A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

3. In regard of the Laws, and Manner of Administration. I shall not speak of the External, Political Government of the Church, (which questionless is Monarchical, I mean in regard of Christ the Head; tho it be Aristocratical, in regard of Officers, and (in some respect) Democratical, with reference to the Consent of the People in all Church-Acts) but there are Laws and Sanctions, by which this Body of Men, and this Kingdom is governed. James 2. 8. If ye fulfil the Royal Law. It is called the Royal Law, not only as it requires noble Work, but in regard of the Dignity of the Author, and Firmness of the Obligation: All the Precepts of Faith, Repentance, and Gospel-walking, are as so many Royal Edicts, which Christ hath set forth, to signify his Pleasure to his People. How slightly soever we think of these Gospel-Injunctions, they are the Laws and Instructions of the great King.

3. In regard of the Laws, and Manner of Administration. I shall not speak of the External, Political Government of the Church, (which questionless is Monarchical, I mean in regard of Christ the Head; tho it be Aristocratical, in regard of Officers, and (in some respect) Democratical, with reference to the Consent of the People in all Church-Acts) but there are Laws and Sanctions, by which this Body of Men, and this Kingdom is governed. Iames 2. 8. If ye fulfill the Royal Law. It is called the Royal Law, not only as it requires noble Work, but in regard of the Dignity of the Author, and Firmness of the Obligation: All the Precepts of Faith, Repentance, and Gospel-walking, are as so many Royal Edicts, which Christ hath set forth, to signify his Pleasure to his People. How slightly soever we think of these Gospel-Injunctions, they are the Laws and Instructions of the great King.

4. In regard of Punishments and Rewards. Christ, who is a King by nature, might rule us with a Rod of Iron; yet he is pleased to govern us as a Father, and Prince, that he might cast the Bands of a Man upon us. Christ, as a King, punisheth; and as a King, rewardeth.