is a prophecie of Christs Kingdome who is appointed to rule in the middest of his enemies 1. The place or countrie over which he is King is Sion v. 2. that is the Church of God figured by Sion at that time 2. His government over his Church is called a Kingdome for the similitude it hath with earthly Kingdomes and in all wee shall see the comming of Christs kingdome to bee by the powerfull preaching and obeying of the Gospell 1. Earthly Kings have royall titles and stiles of honour So for the name and title of this King hee is called the Word of God Rev. 19. 13. Even that eternall Word Joh. 1. 1. which was before all beginning but now incarnate And he is called faithfull and true vers 11. not onely faithfull in defence of his subjects but true in his promises and retributions of reward to those that valiantly fight his battels 2. Other Kings have subjects and here must be subjects which heare his voice and follow him Joh. 10. 28. called a willing people Ps. 110. 3. Elect and drawne of the Father all gathered by the word and voice of Christ and of unwilling made a willing people because his redeemed ones both by price and power 3. Other Kings have their lawes and statutes for the government of their subjects The lawes of this King are the lawes of heaven the Charter of heaven the Word of God in the two Testaments the law of entire nature renewed in the former and the law of faith revealed in the latter It is hence called the word of the Kingdome Matth. 13. 19. because his Kingdome is erected and preserved by it And these lawes are bounded with rewards to the Observers and penalties to the transgressours all these being comprehended in the promises and threats of the word 4. Other Kings ride in great state and glory both to make and execute lawes as also in their just warres for the defence of their right and subjects and just revenge of wrong-doers So this King rideth upon a white horse and every where triumpheth by his truth being faithfull and true fighting and judging righteously Rev. 19. 11. and Psal. 45. 4. Prosper with thy glory ride upon the word of truth and meekenes And how gloriously he rode on upon his word through all the world after his Ascension wee have shewed 5. Other Kings have their crownes sword and scepter but with much difference from this King 1. He hath many crownes upon his head whereas other Princes seldome have above one to note the many victories which according to the word and by the word hee hath obtained against Satan sin death hell for himselfe and his subjects 2. His sword is the sword of the Spirit the Word of God which he holds not in his hand as other Princes but in his mouth Rev. 1. 16. Out of his mouth went a two edged sword Esa. 11. 4. Hee shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips slay the wicked where the rod of his mouth and breath of his lips are all one namely his word by which sword hee subdued three thousand at one Sermon 3. His scepter is that rod of his power which he sends out of Sion that is his word as is expounded Esa. 2. 3. The law shall goe out of Sion and the Word of God out of Jerusalem But other Princes hold their scepter in their hand hee in his mouth 6. Other Kings have their guard and armie to attend them So hath he those who know the time and place of their attendance Psal. 110. 3. Thy people shall come willingly at the time of assembling thine army in holy beautie whereby wee know who they be that waite on Christ as his servants namely those that waite at the time and place of holy assemblies called his holy beautie these have free accesse unto him in his presence-chamber and follow him into their owne hearts where hee is present by his Spirit to guide and comfort them By all this plainely appeareth that where the Word is preached and obeyed the Lord Jesus commeth in glory and in his Kingdome His name is the Word of God his subjects gathered by the word his lawes the word of the kingdome his white horse on which hee rideth in triumph is the word of truth his crownes are put and held on his head by the word his scepter the rod of his mouth his sword the two edged sword going out of his mouth his attendants and guard waiting on him in the place of holy beautie Which serves to convince all the enemies of the truth as rebels to the Kingdome of Christ the greatest enemies and rebels hee hath are the hinderers of his word and ordinances let their pretences be what they will and manifestly are they discovered to be hypocrites who will say every day Thy Kingdome come and yet by all their power hinder the passage and power of the Gospel nothing is such a 〈…〉 ion to them nothing is such burden to the place where they live as Christs comming powerfully in his Kingdome themselves will not enter nor yet suffer such as would enter into the Kingdome And the like of our wilfull Recusants and such as refuse to heare the word preached which is the Proclamation of this great king investing him into his kingdome Were not he a disloyall subject that would wilfully denie his presence at the Proclamation whereby the king is proclaimed the lawfull heire and successour into his kingdome And will not the Lord Jesus reckon him an enemie that refuseth to be present while he is by publike preaching and proclamation set into his Kingdome as the Lord of his Church hath Christ any place in his heart that cannot abide to heare he should be set in his lawfull inheritance Oh that all these either secret or professed enemies of Christ would seasonably consider what a fearefull thing it is to enter into combination against Christs Kingdome and government 1. Hath his Father established him on his Throne and set his King on Sion and will the rebels displace him will they wrong and resist him whom the Lord hath set up will they pull his crowne from his head dethrone him from his government wrest the sword out of his hand breake his scepter in pieces violate his lawes and thinke to prosper in their high treasons and in taking up armes against the Lord 2. Looke on the dangerous issue and estate of enemies Luk. 19. 27. Those mine enemies that will not I should raigne over them bring them hither that I may destroy them Wilt thou not stoupe to the rod of his mouth his rod of iron is readie in his hand to breake thee to pieces as 〈◊〉 potters vessel Psalme 2. 9. On the other side it must bee the greatest comfort of a godly man when Christ comes most powerfully in his Kingdome so our Lord
and though his greatest glory should bee deferred till the last judgement yet would he before that time shine out in brightnesse and glory to the whole world And whereas they as his nearest and most faithfull servants might earnestly desire to see him their loving Master thus exalted and grieve that it should bee so long deferred as that they might be worne out of the earth before that time hee meetes them in their desire and tels them it is not so farre off but some of them should behold it before their death For the meaning Amen or verily a forme of speech or asseveration which Christ the true and faithfull witnesse often used to avouch the truth and he that saith here Amen is called Amen Rev. 3. 14. these things saith the Amen to shew that whatsoever hee saith is yea and amen 2 Cor. 1. 20. that is most firme certaine and constant I say unto you Our Lord propoundeth his doctrine in his owne name that hee may bee knowne the chiefe Doctor of his Church even that Doctor of the Chaire whose voyce alone must be heard of Pastors and people Thus did none of the Prophets but onely verbum Domini the word of the Lord none of the Apostles but delivered what they had heard and seen 1 Joh. 1. 1. and what they had received of the Lord 1 Cor. 11. 23. Nor none of the Pastors of the Church but as good Stewards they dispensed their Masters allowance And further this being a prophecie uttered in this forme hee showes himselfe the chiefe Prophet of the Church prophecied of by Moses Deut. 18. 18. like unto Moses Act. 3. 21. and like him in 5. things 1. As the truth hath a likenesse with the shadow the mediation of Moses betweene God and his people being a shadow of Christs mediation 2. Like him in respect of divine calling to his office 3. In respect of his faithfulnesse in his calling being faithfull in all the house of God as the Sonne Moses as a servant 4. Like him in his authoritie he being appointed to teach us all things we to heare him in all things 5. In the event or sanction whosoever will not heare him must dye the death But superior to Moses as being the Lord of the holy prophets as being God the seer of things properly and à priori as being faithfull in the house as the Sonne as onely able to say I say unto you preaching in his own name which none but the head of the Church can doe and none but hee that hath power in the heart and conscience Some that stand here shall not taste of death This is an Hebrew phrase not to taste of death is not to die but alluding to the cause of death which was tasting of the forbidden fruit this was the first tasting of death So in Joh. 8. 