his adversarie l Apoc. 12.11 They overcame him saith the Holy Ghost m Apoc. 13.7 that warred upon them and overcame them by the bloud of the Lâ—mâ—e 〈◊〉 by the word of the Testimonie and by not thinking much to lay downe their lives unto death by setting light as n Act. â—0 24 the Apostle of himselfe by their lives The Spirit of God may seeme to contradict himselfe when he saith in the one place o Apoc. 13.7 He made warre upon the Saints and overcame them and in the other againe p Apoc. 12 11. They conquered and overcame him But the one is spoken q 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to humane conceit the other r 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the truth of the thing And certaine it is that as Gods s Tunc enim non ex malo uno sed ex omnâ—bus simul sâ—mâ—l liberantur Aug. in Psal. 34.17 19. Ita liberantur ut liberari amplius oâ—us non habeant Bâ—rn in Psalm 91.15 16. Children are never better delivered out of their troubles than when they seeme not to be delivered at all when they are delivered out of them by death So * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Oecum in 2 Cor. 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrysost. in Rom. hom 15. they never more prevaile against and triumph over their adversaries than when those their adversaries outwardly seeme most to prevaile against and to triumph over them But because this their t Psâ—l 45.13 Majestie is most inward and u 1 Iohn 3.2 the world cannot so well see it there is secondly therefore x Regnum gloriae a Kingdome of Glorie whereby those that y Rom. 5.21 reigne now in Grace by Christ shall one day * Rom. 5.17 reigne in Glory with Christ. For z Coloss. 3.3 4. our life is now hidden with Christ in God saith the Apostle But when Christ who is our Life shall appeare then shall we also appeare in glory with him And a 1 Iohn 3.2 We shall at his appearing become like unt◠〈◊〉 Degree 2. because we shall see him as he is As b Ephes. 2.6 We are now glorified in him so c 2 Thess. 1.10 hee shall then be glorified in us what time we shall heare from him that blessed and joyful sound d Matth. 25.34 Come and receive the Kingdome prepared for you from the beginning of the world Now further this Kingdome is called the Kingdome of God Point 3. Reasons 4. Reason 1. Reason 2. Reason 3. Reason 4. 1. Because e Matth. 20.23 he hath prepared it 2. Because f Luke 12.32 he conferreth and bestoweth it 3. Because g Apoc. 4.10 of and under him we hold it 4. Because h Apoc. 20.6 with him wee reigne in it for from him we receive it and together with him we reigne in it Is it a Crowne and a Kingdome then and such a Crowne and a Kingdome Vses 4. that our Saviour here maketh offer of This serveth first as to discover Vse 1. RepreheÌ„sion so to check and control the base-mindednesse of most men in the World Who as i Num. 11.5 6. the Israelites preferred the k In cepe alliuÌ„ impensa 1600. talenta in pyramiduÌ„ una extruenda refert Herodot l. 2. Leekes and Onions of Aegypt before l Psal. 78.25 the bread of Angels m Iohn 6.31 the food that came downe from heaven so preferre paltry Peables before these pretious n Matth. 7.6 13.45 Perles * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Habac 2.6 thickâ—clay as the Prophet speaketh before this o Apoc. 3.18 pure Gold the worlds counterfeit coine before this p Luke 16.11 true treasure the base and slavish service of sinne and Satan before the Crowne and the Kingdome that our Saviour here maketh offer of that choose rather with q Gen. 49.14 15. Issakar dull asses indeed to couch themselves quietly betweene two packes and bowe their shoulders downe to beare any such even unsufferable and unsupportâ—blâ— burdens as r 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrysost. in Matth. 38.1 Legatur Pers. Sat. 5. ad eundem Epictetum ex Arian dissert l. 3. c. 26. apud Casaub. qui eos multa facere contendunt qui cupiditatibus suis serviunt quae si servus domini jussu faceret de dura servitute sua multum quiritaret the World is wont to impose on those that are slaves and drudges to it than to rouse up their spirits that lye groveling on the ground seeke to shake off the yoake and free themselves from this thraldome and strive to get command of him that now keepeth them as captives that s Malunt servire Diabolo quam regnare cum Christo Cui servire regnare est Bern. de Temp. 110. de bon desâ—â— are content to serve the Divell rather and their nay his brutish lusts * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Clem. Strom. l. 2 Nulla voluntariâ turpior est servitus Sen. epist. 