Sermons preached

That in every Business we should ask his Leave and Blessing. It is a piece of Religious Manners to begin with God.

(1.) His Leave. As Judg. 1. 1. Shall I go up, and fight against the Canaanites, or shall I not? And thus Jehoshaphat would enquire of the Prophet, Shall I go up to Ramoth-Gilead, and prevail? The honest Heathens had this Principle, A Jove Principium, that every Action was to be begun with God. Balaam had a Conscience this way, he would enquire of God before he would proceed either to curse or bless. By this Means we acknowledge God, our Dependence upon Him, ⟨p. 276⟩and his Dominion over us. It is Robbery to use any Goods without the Owner's leave. We and all ours are the Goods of God. God hath such a Dominion over us, as a Man hath over his Goods; not only a Dominion of Jurisdiction, as Governor in Law, but a Dominion of Propriety. Therefore in Journeys, in removing of our Dwelling, in disposal of our Children, God must not be left out, but be treated with in the first place.

(1.) His Leave. As Iudg. 1. 1. Shall I go up, and fight against the Canaanites, or shall I not? And thus Iehoshaphat would enquire of the Prophet, Shall I go up to Ramoth-Gilead, and prevail? The honest Heathens had this Principle, A Iove Principium, that every Action was to be begun with God. Balaam had a Conscience this way, he would enquire of God before he would proceed either to curse or bless. By this Means we acknowledge God, our Dependance upon Him, ⟨p. 276⟩and his Dominion over us. It is Robbery to use any Goods without the Owner's leave. We and all ours are the Goods of God. God hath such a Dominion over us, as a Man hath over his Goods; not only a Dominion of Jurisdiction, as Governor in Law, but a Dominion of Propriety. Therefore in Journeys, in removing of our Dwelling, in disposal of our Children, God must not be left out, but be treated with in the first place.