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
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
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
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