Lo here or lo there Luk. 17.20 Now that it is aboue euery Nation and Kingdom where it is according to that blessing to the obedient He shall be aboue onely Deut. 28.13 Is 49.23 and not beneath Deut. 18.13 This is playne by the excellent and glorious scituation thereof as it is written Then the Moone shall be confounded and the Sunne ashamed when the Lord of Hosts shall reigne in Mount Sion and in Ierusalem and before his ancients gloriously Is 24.23 Is 24.23 And againe Sauiours shall come vpon Mount Sion to iudge the Mount of Esau and the Kingdome shall be the Lords Obad. 21. Obad. Ver. 21. Also It shall come to passe in the last dayes that the Mountaines of the Lords House shall be established in the top of the Mountaines and shall be exalted aboue the hills and all Nations shall flow vnto it And many people shall go and say Come yee let vs goe vp to the Mountaine of the Lord to the house of the God of Iacob he will teach vs of his wayes and we will walke in his paths For out of Sion stall goe foorth the Lawe Is 2.2.3 and the word of the Lord from Ierusalem Is 2.2 3. This Mountaine was prefigured by that into which Moses ascended Exo. 19. and 24. Exod. 19. and 24. And that that Mountaine was a figure of this wee now enioy is manifest by that where it is written The Hill of God is an high Hill why leape ye ye high Hills this is the Hill which God desireth to dwell in yea the Lord will dwell in it for euer The Chariots of God are twentie thousand thousands of Angels the Lord among them as in Sinai in the holy place Ps 68.15 16 17 18 Ps 68.15 16 17 18. Also Who shall dwell with the deuouring fire Who shall dwell with euerlasting burnings The answer is He that walketh righteously hee shall dwell on high his place of defence shall bee the munition of Rocks Euen on high on that Mountaine Is 33.14.15 16. Exo. 24.16 17. where the sight of the Lord is like deuouring fire Is 33.14 15 16. Exod. 24.16 17. Adde to this We are not come to the Mount that might bee touched But wee are come to Mount Sion to the Citie of the liuing God and we receiuing a Kingdome which cannot be mooued let vs hold fast For our God is a consuming fire Heb. 12.18 22 28 29. Heb. 12.18 22 28 29. This was yet further made manifest by that Mountaine where Christs most glorious Transfiguration was seene by Peter Iames and Iohn where hee talked with Moses and Elias at what Time his Face did shine as the Sunne and his Rayment was as white as the light yea exceeding white and shining so as no Fuller on earth could white them at what time also a bright Cloude ouer-shadowed and a voyce out of the Cloude was heard which said Mat. 17.1 Mar. 9.2 Luk. 9.28 This is my beloued Sonne in whom I am well pleased heare ye him Mat. 17.1 Mar. 9.2 Luk. 9.28 This is againe remembred where it is thus written We haue not followed cungingly deuised fables when we made knowne vnto you the power and comming of the Lord Iesus Christ but were eye-witnesses of his Maiestie For he receiued from God the Father honour and glory when there came such a voyce vnto him from that excellent Glory This is my beloued Sonne in whom I am well pleased And this voyce which came from heauen we heard when we were with him in the holy Mount 2 Pet. 1.16 17 18 2 Pet. 1.16 17 18. This Scripture doth notably prooue this poynt and cleere the Transfiguration to bee a representation of the glorious estate of the Church heere not hereafter And that by this especiall circumstance That he receiued from GOD the Father honour and glory from that excellent Glorie Now what hee receiued hee must at the last redeliuer as hath beene before prooued for hee is sayde to receiue it onely for the finishing of the great worke of Mans Redemption which when it is accomplished Then commeth the Ende when hee shall deliuer vp the Kingdome which hee hath receiued to God euen the Father that God may be all in all And obserue further that Peter had before preached of this glorious Kingdom of Christ and he vseth this but for the confirmation of the Faith of those to whome hee had preached in that hee was with others an eye and eare-witnesse as we speake of the excellent estate prefigured in that notable and glorious Transfiguration for he both saw his glory which hee receiued from that excellent glory and also hee heard the voice that pronounced him that blessed One or that King Priest and Prophet which was Prophecied of long before that such a Prophet should bee raysed vp and such a King should be set vpon Mount 〈◊〉 yea such a Priest should Offer a Sacrifice that should Iustifie many Is 53.10.11 Is 53.10 11. euen as many as were ordayned to eternall life as it is written The Lord thy God will rayse vp vnto thee a Prophet from the middest of thee of thy brethren like vnto me vnto him shall yee hearken According to all that thou desireast of the Lord thy God in Horeb in the Day of the Assembly saying Let me not heare againe the voyce of the Lord my God neyther let me see this great fire any more that I dye not Deut. 18.15 Deut. 18.15 Here is his Propheticall Kingly and Priestly Office prophecied of cleerely as it is applyed by Peter in that excellent Sermon of his where wee finde it thus written Hauing spoken before expressely of Iesus Christ hee addeth these words For Moses truely sayde vnto the Fathers A Prophet shall the Lord your GOD rayse vp vnto you of your brethren like vnto me him shall yee heare in all things whatsoeuer hee shal say vnto you And it shall come to passe that euery soule which will not heare that Prophet shall be destroyed from among the people Yea and all the Prophets from Samuel and those that follow after as many as haue spoken haue likewise fore-tolde of these dayes Act. 3.22 23 24. Also Act. 3.22 23 24. to conclude this poynt the very words of the voyce doe playnely note vnto vs these three where it is written This is my beloued Sonne in whom I am well pleased heare yee him This is my beloued Sonne There is his right of being King in whome I am well pleased That notes his Priesthood Heare ye him This doth manifest him to bee that Prophet which God hath raised vp This Argument is fully handled and notably discouered in that most excellent Epistle to the Hebrewes And thus it is manifest that it is not tyed too or bounded within any Nation or Kingdom of this World but it is in diuers of them at one and the same time in one and the same manner And wheresoeuer it is it hath the
of Saluation and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God praying alwaies with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit Eph. 6.11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18. This is the Armour of righteousnes which the Saints haue on the right hand and on the left 2 Cor. 6.7 2 Cor. 6.7 Onely the sober children of the day doe put on the Brestplate of Faith and Loue and for an helmet the hope of saluation 1 Thes 5.8 1 The. 5.8 Thus you haue as the titles so also the principall things of which this Kingdome consisteth As of a King a Scepter Lawes Ambassadors Subiects Officers Weapons And hauing this briefely seene what it is it followeth to bee shewed where it is According to that question of the Disciples Where Lord Luk. 17.37 Luk. 17.37 Here shall be obserued first Whether on earth or in heauen that is in this life or that to come Secondly seeing it is on Earth where it is to bee found For the first it is affirmed before and shall be confirmed by testimonies now that this Kingdome is on Earth for so it is written In the daies of these Kings shall the God of heauen set vp a Kingdom which shall neuer be destroyed Dan. 2.44 Dan. 2.44 And in another place Aske of me and I will giue thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the vttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Ps 2.8 Ps 2.8 Also it is written We are come to mount Sion and we receiuing a Kingdome Heb. 12.22.28 Also it is termed Dan. 7.27 The Kingdome vnder heauen Dan. 7.27 And in the Psalmes Great is the Lord and greatly to be praysed in the City of our God in the mountaine of his Holinesse beautifull for scituation the ioy of the whole earth is Mount Sion Ps 48.1.2 Ps 48.1.2 Yea it is said in the same Psalme That Kings shall see the glory of this Church or Kingdome and that with feare amazement Ver 4.5 ver 4.5 Out of all this we may gather many forcible Arguments to proue this truth that this Kingdome City House or Tabernacle is in this life as you haue before in the Scriptures scited to that purpose in these words It shal be in the daies of Kings of this world also It shall stretch to the vttermost parts of the earth also We are come to it not we shall but we are and we receiuing a Kingdome not Seeing we shall receiue a Kingdome but Seeing wee doe receiue also in the same Scripture wee are willed to hold it fast now there is no need of such an exhortation if it were of the life to come as al wil easily grant Further It is the ioy of the whole earth And Kings shall behold it passe by with feare amazement What shall I say Arguments of this sort are very many in holy Scriptures yea Is 6.5.17 the 66. Reu. 21. the 22. Ps 16.11 Mat. 22.30 Mat. 13.43 euen those places which they most abuse to the contrary do yeeld many plaine arguments to euery impartiall Reader as Isai 65.17 the 66. Reu. 21. and 22. and such like And let this be obserued that where the holy Ghost speaketh any where of the life