CHRIST'S KINGDOM DISCOVERED: OR, That the true Church of God is in England, clearly made manifest against all Sectaries whatsoever. By john Traske. DAN. 12.10. None of the wicked shall understand; but the Wise shall understand. MAT. 11.19. Wisdom is justified of her Children. The second Edition. LONDON, Printed by Tho: Creed, and Bern: Alsop, for josias Harrison: and are to be sold in Pater noster-row, at the sign of the Golden Anchor. 1616. To all the blessed People of England, even all such as desire the peace of the Land, together with the flourishing of the Church, grace and peace be multiplied. Here is offered to your view some help to the reading of the holy Scriptures; the understanding of the Prophecies; but especially of the Estate of the Church, that so you may no longer be carried up and down with every wind of Doctrine. But as you have begun to attend upon the word preached in England, and to practise those other Duties public and private, our Church requireth; so it will be comfortable to your souls, and profitable to the Commonwealth, if you proceed, not turning to the right hand or to the left: Wherefore it is desired, that you would read it once over without taking notice of the quotations of Scripture; and having read once over, then try at the next reading whether the Scriptures be rightly used, for that they seem to be here placed: and know that the last Translation is followed, as that by the which the Writer hath often confessed, that he hath received more benefit, then by all the Expositors that ever he read. And thou art desired withal to esteem that translation highly, and make it one cause of hearty thanksgiving to GOD, who hath given, & continued to us a King that hath been a principal mover in such a great business; as also gifts unto Men, that so much light is sprung out by their means. Albeit thou shalt happily meet with some private Spirits that will be ready to censure sharply; that, by the which the Church of GOD, will (certainly) at length reap great benefit. And so desiring thy fervent prayers for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom, I rest yet a while. Mar. 2. 1615. CHRIST'S Kingdom discovered: by three things. 1. The Enquirie this in; three. 1. What it is? in two. 1. The titles: these four 1. Kingdom of God: this only referred to both estates. 1. To this Life. 2. To that to come. 2. Kingdom of Heaven. 3. Son of man's Kingdom 4. Kingdom of CHRIST. 2. the things: these seven. 1. A KING. 2. A SCEPTRE. 3. laws. 4. AMBASSADORS. 5. SUBJECTS. 6. OFFICERS. 7. ARMOUR. 2 Where it is? in two. 1. on Earth, n t in heaven In this life, not that to come: 2: In what place? this by three 1. It is not tied to any one Kingdom or People. 2. It is above that Kingdom where it is. 3. Wheresoever the Saints are, there it is. When it began? in two 〈…〉 1. It hath been ever open to Believers. 〈…〉 full not a●● CHRIST'S Kingdom Discovered. THere are two principal Ends, at which the whole Scripture aims. The first is, Rom. 11.36. Deut. 29.29. God's Glory. Rom. 11.36. The second, our Good. Deuteronom: 29.29. Concerning this latter: Two things are observable. First, our estate in this life: Secondly, when this life is ended. About our estate here; There is one thing necessary. Luc: 10.42. Luk. 10.42. And about this necessary thing, three necessary Circumstances: First, that it is to be sought, or inquired after. Secondly, being found, to be seized on, or entered into. Thirdly, being enjoyed as our own, we must be careful of the use thereof; that we be not again deprived of it. This one necessary thing; is Christ's Kingdom. This is that, which must be inquired for; or sought out: being Found, must be seized on, or entered into: and having found, and entered; Diligence must be daily used to make a greater Entrance, and continually to walk worthy of such a glorious estate. That it must be sought, is plain: where it is written, Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, Math. 6.33. Lu. 12.13. Matth. 7.13. and his Righteousness, Math: 6.33. Luk. 12.31. That it must be entered into, is plain: where it is written, Enter in at the strait gate, Matth: 7.13. And, Except your Righteousness exceed the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye can in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Ma. 5.20 Mat. 5.20. That we are to Walk worthy of this estate; and daily to make a greater entrance into this Kingdom: is plain also in that charge which the Apostle had given to the Thessalonians: That they would walk worthy of GOD, 1. Thess. 2.12. who had called them to his Kingdom and Glory. 1. Thessaly: 2.12. And where it is also written, Give all diligence, add to your Faith, Virtue; and to your Virtue, Knowledge; and to Knowledge, Temperance; and to Temperance, Patience: and to Patience, Godlineso; & to godliness, brotherly kindness; & to brotherly kindness, love; For if ye do these things, ye shall never fall; For an Entrance shallbe ministered unto you abundantly, into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour jesus Christ. 2. Pet. 1.5.6. 2. Pet. 1. 5 6.7.10.11. 7.10.11. Now that seeking, we may find: it shallbe showed: First, what this kingdom is. Secondly, where it is. Thirdly, when it might properly be said to begin. And first, what it is; It is that Spiritual Government, which God the Father is said to give unto the Son, and which the Son is said to desire of the Father: which also both the Father and the Son do order by the Spirit: Not that one of them is before, or after other; That one is greater or less than other in this Administration; but that all three are Equal, and as one do order this great business. Even that Kingdom which the Son shall again at the end deliver up unto his Father. As it is written, Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion, I will declare the Decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the Heathen for thine Inheritance, & the uttermost parts of the Earth, for thy Possession; Psalm. 2.6.7.8. And Peter writeth thus, We have not followed cunningly devised fables, Psal. 2.6.7.8. when we made known unto you, the power and coming of our Lord jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his Majesty. For he received from God the Father, honour and Glory, when there came such a voice to him, from the excellent glory. 