manner of service to him. We are bound to obey God, not only under the title of a Lord in regard of jurisdiction and political subjection, but under the title of a true Lord and Master in regard of propriety: since we are not only his subjects but servants, the exactest obedience is due to God Jure servitutis, Luk. 17.10. when you have done all, say you are unprofitable servants, because we can do nothing which we owe not to God.

3. Sincere and inward Obedience. As it is a part of his Sovereignty to prescribe Laws not only to man in his outward State, but to his Conscience, so it is a part of our subjection to receive his Laws into our will and heart. The Authority of his Laws exceeds Humane Laws in the extent and riches of them, and our acknowledgement of his Sovereignty cannot be right, but by subjecting the faculties of our soul to the Law-giver of our souls; We else acknowledge his Authority to be as limited, as the Empire of man. When his will not only sways the outward action, but the inward motion, 'tis a giving him the honour of his high Throne above the Throne of mortals. The right of God ought to be preserved undamaged in affection, as well as action.