to come it is alwaies in very short speeches or briefe sentences as for example Fulnes of ioy pleasures at Gods right hand for euermore Ps 16.11 We shal be as the Angels in heauē Mat. 22 30. We shall shine as the sun for euer in the Kingdome of our Father Mat. 13.43 We shal haue euerlasting life (a) Mat. 19.29 Mar. 10.30 Where Christ is we shal also be (b) Io. 14.3 We shal behold his glorie (c) Io. 17.24 2 Cor. 4.17 We shal haue a farre more exceeding and eternall waight of glory 2. Cor. 4.17 We shall appeare with Christ in glory Col. 3.4 1 Thes 4.17 Col. 3.4 Wee shall bee euer with the Lord 1 Thes 4.17 It is an inheritance incorruptible and vndefiled that fadeth not away 1 Pet. 1.4 reserued in heauen for vs 1 Pet. 1.4 When he shall appeare we shall be like him for wee shall see him as hee is 1 Io. 3.2 2 Tim. 4.8 Reuel 2.10 Mat. 5.12 1. Io. 3.2 We shall haue a Crowne of righteousnes 2 Tim. 4.8 A Crowne of life Reuel 2.10 A great reward in heauen Mat. 5.12 These or such like are all those phrases which are vsed in the Scriptures to set foorth the life to come vnto vs and that blessed condition there reserued for vs. The Reason hereof might be eyther the impossibilitie in regard of the straightnes of our bowels 2 Cor. 6.12 13. to conceiue of that blessednesse 2. Cor. 6.12 13. Or as we speak our shallow capacitie in the comprehension of such an excellent mysterie but it is indeed the eternall purpose of God in hiding these things as secrets from vs till the Last day as these Scriptures following may witnes That of Paul where it is written That being caught vp into the third heauen hee heard vnspeakable words which is not lawfull for a man to vtter 2 Cor. 12.2.4 2 Cor. 12.2.4 Also Now wee are the sonnes of God and it doeth not yet appeare what wee shall be 1 Io. 3.2 And it is also written 1 Io. 3.2 That this incorruptible and vndefiled inheritance is reserued for vs in heauen and ready to be reuealed in the last time 1 Pet. 1.4.5 1 Pet. 1.4 5. So that this may bee a manifest note eyther short or more large speeches to helpe vs to conceiue of the difference betweene things of this life and that which is to come Things of this life are alwaies spoken in expresse phrases that we may conceiue because we are to speake of them againe to others As it is written Eye hath not seene nor eare heard neyther haue entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that loue him but God hath reuealed them to vs by his Spirit Which things we also speake 1 Cor. 2.9 10 13. 1 Cor. 2.9 10 13. And yet further wee may obserue by certaine phrases vsuall speeches that the holy Ghost hath put a difference betweene our estate heere and hereafter for speaking of our estate here hee speakes of comming to vs and sending to vs and such like But speaking any where of the life to come hee speaketh of fetching vs to him and the like This is not to bee slightly regarded in reading the holy Scriptures as to instance in the places before mentioned which are by some abused to the life to come It is written The glorie of the Lord is risen vpon thee and The Lord shall arise vpon thee Is 60.1.2 Is 60.1.2 Yea that whole Chapter is full of strong reasons to enforce it to be vnderstood of the estate here Also where it is written For behold I create new heauens and a new earth and the former shall not bee remembred nor come into
minde But be you glad and reioyce for euer which I recreate for behold I recreate Ierusalem a Reioycing and her people a Ioy. Here the holy Ghost expoundeth the New Heauens and the New Earth to bee meant of the New Ierusalem and the people thereof Euen that new worshippe which is now amongst the Saints and the new worshippers which haue beene are and shall bee on the earth as is plaine in the verse next before to the which these are added as a further Illustration In that verse it is written That he who blesseth himselfe in the earth shall blesse himselfe in the God of Truth and hee that sweareth in the Earth shall sweare by the God of Truth and then is added For behold as before Is 65.16 17 18. Is 65.16 17 18. So in that of the Reuelation to omit other places it is written That Iohn sawe a new Heauen and a newe Earth And hee saw the holy Citie new Ierusalem come downe from God out of heauen prepared as a Bride adorned for her Husband And heard a voice out of Heauen saying Beholde the Tabernacle of GOD is with Men and hee will dwell with them and they shall bee his people and GOD himselfe shall bee with them and bee their GOD Reu. 21.1 2 3. Reuel 21.1 2 3. But cleane contrary to these are the Speeches which are vsed for the state after this life as where it is written Come yee blessed of my Father inherite the Kingdome prepared for you from the Foundation of the World Mat. 25.34 Mat. 25.34 And againe And these shall go away into euerlasting punishment but the righteous into eternall life Mat. 25.46 Mat. 25.46 Also the request of the Thiefe vpon the Crosse Lord remember mee when thou commest into thy Kingdome And our Sauiours louing answere To day thou shalt be with me in Paradise Luk. 23.42,43 Luk. 23.42.43 Also I goe to prepare a Place for you and if I goe to prepare a place for you I will come againe and receiue you to my selfe that where I am there may yee bee also Io. 14.2.3 Io. 14.2.3 And againe in Christs most comfortable Prayer wee finde it thus written Father I will that they also whom thou hast giuen me be with mee where I am that they may behold my glorie which thou hast giuen me Io. 17.24 Io. 17.24 Also our Sauiours speech to Mary Magdalen Touch me not for I am not yet ascended to my Father But goe to my Brethren and say vnto them I ascend to my Father and your Father and to my God Io. 20.17 and your God Io. 20.17 To this we adde that which the Apostle mentioneth That wee which are aliue and remaine at the last day shall bee caught vp together with those that were dead in Christ The words ate these The Lord himselfe shall descend from heauen with a shout with the voice of the Archangell with the Trumpe of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first then wee which are aliue and remaine shall be caught vp together with them in the cloudes to meete the Lord in the ayre 1 Thes 4.16.17 and so wee shall bee euer with the Lord 1 Thes 4.16 17. Out of all this may be easily gathered that our blessednes is not to be enioyed heere on earth as some would haue it the Creature being purged by fire but it is aboue euen there where Enoch is of whom it is saide That God tooke him Gen. 5.24 Gen. 5.24 And the Apostle saith That hee was translated that he should not see death and was not found because God had translated him Heb. 11.5 Also wee read of Eliah Heb. 11.5 That the Lord tooke him vp into heauen by a Whirle-winde 2 King 1.11.16.17 Mar. 6. last Luk. 24.51 Act. 1.9 10 11. and hee was diligently searched for by fiftie strong men but not found 2 King 2.1.11.16.17 Adde to this our blessed Redeemers Ascention into Heauen in the presence of many Mark 16. vlt. Luk. 24.51 Act. 1.9 10 11. Besides Stephens glorious vision where it is recorded That being full of the holy Ghost hee looked vp stedfastly into heauen and saw the glory of God and Iesus standing on the right hand of God Act. 7.55 56. Act. 7.55.56 Thus by the apposition of these Scriptures the exposition is cleere without further labour They being alwaies as different as light and darknesse to all that are not obstinate and wilfully Ignorant The first speaking alwaies of earthly the latter of heauenly things The first of comming to vs and being with vs the latter of fetching vs to him as you see by expresse Scriptures plaine examples which it is not possible to ouerthrow no not Satan himself with all his wiles and deepnesse is neuer able to deny or turne vpside downe Is 29.16 Is 29.16 This then being cleere and manifest that this Kingdome Citie House Tabernacle or Church that hath such glorious things ascribed and so many pretious promises made vnto it is here euen in this life In the next place it must be shewed in what place of the Earth it is to be found Here shall be obserued three things First that it is tyed too or bounded within no one Nation or Kingdome in the World Secondly that wheresoeuer it is found in any Kingdome it is aboue that Kingdome or Nation Thirdly where the Saints are there it is For the first That it is tyed too or bounded within no Nation or Kingdome it is plaine by that it is written And the Kingdome shall not be left to other people but it shall breake in peeces and consume all these Kingdomes Dan. 2.44 And againe Dan. 2.44 His Dominion shall be from Sea euen to Sea and from the Riuer euen to the ends of the earth Zac. 9.10 And it is also written that as the lightning that lightneth out of the one part vnder heauen Matt. 24.27 Luk. 17.24 shineth to the other part vnder heauen So shall also the Sonne of Man be in his Day That is as it is most plaine if ye consider the former words and vpon what occasion this similitude is vsed Christs Kingdome is not heere and no where else nor there no where else as false Prophets would haue it but it shall bee in diuers parts of the earth at one and the same time in one and the same manner Euen as lightning doth disprerse it selfe and shew it selfe alike in diuers places at one and the same instant And thus this point is plaine that it is not bounded within any Nation or limitted vnto any one People or Kingdom So that no man can say it is in this Company and no where else as diuers false Prophets haue assumed and dared to maintaine and yet at this day doe not sticke constantly to affirme contrary to that where it is written The Kingdome of God commeth not with obseruation or outward shew neither shall men say Luk. 17.20