51. He that keepeth my word shall not see death and Heb. 2. 9. Christ tasted death for all the Elect. Till they see the sonne of man come in his Kingdome Here is some difference and difficultie in the interpretation 1. Some referre it to the last judgement of which Christ had spoken immediately before and erroneously conceive that Christ meant of John who they thought should not die till Christ came againe to the last judgement And no marvell though sundry have beene over-carried in this error seeing the Disciples themselves till the sending of the Spirit to lead them into all truth were wrapped in it But this is sufficiently confuted in the Text Joh. 21. 23. 2. Others both ancient and new writers as Hilary Bullinger Chytreus and Piscator understand it of Christs Transfiguration which immediately followed as if hee had said Some of you as Peter James and John shall shortly see mee so farre as you can comprehend in that forme and habit wherein I will thus come to judgement as sixe daies after they saw him on mount Tabor in great glory But first the speech yee shall see it before your death seemes to carrie it to something beyond the compasse of so few dayes Secondly wee doe no where reade that the transfiguration is called the comming of Christ in his Kingdome Thirdly in so short a time none of the disciples were to taste of death Therefore 3. We shall best finde out the sense by enquiring What is meant here by the Kingdome What is meant by the comming of this Kingdome and Seeing the best interpretation of a prediction is the accomplishment we shall enquire how some of the Disciples did see the comming of this Kingdome before they tasted of death For the first the Kingdome of God is twofold Generall and Speciall The former is called the Kingdome of power whereby the Lord powerfully governeth the whole world and every particular to the very sparrows and the haires of our head unto which kingdome of power all creatures men and Angels yea devils themselves are subject The speciall Kingdome of God is his gracious rule and governement over his Elect called the Kingdome of Christ because he is the head of it and the Kingdome of heaven because it tends directly thither and the Kingdome of the Sonne of man Of this Kingdome are two degrees of grace of glory The difference of these two is 1. In time the former is begun on earth the latter is consummate in heaven 2. In manner of government the former is governed mediatly by his servants and ministers the latter immediatly by himselfe when he is all in all 3. In the manner of subjection the former in the militant estate is environed by enemies and assailants the latter is triumphant in perfect rest and peace without all assault Quest. Of whether of these doth our text meane Answ. Our Saviour here speaketh of the former Kingdome of grace here in this world which is an estate wherein men are brought to be subjects to Christ in this life being enlightned guided and effectually moved to beleeve the promises of salvation and obey the will and lawes qf God For it is a comming into the kingdome before the disciples decease For the second what is meant by the comming of this Kingdome Answ. The comming of the Kingdome is nothing else but the erecting of it by the powerfull means of it in the hearts of men where it is not begun and a continuance of it with much successe and increase where it is begun being all one with that petition Thy Kingdome come And thus many Interpreters Calvin Beza Bucer Tossanus fitly applie it to the power and efficacie of the Gospel by which the Kingdome of Christ was farre and wide with great power propagated after the time of Christs Ascension but yet in the dayes of some of the Apostles And to this interpretation the change of the phrase Mark 9. 1. giveth light some that are here shall not taste of death till they have seene the Kingdome of God come with power Now
here comforteth his Disciples in their sorrow that they shall see their Lord after a great deale of contempt and passion lifted up againe in the glory of his Kingdome A child will rejoyce in the advancement of the Father a servant in the honour of his Master especially a loving spouse in the advancement of her husband And how should we cheere up our selves and others to see the Lord Jesus honoured in a powerfull Ministerie his enemies throwne downe before him our brethren drawne by multitudes under his allegeance c. Contrarily it should be the griefe of our hearts when any thing crosseth his kingdome when any designe prevaileth against his word when any holy Ministerie is cast downe when the Lord loseth an ensigne c. Wee must also every one doe our best to set up Christ in his Kingdome and that hee may lift up and hold up his scepter every where thou prayest his kingdome may come use meanes for that thou prayest in what place soever If a Magistrate thou must punish offenders against his lawes as well as against the Kings thou must order thy government as well by his Iawes as the Kings By thy example thou must grace the word as well as by thy presence thou wilt grace the execution of the Kings lawes If a Minister thou art the Lords Scepter-bearer thou must hold up this Scepter and mace of Christ preaching the word plainly purely sincerely instantly as Johns goe next before him and make way for him as friends of the bridegrome be sure hee increase though wee decrease How doe they this that preach not at all or now and then or preach against preaching and declaime against those that most zealously advance the Scepter and glory of Christ that were not Christ too strong for them and truth stronger than all Christ should never come in his Kingdome if hee were a King he should be such an one as Ishbosheth a King without a Kingdome without subjects or lawes If thou bee a private person shew thy selfe a good subject to this King and set up his Kingdome both within and without thee Without thee thou must set up his lawes and authoritie in thy familie by instruction catechizing prayer and holy orders by which faith and the feare of God may bee planted and cherished that there may bee a draught of a Church in thine house and by Christian conference admonishing and exhorting one another to containe every one in his alleageance and subjection to Jesus Christ. Above all wee must bee carefull to set up this Kingdome within our selves and maintaine the rule and soveraigntie of Christ by his word in our owne consciences Quest. How may wee doe this Ans. 1. If as good subjects we frame and compose our selves to this Kingdome Both to the lawes of it for Christians are a people under lawes and hee that acknowledgeth not the fundamentall lawes of this Kingdome and will not bee ruled by the word of Christ is none of Christs subjects As also to the holinesse of it by daily putting on a divine nature 2 Pet. 1. 4. The subjects of Christ are people of a pure language and though sanctitie bee scorned and hunted with disgrace out of the world this is the King onely of Saints 2. If as good subjects we serve with chearfulnesse and joyfulnesse this King of glory With chearfulnesse for his people are a willing people and bring free-will offerings Psal. 110. and besides to serve him is to raigne all his subjects are Kings the estate of the meanest Christian is a Kingdome With joyfulnesse also Psal. 149. 2. Let the children of Sion rejoyce in their King blesse GOD that hath shewed us the way to this Kingdome who else had beene still in the Kingdome of darknesse and that hee hath made an entrance for us into this Kingdome Col. 1. 12 13. and the rather because hee hath passed by the Angels that fell and made no entrance for them yea passed by many nations and millions of men and out of all the world brought us under the subjection of this King 3. If as good subjects wee maintaine the honour and authoritie of our King and our owne liberties and priviledges obtained by him for us First wee maintaine his right when wee set up his word every where and suffer it to command and rule our owne thoughts words actions and 〈…〉 tions and bring all into the 〈…〉 dience of Christ. If we cannot prevaile that his word may command and rule others yet see it rule and command our selves Againe when wee maintaine warre and take up armes against all his and our enemies that rise up against his honour and our salvation We must be stout and invincible against all that would incroach and raign over us in stead of Jesus Christ as namely wee must levie forces and serve in his warres against the temptations of Satan the corruptions of the world and our owne lusts and the evils of our owne hearts and lives all which wee must resist instantly for the Adversary is restlesse in assaulting wisely standing on our watch and in the complete armour of God stoutly for the warre is difficult but the victory certain and glorious Secondly as good subjects we must maintaine our owne liberties Gal. 5. 1. Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not intangled againe with the yoke of bondage Resolve never to come under the bondage of sinne and Satan any more it was basenesse and madnesse in Israel that being free from Pharaohs oppressions they would run back into Egypt in all haste Nor under the yoke bondage of humane traditions or yokes of Antichrist Christs greatest enemie Of all slaves and vassals let us esteeme the slave of sin the greatest and seeing the Son hath made us free let us highly prize stoutly maintaine this freedome To perswade all this 1. Consider what an absolute Monarch Christ is of what power to constraine obedience and restraine rebels he can get himselfe a name and lift up his Scepter without thee and against thee being God and man and Lord of all things but for thy good hee would take thee in as anassistant in his government and if thy service bee his his honour is thine 2. Consider what a good and gracious Lord thou servest one that no way burdens his servants and subjects but every way enricheth them by bestowing large gifts upon them even his whole Kingdome to every of them yea whose love is experienced by his death for his enemies 3. Consider his presence with his subjects in all places and occasions Hee seeth who makes his heart a presence-chanber for Christ who sets up his chaire of estate there who they be that take care nothing be done or defended against his lawes in his owne presence and who they are that suffer his word to sway against lusts The very sight of the Kings
given why numbers of Christians fall off from the profession or obedience of the Gospell but that they never learned well and throughly these Principles of Christian Practice to denie themselves to take up their crosse to follow Christ to looke to the welfare of their soules howsoever to provide for the day of their accounts to run and strive lawfully to depend on God by prayer for direction and blessing and to save themselves from this untoward generation of Epicures and worldlings If these grounds had beene well laid they had never left off building so shamefully as now have done nor had their house come tumbling upon their heads but that their foundation was laid in the sands Others there are that abuse good Principles as concerning the infinite mercie of God and merit of Christ or settle upon false and insufficient Principles outward prosperitie deliverance out of trouble and danger example of the multitude rulers preachers and the like thereby bolstering up themselves either in grosse prosaneness or a refined Atheisme till their soules be utterly lost unlesse the mercie and grace of God doe greatly prevent them They are thrice happie who are thus prevented It is the Lord only who gives us both a Saviour and the knowledge of salvation and wisedome to attend our Principles aright hee doth it for us and must therefore have all the glory To his grace and mercie I commend you both my much respected Friends intreating your acceptance of this small present and pardon for this large Preface The Lord often renew your yeares upon you with all heavenly and earthly blessings and peace upon Sion So prayeth Isleworth Dec. 20. 1634. Your Wo remembrancer with God WILLIAM JEMMAT THE CONTENTS OF THIS BOOKE The Institution of a Christian man in twelve heads of Doctrine 1 THe doctrine of selfe-deniall out of Mat. 16. 24. Wherein is shewed who are Christs Disciples pag. 6 What things selfe-denyall comprehends pag. 15 The difficultie of this dutie 18 The necessitie of denying ourselves 21 Mischiefes of not beginning in this dutie 25 Helps to further us therein 29 Motives to deny our selves 35 Notes of one that denies himselfe 39 2. The doctrine of takin up the Crosse out of the same verse Where is shewed What the Crosse is 46 Why called the Crosse. 47 What it is to take it up 48 Why take it up daily 52 That every Christian hath his Crosse. ibid That we must both beare take up the crosse 61 Meanes to be willing so to doe 70 3. The doctrine of following Christ Ow of the same verse Where is shewed In what we must follow Christ. 75 Instances of Christs pietie and charitie 77 Dâ—e fr the brethren as Christ did 85 How Christ can and must be followed 87 Motives to follow him 9â— Danger of not following him 93 Safetie of following him 96 4. The doctrine of life temporall and eternall Verse 25. Whosoever will save his life c. Where is shewed How a life is saved and lost 101 Who lose their lives for Christs sake 104 Who may not flie in persecution who may 107 Christians must take their lives in their hands for Christ. 115 Objections answered 121 Practices and Meditations preparing for Martyrdome 126 5. The worlds worthlesnesse in respect of a soule Verse 26. What shall it profit a man c. Where is shewed What the world and winning of it is 139 That wee must preach well for matter and manner 142 That in weightie matters wee must use speciall vehemencie 147 That we are naturally addicted to the world 149 Where is treated of covetousnesse 151 There is danger by earthly gaine to lose the soule 154 How this commeth to passe 155 Damnable to seeke the world out of order or measure 161 How to avoid the danger of earthly gaine 166 That many lose their soules for the world and who they be 169 Signes of Christ undervalued for the world 171 Speeches of the world how to be limited 173 Lawfull callings abused callings unlawfull 176 How wealth casts men back in the way of salvation 178 No cleare gaine nor thriving in an evill way 180 Further thy salvation by wealth motives and how 182 What friends are to bee made by unrighteous Mammon 184 Riches unprofitable how in what respects 190 That the soule is a most pretious thing 198 Evils that hurt it to be avoided 202 A great worke to save soules 205 No helpe for a soule once lost 210 The estate of a lost soule what 211 What makes a lost soule irrecoverable 214 All unable to recover a lost soule how and why 217 What goes to the ransome of a soule 219 Uses of that doctrine 221 6. The last judgement Verse 27. For the Sonne of man shall come c. Wherein is shewed how Christ is called the sonne of man 228 Christ content with meane â—â—les 235. so should we too 237 Christ comes from heaven whither when 241 The time unknowne for sixe reasons 248 Opinions about it 249 Meet Christ comming to judgement how 256 Of Christs glory in that day of person office 258 Preparation and execution glorious 264 Divers sorts of evidences 266 Waite and wish for the appearance of this glory 278 Prepare for it and how 280 Angels number relation office comming with Christ. 287 The end of Christs comming 314 Good works not meritorious as evill are why 321 Why workes are the rule of judgment 322 Whether the Law or Gospell bee the rule of judging 324 The last judgement glorious and righteous 327 Live well and fare well in judgement 331 Be patient in all confusion and injustice 334 Be sincere in matter of religion 335 Watch and judge thy selfe before-hand 336 How to know what will become of us in the day of judgement 338 7. The Kingdome of grace verse 28â— Verily I say unto you There be some standing here c. Wherein is shewed Christs comming in his Kingdome what 342. 343. Opinions 346 Christs Kingdome and how it comes 348 Kingdome of God generall and speciall 〈◊〉 How the Kingdome of Christ comes 350 Of the accomplishment hereof 351 Christs Kingdome enlarged in the Gospell 352 Evidences of Christs Kingdome enlaâ—ged ibid. Of the times when the Gospels were written 358 Preaching and obeying the word advances Christs Kingdome 360 Christ like to Kings and superiour to them 361 Eminence of Christ above other Kings 362 Enemies of the word enemies of Christ. 365 Rejoyce in the thriving of the Gospell 368 Helpe Christ into his Throne 379 How Christs Kingdome is erected and maintained within us 372 Defend Christs right and be loyall 374 Motives to be loyall to Christ. 376 8. The Christian Race 1 Cor. 9. 24. So run that you may obtaine Where â—s shewed The similitude and reason of it 350 That every Christian must run 354 Our life in five respects is a race 355 Reasons why we must run this race 357 Even our whole life and not at the end only 359 Who conceit not aright of