2. Pet. 1.16.17. 2. Pet. 1.16.17. Also Paul writeth thus: Christ the first fruits, afterward, they that are Christ's at his coming. Then the End, when he shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father. 1. Cor. 15.23.24. 1. Cor. 15 23.24 Thus you see it is manifest; That the Son desireth, God the Father giveth, according to his desire; and at the end shall again deliver up this which he hath received, to God the Father, and then GOD shall be all in all. This Kingdom is sometimes termed the Church of the Living 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 City of the Living God; the New jerusalem: Hebr: 12.23. Sometimes the Tabernacle of God. Psalm: 15.1. Eze: 37.27. Revel: 21.3. Albeit neither of these do so fully and clearly discover this great Mystery: as this Title Kingdom. Yet herein God is to be praised, in that he vouchsafeth so to descend to our Capacity, as to use all these: that they which cannot conceive it by one, may understand it by an other. As those that know but a Tabernacle or Tent, may thereby be helped, to the apprehension of it; Those that are not acquainted with a Tent, knowing a House, may yet conceive it: Such as know Tents and Houses, yea Cities, may more fully see it: And such as know a Kingdom, may be led (as it were by the hand) to the view of every part thereof. Thus, God hath proffered the view thereof to all: To Kings, discovering it by a Kingdom, Dan. 2.44. To Citizens, by the view of a City. Psal. 48.1.2. To Householders, by comparing it to a House. 1. Pet. 2.5. To Soldiers, by using 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 Husbandmen, Math. 13.24. Fishers. Math: 13.47. Women. Matth. 13.33. Virgins. Matth. 25.1. Servants, Matt. 25.14. To All; Matth. 22.1. That so, some of all sorts might receive it: And all, be they what they will that refuse, might be void of all Excuse. That now we may be yet more acquainted with it, let us consider of the Titles and the Parts thereof. The Titles are most usually four: The first, is the Kingdom of GOD: the second, the Kingdom of Heaven: the third, the Son of Man's Kingdom: the fourth, the Kingdom of CHRIST: The first, doth indifferently concern the estate we do here enjoy, with that hereafter. The estate hereafter, where it is written, Flesh and Blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, neither doth corruption, inherit incorruption. 1. Corinth. 15.50. 1. Cor: 15.50. The other three concern the Church, here in this life: and either of them, may be used indifferently, as may be made manifest, by comparing them together; As where it is written, That a Ritch-man can hardly enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; Mat: 19.23. Matt. 19.23. And in the next verse, speaking of the same thing, we find it thus; It is easier for a Camel, to go through the eye of a needle, then for a Ritch-man to enter into the Kingdom of God; Math. 19.24. Matt. 19.24. Where we find the Kingdom of Heaven, or of God, used indifferently. So we may also see of the rest: As where it is thus written, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of Death, till they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom. Matth. 16.28. Matt. 16.28. There it is termed, the Son of man's Kingdom: or more plainly, the Kingdom of Christ. And speaking again of the same thing, in another place, it is thus written, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of Death, till they see the Kingdom of God: Mar: 9.1 Lu. 9.27. Mark. 9.1. Luke. 9.27. Thus these three, may be used indifferently one for another; yea, all the four Titles. Yea, and the first doth concern most the estate of the Church in this life, and is so always to be understood, where there is no manifest difference in the same Scripture. Now the Title, which doth most fully and clearly set forth this great mystery; 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. Revel. 11.15. 2. Pet. 1.11. Termed the Kingdom of God: because CHRIST is GOD; And the Kingdom of the Son of man, because he also is MAN: And the Kingdom of Heaven; to show that he received his government from Heaven. But not so much desirous to show the reasons of Titles, as the truth of things: I have only thus briefly touched these, as some help to the understanding of the Scriptures; wherein these terms or Titles are often found. Now of the things, of which principally this Kingdom consisteth; and these are seven, which shall be touched also briefly: And first, 1. King. As in other Kingdoms, or Kingdoms of this World, there are Kings, from which they properly are termed Kingdoms: So here is a glorious King, and blessed Prince: even that Rod, out of the stem of jesse; and that Branch out of his roots. That man whose name is, The Branch, The Lord our Righteousness, Christ jesus: As it is written, Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion: And in another place, Rejoice greatly, o Daughter Zion, shout o Daughter Jerusalem; behold thy King cometh unto thee, he is just, and having salvation: lowly, and riding upon an Ass, and upon a Colt, the Foal of an Ass. Is. 62.11. Zach. 9.9. Is. 62.11. Zach. 9.9. Thus did Christ, as we read in the Gospel, Mat. 21.7.8. Mar. 11.2. Io. 12.15. Mat. 21.7.8. Mar. 11.2. Io. 12.15. where they are said to cry Hosanna, to the Son of David: blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord. And Paul speaking expressly of Christ, apply that of the Prophet Isaiah to him thus; There shall be a root of jesse, and him that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in him shall the Gentiles trust. Rom. 15.12. 