began to make the same Proclamation Mat. 4.17 23. Mat. 4.17.23 And that the obstinate Iewes might be left without all excuse he sendeth out his Apostles and Disciples into all their Cities and Villages to proclayme the same things And to confirme the truth of the Proclamation Mat. 10.1 7. Mar. 6.13 Luk. 9.2.60 they had power giuen them to cast out Diuels and cure Diseases Mat. 10.1 7. Mar. 6.13 Luk 9.2.60 Yea our Sauiour tels the Pharisees that it is amongst them euen at his being on earth as it is written The Kingdome of God behold it is among you Lu. 17.21 Luk. 17.21 As also his speech to the Woman of Samaria is notable for this The houre commeth and now is when the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth Io. 4.22 Io. 4 22. It is now saith he and shall come more cleerely and manifestly hereafter For at that time it was so darke a Mistery as that albeit the Disciples nay the Apostles themselus heard it daily taught yea and priuately were instructed in it yet they did not vnderstand nor apprehend the truth thereof as it is euident by their qunstion which they mooued euen after Christs forty dayes abode with them speaking of things appertayning to this Kingdome yet after that they asked this question Lord wilt thou at this time restore the Kingdome to Israel Supposing that it had beene some outward glorious restauration of their Nation to their former estate Act. 1.3 4 5 6. that our Sauiour had so often taught Act. 1.3 4 5 6. And we may further adde that this Kingdome beganne not cleerely to appeare vntill the Apostles receiued power from aboue as it was promised them where it is written Behold I send the promise of my Father vpon you but tarry you in the City of Ierusalem vntill you bee indued with power from on High Luk. 24.49 Luk. 24.49 But especially it began at Ierusalems destruction For those things which were abrogated long before euen when the vaile of the Temple rent from the top to the bottome Matt. 27.50 51. Mat. 27.50 51 yet then they might bee sayd to vanish as it is written In that he saith A new he hath made the first olde Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish For then verily the first had Ordinances of Diuine Seruice Heb. 8.13 the 9.1 and a worldly Sanctuary Heb. 8.13 chap. 9.1 But this was fully made manifest in that glorious comming of Christ to Iohn in that wonderfull Reuelation Reuel 1.1 Reuel 1.1 Accor-to his owne prophecyes where it is written Verily I say vnto you or I tell you of a truth there be some standing here which shall in no wise tast of Death till they see or til they haue seene the Sonne of Man comming in his Kingdome or the Kingdom of God come with power Mat. 16.28 Mar. 9.1 Lu. 9.27 Mat. 16.28 Mar. 9.1 Luk. 9.27 Also of Iohn in particular as of the especiall man that should see the Fulnesse of it it is written that his Master said to Peter If I will that hee tarry till I come what is that to thee Ioh. 21.21 22. Ioh. 21.21 22. So that then was the truth of that seene which our Sauiour prophecied to that Woman Woman beleeue me the houre commeth when yee shall neyther in this Mountaine nor yet at Ierusalem worship the Father Io. 4.21 Io. 4.21 At that Time Ordinances of Diuine Seruice and worldly Sanctuaries vanished away which serued but as shadowes of heauenly or good things to come and were not the very Image of the things thēselues Heb. 10.1 Heb. 10.1 Then and not till then things made with hands were shaken Heb. 12.26 27. Is 65.17.18 Reuel 21.1.5 that things not made might remaine Heb. 12.26 27. Is 62.17 18. Reu. 21.1 The first point thus being pointed at with the three branches thereof The second followes which is That it is to be entred into For the first were little worth as To know what it is Where to finde it And when it began If hauing found it wee make it not our owne by taking possession of it Therefore concerning our entrance wee will consider three things First What the Gate is by which wee enter Secondly Who and when men may be said to knocke therat Thirdly By what means we enter The Gate or Doore is Christ as it is written I am the Doore of the sheepe and in the same Chapter I am the Doore Io. 10.7 9 by me if any man enter in hee shall be saued Io. 10.7 9. Here hee proclaymeth himselfe to bee the Doore or Gate by which we enter And a little before his departure he tels his Disciples That they do know whither he goeth and the way also But Thomas making a doubt both of the place whither hee should goe and also of the way thither Christ answereth thus I am the Way Io. 14.4 5 6. the Truth and the Life no man commeth to the Father but by me Io. 14.4 5 6. This is then that new and liuing way which is consecrated to vs by the flesh of Christ Heb. 10.20 Heb. 10.20 And thus much for the Gate or Doore by which we enter Mat. 7.13 Lu. 13.24 Psa 1.8.20 which is termed A Straight Gate and wee are willed to striue to enter in thereat Matth. 7.13 Luk. 13.24 Euen this Gate of the Lord Psa 118.20 The Gate being knowne the next thing is who they are and when men may bee said to knocke at this Gate For answere heereunto know that true penitent sinners such whose hearts are pricked whose consciences are laded whose faces are couered with shame and confusion these are they who knocke thereat As wee see at that Sermon of Peters where it is written Now when they heard this they were pricked in their heart and sayd vnto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles Men and brethren Act. 2.37 what shall wee doe Act. 2.27 Heere you see these knocking aloude at this Gate So the Publicane being couered with shame and confusion and full of indignation against himselfe for sinne as wee see by that hee stood a farre off woulde not so much as lift vp his eyes to heauen but smote his brest saying nay rather crying out with much vehemency Lu. 18.13 God be mercifull to me a sinner Luk. 18.13 He also knocks aloude at this Gate The Theefe vpon the Crosse knocked also efectually at this Gate when hee was come to himselfe His Eyes beeing opened to see his fearefull estate and his mouth also to reprooue sinne in his fellow and to cleere our blessed Redeemer and no doubt with vehemencie he cryed out Lord remember mee when thou commest into thy Kingdome Luk. 23.40 41 42 Luk. 23.40 41 42. Also the Keeper of the Prison when hee was recouered of that desperate purpose at his sudden amazement calling for a light sprang in came trembling and fell
CHRISTS KINGDOME DISCOVERED OR That the true Church of God is in England cleerly made manifest against all Sectaries whatsoeuer By Iohn Traske DAN 12.10 None of the wicked shall vnderstand but the Wise shall vnderstand MAT. 11.19 Wisedom is iustified of her Children The second Edition LONDON Printed by Tho Creede and Bern Alsop for Iosias Harrison and are to be sold in Pater noster-row at the signe of the Golden Anker 1616. To all the blessed People of England euen all such as desire the peace of the Land together with the flourishing of the Church grace and peace be multiplied HEere is offered to your view some helpe to the reading of the holy Scriptures the vnderstanding of the Prophecies but especially of the Estate of the Church that so you may no longer bee carryed vp and downe with euery winde of Doctrine But as you haue begun to attend vpon the word preached in England and to practise those other Duties publique and priuate our Church requireth so it will be comfortable to your soules and profitable to the Common-wealth if you proceede not turning to the right hand or to the left Wherefore it is desired that you would read it once ouer without taking notice of the quotations of Scripture and hauing read once ouer then try at the next reading whether the Scriptures bee rightly vsed for that they seeme to be heere placed and know that the last Translation is followed as that by the which the Writer hath often confessed that he hath receiued more benefite then by all the Expositors that euer hee read And thou art desired withall to esteeme that translation highly and make it one cause of heartie thanksgiuing to GOD who hath giuen continued to vs a King that hath beene a principall mouer in such a great businesse as also gifts vnto Men that so much light is sprung out by their meanes Albeit thou shalt happily meete with some priuate Spirits that will bee ready to censure sharply that by the which the Church of GOD will certainely at length reape great benefite And so desiring thy feruent prayers for the aduancement of Christs Kingdome I rest yet a while Mar. 2. 