47. the baddest and basest service that can be than to reigne with Christ or to serve him in a free and honourable service whose t Rom. 6.21 Fallitur egregio quisquis sub principe credit Servitium nusquam libâ—rtas gratior extat Claudian de Stilic Philosophiae servias oportet ut tibi contingat vera libertas Qui se illi subjecit tradidit statim circumagiâ—ur Hoc enim ipsum Philosoâ—hiae sâ—rvire libertas est Senec. epist. 8. service is true freedome and u 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gregor Nazianzen de Pace 2. to serve him is to reigne with him who maketh all his servants Captaines Commanders and x Veruos quam Assur Esai 10.8 Kings Againe it serveth to discover and convince many not to be that indeed which they professe themselves to be not to be Christians indeed and truth though they beare the name and title of such For Christianitie is a Kingdome Vse 2. Conviction It not freeth men only from the thraldome of Sinne and Satan a Iohn 8.31 32 36. Arbitrium voluntatis tunc est vere liberum cum vitijs peccatisque non servit Augustin de Civitat lib. 14. cap. 11. Sapientia sola libertas est Senec. epist. 37. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nisi sapiens nemo liber Zeno apud Laert. Cic. Parad. 5. Non natura servum facit sed insipientia nec manumissio liberum sed disciplina Ambros. epist. 7. Solus sapiens liber est Ibidem they are free indeed that Christ maketh free but it maketh them Kings also to rule and sway over such as b Ephesians 2.2 3. before they were enthralled and enslaved unto Whereas many millions of those that professe themselves to be Christians remaine still Satans vassals c Alius libidini servit alius avaritiae alius ambitioni omnes timori Dabo coÌ„sulareÌ„ aniculae servi enteÌ„ dabo ancillulae
cum se demittit ob assem Non video Hor. ep 16. l. 1. Hinc Pers. Sat. 5. Inque luto fixuÌ„ possis transcendere nummum Take thou up of them if thou wilt saith hee to one of his followers thou mayest well enough for thou art not Themistocles thou art not as I am And many things may well beseeme a worldly man as x Mat. 6.32 to be greedie of the world and to y Phil. 3.19 20. minde earthly things which will in no wise become a Christian. Besides that z 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Dion Chry. orat 1. the greater and higher the person is that offendeth Reason 3. the more * Indignitate peccans peccaâ— amplius Iustin. in Authent Hilar. Pp. apud Grat. c. 25. q. 1. c. 4. Majore Regum scelera taxantur modo Sen. Herc. fur hainous and “ Omne animi vitium tanto conspectius in se Crimen habet quanto major qui peccat habetur Iuvenal Sat. 8. conspicuous is his offence a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Greg. Naz. in Matth. 19. In veste labes candida est insignior Iuel Apolog. Eccl. Ang. Any spot is soone spied upon white apparell and the least staine doth evill upon a royall roabe A small defect in a Christian is more than a greater matter in a meere Worldling And b Ideò deteâ—â—â—es sumus quia meliores esse debemus Salvian de Provid l. 4. therefore are such worse saith Salvian though they be no worse than others because they ought to bee better Vse 4. Exhortation Lastly is it no lesse matter than a Kingdome that we are here invited unto This may serve to incite us if there be any mettle in us to the diligent industrious seeking after it c Perpâ—ssi sunt exercitus inâ—piam rerum omnium vixerunt herbarum radicibus dictu foedis tulerunt famem Haec omnia passi sunt pro regno quo magis mirâ—ris alieno Sen. epist. 17. Ab misâ—ris quid si peteretur crimine tanto Limes uterque poli pugna est de paupere regno Stat. Theb. l 1. Who would not put hard for it to winne a Crowne to gaine a Kingdom Here is fit matter for our ambitious thoughts and desires to be working upon with warrant For as Augustine observeth that there is a kinde of lawfull and religious d Qui vetat te esse foeneratorem idem jussit te esse foeneratorem et dicitur tibi Foenerare Aug. in Psal. 36. Vsury that the Word of God alloweth e Prov. 17.19 He that sheweth mercie to the poore lendeth on Vsurie to the Lord and it shall with large interest be repayed him And there is a kinde of spirituall f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Covetousnesse that the Spirit of God approveth of when men are * Veri boni aviditas tuta est Sen. ep 23. greedie of Grace they can never have enough of it g Matth. 