habits and from habits to another nature that is after a sort become the man himselfe that hee can as soone leave to bee himselfe as leave these And therefore wee must subscribe to the wisedome of Jesus Christ who enjoynes it as the very first worke of Christianity fit to bee first set upon 3. As it must be the first so also the continued act of a Christian to stand in the deniall of himselfe seeing the enemy continually useth our owne naturall inclinations against us to our owne hurt he plowes with our owne heifers even those lusts in any kind which he finds not throughly denied Wee must therefore instantly watch them and try them and finding them corrupt presently cut them off and deny them And because they are not denied till the contrary bee practised our care must bee that the roome of our hearts bee taken up with good desires and motions and the lustings of the Spirit which being contrary will keep out and keep under the lusts of the flesh And indeed this is the strongest deniall of our selves when we are strongly resolved in our selves rather to bee sufferers than doers in any wicked motion and retaine with us a stedfast purpose to please God in all things though it be with the displeasure of our selves and all the world 4. Whereas the high mountaines of pride resist this selfe-deniall wee must labour for the grace of humility which onely can bring these mountaines into a plaine To which end consider thy owne estate 1. What it is by nature and that is such as thou hast no cause to be proud of it as what cause hath a condemned rebell to bee proud in going to execution 2. That it can bee no better by grace till thou bee humble God gives grace onely to them and the raines of grace fall off the mountaines and water onely the vallies to fruitfulnesse 3. What it ought to bee by grace Still humble and lowly Grace is as the light in the soule that discovers all our defects and spots and all the nasty corners in our hearts to keep us low 4. What thou art restored to in Christ both in grace and glory but all upon condition of self-deniall for neither Christ nor the Christian have any other way to the crowne but by the crosse and no reigning with Christ but upon condition of suffering with him So of the fourth meanes 5. Whereas distrustfulnesse of heart wedgeth and rivetteth us into the world so as a man cannot easily command his heart off the least unlawfull gain of it and much lesse the whole for Christ Labour daily for the strengthening of faith in the providence of God and bring thy heart to leane upon that and not upon thy self or any inferiour meanes For which purpose First consider what a base folly it is to seek after vaine and earthly contents and in the mean time neglect and despise heavenly What other is it but to catch at shadowes Secondly set the promise ever before thee that to them that seek the Kingdome of God first every good thing shall bee ministred in due season And what an high indignity is it to trust an honest man on his word but not God without a pawne Thirdly observe his speciall providences to thy selfe thine for time past in all things and thou shalt not find cause to distrust him for time to come So Abraham raised that Proverbe God will provide in the Mount and in the Mount God will bee seen David can deny himselfe and his owne strength leaning on the assured experience of Gods strength in the Lion and Beare Quest. But this duty being so difficult we had need have good encouragements to excite our dulnesse and provoke our backwardnesse unto it What spurres therefore or motives have wee to quicken us thereunto Answ. Looke what way wee will wee want not motives unto it 1. Look at Christ he denied himselfe for us hee forsooke all father and mother lands and liberty and life it selfe yea heaven and happinesse for us Wee cannot deny so much for him and all ours is but a thankfull returne to him 2. Looke to the world which hath us in such bands and is so hardly denied It will leave us and deny us the fashion of the world passeth away it denies us any continuing city here denies us a resting place and all that we should deny it It is as Egypt to the Israel of God full of burdens and oppressions as Mesech to David and it should bee their woe that they are forced to dwell in Mesech But this is the folly of men Every one complaines of the badnesse of it but none are willing to leave it neither in affection nor action 3. Looke on the right hand we want not clouds of examples of the Saints who have denied themselves for Christ. Moses denied the honours and profits of the Court desplsed the treasures of Egypt refused to bee called the son of Pharaohs daughter and chused to suffer with Gods people Abraham denied himselfe in his owne bowels in his only son Isaac Others left all to follow Christ as the Disciples Others have followed him out of Jerusalem even to the crosse Others sold all to buy the pearle Others loved not their lives unto death for the testimony of Christ. Neither fire nor sword nor any torment could hinder the Martyrs from Christ they would fetch him out of the fire and exchange all their peace and outward contentments with most exquisite torments 4. Look on the left hand we have hypocrites forsaking much for Gods favour we have Baals Priests lancing and tormenting themselves to uphold their Idolatry And Micah 6. 6. Where with say the hypocrites shall we come before the Lord they will bring thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of oyle they will part with the first-borne of their bodies for the sin of their soules Besides these we have the Papists charging us that wee will forsake nothing for our profession while they give all to the Church and betake themselves to voluntary poverty and beate downe their bodies with fastings whippings and watchings Wee are enemies to fasting we feed and fat our lusts and our religion is an enemy to all charity and good workes Wherein although they be lyers and deceivers as well in that they do themselves as that they say of us yet indeed they have too much ground of our reproach in the filthy loose carnall and covetous life of a number of professed Christians But shall hypocrites and Idolaters get before us in selfe-deniall c. 5. Looke to the end of our selfe-deniall there meetes us Gods promise with a full horne and hand and will not let us bee losers by the bargaine All the losse shall be made up with an infinite returne and advantage For Whosoever shall forsake house brethren sisters father or mother wife or
Scripture must be understood with exception of repentance as all promises with exception of the crosse Peter upon his repentance saved his lost life so doubtlesse many in this land were forced under Antichrist to abjure the truth who as they fell with Peter did also rise againe with him And whosoever shall lose his life for my sake Not he that loseth his life as a malefactor as Saul Judas others nor those that for vain-glory or discontent or hope of bettering their estate bereave themselves of life But for my sake that is 1. For the profession of the Gospel as did innumerable Christians in the Primitive Church and many in Queen Maries daies who in love to Christ were prodigall of their lives if they had had a thousand lives they should all have gone 2. For discharge of duty answerable to that profession as David John Baptist the Prophets Apostles Stephen and others who suffered for righteousnesse sake Mat. 5. 10. He shall save it that is he shall have it returned to him wiâ—h advantage of a miserable and temporary life it shall bee changed into an everlasting and blessed life hee hath suffered with Christ and hee must reigne with him Object But then martyrdome meriteth eternall life Answ. No for first the sufferings of this life are not worthy the glory that shall bee revealed Rom. 8. 18. there being no proportion betweene the body and soule betweene life temporall and life eternall Secondly the promise is made not to the suffering but the sufferer being a member of Christ and performed not for any merit for it is but our duty and a thankfull returne of our lives to him who gave his for us but for the faithfulnesse of the promise apprehended by the faith of Beleevers Object But shall none save his life but he that loseth it Answ. Yes many of the Patriarkes and faithfull in all ages lived and died peaceably in a good old age But two rules must bee resolved upon 1. If occasion be offered and God call for the life in the witnesse of faith and well-doing it may not be saved and now if it be saved it is lost 2. If occasion bee not given yet there must bee an expectation a resolution a readinesse of minde to it whensoever it may bee given For we reade among the Ancient of mentall Martyrs or votary Martyrs without fire or bloud in whom the readinesse of minde to lose the life for God and his truth is accepted of GOD as the losing of the life for God accepts the will for the deed and accounts of Abraham as if hee had sacrificed his sonne and saith of him hee spared not his sonne though hee was spared And of David that he had built him an house when hee had it but in his heart to build one for this built him an house Object But it seemes if a man to save his life flye in persecution hee loseth his life by so saving it Answ. Distinguish of persons Some are bound not to flye and these by saving their lives doe lose them Others are free and may safely flye To say something of each of these For the former 1. Some are bound inwardly by an inward call and voice of the Spirit as Paul was bound in spirit to goe up to Jerusalem even to suffer Acts 20. 