2. 'In every good work.' Not in one, but all. Many will do some good, but are defective in other things, and usually in those which are most necessary. They cull out the easiest and cheapest parts of reli- gion, such as do not contradict their lusts and interests. We can never have sound peace till we regard all : Ps. cxix. 6, ' Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect to all thy commandments." Shame is ^o/So9 BiKaiov -ylrojov, fear of a just reproof. This reproof is either from the supreme or the deputy judge. The supreme judge of all our actions is God. This should be our principal care, that we may not be ashamed before him at his coming, nor disapproved in the judgment. But there is a deputy judge which every man hath in his own bosom. Our con- sciences do acquit or condemn us as we are partial or sincere in our duty to God ; and much dependeth on that : 1 John iii. 20, 21, ' But if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our hearts condemn us not, then have we con- fidence towards God.' Well, then, that our hearts may not reprove or reproach us, we should be complete in all the will of God. Alas ! otherwise you will never have evidence of your sincerity.
3. The next expression is, ' That you may do his will.' The rule of man's duty is the will of God. The will of God signifieth two things — either his decree concerning them, or else that law which he hath given concerning our duty. This last is intended. The works of man are
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tbe actions and operations of a reasonable creature subject to the laws of God. If his actions be conformable to his law, they are good ; if not, they are eviL Therefore a man cannot be a good christian with- out doing God's will. If it be the will of God he should forbear such a practice, custom, or evil action, he dareth not go forward: Jer. xxxv. 6, ' We will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Kechab, our father, commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye nor your sons for ever.' If it be the will of God he should do such a thing, he will do it ; he dareth not omit it, how cross soever to his inclinations and interests : James iv. 17, ' Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.' This is the reason of all reasons : 1 Thes. iv. 3, ' For this is the will of God, even your sanctification ; ' 1 Thes. V. 18, ' In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God ia Christ Jesus concerning you ; ' 1 Peter ii. 15, ' For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.' Well, then, it is not enough that we should well and thoroughly understand the will of God, but we should do it. And I will add this one consideration : the more we do it, the more we will understand it : John vii. 17, ' If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doc- trine whether it be of God.' It is doing that God looks at and we must most regard ; not who can acutely plead or eloquently declaim about it, but readily frame his heart to do the will of God ; for the pre- cepts of God are given, not to try our wit or memory, but prac- tice.
4. We must do it so as may be ' well-pleasing in his sight ; ' where note —
[1.] That all that we do is done in the sight of God. Ho observeth who break and who keep his law. and nothing can escape his view and knowledge : Luke i. 75, ' In holiness and righteousness before him.' AYe are ever in his eye, and he is our witness, approver, and judge : ' Will he force the queen,' saith Ahasuerus, ' before my face ? ' Esther vii. 8. Will ye, God looking on, be vain, foolish, and carnal ?
[2.] This must be our great aim and scope, ' to please God.' It is a well-tempered religion that beginueth and endeth in God. Man-pleas- ing is the hypocrite's religion, but God-pleasing is sincere and true reli- gion : Col. i. 10, ' That ye may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing.' And the apostle often inculcateth this as the right end of all our duties : ' Not as pleasing men, but God.'
[3.] Our work must be so ordered as it may be ' pleasing and accept- able to God ; ' for every slight thing will not please him, but when it is agreeable to his will. Therefore it is not enough to do what is for the matter good, but what is for the manner pleasing to him ; that is to say — (1.) It must come from a right principle, love to God : 2 Cor. V. 14, ' The love of Christ constraineth us ; ' and faith in Christ : Heb. xi. 6, ' Without faith it is impossible to please God.' Not as forced, nor as a mere natural act, but as depending on the Redeemer for our acceptance. We are sinners ; we are not exact. (2.) Then for the manner, it must be with seriousness : Heb. xii. 28, 'Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have gi-ace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence, and godly fear ; ' so as will become so great a majesty with tliat diligence which our aim at