5.6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after Righteousnesse So there is a kinde of holy h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rom. 15.20 2 Cor. 5.9 1 Thess. 4.11 Ambition that our Saviour Christ not alloweth only but enciteth also and exhorteth us hereunto i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 12.31 Affect saith the Apostle the best the chiefest things And Let even a Kingdome at least a Crowne and no lesse saith our Saviour be your aime It is enough for earthly Princes their followers and favourites if they can attaine to some Titles of inferiour Honour to be Dukes and Marquesses or the like But if they begin once k Legatur Dio Cass. hist. lib. 57. with Seianus to have an eie or aime at a Crowne l Nulla fides regni soâ—â—jâ— omnisque potestas Impatiens consortis erit Lucan lib. 1. that will in no wise bee indured in them But it is not some m Vsque ad regni dimid um Ester 7.2 Marke 6.23 inferiour Honour some petie place in a kingdome but the Crowne and Kingdome it selfe that our Saviour Christ here would have us shoot at and seeke after And who would not seeke after a kingdome if he had any hope to attaine it Wee see upon what uncertaine hopes ambitious persons in such cases lay n Jmperia prâ—tio quolibet coÌ„stant bâ—nè Polyniâ—es apud Sen. Theb. 4. all at the stake and hazard losse not of living only but of life And certainely our Saviour would never encite us to seeke after it if * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it were not to be had Yea he giveth us assurance that if we seeke seriously and so as we should we shall finde it For o Luke 11.10 Solus Deus nunquam frustra quaeritur etiam quum non invenitur Bern de Consâ—d l. 1. Every one saith he that so seeketh findeth he is as sure to finde as if he had found already p 2 Tim. 1.17 One siphorus sought me diligently saith the Apostle and he found me And so q Prov. 8.17 I love them that love me saith the Wisdome of God that r Apoc. 19 11. hath the disposing of this Crowne s Apoc. 2.26 3.21 of this Kingdome and all those that seeke me early t 1 Chron. 28.9 shall be sure to finde mee The Kingdome of this World as the u Aurum quaesiturus es â—orte non inventurus quisquis me quaerit cum illo sum August in 1 Iohn 10. Wealth of this World may bee sought and not found this Kingdome we shall not misse of if wee seeke it as we should x Amaturus es honoreÌ„ â—ortasse uâ— perventurus Quiâ— me amavit nâ—â—s ad me pervenit Ib. He that sincerely desireth it hath in part attained it already But a Crowne a Kingdome may some say Objection y Imperare omnes volunt parere nemo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Greg. Naz. Apol. What man is there that will none of it What need any man bee encited or exhorted to accept of it x Quis non perpetuò vâ—vere velit Salvian aâ— Eccles. Cath. l. 1. Nemo est qui beatê° esse nolit Aug. de lib. Arb. l. 1. c. 14. Vitâ—â— beatam omnâ— hominem modâ—s omnibus velâ—e quis dubitat Idâ—m â—pist 121. Who would not have heaven and happinesse Who would not reigne in heaven eternally with God and Christ Vnlesse it be some wretched accursed Atheists that thinke there is no such thing to be had Subjection Yea but there is somewhat more than so in it a Matth. 19.28 Wee must begin to reigne here if wee meane to reigne there We must partake with Christ here in the b Rom. 8.23 first-fruits of Grace if we desire hereafter to partake with him in c Iohn 1.14 16. fulnesse of Glorie Observ. 3 There is no accesse to this Kingdome but by Righteousnesse only Branch 2. Seeke Gods Kingdome and his Righteousnesse saith our