22. and was endued with such a spirit of courage and fortitude that his life was not deare unto him but he was ready to endure all extremitie for Christ. Such a spirit GOD gave to Luther when hee went to Wormes to dispute that though hee saw nothing but death danger before him yet so many Divels as there were tiles on the houses could not turne him off And to many of the Martyrs in Queen Maries daies God gave in silly bodies noble and stout spirits to contemne all threats and torments These may not flye in persecution 2. Some are externally bound to stand by vertue either of the generall calling of a Christian as when by a mans flight the whole Church and truth is indangered which must be dearer than a mans life or of the speciall calling as when by the worke of it GOD may bee more glorified and the Church edified I must keep mee in the way notwithstanding the perill ensuing For example If the persecution bee generall and common to the whole Church the Minister may not flye for the weak are in great danger most need the support of the strong now the duty of the calling must be dearer than his life Whereas if the persecution were personall directed against the Pastor onely hee were in his owne liberty to withdraw himself only for a time 3. Some are tyed bound not to flye by reason of their present estate especially in two cases First when God hath cut off all law full meanes and wayes of flying and a man cannot escape but by unlawfull meanes as an officious lye hearing of Masse equivocations pealing discovering the brethren or the like Here a man must abide the will of God who hath called him to stand out and do no evill to save his life Secondly when a man is in hand or hold under the custody of the Magistrate though unjustly prosecuted he may not break prison nor use violence but obey the Magistrate in unjust sufferings alwaies counting it thank-worthy to endure griefe for GOD and Christ wrongfully 1 Pet. 2. 19. Quest. But what if the prison-doore be left open as sometime it may be or hath been Ans. If God open a doore this is not a breaking of prison The Apostles Acts 5. 19. used no violence to get out but when the Angel opened the door they went away shifted for themselvs thus not themselves only but the Church was preserved in them Now all these that are thus brought by God to the wrestling-place must strive for the best game without shrinking or starting away But there are a second sort that are more free and have liberty to avoid persecution by flight in these three cases 1. If any have not attained strength sufficient to bear the extremity for Christ our Saviour would have these costs to bee fore-cast as in the Parable of the Builder of the Captain mustering his forces Only in not finding strength bewail thy weaknes use means of further strength 2. If the danger be certain and present not suspected or surmised for a man may not as Jonas by casting feares cast himself out of his calling but if hee see certaine perill to himselfe and no great hope of doing good by his stay he may flye 3. If avoiding private respects as loosing himselfe from duty or out of excessive feare shifting for himselfe hee ayme directly at the furthering of Gods glory and Christs Kingdome for it is a rule in which wisdom conscience must over-rule If it may make more for Gods glory to flie flie if to stay
much the better and hye thee home where thou mayest expect better 3. It is great reason that Christs glory should appeare before ours the members shall shew their glory when their head doth for their glory depends upon his Col. 3. 4. Wee know that when Christ our life doth appeare wee shall also appeare with him in glory but now his glory is hid and must ours appeare In the winter all the sap life and fruit is hid in the roote and then the tree appeares not what it is but the summer comes and all that was within appeareth so in this our winter though now wee bee the sonnes of God yet it appeares not what wee are but when Christ shall appeare wee shall be like him 1 Joh. 3. 1. 2. Ob But are we not now like him Ans. Yes there is now a likenesse betweene the head and members the branches must have the same life sap and greennesse in some proportion to the roote the spouse is now sutable to her husband But first this is a likenesse in grace that is a likenesse in glory secondly this is in part and imperfection that in perfection and fulnesse thirdly this is obscure and vailed but that manifest and revealed to men and Angels Waite then and wish for this day of the revelation of Christs glory and of thine in his for 1. Christ shall come the second time to the salvation of those that waite for him Heb. 9. 21. 2. Love to Christ thy head now in a farre country will make thee long after him Come saith the spouse Oh that I might come to a sight of him whom my soule loveth This must whet thy desire that Christs glory may shine in that day yea and enlarged in thy owne glory 3. Hast thou received the first fruits of glory then thou canst not but long for the full harvest Rom. 8. 23. Wee that have received the first fruits sigh in our selves waiting for the adoption even the redemption of our bodies 4. Never was there so happie and joyfull a day wherein in their head all the heads of the Saints shall bee lifted up into unconceivable happinesse who shall stand amazed to see their nature so exalted in their head and be swallowed with unspeakable joy to see themselves who have beene by his first appearing in humilitie justified now by his second appearing in glory to bee glorified When the Disciples saw but a small glimpse of this glory in the Transfiguration they were so ravished and transported out of themselves that they wist not what they said Luks 9. 33. How then shall the whole brightnesse of it so swallow up the Saints as that they shall ever thinke it good to be where Hee is to see his glory Hereby should wee excite our selves to wish for the longed day of our glorious deliverance And as the Jewes the nearer the day of Jubile came the more the joy of prisoners and debtors was increased so should wee lift up our head when the day of our redemption approacheth as the bird about to flie stretcheth out the wings so should wee our affections and desires to heaven where our Lord his dwelling is Againe prepare for this day to stand before the sonne of man in this glory Luke 21. 36. Watch and pray that yee may bee counted worthy to escape all these things and may stand before the sonne of man Quest. How should I prepare duely Ans. 1. Acquaint thy selfe with thy Judge afore-hand which is done by faith and love Rom. 5. 2. By faith we have accesse both here and hereafter And if love bee perfect in us wee shall have boldnesse in the day of Judgement 1 Joh. 4. 17. Hee that can stand before his presence of grace shall stand boldly before his presence of glory Stand therefore humbly before him in his Ordinances enjoy as much of him now as thou canst 2. Part from sinne watch against it let the fire of grace consume it A malefactor cannot stand before the Judge Psal. 1. 5. The wicked shall not stand in judgement See Esa. 33. 14. 15. 3. Get sinceritie and uprightnesse of heart for no hypocrite shall stand before those everlasting burnings A sincere heart hath this propertie to set it selfe before God continually as a witnesse and Judge Gen. 17. 1. Walke before mee and bee upright And that soule that can walke with God here shall stand before the glory of his power at that day 4. Get love of the Saints on earth for the terrour of that day shall devour the Adversarie 2 Thess. 1. 6. And Christ shall clothe himselfe with the robes of glory to destroy the destroyer out of the earth Only the Saints shall stand before him Stand with them here if thou wouldest stand with them hereafter but if here thou wilt shake hands with sinners hereafter thou shalt scarce part company Lastly this glory of the Judge is the greatest terrour and torment to the wicked Oh the wofull estate of such persons when the presence of God and of Christ is the greatest tormentâ— yet how can it be other For first the true and proper cause of perdition is in themselves not in this glory the wicked must bee cast out for his malice They have despised his humilitie and were ashamed of him now must be ashamed of themselves when hee shall bee ashamed of them They have contemned his soft voice in the Ministry of the Gospell and must hear that dreadfull voice to drive them to their wits ends they have pierced him with horrible sins and shall now see him whom they have pierced and pierce themselves with shame and utter confusion Yea their owne accusing consciences shall make them shrinke and melt as ware at the fire and as chaffe driven before the tempest of his wrath Thus shall all wicked men and Angells perish at the presence of God Psal. 68. 2. Secondly as a King sitting in judgement chaseth away evill with his eies Prov. 20. 8. so shall they see the face of this Judge set against all evill doers 1 Pet. 3. 12. they shall read revenge in his very eye and visage his looke shall drive them to the hils to hide them they shall know the wrath of this King as the roaring of a Lyon to whom Kings are lesse than wormes to men and if the wicked flye when none pursueth Prov. 28. 1. much more when pursued with such wrath and power as this Judge shall bee cloathed with Thirdly as all the power of the country attends the Judge to execute malefactors so Christ hath obtained great might and kingdome to destroy the wicked Rev. 11. 17 18. so as his revenge must be proportionall to his power and his power shall make his processe short and his dispatch speedie A resemblance hereof is in Joh. 18. 6. the very word of Christ I am the man in his state of humiliation cast the stoutest of his enemies to the ground How