2. Sceptre And thus you have the King. Secondly, as in other Kingdoms there are Sceptres, to which Subjects must stoop; and to which such as stoop not are yet Rebels: So here is a Sceptre in the hand of Christ, by which men are known that yield true Subjection. And this Sceptre is the righteousness of Faith. By this he rules his Subjects; as Paul confesseth, where it is thus written; I count all things but loss for the Excellency of the Knowledge of jesus Christ my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung that I might win Christ: and be found in him, not having mine own Righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the Faith of Christ; the Righteousness which is of God by Faith. That I might know him, and the power of his Resurrection, and the fellowship 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 Psalm: Thy Throne o God is for ever, the Sceptre of thy Kingdom is a right Sceptre. Applied by the same Spirit to Christ: But unto the Son he said, Thy Throne o God is for ever and ever, the Sceptre of Righteousness is the Sceptre of thy Kingdom. And so you have the Sceptre. Thirdly, 3. Laws. in Kingdoms of this World there are Laws & Ordinances: So also in this; there are Laws that are perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true, righteous, desirable, and most sweet, Psa. 19.7, 8.9, 10. Yea, Psal. 19.7, 8, 9, 10. here are Laws, Statutes, and judgements: Even, All Scripture given by inspiration of God; and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Tim. 3.16. 2 Tim. 3.16. This was Prophesied of, where it is written, Remember ye the Law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb, for all Israel; with the Statutes, and judgements: Mal. 4.4. Mal. 4.4. These are the Laws of this Kingdom; to which whosoever shall add, he is accussed of GOD: Deut. 4.2. the 12.32. Deut. 4.2. & 12.13. And from which, whosoever shall take away, God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life: Reu. 22. Revel. 22.18.19. 18, 19 For, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one Title shall in no wise pass from the Law, Mat. 5.18. 4. Ambassadors till all be fulfilled: Mat. 5.18. In Earthly Kingdoms there are also Ambassadors, whom the Kings send; and being so sent, they represent their own Persons: either in calling in Rebels, or by treating with Enemies, to proclaim War, or to offer conditions of Peace unto them: So in this Kingdom, there are Ambassadors, which are termed Preachers, Rom. 10.14. Ministers, 1 Cor. 3.5. Stewards, 1 Cor. 4.1. And the Prophets making use of their own words, have termed them Priests and Levites, Is. 66. 2●. or saviours, Obad. 21. Gladtidings bringers, Is. 52.7: and the like: As it is written; Behold upon the Mountains the feet of him that bringeth good Tidings, Nah. 1.15. And Paul useth the words of Isaiah, and of Nahum, where it is thus written: How beautiful are the Feet of them that preach the Gospel of Peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Rom. 10.15. Rom. 10.15. And one of the Prophets hath it thus; saviours shall come upon Mount Zion, to judge the Mount of Esau, and the Kingdom 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 us: we pray you in Christ's stead, 2 Cor. 5.20. 5. Subjects. be ye reconciled to God: 2 Cor. 5.20. As in other Kingdoms there is a King, Laws, a Sceptre, and Ambassadors; so there are also Subjects, men of all sorts and ages: So in this Kingdom there are also Subjects, which are the Saints, holy Men and Women, pure, clean, undefiled, and harmless ones. As it is written; Thy people shall be all righteous: Is. 60.21. And in another place; Is. 60.21. Look upon Zion, the City of our solemnities, thine eyes shall see jerusalem a quiet habitation. And the Inhabitants shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwelled therein shall be forgiven their iniquity: Is. 33.20.24. Is. 33.20.24. Again, Who shall ascend into the Hill of the Lord? And, Who shall stand in his holy Place? The answer is; He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart, who hath not lift up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully: Psal. 24.3.4. And in another place: Psal. 24.3.4. Who shall dwell with the devouring Fire? Who shall dwell with everlasting burnings? Is. 33.14. Is. 33.14. The answer is, He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, and shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil, Ver. 15.16 he shall dwell on high; Ver. 15.16. Again, The Saints of the most high shall take the Kingdom, and shall possess the Kingdom for ever and ever: Dan. 7.18 Dan. 7.18. Also, This ye know, that no Whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an Idolater, hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ: Eph. 5.5. Eph. 5.5. And in another place, Be not deceived; neither Fornicators, nor Idolaters, nor Adulterers, nor Effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor Covetous, nor Drunkards, nor Revilers, nor Extortioners, shall inherit the Kingdom of God: And of this sort were every one of you, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the Name of the Lord jesus, and by the spirit of our God: 1 Cor. 6.9, 10, 11. 1 Cor, 6.9, 10, 11. And once again the same Apostle gives thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in Light: And (being so made meet by repentance) hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son: Col. 1.12, 13. And it is plain, Col. 1.12.13. that there shall in no wise enter in (to the new jerusalem) any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination: Revel. 21.27. Revel. 22.14. Revel. 21.27. But they that do Gods commandments, Revel. 22.14. That is, Do truly believe in Christ: such only have right to the Tree of Life. And they alone may enter through the gates into the City: Mat. 7.21.22. Mat. 7.21.22. Thus than the Subjects of this Kingdom are none but Saints; holy, clean, pure, and undefiled ones: such as are first washed, sanctified, and justified: that is, Made meet by the washing of Regeneration, & the renewing of the holy Ghost, to be made heirs, and so to receive their Inheritance amongst the Saints in Light: Tit. 3.5.7. Tit. 3.5.7. 6. Officers. Besides the King, Sceptre, Laws, Ambassadors, & Subjects, 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 have Peace: Yea, all the Subjects of this Kingdom are Peacemakers: as it is written; Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God. Mat. 5.9. They, and none but they: Mat. 5.9. And it is written, That a little Child shall lead Christ's Subjects. Is. 11.6. Is. 11.6. The humblest shall bear greatest sway there: as it is written, Whosoever shall humble himself as a little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven; Mat. 18.4. Mat. 18.4. Is. 66.12. 7. Weapons. Yea, God hath promised, To extend Peace like a River to those that dwell in Zion. Is. 66.12. Lastly, in a Kingdom of this world there are Weapons, with which the Subjects do fight: So here are Weapons also, yea complete Armour, with which these Subjects do also fight: as it is written; The Weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong Holds: 2 Cor. 10.4. 