§. Sect. 6 Of the meanes of obedience, whereby we may be ena∣bled to per∣forme it.
Now the meanes which may moue and enable vs to yeeld this obedi∣ence, are these; first, we must consider that the Lord hath created vs to this end, that we should serue him, and to the same purpose, when we were by sin vtterly lost, hath redeemed vs with the inestimable price of his Sonnes most precious blood, that wee should worship him in holinesse and righteous∣nesse before him all the dayes of our liues, that being freed from sinne, we should become the seruants of righteousnesse; and from the slauerie of Satan, that we should spend our dayes in Gods seruice. Secondly, let vs meditate on the riches of reward, and that liberall wages which the Lord hath freely promised to giue vnto those who faithfully serue him; in which respect we may iustly say of our actiue obedience, as the Apostle of our passiue, that all our seruice in this present world, is not worthy the glory which shall be reueyled; for it is slight, short and imperfect, but shall cause vn∣to vs a farre more excellent and eternall waight of Glory. Thirdly, let vs con∣sider, that though our best seruice be mingled with many imperfections, and stayned with our corruptions, yet God in Christ will accept of it, and not only pardon our wants, but reward our wills and workes. For he will spare vs, as a man spareth his sonne that serueth him, accepting of our will for the deede, and of our sincere affections, as of perfect actions. Fourthly, let vs consider, that hereby we shall be assured of all Gods promises: for Godlinesse is profitable for all things, hauing the promises of this life, and of that which is to come. Neither doth God require our obedience for his owne sake; (for he is most absolute in perfection, and our righteousnesse doth not profit or extend vnto him) but for our owne good and benefit, that he may crowne our obedience with eternall blessednesse. For hee that keepeth the Law, happie is he; and he that heareth Christs Word, and keepeth it, is by him pronounced blessed. Lastly, let vs often propound vnto our selues the examples of Gods Saints and Seruants, that haue gone before vs, and set before vs their obedience as a patterne for our imitation: For more cheerefully may we trauaile in this way of holinesse and righteousnesse, if wee see a plaine path beaten by those that haue gone before vs. But especi∣ally let vs set before vs the neuer-erring example of our Sauiour Christ,