1615. CHRISTS Kingdome discouered by three things 1. The Enquirie this in three 1. What it is in two 1. The titles these foure 1. Kingdom of God this onely referred to both estates 1. To this Life 2. To that to come 2. Kingdome of Heauen 3. Sonne of mans Kingdom 4. Kingdome of CHRIST 2. the things these seauen 1. A KING 2. A SCEPTER 3. LAWES 4. AMBASSADORS 5. SVBIECTS 6. OFFICERS 7. ARMOR 2 Where it is in two 1. on Earth n t in heaueÌ„ In this life not that to come 2 In what place this by three 1. It is not tyed to any one Kingdome or People 2. It is aboue that Kingdome where it is 3. Wheresoeuer the Saints are there it is When it began in two 〈…〉 1. It hath bene euer open to Belieuers 〈…〉 full not aâ—â— CHRISTS KINGdome Discouered THere are two principall Endes at which the whole Scripture aymes The first is Rom. 11.36 Deut. 29.29 Gods Glory Rom. 11.36 The second our Good Deuteronom 29.29 Concerning this latter Two things are obserueable First our estate in this life Secondly when this life is ended About our estate here There is one thing necessarie Luc 10.42 Luk. 10.42 And about this necessary thing three necessary Circumstances First that it is to bee sought or enquired after Secondly being found to be seized on or entred into Thirdly beeing enioyed as our own we must be carefull of the vse thereof that wee be not againe depriued of it This one necessarie thing is Christs Kingdome This is that which must bee Enquired for or sought out being Found must bee seized on or entred into and hauing found and entred Diligence must bee daylie vsed to make a greater Entrance and continuallie to walke worthie of such a glorious estate That it must be sought is plaine where it is written Seeke yee first the Kingdome of God Math. 6.33 Lu. 12.13 Matth. 7.13 and his Righteousnes Math 6.33 Luk. 12.31 That it must be entred into is plaine where it is written Enter in at the straight gate Matth 7.13 And Except your Righteousnes exceede the Righteousnes of the Scribes and Pharisees yee can in no case enter into the Kingdome of Heauen Ma. 5.20 Mat. 5.20 That wee are to Walke worthie of this estate and daylie to make a greater entrance into this Kingdom is plaine also in that charge which the Apostle had giuen to the Thessalonians That they would walke worthie of GOD 1. Thess 2.12 who had called them to his Kingdome and Glorie 1. Thessal 2.12 And where it is also written Giue all diligence adde to your Faith Vertue and to your Vertue Knowledge and to Knowledge Temperance and to Temperance Patience and to Patience Godlineso to godlines brotherly kindenesse to brotherly kindnes loue For if yee doe these things ye shall neuer fall For an Entrance shal be ministred vnto you aboundantly into the euerlasting Kingdome of our Lorde and Sauiour Iesus Christ. 2. Pet. 1.5.6 2. Pet. 1. 5 6.7.10.11 7.10.11 Now that seeking we may finde it shal be shewed First what this kingdome is Secondly where it is Thirdly when it might properly be said to beginne And first what it is It is that Spirituall Gouernement which God the Father is saide to giue vnto the Sonne and which the Sonne is saide to desire of the Father which also both the Father and the Sonne doe order by the Spirite Not that one of them is before or after other That one is greater or lesse then other in this Administration but that all three are Equall and as one doe order this great businesse Euen that Kingdome which the Sonne shall againe at the ende deliuer vp vnto his Father As it is written Yet haue I set my King vpon my holy hill of Syon I will declare the Decree the Lorde hath saide vnto me Thou art my Sonne this day haue I begotten thee Aske of mee and I shall giue thee the Heathen for thine Inheritance the vttermost parts of the Earth for thy Possession Psalm 2.6.7.8 And Peter wryteth thus We haue not followed cunningly deuised fables Psal 2.6.7.8 when we made knowne vnto you the power and comming of our Lorde Iesus Christ but were eye-witnesses of his Maiestie For hee receyued from God the Father honour and Glorie when there came such a voyce to him from the excellent glorie 2. Pet. 1.16.17 2. Pet. 1.16.17 Also Paule writeth thus Christ the first fruites afterward they that are Christs at his comming Then the Ende when he shall haue deliuered vp the Kingdome to God euen the Father 1. Cor. 15.23.24 1. Cor. 15 23.24 Thus you see it is manifest That the Sonne desireth God the Father giueth according to his desire and at the end shall againe deliuer vp this which he
hath receiued to God the Father and then GOD shall be all in all This Kingdome is sometimes termed the Church of the Liuing GOD 1. Cor. 14.28 1. Tim. 3.15 Heb. 12.23 Psal 15.1 Ezek 37.27 Reu. 21.3 ◠Cor 14.28 Sometimes the House of God 1. Tim. 3.15 Sometimes the Citie of the Liuing God the New Ierusalem Hebr 12.23 Sometimes the Tabernacle of God Psalme 15.1 Eze 37.27 Reuel 21.3 Albeit neyther of these doe so fully and cleerely discouer this great Mysterie as this Title Kingdome Yet heerein God is to bee praised in that he vouchsafeth so to descend to our Capacitie as to vse all these that they which cannot conceyue it by one may vnderstand it by an other As those that knowe but a Tabernacle or Tent may thereby be holpen to the apprehension of it Those that are not acquainted with a Tent knowing a House may yet conceiue it Such as knowe Tents and Houses yea Cities may more fully see it And such as knowe a Kingdome may bee ledde as it were by the hand to the viewe of euery part thereof Thus God hath profered the viewe thereof to all To Kings discouering it by a Kingdome Dan. 2.44 To Citizens by the viewe of a Citie Psal 48.1.2 To Householders by comparing it to a House 1. Pet. 2.5 To Souldiers by vsing a borrowed word of a Tabernacle or Tent. Heb. 8.3 What shall I say He offereth the view thereof to Merchants Matth 13.44.46 To Husband-men Math. 13.24 Fishers Math 13.47 Women Matth. 13.33 Virgins Matth. 25.1 Seruants Matt. 25.14 To All Matth. 22.1 That so some of all sorts might receiue it And all bee they what they will that refuse might be voyd of all Excuse That now we may be yet more acquainted with it let vs consider of the Titles and the Partes thereof The Titles are most vsually foure The first is the Kingdome of GOD the second the Kingdome of Heauen the thirde the Sonne of Mans Kingdome the fourth the Kingdome of CHRIST The first doeth indifferently concerne the estate we do here enioy with that hereafter The estate heereafter where it is written Flesh and Blood cannot inherit the Kingdome of God neither doth corruption inherit incorruption 1. Corinth 15.50 1. Cor 15.50 The other three concerne the Church heere in this life and eyther of them may be vsed indifferently as may bee made manifest by comparing them together As where it is written That a Ritch-man can hardly enter into the Kingdome of Heauen Mat 19.23 Matt. 19.23 And in the next verse speaking of the same thing wee finde it thus It is easier for a Cammell to goe through the eye of a needle then for a Ritch-man to enter into the Kingdome of God Math. 19.24 Matt. 19.24 Where we find the Kingdom of Heauen or of God vsed indifferently So wee may also see of the rest As where it is thus written There be some standing heere which shall not taste of Death till they see the Sonne of Man comming in his Kingdom Matth. 16.28 Matt. 16.28 There it is termed the Sonne of mans Kingdome or more plainely the Kingdome of Christ. And speaking againe of the same thing in another place it is thus written There bee some standing heere which shall not taste of Death till they see the Kingdome of God Mar 9.1 Lu. 9.27 Mark 9.1 Luke 9.27 Thus these three may bee vsed indifferently one for another yea all the foure Titles Yea and the first doeth concerne moste the estate of the Church in this life and is so alwayes to be vnderstood where there is no manifest difference in the same Scripture Nowe the Title which doth most fully and cleerely set foorth this great mistery Ephe. 5.5 Re. 11.15 1. Pet. 1.11 and includeth all the rest in it is the last which is The Kingdom of Christ Ephes 5.5 Reuel 11.15 2. Pet. 1.11 Termed the Kingdome of God because CHRIST is GOD And the Kingdome of the Sonne of man because he also is MAN And the Kingdome of Heauen to shewe that hee receiued his gouernment frō Heauen But not so much desirous to shew the reasons of Titles as the truth of things I haue onely thus briefly touched these as some helpe to the vnderstanding of the Scriptures wherein these termes or Titles are often found Now of the things of which principally this Kingdome consisteth and these are seuen which shall bee touched also briefly And first 1. King As in other Kingdomes or Kingdomes of this World there are Kings from which they properly are termed Kingdomes So here is a glorious King and blessed Prince euen that Rod out of the stemme of Iesse and that Branch out of his rootes That man whose name is The Branch The Lord our Righteousnesse Christ Iesus As it is written Yet haue I set my King vpon my holy hill of Sion And in another place Reioyce greatly ô Daughter Sion shout ô Daughter Hierusalem behold thy King commeth vnto thee he is iust and hauing saluation lowly and riding vpon an Asse and vpon a Colt the Foale of an Asse Is 62.11 Zach. 9.9 Is 62.11 Zach. 9.9 Thus did Christ as wee read in the Gospell Mat. 21.7.8 Mar. 11.2 Io. 12.15 Mat. 21.7.8 Mar. 11.2 Io. 12.15 where they are saide to cry Hosanna to the Sonne of Dauid blessed is hee that commeth in the Name of the Lord. And Paul speaking expresly of Christ applieth that of the Prophet Isaiah to him thus There shall be a roote of Iesse and him that shall rise to raigne ouer the Gentiles in him shall the Gentiles trust Rom. 15.12 2. Scepter And thus you haue the King Secondly as in other Kingdomes there are Scepters to which Subiects must stoupe and to which such as stoupe not are yet Rebels So heere is a Scepter in the hand of Christ by which men are knowne that yeelde true Subiection And this Scepter is the righteousnes of Faith By this hee rules his Subiects as Paul confesseth where it is thus written I count all things but losse for the Excellencie of the Knowledge of Iesus Christ my Lord for whom I haue suffered the losse of all things and doe count them but dung that I might winne Christ and bee found in him not hauing mine owne Righteousnes which is of the Law but that which is through the Faith of Christ the Righteousnes which is of God by Faith That I might know him and the power of his Resurrection and the fellowshippe of his sufferings being made conformable to his death Phil. 3.8 9 10. Phil. 3.8 9.10 So it is written in the Psalme Thy Throne ô God is for euer the Scepter of thy Kingdome is a right Scepter Applyed by the same Spirit to Christ But vnto the Sonne he sayd Thy Throne ô God is for euer and euer the Scepter of Righteousnes is the Scepter of thy Kingdome And so you haue the Scepter Thirdly 3. Lawes in Kingdomes of this World there are