2 Cor. 10.4. Eph. 6.11 Ver. 12. Ver. 13. And again, Put on the whole Armour of God, and stand, having your loins girt about with Truth; and having on the Breastplate of Righteousness; and your feet shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace: above all things, taking the Shield of Faith, Ver. 14. Ver. 15. Ver. 16. Ver. 17. Ver. 18. the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: praying always, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit: Eph. 6.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. This is the Armour of righteousness, which the Saints have on the right hand, and on the left: 2 Cor. 6.7. 2 Cor. 6.7. Only the sober children of the day do put on the Breastplate of Faith and Love, and for an helmet, the hope of salvation: 1 Thes. 5.8. 1 The. 5.8. Thus you have, as the titles, so also the principal things of which this Kingdom consisteth: As of a King, a Sceptre, Laws, Ambassadors, Subjects, Officers, Weapons: And having this briefly seen what it is; it followeth, to be showed where it is: According to that question of the Disciples; Where Lord? Luk. 17.37. Luk. 17.37. Here shall be observed first, Whether on earth, or, in heaven? that is, in this life, or, that to come? Secondly, seeing it is on Earth, where it is to be found? For the first, it is affirmed before, and shall be confirmed by testimonies now, that this Kingdom is on Earth: for so it is written; In the days of these Kings shall the God of heaven set up a Kingdom which shall never be destroyed: Dan. 2.44. Dan. 2.44. And in another place, Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance: and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession; Ps. 2.8. Ps. 2.8. Also, it is written, We are come to mount Zion: and, we receiving a Kingdom: Heb. 12.22.28. Also, it is termed, Dan. 7.27. The Kingdom under heaven: Dan. 7.27. And in the Psalms, Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the City of our God, in the mountain of his Holiness, beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth is Mount Zion: Ps. 48.1.2. Ps. 48.1.2. Yea, it is said in the same Psalm, That Kings shall see the glory of this Church, or Kingdom; and that with fear & amazement: Ver. 4.5. ver. 4.5. Out of all this we may gather many forcible Arguments, to prove this truth; that this Kingdom, City, House, or Tabernacle, is in this life: as you have before in the Scriptures scited to that purpose in these words; It shallbe in the days of Kings of this world: also, It shall stretch to the uttermost parts of the earth: also, We are come to it; not, we shall; but, we are: and, we receiving a Kingdom: not, Seeing we shall receive a Kingdom; but, Seeing we do receive: also, in the same Scripture, we are willed to hold it fast: now there is no need of such an exhortation, if it were of the life to come, as all will easily grant. Further, It is the joy of the whole earth. And Kings shall behold it, & pass by with fear & 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. even those places which they most abuse to the contrary, do yield many plain arguments to every impartial Reader: as, Isai. 65.17. the 66. Reu. 21. and 22. and such like. And let this be observed, that where the holy Ghost speaketh any where of the life to come, it is always in very short speeches, or brief sentences: as for example: Fullness of joy; pleasures at Gods right hand for evermore. Ps. 16.11. We shallbe as the Angels in heaven, Mat. 22 30. We shall shine as the sun for ever in the Kingdom of our Father, Mat. 13.43. We shall have everlasting life. (a) Mat. 19.29. Mar. 10.30. Where Christ is, we shall also be. (b) Io. 14.3. We shall behold his glory. (c) Io. 17.24. 2 Cor. 4.17. We shall have a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory: 2. Cor. 4.17. We shall appear with Christ in glory: Col. 3.4. 1 Thes. 4.17. Col. 3.4. We shall be ever with the Lord: 1 Thes. 4.17. It is an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, that fadeth not away, 1 Pet. 1.4 reserved in heaven for us: 1 Pet. 1.4. When he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is: 1 Io. 3.2. 2 Tim. 4.8. Revel. 2.10. Mat. 5.12. 1. Io. 3.2. We shall have a Crown of righteousness: 2 Tim. 4.8. A Crown of life: Revel. 2.10. A great reward in heaven: Mat. 5.12. These, or such like are all those phrases which are used in the Scriptures, to set forth the life to come unto us: and that blessed condition there reserved for us. The Reason hereof might be, either the impossibility, in regard of the straightness of our bowels, 2 Cor. 6.12, 13. to conceive of that blessedness: 2. Cor. 6.12, 13. Or as we speak, our shallow capacity in the comprehension of such an excellent mystery: but it is indeed the eternal purpose of God in hiding these things (as secrets) from us till the Last day: as these Scriptures following may witness: That of Paul, where it is written, That being caught up into the third heaven, he heard unspeakable words, which is not lawful for a man to utter: 2 Cor. 12.2.4. 2 Cor. 12.2.4. Also, Now we are the sons of God: and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: 1 Io. 3.2. And it is also written, 1 Io. 3.2. That this incorruptible and undefiled inheritance is reserved for us in heaven, and ready to be revealed in the last time: 1 Pet. 1.4.5. 1 Pet. 1.4, 5. So that this may be a manifest note, either short, or more large speeches, to help us to conceive of the difference between things of this life, and that which is to come. Things of this life are always spoken in express phrases, that we may conceive, because we are to speak of them again to others: As it is written; Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him: but God hath revealed them to us by his Spirit: Which things we also speak: 1 Cor. 2.9, 10, 13. 