Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

3. We have the greatest slight of that Will of God which is most for his Honour and his greatest Pleasure. 'Tis the Nature of Man, ever since Adam, to do so, Hos. 6.6.7. God desired Mercy and not Sacrifice, the Knowledge of Himself more than burnt Offering; but they like men, as Adam, have transgressed the Covenant, invade Gods Rights, and not let him be Lord of one Tree.

We are more curious Observers of the Fringes of the Law, than of the greater concerns of it. The Jews were diligent in Sacrifices and Offerings, which God did not urge upon them as Principals, but as Types of other things; but negligent of the Faith which was to be established by him: Holiness, Mercy, Pity which concerned the Honour of God, as Governor of the World, and were imitations of the Holiness and Goodness of God, they were Strangers to. This is Gods Complaint, Isa. 1.11, 12. and 16, 17.

We are more curious Observers of the Fringes of the Law, than of the greater concerns of it. The Jews were diligent in Sacrifices and Offerings, which God did not urge upon them as Principals, but as Types of other things; but negligent of the Faith which was to be established by him: Holiness, Mercy, Pity which concerned the Honour of God, as Governour of the World, and were imitations of the Holiness and Goodness of God, they were Strangers to. This is Gods Complaint, Isa. 1.11, 12. and 16, 17.

We shall find our hearts most averse to the observation of those Laws which are Eternal and Essential to Righteousness; such, that he could not but command, as he is a Righteous Governor; in the observation of which, we come nearest to him and express his Image more clearly: As those Laws for an inward and spiritual Worship, a supreme Affection to him. God in regard of his Righteousness and Holiness of his Nature, and the Excellency of his Being, could not command the contrary