Lawes Ordinances So also in this there are Lawes that are perfect sure right pure cleane true righteous desireable and most sweet Psa 19.7 8.9 10. Yea Psal 19.7 8 9 10. heere are Lawes Statutes and Iudgements Euen All Scripture giuen by inspiration of God and profitable for doctrine for reproofe for correction for instruction in righteousnes 2 Tim. 3.16 2 Tim. 3.16 This was Prophecied of where it is written Remember yee the Law of Moses my seruant which I commaunded vnto him in Horeb for all Israel with the Statutes and Iudgements Mal. 4.4 Mal. 4.4 These are the Lawes of this Kingdome to which whosoeuer shall adde he is accussed of GOD Deut. 4.2 the 12.32 Deut. 4.2 12.13 And from which whosoeuer shall take away God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life Reu. 22. Reuel 22.18.19 18 19. For Till heauen and earth passe one Iot or one Title shall in no wise passe from the Lawe Mat. 5.18 4. Ambassadors till all be fulfilled Mat. 5.18 In Earthly Kingdomes there are also Ambassadors whom the Kings send and being so sent they represent their owne Persons either in calling in Rebels or by treating with Enemies to proclaime Warre or to offer conditions of Peace vnto them So in this Kingdom there are Ambassadors which are tearmed Preachers Rom. 10.14 Ministers 1 Cor. 3.5 Stewards 1 Cor. 4.1 And the Prophets making vse of their owne words haue termed them Priests and Leuites Is 66 2â— or Sauiours Obad. 21. Gladtidings bringers Is 52.7 and the like As it is written Behold vpon the Mountaines the feete of him that bringeth good Tidings Nah. 1.15 And Paul vseth the words of Isaiah and of Nahum where it is thus written How beautifull are the Feete of them that preach the Gospell of Peace and bring glad tidings of good things Rom. 10.15 Rom. 10.15 And one of the Prophets hath it thus Sauiours shall come vpon Mount Sion to Iudge the Mount of Esau and the Kingdome shall be the Lords Ob. 21. Obad. ver 21. Also it is written We are Ambassadors for Christ as though God did beseech you by vs we pray you in Christs stead 2 Cor. 5.20 5. Subiects be yee reconciled to God 2 Cor. 5.20 As in other Kingdomes there is a King Lawes a Scepter and Ambassadors so there are also Subiects men of all sorts and ages So in this Kingdome there are also Subiects which are the Saints holy Men and Women pure cleane vndefiled and harmelesse ones As it is written Thy people shall be all righteous Is 60.21 And in another place Is 60.21 Looke vpon Sion the City of our solemnities thine eyes shall see Ierusalem a quiet habitation And the Inhabitants shall not say I am sicke the people that dwelt therein shall bee forgiuen their iniquitie Is 33.20.24 Is 33.20.24 Againe Who shall ascend into the Hill of the Lord And Who shall stand in his holy Place The answere is Hee that hath cleane hands and a pure heart who hath not lift vp his soule vnto vanitie nor sworne deceitfully Psal 24.3.4 And in another place Psal 24.3.4 Who shall dwell with the deuouring Fire Who shall dwell with euerlasting burnings Is 33.14 Is 33.14 The answere is Hee that walketh righteously and speaketh vprightly hee that despiseth the gaine of oppressions and shaketh his hands from holding of bribes that stoppeth his eares from hearing of blood and shutteth his eyes from seeing euill Ver. 15.16 he shall dwell on high Ver 15.16 Againe The Saints of the most high shall take the Kingdome and shall possesse the Kingdome for euer and euer Dan. 7.18 Dan. 7.18 Also This yee know that no Whoremonger nor vncleane person nor couetous man who is an Idolater hath any inheritance in the Kingdome of Christ Eph. 5.5 Eph. 5.5 And in another place Be not deceiued neither Fornicators nor Idolaters nor Adulterers nor Effeminate nor abusers of themselues with mankinde nor Theeues nor Couetous nor Drunkards nor Reuilers nor Extortioners shall inherit the Kingdome of God And of this sort were euery one of you but yee are washed but yee are sanctified but ye are iustified in the Name of the Lord Iesus and by the spirit of our God 1 Cor. 6.9 10 11. 1 Cor 6.9 10 11. And once againe the same Apostle giues thanks vnto the Father which hath made vs meete to bee partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in Light And being so made meete by repentance hath deliuered vs from the power of darknesse and hath translated vs into the Kingdom of his deare Sonne Col. 1.12 13. And it is plaine Col. 1.12.13 that there shall in no wise enter in to the new Ierusalem any thing that defileth neither whatsoeuer worketh abhomination Reuel 21.27 Reuel 22.14 Reuel 21.27 But they that doe Gods commandements Reuel 22.14 That is Doe truely beleeue in Christ such only haue right to the Tree of Life And they alone may enter throgh the gates into the City Mat. 7.21.22 Mat. 7.21.22 Thus then the Subiects of this Kingdome are none but Saints holy cleane pure and vndefiled ones such as are first washed sanctified and iustified that is Made meete by the washing of Regeneration the renewing of the holy Ghost to be made heyres and so to receiue their Inheritance amongst the Saints in Light Tit. 3.5.7 Tit. 3.5.7 6. Officers Besides the King Scepter Lawes Ambassadors Subiects in other Kingdoms there are Officers So in this also as it is written Thy Officers shall be peace Is 60.17 that is in stead of Officers thou shalt haue Peace Yea all the Subiects of this Kingdome are Peace-makers as it is writen Blessed are the Peace-makers for they shall bee called the Children of God Mat. 5.9 They and none but they Mat. 5.9 And it is written That a little Childe shall leade Christs Subiects Is 11.6 Is 11.6 The humblest shall beare greatest sway there as it is written Whosoeuer shall humble himselfe as a little childe the same is the greatest in the Kingdome of heauen Mat. 18.4 Mat. 18.4 Is 66.12 7. Weapons Yea God hath promised To extend Peace like a Riuer to those that dwell in Sion Is 66.12 Lastly in a Kingdome of this world there are Weapons with which the Subiects doe fight So heere are Weapons also yea compleat Armour with which these Subiects doe also fight as it is written The Weapons of our warfare are not carnall but mightie through God to the pulling downe of strong Holds 2 Cor. 10.4 2 Cor. 10.4 Eph. 6.11 Ver 12. Ver. 13. And againe Put on the whole Armour of God and stand hauing your loynes girt about with Truth and hauing on the Brestplate of Righteousnes and your feete shod with the Preparation of the Gospell of Peace aboue all things taking the Shield of Faith Ver. 14. Ver. 15. Ver. 16. Ver. 17. Ver. 18. the Helmet
preheminence or is aboue that Kingdome or Nation as is plaine by the Scriptures which are mentioned before which Scriptures also you see doe concerne the Estate of the Church heere as hath beene also proued So that it is scituate vpon a glorious holy Mountaine vpon an exceeding high Hill which is aboue all earthly Mountaines all earthly Hills Now followeth to bee shewed how wee may certainely or infalliblely know where this Mountaine and so consequently this House Tabernacle Church City or Kingdome is For full satisfaction in this let vs call to minde the Disciples question before spoken of the answere to the same by him that could best satisfie the doubtfull in a point of so great waight The question was moued vpō occasion of a large speech which our Sauiour had made cōcerning this Kingdom Luk. 17.37 And the words of the question are these Where Lord As if they should haue said Thou hast spoken often largely of a Kingdom now thou hast also shewed the men shall not be able to say See here it is or behold there it is Where is it then Lord or how may thy children finde it Mat. 24.28 Luk. 17.37 The answere is Wheresoeuer the Carkeise or body is there or thither will the Eagles be gathered together As if he should haue said in moe words thus Would you know where my Kingdom is or where it may be found Answere your selues by your own experience Did you euer see Eagles gathered together without a dead body or carkeise If no then may you also conclude that wheresoeuer true Beleeuers are there is Christes Kingdome According to that where it is written Wheresoeuer two or three are gathered together in my Name there am I in the midst of them Mat. 18.20 Mat. 18.23 or There is my Kingdome there is the Church the Citie the House the Tabernacle