1 Cor. 2.9, 10, 13. And yet further we may observe by certain phrases & usual speeches, that the holy Ghost hath put a difference between our estate here, and hereafter: for speaking of our estate here, he speaks of coming to us, and sending to us, and such like. But speaking any where of the life to come, he speaketh of fetching us to him, and the like. This is not to be 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 glory of the Lord is risen upon thee: and, The Lord shall arise upon thee: Is. 60.1.2. Is. 60.1.2. Yea, that whole Chapter is full of strong reasons to enforce it to be understood of the estate here. Also, where it is written, For behold I create new heavens, and a new earth, and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind: But be you glad, and rejoice for ever, which I recreate: for behold, I recreate jerusalem a Rejoicing, and her people a joy.. Here the holy Ghost expoundeth the New Heavens, and the New Earth; to be meant of the New jerusalem, and the people thereof: Even that new worship which is now amongst the Saints: and the new worshippers which have been, are, and shall be on the earth; as is plain in the verse next before, to the which these are added, as a further Illustration. In that verse it is written; That he who blesseth himself in the earth, shall bless himself in the God of Truth: and he that sweareth in the Earth, shall swear by the God of Truth: and then is added, For behold: as before; Is. 65.16, 17, 18. Is. 65.16, 17, 18. So in that of the Revelation, to omit other places, it is written, That john saw a new Heaven, and a new Earth: And he saw the holy City, new jerusalem, come down from God out of heaven; prepared as a Bride, adorned for her Husband: And heard a voice out of Heaven, saying; Behold the Tabernacle of GOD is with Men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and GOD himself shall be with them, and be their GOD: Reu. 21.1, 2, 3. Revel. 21.1, 2, 3. But clean contrary to these, are the Speeches which are used for the state after this life: as, where it is written; Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the Foundation of the World: Mat. 25.34. Mat. 25.34. And again, And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into eternal life: Mat. 25.46. Mat. 25.46. Also, the request of the Thief upon the Cross, Lord remember me when thou comest into thy Kingdom. And our saviours loving answer; To day thou shalt be with me in Paradise: Luk. 23.42,43. Luk. 23.42.43. Also, I go to prepare a Place for you: and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself, that where I am, there may ye be also: Io. 14.2.3 Io. 14.2.3. And again, in Christ's most comfortable Prayer we find it thus written; Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me: Io. 17.24. Io. 17.24. Also our saviours speech to Mary Magdalen; Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father: But go to my Brethren, and say unto them; I ascend to my Father, and your Father; and to my God, Io. 20.17. and your God: Io. 20.17. To this we add that which the Apostle mentioneth; That we which are alive, and remain (at the last day) shall be caught up, together with those that were dead in Christ. The words ate these: The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, & with the Trump of God? and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; 1 Thes. 4.16.17. and so we shall be ever with the Lord: 1 Thes. 4.16, 17. Out of all this may be easily gathered, that our blessedness is not to be enjoyed here on earth (as some would have it, the Creature being purged by fire) but it is above, even there, where Enoch is; of whom it is said, That God took him: Gen. 5.24. Gen. 5.24. And the Apostle saith, That he was translated, that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him. Heb. 11.5. Also we read of Eliah, Heb. 11.5. That the Lord took him up into heaven by a Whirlwind, 2 King. 1.11.16.17. Mar. 6. last. Luk. 24.51. Act. 1.9, 10, 11. and he was diligently searched for by fifty strong men, but not found: 2 King. 2.1.11.16.17. Add to this our blessed Redeemers Ascension into Heaven, in the presence of many: Mark. 16. vlt. Luk. 24.51. Act. 1.9, 10, 11. Besides Stephen's glorious vision, where it is recorded, That being full of the holy Ghost, he looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and jesus standing on the right hand of God; Act. 7.55, 56. Act. 7.55.56. Thus by the apposition of these Scriptures, the exposition is clear, without further labour. They being always as different as light and darkness to all that are not obstinate and wilfully Ignorant. The first speaking always of earthly, the latter of heavenly things. The first, of coming to us, and being with us: the latter, of fetching us to him: as you see by express Scriptures, & plain examples, which it is not possible to overthrow; no not Satan himself with all his wiles, and deepness, is never able to deny or turn upside down: Is. 29.16. Is. 29.16. This then being clear and manifest, that this Kingdom, City, House, Tabernacle, or Church, that hath such glorious things ascribed, and so many precious promises made unto it, is here, even in this life. In the next place it must be showed in what place of the Earth it is to be found: Here shall be observed three things: First, that it is tied too, or bounded within no one Nation, or Kingdom in the World. Secondly, that wheresoever it is found in any Kingdom, it is above that Kingdom or Nation. Thirdly, where the Saints are, there it is. For the first, That it is tied too, or bounded within no Nation or Kingdom, it is plain by that it is written: And the Kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces, and consume all these Kingdoms: Dan. 2.44. And again, Dan. 2.44 His Dominion shall be from Sea even to Sea; and from the River even to the ends of the earth. Zac. 9.10. And it is also written, that as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, Matt. 24.27. Luk. 17.24. shineth to the other part under heaven: So shall also the Son of Man be in his Day. That is, (as it is most plain, if ye consider the former words, and upon what occasion this similitude is used) Christ's Kingdom, is not here, and no where else; nor there, & no where else; as false Prophets would have it: but it shall be in divers parts of the earth, at one and the same time, in one and the same manner: Even as lightning doth disprerse itself, and show itself alike in divers places, at one and the same instant. And thus this point is plain, that it is not bounded within any Nation, or limited unto any one People or Kingdom. So that no man can say it is in this Company, and no where else, as divers false Prophets have assumed, and dared to maintain; and yet at this day do not stick constantly