much more in his glorie when he shall be armed with power and glory to this purpose GOD shall no sooner arise but his enemies shall be scattered they also that hate him shall fly before him Ps. 68. 2. O therefore considering these terrours of the Lord what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation 2 Pet. 3. 11. If Daniel chap. 7. 15. was so troubled in his spirit and perplexed to see but in a vision the manner of Christs glorious comming to judgement how much more dreadfull shall the judgement it self be when all secrets shall be revealed as packes and fardels are opened in the marketâ— Oh? how carefull should wee bee of the wares we lay up in our hearts and consciences seeing that day shall disclose them to a Judge of such 〈◊〉 power and glory With his Angels The fourth thing considerable 〈◊〉 the comming of Christ to judgment is his Attendants that is 〈…〉 e Angels in whom the glory 〈…〉 d magnificence of his second appearing shall manifest it selfe For as formerly we have shewed that hee is not sent as a Legate with commission from the side of any earthly Monarch but must shew himselfe from heaven so now wee shall see that the glory and state wherein hee shall appeare is not from earth but hee shall bee wonderfull in the glory of heaven Luke 2. 13. for his guard shall not bee a troope of men but of Angels nor an army of earthly warriours but of heavenly souldiers nor weake and feeble soone overcome but mightie Angels or Angels excelling in power Psal. 103. 20. This glorious appearing of Christ is shadowed by the comming in of earthly Judges to hold Assises attendeded with the honourable the Nobles Justices and Gentry of the countrie yea with the High Sheriffes power besides all their own followers and retinue by which great state and attendance they are both honoured and aided in their service and made formidable to adaunt and quell malefactors as becommeth such publike ministers of justice Here consider 1 Their number Angels in the plurall number 2 Their relation his Angels 3 Their office and ministrie in the judgement 4 How they can come with him For the number he saith Angels indefinitely not one or two or a few but a number finite in it selfe because created but to our apprehension infinite and numberlesse Heb. 12. 12. the innumerable company of Angels And the Scriptures expresse their number by the greatest and roundest numbers in use among men Jude 14. The Lord commeth with thousands of his Saints that is holy Angels and men attending him Dan. 7. 10. Thousand thousands minister unto him and ten thousand thousands stand before him when the judgement was set up But our Lord speakes of many more Mat. 24. when the sonne of man shall come and all his holy Angels with him not an Angell shall bee left in heaven which shall not come with him What a great glory is it to see a great Prince in the midst of his whole trained band armed with all the power of his Kingdome yet all this is but weaknesse to this of Christ who brings the whole hoast of heaven with him to make his throne surpassing glorious Next of the relation his Angells how are they his Answ. 1. By creation 2. by confirmation in grace other fell from him and became not his but these by his grace cleave for ever unto him in the holinesse of their nature Thirdly His by speciall attendance and ministrie hee being Lord of the holy Angels they are his subjects and ministers readie to execute his will Ob. They are our Angels and therefore not Christs Mat. 18. 10. their Angels behold the face of the Father in heaven Answ. They are called our Angels so farre as appointed our keepers or guardians against Satan and impure spirits but in all this ministery to the Church they are his Angels for they attend us for our heads sake and attend his body which is himselfe Next of their office and why Christ shall bring all his Angels with him Ans. 1. Their ministrie serveth to set forth the glory of Christ the head The most potent Monarchs that ever were in earth in their most stately and most magnificent showes were but seely creatures and wormes to this and attended with weak men and flyes in comparison of this presence 2. That by their ministery the great worke of the great day may bee powerfull and speedily dispatched For First being the Angels of his power they shall performe it mightily and powerfully No sooner shall the sentence of absolution or condemnation bee pronounced but it shall bee fully executed For besides that every of them is mighty in his owne nature and thence denominated principalities and powers and said to excell in strength Psal. 103. 20. so shall now for the time the power of Christ bee added to their owne which shall bee of such invincible strength in every one as Satan and all the gates of hell cannot much lesse the wicked of the world shall be able to resist any one of them Secondly they shall doe it willingly because their wills are wholly conformable to the will of Christ whom they love with all their strength Their readinesse appeareth Mat. 13. 28. the servants said shall wee gather up the tares Those that desire commission afore-hand will be ready enough when they have it Thirdly they shall performe it justly purely â—aithfully Rev. 15. 6. the seven Angels that had the seven plagues are said to bee cloathed in pure and bright linnen noting their righteousnesse not mingling corrupt passions in their executions nor corruptly respecting any persons And they are girded on their breasts with golden girdles gold is the purest of all metals noting their purity and faithfulnesse in performing the will of God in whole and in every part Fourthly they shall doe it diligently and perfectly in most strict and exact manner For they could not continue in their glorious estate if they should not bee every way answerable to the law of God both in the puritie of their nature and in the perfection of their worke for how soever the Angels compared with God are imperfect Job chap. 4. vers 18. yet in comparison of Gods Law they have perfection and no spot of sinne cleaveth to them Fiftly it shall bee done speedily and in the twinkling of an eye with unconceiveable quicknesse and celeritie which is noted by their wings and girded breasts readie and prest to the businesse of their Lord. So of the second thing 3. Their ministry office shall be of use against all wicked persons First to force them and present them before the Judge be they never so rebellious for they shall blow the trumpet that all shall heare they shall runne through earth and sea in an instant to gather out all that offend they shall compell mightie and rebellious Potentates to present themselves
these holy Angels nor drive them from about us whose protection under God is safer than if wee lay under shield and speare Psal. 91. 4. 11. While wee desire they should stand for us at that day beware of ministring matter to them to witnesse against us Yea let us furnish them with matter of our defence as those that have beene both witnesses and defenders of our pure conversation 1. Cor. 11. 10. Women must bee seemely in the Congregation because of the Angels And because of the Angels both in Gods house and our owne houses and all meetings the Saints must walke holily and reverently a◠those that have not onely Gods eye and the eye of Christ upon us as Judges but the Angels as witnesses Let no sinner that shall stand in need of so much comfortable service from them goe on to grieve or offend them but rather afford them matter of rejoycing in their sound conversion and daily renewing of their repentance Luk. 15. 7. 7. Learne to imitate the Angels in their service and ministerie as it hath beene described First they honour Christ in all their ministerie so all the scope and aime of our lives and labours must bee the glory of our head Secondly they are expedite and readie they have besides the agilitie and swiftnesse of their nature wings to flie withall let their wings speed us in his service who are nearer than they should the members be heavie and uncheerefull in the service of the Head Thirdly they are in all things ruled and moved by his mouth and spirit they doe none of their owne but his will Ezek. 1. 