est Hier. in Gal. 3. Incassumque quis laborat in acquisitione virtutum si aliunde eas sperat quam a Domino virtutum Bern. in Cant. 22. Omne etenim probitatis opus nisi semine verae Exorituâ— fidei peccatum est inquereatum Vertituâ— sterilis cumulat sibi gloria poenam Prosper de Ingrat glittering corruptions 4. Because it is and shal be rewarded of God The Crowne expected is called q 2 Tim. 4.8 the Crowne of Righteousnesse And r Rom. 2.7 To those Reason 4. saith the Apostle that by well-doing and continuance therein seeke glory and honour and immortalitie will God give eternall life in that day And s Matth. 6.6 Thy Father saith our Saviour that seeth thee in secret will reward thee openly Yea there is t Mat. 25.34 35 40. Luke 14.9 no action so meane or slight proceeding from this even to u Matth. 10.42 Markâ— 9.41 the gift of a Cup of cold water that shall passe unregarded or unrewarded with God Whereas that other Righteousnesse of theirs hath no reward promised it x Matth. 6.2 Verily I say unto you saith our Saviour not barely * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they have but they †〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Quod Theophylactâ—s observavit have all their reward they have y Matt. 23.5 6 7. all they desire and all they deserve and all that ever they are like to have they may make their z 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Quo modâ— Paulus Phil. 4.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 De quo argutius Paulo Dâ—naeus noster ad Chrysostomum Savilianum acquittance for such kinde and manner of discharge doth our Saviour there allude unto But why may a man without this Righteousnesse have no part in Gods Kingdome Quest. 3. Answer For diveâ—â—â—auses and reasons These among many others Reason 1. 1. Because the Chiefe Commaunder in this Kingdome is a Hebr. 7.2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ex Hebr. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gen. 14.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Frustrâ ergò est autor Etymologici qui 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 inquit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Imo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ad quod Salem alludit est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 uti Apostolus ibidem Etymologico ducente alucinatus est Meurs animadv Miscell lib. 1. cap. 11. a King of Righteousnesse The Scepter of this Kingdome is b Psalm 45.6 a Rod of Righteousnesse The Throne of this Kingdome is c Psalm 9.5 97.2 a Seat of Righteousnesse And the Kingdome it selfe is d Rom. 14.17 a Kingdome of Righteousnesse And * 1 Cor. 6.8 No unrighteous therefore can inherit this Kingdome that hath nothing at all but Righteous in it “ Esai 60.21 The people of it saith the Prophet are all Righteous 2. Because e Rom. 5.17 Apoc. 20.6 none but those that have part here in the Kingdome of Grace Reason 2. may hereafter partake in the Kingdome of Glorie But by Righteousnesse we become members of the Kingdom of Grace f Rom. 5.21 That Grace saith the Apostle may reigne through Righteousnesse None but such therefore have any part in the one none but such shall ever have share in the other 3. Because this Righteousnesse is the Royall Roabe g Psal. 132.9 Let thy Priests saith the Psalmist Reason 3. and the same Persons here are both h 1 Pet. 2.9 Apoc. 1.6 5.10 20.6 Kings and Priests be cloathed with Righteousnesse And i Isai. 61.10 He hath clad me with the Robe of Righteousnesse And k Apoc. 19.8 To the Bride it was given to bee arayed in fine Silke and l 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the fine Silke is the Righteousnesse of the Saints As no man then might come into the Wedding-house m Mat. 22.11 12. without the Wedding-garment so may no man enter into this Kingdome without this Royall Robe n Hebr. 12.14 Without Holinesse saith the Apostle shall no man ever see God And o Psal. 132.9 16. those alone that are cloathed with Righteousnesse here shall bee cloathed everlastingly with Salvation hereafter 4. Because p Apoc. 21.27 No uncleane thing can come within the walls and compasse of this Kingdom Reason 4. nay q Esai 35.8 no uncleane person can set foot into the Way that leadeth to it But this Righteousnesse and this alone is that that can truely and throughly clense purge and purifie us and that not r Psal. 24.3 4. 1 Tim. 2.8 our hands onely but our s Matth. 5.8 Act. 15.9 hearts too as well the t Rom. 7.22 2 Cor. 4.16 inward man as the outward as well u 2 Cor. 7.1 Ephes. 