to affirm, contrary to that, where it is written; The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation, or outward show; neither shall men say, Luk. 17.20. Lo here, or, lo there: Luk. 17.20. Now that it is above every Nation, and Kingdom where it is: according to that blessing to the obedient; He shall be above only, Deut. 28.13. Is. 49.23. and not beneath: Deut. 18.13. This is plain by the excellent and glorious situation thereof: as it is written, Then the Moon shall be confounded, and the Sun ashamed, when the Lord of Hosts shall reign in Mount Zion, and in jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously: Is. 24.23. Is. 24.23. And again, saviours shall come upon Mount Zion, to judge the Mount of Esau; and the Kingdom shall be the Lords: Obad. 21. Obad. Ver. 21. Also, It shall come to pass in the last days, that the Mountains of the Lords House shall be established in the top of the Mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all Nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say; Come ye, & let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of jacob, & he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths. For out of Zion stall go forth the Law, Is. 2.2.3. and the word of the Lord from jerusalem: Is. 2.2, 3. This Mountain was prefigured by that into which Moses ascended: Exo. 19 and 24. Exod. 19 and 24. And that, that Mountain was a figure of this we now enjoy, is manifest by that, where it is written; The Hill of God is an high Hill: why leap ye, ye high Hills? this is the Hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea the Lord will dwell in it for ever. The Chariots of God, are twenty thousand thousands of Angels; the Lord among them, as in Sinai in the holy place: Ps. 68.15 16, 17, 18 Ps. 68.15, 16, 17, 18. Also, Who shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who shall dwell with everlasting burnings? The answer is, He that walketh righteously, he shall dwell on high, his place of defence shall be the munition of Rocks: Even on high, on that Mountain, Is. 33.14.15, 16. Exo. 24.16, 17. where the sight of the Lord is like devouring fire. Is. 33.14, 15, 16. Exod. 24.16, 17. Add to this; We are not come to the Mount that might be touched: But we are come to Mount Zion, to the City of the living God; and we receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved, let us hold fast: For our God is a consuming fire: Heb. 12.18, 22, 28, 29. Heb. 12.18, 22, 28, 29. This was yet further made manifest by that Mountain where Christ's most glorious Transfiguration was seen by Peter, james, and john, where he talked with Moses and Elias; at what Time his Face did shine as the Sun, and his Raiment was as white as the light; yea, exceeding white, and shining so as no Fuller on earth could white them: at what time also, a bright Cloud overshadowed; and a voice out of the Cloud was heard, which said, Mat. 17.1. Mar. 9.2. Luk. 9.28 This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him: Mat. 17.1. Mar. 9.2. Luk. 9.28. This is again remembered, where it is thus written: We have not followed cungingly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of the Lord jesus Christ; but were eye-witnesses of his Majesty; For he received from God the Father, honour and glory, when there came such a voice unto him from that excellent Glory: This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven, we heard when we were with him in the holy Mount: 2 Pet. 1.16, 17, 18 2 Pet. 1.16, 17, 18. This Scripture doth notably prove this point, and clear the Transfiguration to be a representation of the glorious estate of the Church here, not hereafter: And that by this especial circumstance; That he received from GOD the Father, honour, and glory, from that excellent Glory. Now what he received, he must at the last redeliver; as hath been before proved: for he is said to receive it only for the finishing of the great work of Man's Redemption: which when it is accomplished, Then cometh the End: when he shall deliver up the Kingdom which he hath received, to God, even the Father; that God may be all in all. And observe further, that Peter had before preached of this glorious Kingdom of Christ; and he useth this but for the confirmation of the Faith of those to whom he had preached, in that he was with others an eye and earwitness (as we speak) of the excellent estate, prefigured in that notable and glorious Transfiguration: for he both saw his glory, which he received from that excellent glory; and also he heard the voice that pronounced him that blessed One, or, that King, Priest, and Prophet, which was Prophesied of long before; that such a Prophet should be raised up, and such a King should be set upon Mount 〈◊〉; yea, such a Priest should Offer a Sacrifice that should justify many: Is. 53.10.11. Is. 53.10, 11. even as many as were ordained to eternal life: as it is written, The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet, from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me, unto him shall ye hearken: According to all that thou desirest of the Lord thy God in Horeb, in the Day of the Assembly, saying; Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not: Deut. 18.15. Deut. 18.15. Here is his Prophetical, Kingly, and Priestly Office, prophesied of clearly: as it is applied by Peter in that excellent Sermon of his, where we find it thus written: Having spoken before expressly of jesus Christ, he addeth these words: For Moses truly said unto the Fathers: A Prophet shall the Lord your GOD raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul which will not hear that Prophet shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the Prophets from Samuel, and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days: Act. 3.22, 23, 24. Also, Act. 3.22, 23, 24. to conclude this point; the very words of the voice do plainly note unto us these three; where it is written, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him. This is my beloved Son: There is his right of being King, in whom I am well pleased. That notes his Priesthood; Hear ye him. This doth manifest him to be that Prophet, which God hath raised up. This Argument is fully handled, and notably discovered in that most excellent Epistle to the Hebrews. And thus it is manifest, that it is not