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

As in the first place, Hath Christ this power over all? then let us take heed how we refuse him speaking or commanding; If his goodness and mercy will not win you, he hath power enough to awe you: If not love, let fear bring you in, and that quickly, lest it be too late; The Apostle Heb. 10.17. aggravateth this, that if they that despised Moses died without mercy, of how much sorer judgement shall they be thought worthy who refuse Christ speaking. Think ye (saith the Apostle) any one that hath reason may gather this, that he shall die and be damned without mercy: But where is Christ? You will say, how can we refuse him speaking? The Apostle tells you, Those that hear not his Ministers declaring his will, they do not hear him; Ye that live against the Scripture, you whose lives are contrary to the Word, you are enemies to Christ; It's not we that are refused, but Christ by us; As if an Ambassador be contemned, it's not he but the great Person that sends him, whose Ambassador he is; Well then, we must lay this down for an undoubted Axiom, Every man that liveth in the constant practise of his wickedness, he refuseth Christ who hath all this power; Now let these Motives from his power terrify thee: 1. If it were but an earthly worldly power, what fear, what subjection will that put thee in, Rom. 13. If thou do evil, be afraid, for he beareth not the sword in vain; Oh then know much rather, if thou do evil, be afraid, for Christ hath not this power in vain; Dost thou fear a Prison and not hell? Art thou afraid of losing thy outward estate, and not thy soul, and all happiness? Thou fearest earthly power, but can that damn thee, Can that throw body and soul into hell? Ignosce O Imperator, said one, tu carcerem Deus gehennam minatur; Well then for every profane act of wickedness, for drunkenness, uncleanness, unjust dealing, there is worse then any Legal fine or mulct. Christ hath appointed everlasting torments for those moments of pleasures; Be not then so brutish and atheistical as to think nothing ⟨p. 48⟩grievous but what the Sword of the Magistrate can inflict, and as for this eternal punishment thou dost not matter it.

As in the first place, Hath Christ this power over all? then let us take heed how we refuse him speaking or commanding; If his goodnesse and mercy will not win you, he hath power enough to awe you: If not love, let fear bring you in, and that quickly, lest it be too late; The Apostle