4.23 the Spirit as the Flesh. Whereas that other Righteousnesse x Matth. 23.25 Luke 11.39 clenseth the outside only but leaveth the inside as foule still as ever it was And therefore no marvell if our Saviour tell us That y Matth. 6.20 unlesse our Righteousnesse exceed the Righteousnesse of the Scribes and the Pharisies we shall never get into the Kingdome of God Vse 3. Vse 1. Information First then doe we desire to have part in this Kingdome Are wee ambitious of a Crowne and that such a Crowne as is not a Inest imperio cura maxima maximo Salust ad Caes. Seleucus Rex dicere solebat si multi scirent quaÌ„tum â—it negotij tantuÌ„ modo toâ— epistolas scribâ—re ac legere nec humi projectum diodâ—mâ— tollerent AlphoÌ„sus Arag Rex Asâ—noruÌ„ condâ—tionem esse potâ—reÌ„ quam regum siquidem illis dum pascuntur dominos parcere regibus neminem Rex alius accepto in manus diademate O Pannâ—â— inquit nobiâ—eÌ„ magis quam foeliceÌ„ quem siquis penitus cognoscat quaÌ„ multis periculis sollicitudiâ—â—bus ac miserijs fit reâ—ertus ne humi quidem jacentem tollere dignetur Erasm. in Apophtâ— l. 6. 8. Legaâ—tur Dio Chrysost. de Rege Persarum Orat. 4. Sen Thyâ—st 3.1 3. Oedipâ—d 1.1 Agaâ—â—â— l. 2. Et Petraâ—ch Dialog 79. 96. Scitâ— itaque Iocasta in Theb. 4. Ne metue poenas quidem solvet graves Regnabit haec est poena environed with pricking Cares as if it were b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Markâ— 15.17 De quâ— Meditationem Serenissimi Iacobâ— Regis nostri confidas sis a Crowne of thornes or thistles but such a one as may câ—re and rid our heads of all carking care as hereafter we shall see Learne we here the way to it The Way to this Crowne to this Kingdome is by Righteousnesse Seeke yee saith our Saviour the Righteousnesse of God and that will bring you to the Kingdome of God For c Rom. 14.17 The Kingdome of God is Righteousnesse This Kingdome of God is not like the Kingdomes of this World that are d Scelere parte sâ—â—iere râ—tenta De quibus Sen. Theâ— 4. regna cuÌ„ scelere
Satyr Cras hoc fiet idem cras fiet Quid quasi magnum Nempe dieÌ„ dâ—nas Sed cum lux altera venit Iam cras â—esternum consumpsimus ecce aliud cras Egerit hos annos semper paulum erit ultra Pers. Sat. â— Itaque pulchrè Chrysost. ad Pop. Ant. 19. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we be not so for the present yet intend we and purpose one day to be such we hope to be so ere wee die when wee lye a dying at least As there is no wretched miser almost no miserable worldling no griping cormorant no filthy leacher no debauched hell-hound unlesse he be r Ierem. 2.25 desperately bent to destroy his soule and be wholly given up unto s Rom. 1.28 a reprobate sense to t Ephes. 4.19 a senselesse estate but will say that he meaneth yet one day to doe otherwise u Ier. 8.5 6. he goeth far they say that never turneth and he hopeth he shall have time enough so to do ere he die But they must follow the world or their own lusts first a while and then they will take time at last to looke after these things Subjection Member 3. Order To meet with this slight that Satan is wont to suggest therby to cheat men of their soules our Saviour here admonisheth us to seeke Gods Kingdome and his Righteousnesse not in the last but a Sive aliquid habes ò jam philosophare Sive nihil hoc prius qâ—aere quaÌ„ quidquaÌ„ Sen. ep 17 in the first place Spirituall things as they must be sought so they must be sought in the first place Observ. 4. b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nigrinus apud LucianuÌ„ They must bee sought instantly without longer delay c Ab hoc incipiendum est Nihil prius quam hoc paranduÌ„ est Quid tu differs post â—aetera paras Sen. epist. 17. they must be sought first d Prou. 4.5 7. before and above all other things Seeke ye first Gods Kingdome and his Righteousnesse saith our Saviour And e Prov. 8.17 He that seeketh me early saith Gods Wisdome by Salomon shall finde me Reasons 8. And great reason there is why it should so be Reason 1. For first f Merito poscit studia majora pars melior Eucâ—â—r ad Vaâ—â—r Prior pars 〈◊〉 Vt qu◠〈◊〉 prior est non â—it conâ—ideratione postâ—riâ—r Ibidem The better part justly claimeth the principall care and to be provided for in the first place Other things concerne our bodies these our soule and its wel-fare And as our Saviour saith g Matth. 