tied too, or bounded within any Nation or Kingdom of this World: but it is in divers of them, at one, and the same time; in one, and the same manner. And wheresoever it is, it hath the pre-eminence, or is above that Kingdom or Nation; as is plain by the Scriptures which are mentioned before, which Scriptures also you see do concern the Estate of the Church here, as hath been also proved: So that it is situate upon a glorious holy Mountain, upon an exceeding high Hill; which is above all earthly Mountains, all earthly Hills. Now followeth to be showed how we may certainly, or infalliblely know where this Mountain, and so consequently this House, Tabernacle, Church, City, or Kingdom is? For full satisfaction in this, let us call to mind the Disciples question, before spoken of; & the answer to the same, by him that could best satisfy the doubtful in a point of so great weight. The question was moved upon occasion of a large speech, which our Saviour had made concerning this Kingdom. Luk. 17.37. And the words of the question are these; Where Lord? As if they should have said: Thou hast spoken often & largely of a Kingdom: & now thou hast also showed, 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 find it? Mat. 24.28. Luk. 17.37. The answer is; Wheresoever the Carkeise or body is, there, or thither will the Eagles be gathered together. As if he should have said in more words thus: Would you know where my Kingdom is? or where it may be found? Answer your selves by your own experience: Did you ever see Eagles gathered together, without a dead body or carkeise? If no, then may you also conclude▪ that wheresoever true Believers are, there is Christ's Kingdom. According to that where it is written, Wheresoever 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 Kingdom: there is the Church: the City: the House: the Tabernacle, which I have set up: Even there wheresoever two or three are gathered or joined together in the same mind, walking in the same way, confessing the same things, doing the same duties which I have commanded. There, and and no where else is my Kingdom; with them, and none but such as they are do I familiarly converse: This, and none but this is my house. This is that Spiritual Tabernacle, not made with hands: there is that City of which so glorious things are spoken. For, as it is natural for Eagles to cease or pray on dead bodies: So it is as natural for believers to cease or pray on Christ's Body: and as nothing will draw Eagles together, but a Carkeise: So there is nothing will knit men together in true friendship, and familiarity, but the Spirit of Christ. The Truth of this most apt and excellent Similitude might be showed out of many Scriptures: but let this be carefully observed: That by the Body or Carkeise is lively represented unto us, the crucified flesh of Christ, and his blood powered out: on which believers do only feed. This is done in the true preaching of the Word, and the right administration of the Lords Supper. Both these are plain where it is written; O ye foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified amongst you? Gal. 3.1. Again, Gal. 3.1. 1 Cor. 1.23. We 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 bless, is it not the Communion of the blood of Christ? The Bread which we break, is it not the Communion of the Body 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 use of the Lords Supper. To both these add that, where it is written; Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you: Io. 6.53. Io. 6.35. Thus having done with the Body or Carkeise. That the Eagles also do notably represent Believers, is plain by many things, wherein the holy Ghost hath made the Comparison. In the first place, Eagles do mount on high; as God saith to job: job. 39.27. Doth the Eagle mount up at thy command, & make her nest on high? So likewise Believers are said to mount up with wings: Is. 40.31. as it is written; They shall mount up with wings as Eagles. Secondly, Eagles do dwell & abide on the Rock and strong Place: job. 39.28. job. 39.28. So believers are said to dwell on high, even on strong defenced Rocks: as it is written; He that walketh righteously, & speaketh uprightly; 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 Believers renew their strength: as is written; They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: Isa. 40.31. Is. 40.31. job. 39.29. Fourthly, Eagles do see a far off: job. 39.29. So believers are said to see a far off: as it is written: Where there is mention made of many believers: it is concluded thus of them: These all died in Faith, not having received the Promises; Heb. 11.13. job. 39.30 but having seen them a far off, and were persuaded of them. Fifthly, Eagles do suck up blood: job. 39.30. So Believers, as it is written. Who so eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life: and I will raise him up at the last day: Io. 6.54. Lastly, Io. 6.54. where the slain are, or where the carcase or dead body is, there is he: job. 39.30 job. 39.30. So believers are ever with Christ: for it is only the Spirit of Christ that brings them together, or doth cherish them asunder. Thus you have briefly seen the truth of this apt and most excellent Similitude, how lively and plainly it discovereth this great mystery; which shallbe thus summed, & so concluded; Eagles mount on high: Believers do the like. Eagles make their nests on safe places: Believers are also safe. Eagles renew their youth: Believers do renew their strength. Eagles see a far off: Believers do no less. Eagles suck up blood: Believers do the same. Eagles are never gathered without a carcase: nor Believers without the Spirit of Christ. But it may be, some of my Countrymen may say; How shall we know it to be in England? Let such answer themselves by this: It is proved, that where believers are, there it is: Now if thou then be a Believer, and dost know another as well as thyself, thou mayst then safely conclude, that it is in England. And if thou say further, How shall I know others? I answer, Labour first to be certain of thine own blessedness; Get assurance that thou thyself 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 ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me: Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the Faith, prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust ye shall know that we are not reprobates: 2 Cor. 13. 