20. Whither the spirit led them they went Let us in all things give up our selves much more to the leading of his Spirit not running in any businesse unsent or without our warrant doth the member any thing or move any way without the heads direction Fourthly they rejoyce in all good things in the glory of Christ in the victory of Christ in the conversion of sinners in the eversion of all wicked enemies in the finall salvation and glory of all Saints and doe promote all these But why doe not wee more rejoyce in these things the benefit of which more redoundeth to us than to them How unlike is it to the Angels to rejoyce in evill in sinfull courses and companie why hate wee and scorne such as most partake in Christs victory and are set out of the divels power Fiftly they are unweariable in performing their service to Christ and much lesse should a member be wearie of being officious to the head When did any good Angell shrinke and recoyle from the commandement of Christ or account any thing too much he could doe for Christ or his members as many Christians be Therefore my Beloved 1 Cor. 15. 58. Be stedfast unmoveable unweariable and abundant in the worke of the Lord. The time comes when we shall be in our condition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 like or equall to the Angels Luk. 20. 36. and when we shall be children of the resurrection Let us frame our selves to the good Angels before-hand in this first resurrection that we may have comfort and glory in that second And then hee shall give to every man according to his workes Here is the fift and last point namely the end of Christs comming to judgement where are five things to be considered 1. A just retribution in the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies both a returne of justice and a gift of favour Matth. 20. 8. Call the worke-men and give them their wages returne both to those that came into the vineyard first and seeme to have deserved it as also those that came in last to whom it was given of favour For it is observable that the compound is changed into the simple vers 14. I will give to this last as unto thee and therefore is most fitly used here in respect of the two sorts of subjects to bee judged The wicked who must receive a just retribution according to their workes and desert of them And the godly who are to receive life everlasting of the free favour of God in Jesus Christ. And this is the end of Christs comming that secondary and subordinate end in the felicitie of the Elect and just damnation of reprobates which promoteth that chiefe and primary end of all his great workes even the praise of the glory of his grace in the consummation of that his kingdome which hee set up in this world 2. The person retributing Hee the just Judge of all the world hee that loveth righteousnesse and hateth iniquitie hee that exercised and fulfilled all righteousnesse in his humilitie shall now much more exact it in his glory And here in is the difference between this Judge and other judges First hee is appointed to bee judge of all the world and now to come to destroy and revenge all unrighteousnesse they not so Secondly the Lord is with them in their passing of righteous sentence but he is the Lord God sits with them hee sits as God Thirdly they may be mis-led for they often passe sentence before due hearing and triall but not so He as in Adams case first all were examined Or they when they have heard the right may be carryed away by affection petition money importunitie or the command of a superiour as in Naboths case this Judge not so most righteous and will deale righteously 3. The persons to whom To every man he saith not to all men in generall but the word noteth the particular judgement of every singular man none shall avoid judgement Kings nor subjects rich nor poore the greatest Monarch that ever was must appeare if his power be not superiour to Christs The poore soule shall not bee neglected nor forgotten None shall answer by Proctours but every man shall receive according to that he hath done in the body be it good or evill Hence the Scripture that it may omit none rangeth them into sundry rankes namely of just and unjust Act. 24. 15. of quicke and dead Act. 10. 42. of great and small Rev. 20. 12. Christ now calls and men will no◠come but then they must come in 4. The time then shall he give to every one now is not the time or place in which dwelleth righteousnesse now it is well with the wicked and not so well to the godly now in mens tribunals many things are carried unjustly and partially but we know that then the judgement of God shall be according to truth Rom. 〈◊〉 2. Now in this world a man may see a just man to whom it is according to the worke of the wicked A poore wise man by his wisedome delivering the Citie and none remembreth this poore man The best worke receiving the worst wages and iniquitie in the place of justice But then is the time when the godly shall have a full reward
what else is it to see the Kingdome of God come with power than to see the enlargement and increase of the Kingdome of God by the prevailing of the Gospell bringing in men to the obedience of faith whence Rom. 1. 16. the Gospell is called the power of God to salvation But thirdly let us looke into the accomplishment of this prophecie which will notably enlighten the true meaning because wee shall here see Christ now ascended mightily declaring himselfe the King of his Church and that hee was not only exalted unto the right hand of God but that even in the dayes of some of the Apostles he came in the mighty power of his kingdome of grace As appeared 1. In the emission of his Apostles Christ immediatly before his Ascension did call and send out his Apostles with speciall promise of his presence in their Ministerie to the end of the world Mat. 28. 18. Goe and reach all nations their commission was to make Disciples every where This great worke the Apostle magnifieth Eph. 4. 11. When hee ascended hee gave gifts to men some to be Apostles c. for the gathering of the Saints for the worke of the Ministerie and the edification of the body of Christ. This was one most powerfull means for propagating his kingdom which was herein seene gloriously to come out through the world 2. In the descending of the holy Ghost fiftie dayes after his Ascension upon the Apostles when the Spirit promised came rushing upon them as a mighty winde and filled all the house whereupon forthwith they preached the Word of the Gospell to every nation under heaven at Jerusalem in their owne tongue Act. 2. 2. which was a fruit of his Ascension and Exaltation v. 33. and a comming in his kingdome with power 3. In the Apostolicall gifts we may see how powerfully the Sonne of man came in his Kingdome in their dayes as the gift of knowledge in deepe mysteries of the Kingdome without studie the gift of prophecie the gift of miracles of healing by imposition of hands of casting out devils of raising the dead and the like for confirmation of their doctrine the gift of tongues and of immunitie from errour in teaching or writing the gift of the Apostolicall rod in smiting offendors as Paul did Elymas with blindenesse and Peter Ananias Sapphira with suddaine death Which peculiar gifts were promised and given them that by the admirable use and power of them the Sonne of man should come gloriously in his Kingdome and the Church more and more confirmed in the faith and more allured in the beginning and cradle of it to the love of Christ and his truth who a little before was so hated and despised 4. In the Apostolicall diligence which was wonderfull and all to this end that the Sonne of man might come gloriously in this his Kingdome The travells of Paul alone were such as hee carried the word of the Kingdome and set up Christ as a King unto a third part of the knowne world Rom. 15. 19. 20. Yea in his time hee sheweth that the Gospell was preached not at Colossus onely as Col. 1. 