Of domesticall duties eight treatises. I. An exposition of that part of Scripture out…

Great reason there is that all service should be limited ¹with the fear of God: for God is the highest Lord to whom all service primarily and principally is due: whatsoever service is due to any man, high or low, is due in and for the Lord. The Lord hath set superiors in the places of eminency, wherein they bear the image of God. The Lord also hath set inferiors in their places, and commended them as his charge to the government of those who are over them. He that obeyeth not those who are over him in the fear of God, showeth no respect of Gods image: and he who governeth not those who are under him in the fear of God, showeth no respect of Gods charge.

Great reason there is that all seruice should be limited ¹with the feare of God: for God is the highest Lord to whom all seruice primarily and principally is due: whatsoeuer seruice is due to any man, high or low, is due in and for the Lord. The Lord hath set superiours in the places of eminencie, wherein they beare the image of God. The Lord also hath set inferiours in their places, and commended them as his charge to the gouernment of those who are ouer them. He that obeyeth not those who are ouer him in the feare of God, sheweth no respect of Gods image: and he who gouerneth not those who are vnder him in the feare of God, sheweth no respect of Gods charge.

1. 11. Reason. God the highest Lord.

Besides, God is that great Judge to whom all of all sorts, ¹superiors and inferiors are to give an account of their service. Though by our service we have never so well approved our selves to men, yet if we have not therein had respect unto God, and approved our selves to him, with what face may we appear before his dreadful judgement seat?