which I haue set vp Euen there wheresoeuer two or three are gathered or ioyned together in the same minde walking in the same way confessing the same things doing the same duties which I haue commanded There and and no where else is my Kingdome with them and none but such as they are doe I familiarly conuerse This and none but this is my house This is that Spirituall Tabernacle not made with hands there is that Citie of which so glorious things are spoken For as it is naturall for Eagles to ceaze or prey on dead bodies So it is as naturall for beleeuers to ceaze or prey on Christs Body and as nothing will draw Eagles together but a Carkeise So there is nothing will knit men together in true friendship and familiaritie but the Spirit of Christ The Truth of this most apt and excellent Similitude might bee shewed out of many Scriptures but let this be carefully obserued That by the Body or Carkeise is liuely represented vnto vs the crucified flesh of Christ and his blood powred out on which beleeuers doe onely feede This is done in the true preaching of the Word and the right administration of the Lords Supper Both these are playne where it is written O yee foolish Galatians who hath bewitched you that you should not obey the truth before whose eyes Iesus Christ hath beene euidently set foorth crucified amongst you Gal. 3.1 Againe Gal. 3.1 1 Cor. 1.23 Wee preach Christ crucified 1 Cor. 1.23 There is the Carkeise or Body in true preaching Also it is written The Cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the Communion of the blood of Christ The Bread which wee breake is it not the Communion of the Bodie of Christ For we being many are one Bread and one Body for we are all partakers of that one Bread 1 Cor. 10.16 17. 1 Cor. 10.16.17 Here is also the Carkeise or Body in the right vse of the Lords Supper To both these adde that where it is written Except yee eate the flesh of the Sonne of Man and drinke his blood yee haue no life in you Io. 6.53 Io. 6.35 Thus hauing done with the Body or Carkeise That the Eagles also doe notably represent Beleeuers is playne by many things wherin the holy Ghost hath made the Comparison In the first place Eagles doe mount on high as God saith to Iob Iob. 39.27 Doth the Eagle mount vp at thy command make her nest on high So likewise Beleeuers are sayd to mount vp with wings Is 40.31 as it is written They shall mount vp with wings as Eagles Secondly Eagles doe dwell abide on the Rocke and strong Place Iob. 39.28 Iob. 39.28 So beleeuers are sayd to dwell on high euen on strong defenced Rocks as it is written Hee that walketh righteously speaketh vprightly He shall dwell on high his place of Defence shall be the Munition of Rocks Is 33.15 16. Psal 103.5 Is 33.15.16 Thirdly Eagles do renew their strength Psa 113.5 So Beleeuers renew their strength as is written They that wayte vpon the Lord shall renew their strength Isa 40.31 Is 40.31 Iob. 39.29 Fourthly Eagles doe see a farre off Iob. 39.29 So beleeuers are said to see a farre off as it is written Where there is mention made of many beleeuers it is concluded thus of them These all dyed in Faith not hauing receiued the Promises Heb. 11.13 Iob. 39.30 but hauing seene them a farre off and were perswaded of them Fifthly Eagles do sucke vp blood Iob. 39.30 So Beleeuers as it is written Who so eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternall life and I will rayse him vp at the last day Io. 6.54 Lastly Io. 6.54 where the slayne are or where the carkeise or dead body is there is hee Iob. 39.30 Iob. 39.30 So beleeuers are euer with Christ for it is onely the Spirit of Christ that brings them together or doth cherish them asunder Thus you haue briefely seene the truth of this apt and most excellent Similitude how liuely and plainely it discouereth this great mistery which shal be thus summed so concluded Eagles mount on high Beleeuers do the like Eagles make their nests on safe places Beleeuers are also safe Eagles renew their youth Beleeuers doe renew their strength Eagles see a farre off Beleeuers do no lesse Eagles suck vp blood Beleeuers doe the same Eagles are neuer gathered without a carkeise nor Beleuers without the Spirit of Christ But it may be some of my Countreymen may say How shall we know it to be in England Let such answer themselues by this It is prooued that where beleeuers are there it is Now if thou then be a Beleeuer and dost know another as well as thy selfe thou mayst then safely conclude that it is in England And if thou say further How shall I know others I answere Labour first to be certaine of thine owne blessednes Get assurance that thou thy selfe art in Christ and when this is done I doubt not to say thou shalt know others also yea many others in
England to thy great comfort as it is written Since yee seeke a proofe of Christ speaking in me Examine your selues whether yee bee in the Faith prooue your owne selues Know yee not your owne selues how that Iesus Christ is in you except yee be reprobates But I trust yee shall know that we are not reprobates 2 Cor. 13. 2 Cor. 13.3 5 6. 3 5 6. As if hee should haue said The onely way to know that Wee that is the true Ministers of Christ are in Christ is by the knowledge of your selues to be in Christ Mat. 7.2 3 4 5. 1 Cor. 2. â—5 16. Giuing vs to vnderstand thereby that none can truely know a Childe of God but he that is in truth the Childe of God himselfe Mat. 7.2 3 4 5. 1 Cor. 2.15 16. But some may say further I heare one cry out for want of Discipline others for Order some for Christs Officers one saith Here is Christ another There is Christ Let such an one againe satisfie himself that Christ hath made it a marke of a Seducing spirit to drawe Disciples after him Now wee haue learned to haue respect to all Gods commandements Ps 119.6 Ps 119.6 and amongst the rest this is one To beware of false Prophets Mat. 7.15 Mat. 7.15 16. This our most blessed Redeemer was carefull to presse vpon vs his Redeemed ones where he saith If any man shall say vnto you Lo heere is Christ or there beleeue it not for there shall arise false Christs and false Prophets and shall shew great signes wonders insomuch that if it were possible they will deceiue the very Elect Mat. 24.24 Mat. 24.24 This is againe repeated to note the certaine and necessary vse of such aduise Behold I haue tolde you before wherefore if any shall say vnto you Behold he is in the Desart goe not foorth Behold hee is in the secret chambers beleeue it not Ver. 25.26 Ver. 25.26 And the holy Ghost warneth vs of times wherin some shall giue heede to seducing spirits 1 Tim. 4.1 1 Tim. 4.1 As also That there shall be false Teachers euen among the Saints That shall priuily bring in damnable Heresies And many shall follow their Pernitious waies by reason of whome the way of truth shal be euill spoken of And through Couetousnes they shal with feighned words make marchandise of the Saints 2 Pet. 2.1 2 3. 2 Pet. 2.1 2 3. And we are willed nay commanded not to beletue euery Spirit but to try the Spirits whether they are of God because many false Prophets are gone out into the World 1 Io. 4.1 1 Io. 4.1 Therefore if thou be a Saint or true beleeuer abide in thy Place and bee not drawne to any such Places Companies or Constitutions but attend vpon the Word and drawe others thereunto that as others haue beene examples to thee so thou mayst also be to others Labour for the Peace of the Land Citie or Place where thou dwellest Ier. 29.7 and dost liue Ier. 29.7 Get thine owne soule within the compasse of Christs Discipline and thine owne Family into order And know that if thou must needes graunt that the Church of God is in England thou must also of necessitie graunt that Christs Gouernment is here also vnlesse thou wilt seperate him from that his Gouernment Mat. 19.6 Mat. 19.6 For hee himselfe hath sayd That his Gouernment is vpon his shoulder Is 9.6 Is 9.6 But some may further obiect This Gouernment is not visible or I cannot see this that you affirme Let such get Eye-salue and desire God to open the Mistery of it For indeed the Church is glorious but to whome To those onely that are within it as it is written Ps 45.13 The Kings daughter is all glorious within Psa 45.13 None can see the Light of this Candle Mat. 5.15 Lu. 11.33 Io. 3.3 but such as are within the House Mat. 5.15 Lu 11.33 And Except a man be borne againe he cannot see the Kingdome of God Io. 3.3 So that it is no wonder seeing thou seest not the Church it selfe that thou seest not the beautie and comelinesse thereof As it is no wonder that a man cannot iustly finde fault with the Building that sees not the House or vvith the Order that sees not the Army it selfe And I must needes say that if thou graunt that there is a Church any where thou must of necessitie grant that Christs owne glorious Order is euen there also though thou see it not Blame then thy blindnes complayne of thine owne Ignorance For it is fearefull to call in question Gods wisedome who being the Author of our blessed Church in England hath also set a beautifull and glorious Order in the same For hee is not the Author of Confusion but of Order Rom. 9.20 Rom. 9.20 1 Cor. 14.33 40. 