CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

Fourthly, Christs Power is seen in giving Laws, ¹and prescribing duties to all according to which they should live: Therefore he calls them his Commandments, and the Apostle urgeth, If they died without mercy that refused Moses speaking, of how much sorer punishment shall they be thought worthy who refuse him speaking from heaven? In this respect it is that he is so often called a King, and a Kingdom is attributed to him, because he maketh Laws, and enjoineth the observation of them under higher penalties then any earthly power can do, and that is eternal damnation, and this consideration is a two edged Sword to many hypocrites; They love Christ they say, they trust in him their Redeemer, but they do not obey him as a King; This is a Law-giver who hath power to damn and to save; Oh that the profane and ungodly wretch, who yet hopes for mercy by Christ, would lay this to heart more: Art thou obedient to him as Lord and King? He saith, Swear not at all, Dost thou give obedience? give over thy cursing and swearing: He saith, Let not your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, Do you obey this Law? and so of adultery and uncleanness, He that doth but lust after a woman is guilty of eternal death; What think you of these Laws? Are not these holy and just? Do you think Christ hath not power to be avenged on you? Oh take heed of making this power against thee; It's able to undo thee without hope.

Fourthly, Christs Power is seen in giving Laws, ¹and prescribing duties to all according to which they should live: Therefore he cals them his Commandements, and the Apostle urgeth, If they died without mercy that refused Moses speaking, of how much sorer punishment shall they be thought worthy who refuse him speaking from heaven? In this respect it is that he is so often called a King, and a Kingdom is attributed to him, because he maketh Laws, and enjoyneth the observation of them under higher penalties then any earthly power can do, and that is eternall damnation, and this consideration is a two edged Sword to many hypocrites; They love Christ they say, they trust in him their Redeemer, but they do not obey him as a King; This is a Law-giver who hath power to damn and to save; Oh that the prophane and ungodly wretch, who yet hopes for mercy by Christ, would lay this to heart more: Art thou obedient to him as Lord and King? He saith, Swear not at all, Dost thou give obedience? give over thy cursing and swearing: He saith, Let not your hearts be overcharged with surfeting and drunkennesse, Do you obey this Law? and so of adultery and uncleannesse, He that doth but lust after a woman is guilty of eternal death; What think you of these Laws? Are not these holy and just? Do you think Christ hath not power to be avenged on you? Oh take heed of making this power against thee; It's able to undoe thee without hope.