16. but by the diligence of the Apostles it was fruitfull in all the world v. 23. How instant were they in preaching writing disputing and suffering and all to set up the Son of man glorious in his kingdome 5. In the successe of the Apostles in their Ministerie which if we consider wee shall see the truth of Christs speech that they did more in the means of conversion of men than himselfe did Act. 2. at one Sermon of Peters three thousand were converted this was the first famous draught of this fisher of men by which three thousand subjects were added to Christs Kingdome in one day here came the Sonne of man gloriously in his Kingdome And what wonderfull increase it took in all quarters all the Epistles of the Apostles do witnesse especially twenty yeares after Christs Ascension in which times howsoever some of the Apostles were extinct as James slaine with the sword by Herod Ast. 12. yet some other of the Apostles and of others who heard Christ speake these words were living witnesse that Synod of the Apostles which was fifteene yeares after Christs Ascension at Jerusalem wherein James sonne of Alphens was President which sheweth both the flourishing estate of the Church at that time and that many of the Apostles were then living and so this prophecie of Christ was accomplished But 6. Fortie yeares after Christs Ascension when all the Jewish â—orship and ceremonies together with the Temple were so â—olished and destroyed as one â—one was not left upon another â—e whole house and all the utenâ—ls and shadowes were burnt with fire so as none of them â—ould longer stand up against Christ the truth and substance of them Then was the sonne of man let into his kingdome most â—erspicuously all vaâ—les were â—ow rent all shadowes vanished â—ll partitions broken downe and Christ with open face triumâ—hantly conquering and prevaiâ—ing in the world And this Johnâ—he â—he Evangelist saw who dyed in the 101. yeare after Christ about â—0 yeares after the destruction of the Temple as Chronologers have collected Object Christ was come in his Kingdome before so John Baptist preached Repent for the kingdome of God is at hand and Christ himselfe said in Matt. 12. If I by the Spirit of God cast out divels then is the kingdome of God come unto you Answ. True it is the sonne of man was come in his kingdome before 1. in the beginnings of it 2. to Judea 3. in a dim obscure light in comparison But now it is come in the power of it and to all the world even in the Apostles time whereof our Saviour here speaketh Wee might adde hereto the writing of the Evangelists Matthew who wrote his Gospell eight yeares after Christ Marke ten Luke fifteene and John forty two wherein Christ came in his Kingdome apparently to all the world in all the Churches of the New Testament Yea this last of the Apostles John saw Christs comming in his Kingdome most gloriously in the undaunted confession of his Name by many thousand Christians that gave their lives for the testimonie of his truth For hee lived to see three of those bloodie persecutions of Roman Emperours as of Nero under whom Peter Paul suffered of Domitian under whom himselfe was banished into the Isle Pathmos where hee wrote his Revelation and of Trajan under whom were many thousand Christians drawne to death daily as Plinie the second testifieth writing in their behalfe to Trajan the Emperour in whose dayes John wrote his Gospell and dyed the 10â— yeare of his owne age All which hath notably cleared the sense of our Saviours prediction Now followes the observation Where the Word of God is most powerfully preached and most cheerefully obeyed there Christ commeth most gloriously in his kingdome The whole 110. Psalme
consolationes seculi tentationibus resiste diaboli â—ern Use 7. Imitate them and doe service as they 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Patienter fortiter perseverandum ut qui ad coronam laâ—de â—am proxima nititur durante patientia coronetur Cyp. de Bonâ— Patientiae Rev. 20. 6. V. The end of Christs comming to judgement 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. Psal. 45. 7. 2 Chron. 19. 11. Psal. 82. 1. 3. 2 Cor. 5. 10. 4. 2 Pet. 3. 13. Eccle. 8. 14. 9. 15. 3. 16. 5. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mat. 12. 36. 2. Rom. 14. 12. Mat. 23. 35. 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Good works not meritorious as evill arâ— why 1. 2. 3. 4. Why workes are the rule of judgment not faith 1. Nil Deus in nobis pâ—aeter sua dona coronat 2. 3. 4. Whether the Law or Gospell be the rule of judging Ob. Ans. 1. Gal 5. 6. 2. Of double punishment for sin Doct. The last judgement glorious and righteous Reason 1. Helpes of righteous judgement in Christ. 2. Le ts of righteous judgment removed 1. 2. 3. 4. Use 1. Live well and fare well in judgment Use 2. Time to repent of sin before judgment Rom. 2. 4. 5. Psal. 4. 4. Use 3. Be patient in all confusion and injustice Use 4. Be sincere in matter of religion Use 5. Watch and judge thy selfe before-hand How 1. 2. 3. 4. Use 6. How to know what will become of us in the day of judgement 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The drift of the words Vult ut consolationis aliquid habeant tempore crucis afflictionis c. Bucer In desiderio celeritas quoque mora est Exposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 4. 1. Christ like Moses in five things 1. 2. 3. Heb. 3. 5. 6. 4. 5. Opinions 1. 2. 3. Emphasis hujus loci non est in verbo veniendi sed videndi Bucer Kingdome of God generall and speciall 1. I. 2. Which here meant and what it is II. How the Kingdome of Christ comes Mat. 6. 10. III. Of the ac complishment hereof Evidences of Christs Kingdome enlarged 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. 3. 4. 5. Joh. 14. 12. 6. Mat. 3. 2. Of the times when the Gospels were written Euseb. hist. Eccles. lib. 3. cap. 33. Doct. By preaching and obeying the Word Christs kingdome is advanced 1. 2. Shewed by similitude of earthly Kings and kingdomes 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Eminencie of Christ above other Kings 1. Rev. 19 12. 2. Eph. 6. 17. Act. 2. 41. 3. Psal. 110. 3. 6. Use 1. Enemies of the word enemies of Christ. Mat. 23. 13. Aâ—â—onitions to them 1. Psal. 2. 6. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hom. Use 2. Rejoyce in the thriving of the Gospell Use 3. In helping the word helpe up Christ into his throne 1. 2. Joh. 3. 30. 3. How Christs Kingdome is erected and maintained within us 1. Zeph. 3. 9. Rev. 15. 3. 2. 3. Christs right defended how 1. 2. And likewise our own right Joh. 8. 36. Motives to be loyall to Christ. 1. 2. 3. Ps. 119. 11. The Apostles drift in this place Vers 12. The si 〈…〉 ilitnde he here useth Heb. 12. 1. Thereason of it Ita simili tudo Circensium Augustinâ—ana câ—nvertit 〈…〉 pium Confess l 6. c. 7. Luk. 16. 8. Note A rule of Christian prudence Use. Parts of the Tex's three I. Doctr. 1 Christian life is a kinde of race And that in sivâ— respects 1. 2. Deu 5 27 1 Cor. 4. 20 3 4. 2 Cor. 4 9 5. 2. Reasons why wee must run this race 1 2. 3 Ephe. 6. 12 4. Ioh 20 4. 3 Al our life the time of this race Not the end of life onely Reasons 1. 2 3 4. Use. 1. Conceit aright of a Christian course Who doe not 1 2 Pet. i. 10 2 Luk. 13. 2â— Vse 2. Ourgo one another in holinesse Instat equis auriga suos 〈…〉 ntibus illos prâ—teritos tem neus c. Hor. serm 1 sat 1. Motives 2 2 Luk. 16. 8 3 II. Manner of running 2 Iim 2. 5 Preparation to run necessary wherein Hindrances put off and removed 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 Luk. 8. 14 3 Cap. 21. 34 Helpes in running the Christian race 1 Cant. 1 4. 2 Heb. 10. 36 3 2 â—orditions of running the Christian race aâ— right five 1 Run at a right mark Col. 3. 4 Mat. 11. 28. 2 Run in the right way Ioh. 14. 6 Notes of the way that is right Esa. 35. 8 Hos. 14. 9 Mat. 7. 14. 2 Tim. 3. 12 3 Run with a right foot What is requisite thereunto Prov. 10. 9 Prov. 4. 2â— Psal. 112. 5 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 4. Run with a â—ight motion What it is 1. Phil. 3. 13. Good cause to be still humble 2 Cor. 10. 5 2 Phil. 3. 14 3 Be constant without inter mission Psa. 19. 4 5 As also without cessation Motives 1 Ioh. 〈◊〉 35 Gal. 3. 3 2. 3 How this is to be understood 5. Run to a right end 2 Cor. 5 14 We run for the prize yet no mercenaries how Heb. 12. 2â— Mark held before us why 2 Cor. 4. 18. III The end of running this race Obtaining is not of merit but mercy How it in called 〈◊〉 reward Whether al runners do obtain Luk. 13 24 How wee may be able to run rightly and so obtaine I. The holy Ghost p◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 inbreath for this race Zach. 12 10. Rom. 8. 26. 2 Take heed of looking backe in this race Gal. 3. 1 3 Minde not thy company but thy way Gal. 6. 16. 4. Despise carnall counsels friends scornes 1 Acts 28. 22 Cap. 24. 14 2 Mat. 16. 22. 3 2 Cor. 6. 8. 1. Cor. 4. 3 5 Renew strength continually and how this may be Rev. 2. 4. Psal. 119. 6 6. Recover speedily out of every fall Motives so to runne that we may obtain 1 2 Cal 3. 4. 3 2 Pet 2. 22 4 Excellency and eternity of this goale 1 2 3 Psal. 16. 11. 4 1 Cor. 9. 25 The scope of this whole Psalme The Prophets holy desire Parts of the â—ext I. Of the prayer Exposition 1. What these statutes are Reasons of severall titles given to the Word Statutes for two reasons Psal. 19. 11 〈◊〉 Whose Statutes they are 1 1 Cor 7. 6. opened 2 3 4 Eminency of these statutes above other 1 Psal. 19. 7 2 3 4. 5 3. Why it is called the way of Gods commandements Metaphor of a way what it implyes 1 2 3 4. Esa. 30. 21 Mat 12 36 〈◊〉 Cor. 10. 31 Deu. 12. 32 5 2. Singularity of this way Rev. 21. 12. 4. Why David desires to be taught in this way 1 1 Cor. 3. 6. 2 3 Foure things desired which man cannot reach 1. Esa. 29. 11 2 Pet. 3. 16 2 3 Heb. 4. 2 Ioh 20. 28. Iob. 19. 25. 4 Ephes. 4. 21 22. Iam. 1. â—5 Luk. 11. 28. Why David a man of such knowledg desires to be still taught 1 2. 3 Doctr. 1 All