1 Cor. 14.33.40 Lastly let this bee well obserued As thou louest the life of thy soule beware how thou call in Question peremptorily things thou vnderstandest not or affirme things thou knowest not lest thou deserue iustly to bee rancked amongst those presumptuous and selfe-willed ones that are not afrayd to speake of Dignities whereas Angels which are greater in power and might bring not rayling Accusation against them before the Lord 2 Pet. 2.10 11 12 2 Pet. 2.10 11 12. This being then dispatched Namely What it is and Where it is A third was proposed namely When it began For satisfaction in this obserue that this Kingdome hath beene open to all beleeuers Yea Abraham Isaac and Iacob and all the Prophets are sayde to sit downe here by faith As it is written We which haue beleeued do enter into rest Heb. 4.3 Also Heb. 4.3 where vpon occasion of the Centurions faith our blessed Redeemer sayd I haue not found so great Faith no not in Israel And I say vnto you that many shall come from the East and West and shall sit downe with Abraham Isaac and Iacob Mat. 8.10.11 in the Kingdome of heauen Mat. 8.10 11. And in an other Scripture speaking as here expressely of the Calling of the Gentiles and reiecting of the Iewes it is thus written That there shal be weeping and gnashing of teeth when yee shall see Abraham Isaac and Iacob and all the Prophets in the Kingdome of God and you your selues thrust out And they shall come from the East and from the West and from the North and from the South Luk. 13.28 29. and shall sit downe in the Kingdome of God Luk. 13.28 29. And howsoeuer it may truly be sayd to be open to all beleeuers yet it may be as truely sayd that Iohn Baptist was the first proclaymer of it in playne termes as we speake as it is written In those dayes came Iohn the Baptist preaching in the Wildernesse of Iudea and saying Mat. 3.1 2. Repent yee for the Kingdome of heauen is at hand Mat. 3.1 2. After him the King himselfe or that great Prophet
downe before Paul and Silas and brought them out of the Inner Prison into which hee had cruelly thrust them knocking also powerfully at this gate Act. 16.27 28 29 30. when he sayde Syrs what must I doe to bee saued Act. 16.27 28 29 30. So that we may very wel conclude that penitent ones onely knocke yea then men doe knocke when their eyes are opened to see their misery and the necessitie of getting in as it is written Paul was sent to open the eyes Act. 26.18 to turne men from darknesse to light from the power of Sathan to God Act. 26.18 So that the eyes must first be opened according to that where it is written I will powre vpon the house of Dauid and vpon the Inhabitants of Ierusalem the Spirit of Grace and of supplications and they shall looke vpon him whom they haue pierced Zach. 12.10 Zach. 12.10 Heere also the eyes are said to be opened So it is written That the Prodigall Sonne came to himselfe Luk. 15.17 Luk. 15.17 That is as it is playne he saw his miserable condition and wretched estate Thus men doe then knocke when they see themselues shut out for there is a necessitie of the sight of misery before euer men will in truth call for mercy So that this knocking containes in it not onely the sight of sinne but also a godly sorrow for it a confession proceeding from both and a vehement desire of mercy crauing it as for life and death So that the eyes being opened to see Eze. 11.19 Eze. 36.25 26. I ter 8.6 he 31.19 Is 1.16 Mar. 9.43 45 4â— the heart is also changed to bewaile and lament The stony heart is changed into a heart of flesh Ez. 11.19 Now this godly sorrow if it bee indeed that true sorrow it worketh carefulnesse which is a smiting on the thigh by saying What haue I done Ier. 8.6 the 31.19 Also a cleering of themselues by an earnest endeauour to be freed of sinne Mar. 9.43 36 47. Is 1.16 and auoyding the occasions and meanes by which they may bee made more guilty Also an indignation which is an horror euen with gnashing of teeth at the very naming or memory of sinne Lu. 18.13 Luk 18.13 yea such an vnfeined detestation thereof as is not to be expressed Also such a feare as that such an one will tremble at the least motion of sinne Iob. 31.23 Iob. 31.23 Luk. 23.40 Lu. 18.13 Psal 51. Luke 23.40 and euery temptation thereunto makes the very heart to quake With these there is also a vehement desire Luk. 18.13 Ps 51. of pardon which doth enforce such an one to aske instantly to seeke constantly and to knocke incessantly at this Gate Mat. 7.7 Mat. 7.7 Yea to craue mercy with much vehemency and loude crying with teares Heb. 5.7 Hebr. 5.7 To this is added Zeale by which the Penitent doe now detest sinne euen in others as well as themselues Lu. 23.40 â— Pet. 2.7 Luk. 23 40. 2 Pet 2.7 And lastly Reuenge whereby the penitent do abstaine euen from lawfull things hauing formally aduentured on vnlawful as for example hauing sinned by Gluttony they now doe tame their bodies by fasting Psalm 109.24 Ps 109.24 being before filthie now they brydle euen mariage desires hauing abused pretious Time they now redeeme it Eph. 5.16 Eph. 5.16 from sleepe and such other things that steale it from them All these are set downe in that of the Apostle where it is thus written Behold this selfe same thing that yee sorrowed after a godly sort what carefulnesse wrought it in you yea cleereing your selues yea indignation yea feare yea vehement desire yea Zeale yea Reuenge 2 Cor. 7.11 2 Cor. 7.11 Now these are as so many infallible tokens of one in the estate of Penitency Such an one doth indeed knocke aloude for mercy that hath such a deep sense of misery and he that hath not all of these hath neuer a one of them These were easily to be shewed in the fore-mentioned examples of the Publicane the Theefe vpon the Crosse the Men in the Acts and the Keeper of the Prison Thus you now see who doe knocke and when men may be sayd truely to knocke at this Gate Euen when being sicke Mat. 9.12 Hos 6.1 they desire the Phisition Mat. 9.12 Being wounded they desire to be healed Hos 6.1 Being imprisoned Is 61.1 2. they craue libertie as for life and death Is 61.1 2. Being touched with a deepe sense of their miserie they cry aloude with much vehemency to God for mercy Such and none but such doe knocke at this Gate they and none but they thrust at this Doore The Doore or Gate now knowne and who doe knocke thereat being cleerely discouered it resteth to bee shewed Whereby men doe enter That this may appeare plainely vnto vs let vs consider of that where it is written Heb. 4.3 We which haue beleeued doe enter into rest Heb. 4.3 And againe Except your righteousnes exceede the righteousnes of the Scribes and Pharisees yee shall in no case enter into the Kingdome of heauen Mat. 5.20 Mat. 5.20 Also that where it is written We being iustified by faith haue peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ By whom also we haue accesse by Faith into this Grace wherein wee stand Rom. 5.1.2 Rom. 5.1 2. Out of these and very many moe which might bee alledged we may truely conclude That by faith men enter into Christs Kingdome as it is written That such whose eyes are first opened and withall are turned from darknesse to light and from the power of Sathan to God such by faith in Christ do receiue forgiuenesse of their sinnes Act. 26.18 Col. 1.12.13 and inheritance amongst the Saints in light Act. 26.18 Col. 1.12 13. So our blessed Redeemer speaketh expressely to him that demaunded What hee must doe to enter into life Mat. 19.17 Mar. 10.17 His answer to him was Keepe the commandements Mat. 19.17 Mar. 10.17 Now wee keepe them by no other meanes then by faith in Christ as it is written What shall wee doe that wee might worke the works of God Iesus answered and sayd vnto them Io. 6.28.29 This is the worke of God That yee beleeue on him whom he hath sent Io. 6.28 29. And in another place it is written This is his commaundement That yee should beleeue on the Name of his Son Iesus Christ and loue one another 1 Io. 3.23 as he gaue commandement 1 Io. 3.23 And in another place it is written Not euery one that saith Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdome of heauen Mat. 7.21 Reuel 22.14 but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heauen Mat. 7.21 Reuel 22.14 And you haue seene before that they onely doe the will of God that beleeue on him whom he hath sent So then we may conclude That Repentance doth aske Faith doth receiue Repenatnce doth seeke Faith doth
