Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…

But now you must know that the Lord doth not only look for thankfulness, but that we should render according to the mercies we have received: so that in our thankfulness there must be these four conditions.

But now you must know that the Lord doth not onely look for thankfulness, but that we should render according to the mercies we have received: so that in our thankfulness there must be these four conditions.

First, you must consider that when you come to give ¹thanks for any mercy to the Lord; it is not such a freewill offering, as that you may choose whether you will do it or no: but you must know that you are bound to it: ²therefore this word yielding here, it shows that it was such a debt as Hezekiah did owe to the Lord. When you are to give thanks therefore, you must not go about this duty as if you might do it, or not do it, and it is no great matter: but that it is such a thing as the Lord requires. For when the Lord bestows any mercy upon us, he keeps this property still in his own hands to have thanks rendered to him. Suitable praise, and thanksgiving is the rent and fine (as I may say) which the Lord would have us give him for all the things we enjoy. Now when we do not give him praise, we with hold that from him which is his due. As when a rent is due to a Land-lord, and is not paid him, you detain that from him which ⟨p. 409⟩is his right. And you see in this verse that when Hezekiah did not render according to the mercies received, wrath came upon him. When wrath shall come upon a man for neglecting of a duty, it is an argument, that it is not so free as that he might neglect it if he please; but that he must do it of necessity. This is the first thing that you are to consider that the Lord requires it exactly at your hands, it is a thing that you owe to the Lord.