6. â—5 Luke 12. â—â— The Bodie is better than raiment so h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Plut. cont Epic. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Idem de Tranq 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aristot. Polit. l. 7. c. 1. Nostri melior pars animê° est Sen. quaest Nat. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Greg. Naz. ad Cledon 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Idem de Nupt. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Post Euripid IdeÌ„ in Iâ—â— 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Idem Apolog. the Soule is better than the Bodie Besides that The Soule may doe well without the Body but the Bodie cannot doe well without the Soule Our i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrys. tom 8. ser. 17. Prâ—â—â— animi bona Iuâ—en Sat. 8. first and principall care therefore should be for our soule and those things that concerne it and for these therefore in the first place because they principally concerne it Secondly k Aeterna momentaneis praefâ—renâ—â—◠〈◊〉 Things eternall should be preferred before things temporall l 2 Cor. 4 1â— While we looke Reason 2. saith the Apostle not on the things that are seene but on the things that are not seene For the things that are seene are temporall but the things that are not seene are eternall And m Iohn 6.27 Labour saith our Saviour not for the meat that perisheth but for * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Plut. the meat that endureth unto life eternall But n 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Euripid. Mâ—â—talium mâ—rtalis est foelicitas Mortalâ— est omnâ— mortaliâ—m bonum Metrodorus dâ—â—is loquitâ—r boâ—â— ad quâ— concurritur Sen. epist. 98. all other things are temporall and transitorie o Certum est sempiterâ—â—mque virtuâ— bonâ—â— Hoc unum contingit immortale mortalibus Sen. epist. â—â— these only that our Saviour enciteth hereunto are eternall And what comparison then betweene the one and the other Thirdly p Supeâ—â—acâ—â— nâ—cessarijs posâ—ponendâ— sâ—nt Sen. epist. 49. 109. Things necessarie ought to be preferred to the first place Reason 3. But these are the only necessary things q Vnicum necâ—ssarium Luke 10.42 There is but one thing necessary saith our Saviour to Martha Which r Psal. 27.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chrysost. tom 8. Sâ—r. 17. one thing therefore only David desired and Paul made his s Phil. 3.12 13. maine aime counting all but as drosse and trash unto it to wit this Kingdome and the Righteousnesse of it The old Proverb here holdeth t Aut Caesar aut nullus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gregor Naz. in Pentecost Omnis homo aut est cum Christo regnaturus aut cuÌ„ diabolo cruciandus Aug. de Temp. 85. Either a King or a Caitiffe The greatest King in the world if he misse of this Kingdome is as miserable a wretch as may be Fourthly u Indignum est dare Deo quod dedignatur homo Hier. in Malac. 1. Grat. Decret Dist. 49. c. 3. It is a most unworthy thing to deale so with God Reason 4. as no man would endure to bee dealt with We will serve God forsooth but when when we are now good for nought When we have served our selves of the world and satisfied our owne lusts are glutted with the one and have surfetted of the other and are unfit and unable any longer to follow either x Postquam lapidosa cheragra Fregere articulos veteris ramalia fagi Pers. Sat. 5. Cum omnibus meÌ„bris extorti fracti ne in lectulo quidem queant nisi ab alijs moveri uti de Domitio Tullo Plin. epist. 18. lib. 8. when we are scarce able to turne our withered bodies and wearied bones in our bed then will wee offer and tender our service to God y Malac. 1.8 Non pudet te reliquias vitae tibi reservare id solum tempus bonae menti destinare quod in nullam rem conferri possit Sen. de Brev. Vit. c. 4. Offer it to thy Prince saith the Prophet and see if he will accept of it Yea make proffer of thy selfe then say I to any meane man And it is an unworthy usage of God for a man to offer that unto God that any man would thinke scorne of Fiftly a Non omnis â—â—as ad perdiscendum sat est Plaut Truc 1.1 Nullum non taÌ„ magnis reâ—ê° teÌ„pus aâ—gustuÌ„