finde Repentance doth knocke Faith doth open this Gate to those that shall be saued In a word Repentance doth open the eyes to see a miserable condition turneth such withall to God to seeke mercy Faith doth receiue Christ and withall forgiuenes of sin Io. 1.12 the right wherby we do indeed become the Sonnes of God Io. 1.12 The two first principall things being thus dispatched as That wee must first seeke and hauing found enter the third followeth which is That those that are entred must walke worthy of such a blessed and glorious estate And that this may bee also made manifest wee will in this obserue two things first the King secondly the Subiects If wee respect the King it offreth vs a threefolde meditation First His Presence Secondly His Mercy Thirdly His Iustice. For his Presence he is to be considered of as a God not a farre off onely but at hand also Euen such a King as that his Priuy Chamber cannot containe him as other Kings much lesse a little Closset But hee filleth heauen and earth as his owne words do witnesse where it is written Am I a God at hand and not a God a farre off Can any hide himselfe in secret places Ier. 23.23 that I shall not see him saith the Lord Ier. 23.23 And in another place All things are naked and opened vnto the eyes of him with whome wee haue to doe neyther is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight Heb. 4.13 Heb. 4.13 Therefore his eyes are said to be as a flame of fire Reu. 1.14 For his Mercy the Prophet Dauid offereth that to our meditation where it is written But mercy or forgiuenesse is with thee that thou mayst bee feared Psalm 130.4 So also his Iudgements are to set before our eyes as the same blessed Prophet hath giuen vs an example Ps 119.30 The way of truth thy Iudgements haue I layd before me Also My flesh trembleth for feare of thee and I am afrayd of thy Iudgements Ver 120. ver 120. And it is worthy to be obserued that it is vsuall with the blessed Spirit to ioyne these together when hee presseth the Saints on to perfection They are allured by Mercy and prouoked by Iustice as wee will see it cleered by places for the very same purpose where it is written Wee receiuing a Kingdome which cannot bee mooued Heb. 12.28 29. let vs hold fast the grace receiued that we may serue God acceptably with reuerence and godly feare For our God is a consuming fire Heb. 12.28.29 Here is both Mercy and Iudgement to bee considered Mercy in affoording vs the grace to bee receiued into this Kingdome Iustice in these words God is a consuming sire So where it is written Bee yee ready for in such an houre as yee thinke not the Sonne of Man commeth who then is a faithfull and wise Seruant whom his Lord hath made Ruler ouer his Household to giue them meate in due season Blessed is that Seruant whom his Lord when hee commeth shall finde so doing Verily I say vnto you he shall make him Ruler ouer all his Goods Mat. 24.44 45 46 47. Matt. 24.44 45 46 47. There you see Mercie to allure And it followeth But and if that Seruant shall say in his heart My Lord delayeth his comming and shall begin to smite his fellow Seruants and to eate and drinke with the Drunken The Lord of that Seruant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him in an houre that hee is not aware off and shall cut him asunder and appoint him his portion with Hypocrites Ver. 48 49 50 51 there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth Verses 48 49.50 51. Here is Iustice to prouoke Adde to this that where it is written Take heede to your selues lest at any time your hearts be ouercharged with surfetting and drunkennesse and cares of this life and so that day come vpon you vnawares For as a snare it shall come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth Watch yee therefore and pray alwaies that yee may bee accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to passe Luk. 21.34 35.36 and to stand before the Sonne of Man Luk. 21.34 35 36. Heere you also see Iustice and Mercy All these three are notably expressed and repeated to those seuen Churches to which Iohn wrote Reuel 2. and 3. Reuel 2. and 3. Especially to the fiue that are reprooued as Ephesus Pergamus Thiatira Sardis and Laodicea His presence with them all in these words seuen times repeated I know thy works His Mercy to euery of them in these words To him that ouercommeth I will giue as many times vsed His Iustice plainely to those fiue in diuers phrases and more hiddenly to the other two in these words Hee shall not bee hurt of the second death Chap. 2.11 the 3.12 And Hee shall goe no more out Chap. 2.11 the 3.12 And so much for the first help to walke worthy in respect of our King The second helpe to walke worthie is taken from the Communion amongst the Saints themselues This principally standeth in their mutuall prayers one for another the exhortations reprehensions and instructions that they vse one to another Their prouiding for the necessities one of another whether spirituall or bodily Finally in vsing all good meanes for the building vp one of another That these things ought to be or rather cānot but be amongst those that are indeed Subiects of this Kingdom let vs consider what is written to this purpose first for Prayer The Apostle hauing furnished a Christian with Armor for his great Combat addeth this Pray alwaies with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and thereunto with all perseuerance Eph. 6.18 and supplication for all Saints Eph. 6.18 For Exhortations Exhort one another daily while it is called to day Heb. 3.13 lest any of you be hardned through the deceitfulnesse of sinne Heb. 3 13. For Reprehension or Reproofe 1 Tim. 5.20 Them that sinne rebuke before all that others may feare 1 Tim. 5.20 For Instruction Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisedome teaching and admonishing one another in Psalmes and Hymnes and Spirituall songs Col. 3.16 singing with grace in your hearts vnto the Lord Col. 3.16 Prouiding both for spirituall and bodily estate For Spirituall Brethren if a man be ouertaken in a fault yee which are spirituall restore such an one with the spirit of meeknesse Gal. 6.1 considering thy selfe lest thou also be tempted Cal. 6.1 For the Body Rom. 12.13 Distributing to the necessitie of the Saints giuen to Hospitalitie Rom. 12.13 Finally we are to vse all good meanes for the building vp one of another 1 Thes 5.11 as it is written Comfort your selues together edifie one another And Let vs hold fast the Profession of our Faith without wauering for he is faithful that
promised And let vs consider one another to prouoke vnto Loue and to good works Not forsaking the assembling of our selues together as the manner of some is but exhorting one another and so much the more as you see the day approching Heb. 10.23 24 25 Heb. 10.23 24 25. So also Keepe your selues in the Loue of God looking for the mercy of our Lord Iesus Christ vnto eternall life Building vp your selues on your most holy faith Iude ver 20.21 Praying in the holy Ghost Iude 20.21 And Of some haue compassion making a difference And others saue with feare pulling them out of the fire Ver. 22.23 ver 22 23. Adde to this those blessed examples of beleeuers where it is written There were added about three thousand soules And they continued stedfastly in th'apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers And feare came vpon euery soule And all that beleeued were together and had all things common Act. 2.41 42 43 44 45. And solde their possessions and goods and parted them to all men as euery man had neede Act. 2.41 42 43 44 45. Also in another place And the multitude of them that beleeued were of one heart and one soule neyther saide any of them that ought that hee possessed was his owne but had all things common Act. 4.32.34 Neyther was there any among them that lacked Act. 4.32.34 Also Vpon the first day of the weeke when the Disciples came together to breake bread Paul preached vnto them ready to depart on the morrow and continued his speech vntill midnight Act. 20.7 Act. 20.7 And thus you see both by Precepts and Examples what is required of the Subiects of Christs Kingdome amongst themselues or one towards another for their building and growth that so they may walke worthy of the high and excellent calling to the which they are called And to conclude you haue now the briefe heads of this great businesse namely the discouery of this Kingdome of Christ or the laying opon of the three necessary circumstances about this one necessary thing As that wee must first seeke it and in seeking that wee may finde wee now know what it is where and when it began Hauing found it we must enter and to this ende the Gate is made knowne Who are they that knock and what giues admittance The penitent only knocke True beleeuers enter To this is added the meanes or helps to walke worthy and heere wee are taught to haue an eye to God and one to another To God or Christ our King and to remember his Presence Mercy and Iustice To the Subiects by mutuall prayers exhortations reprehensions instructions and by vsing all other meanes both publique and priuate for the good both of soules and bodies And thus by Gods mercy vvee haue dispatched this weighty worke Desiring God to send foorth euery day more and more Scribes instructed vnto this Kingdome able to bring forth out of their Treasuries Met. 13.52 things new and olde Mat. 13.52 And so to God the Father that hath giuen this Kingdome to the Sonne and to God the Sonne that desired hath receiued and shall deliuer vp this Kingdome to the Father and to God the holy Ghost by whom both the Father and the Sonne doe gouerne this Kingdome Euen to these Three Io. 10.30 1 Io. 5.7 which are yet but one inuisible and onely wise God Io. 10.30 1 Io. 5.7 Let vs ascribe all Glory and Honour all Dominion and Maiestie euen henceforth and for euermore Amen ROM 11.33 34 35 36. O The Depth of the Riches both of the Wisedome and of the Knowledge of GOD How vnsearchable are his Iudgements his waies past finding out For who hath knowne the minde of the Lord or who hath beene his Counseller Or who hath first giuen to him and it shall be recompensed to him againe For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be glory for euer Amen FINIS Faults Escaped in the Printing Page 4. line last God Pag. 15. line 24. Lavves Pag. 36. line 8. confessing the same truh by the power of the same spirit obseruing the same things doing the same duties Pag. 54. line 26. formerly The rest mend with your Pen.