2 Cor. 13.3, 5, 6. 3, 5, 6. As if he should have said, The only way to know that We, (that is, the true Ministers of Christ) are in Christ, is, by the knowledge of yourselves to be in Christ: Mat. 7.2, 3, 4, 5. 1 Cor. 2. ●5, 16. Giving us to understand thereby, that none can truly know a Child of God, but he that is in truth the Child of God himself: Mat. 7.2, 3, 4, 5. 1 Cor. 2.15, 16. But some may say further; I hear one cry out for want of Discipline; others for Order; some for Christ's Officers: one saith, Here is Christ; another, There is Christ: Let such an one again satisfy himself, that Christ hath made it a mark of a Seducing spirit, to draw Disciples after him. Now we have learned to have respect to all God's commandments, 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 careful to press upon us his Redeemed once: where he saith, If any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there, believe it not: for there shall arise false Christ's, and false Prophets, and shall show great signs & wonders, insomuch that if it were possible, they will deceive the very Elect: Mat. 24.24. Mat. 24.24. This is again repeated, to note the certain and necessary use of such advise: Behold, I have told you before; wherefore if any shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the Desert, go not forth: Behold, he is in the secret chambers, believe it not: Ver. 25.26. Ver. 25.26. And the holy Ghost warneth us of times, wherein some shall give heed to seducing spirits: 1 Tim. 4.1. 1 Tim. 4.1. As also, That there shall be false Teachers (even among the Saints) That shall privily bring in damnable Heresies: And many shall follow their Pernicious ways; by reason of whom, the way of truth shallbe evil spoken of. And through Covetousness, they shall with feighned words make merchandise of the Saints: 2 Pet. 2.1, 2, 3. 2 Pet. 2.1, 2, 3. And we are willed, nay, commanded, not to beletue every 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 believer, abide in thy Place; and be not drawn to any such Places, Companies, or Constitutions: but attend upon the Word, and draw others thereunto; that as others have been examples to thee; so thou mayst also be to others. Labour for the Peace of the Land, City, or Place, where thou dwellest, jer. 29.7. and dost live: jer. 29.7. Get thine own soul within the compass of Christ's Discipline, and thine own Family into order. And know, that if thou must needs grant that the Church of God is in England; thou must also of necessity grant that Christ's Government is here also, unless thou wilt separate him from that his Government: Mat. 19.6. Mat. 19.6 For he himself hath said, That his Government is upon his shoulder: Is. 9.6. Is. 9.6. But some may further object: This Government is not visible; or, I cannot see this that you affirm. Let such get eyesalve, and desire God to open the Mystery of it: For indeed the Church is glorious; but to whom? To those only that are within it: as it is written, Ps. 45.13. The King's 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 again he cannot see the Kingdom of God: Io. 3.3. So that it is no wonder seeing thou seest not the Church itself that thou seest not the beauty and comeliness thereof. As it is no wonder, that a man cannot justly find fault with the Building, that sees not the House: or with the Order, that sees not the Army itself. And I must needs say, that if thou grant that there is a Church any where, thou must of necessity grant, that Christ's own glorious Order is even there also, though thou see it not. Blame then thy blindness, complain of thine own Ignorance: For it is fearful to call in question God's wisdom: who being the Author of our blessed Church in England, hath also set a beautiful and glorious Order in the same: For he 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 be well observed: As thou lovest the life of thy soul, beware how thou call in Question, peremptorily, things thou understandest not, or affirm things thou knowest not; lest thou deserve justly to be ranked amongst those presumptuous and self-willed ones, that are not afraid to speak of Dignities; whereas Angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing 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, observe that this Kingdom hath been open to all believers: Yea, Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, and all the Prophets, are said to sit down here by faith: As it is written: We which have believed do enter into rest: Heb. 4.3. Also, Heb. 4.3. where upon occasion of the Centurion's faith, our blessed Redeemer said, I have not found so great Faith, no not in Israel: And I say unto you, that many shall come from the East and West, and shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, Mat. 8.10.11. in the Kingdom of heaven: Mat. 8.10, 11. And in an other Scripture, speaking (as here) expressly of the Calling of the Gentiles, and rejecting of the jews; it is thus written: That there shallbe weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, and all the Prophets in the Kingdom of God, and you yourselves 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 down in the Kingdom of God: Luk. 13.28, 29. And howsoever it may truly be said, to be open to all believers: yet it may be as truly said, that john Baptist was the first proclaimer of it, in plain terms (as we speak) as it is written; In those days came john the Baptist, preaching in the Wilderness of judea; and saying, Mat. 3.1, 2. Repent ye, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand: Mat. 3.1, 2. After him the King himself, or that great Prophet began to make the same Proclamation: Mat. 4.17, 23. Mat. 4.17.23. And that the obstinate jews might be left without all excuse, he sendeth out his Apostles and Disciples into all their Cities and Villages, to proclaim the same things. And to confirm the truth of the Proclamation, Mat. 10.1, 7. Mar. 6.13. Luk. 9.2.60. they had power given them to cast out Devils, and cure Diseases: Mat. 10.1, 7. Mar. 6.13. Luk 9.2.60. Yea, our Saviour tells the Pharisees, that it is amongst them, even at his being on earth: as it is written: The Kingdom of God, behold it is among you: Lu. 17.21 Luk. 17.21. As also his speech to the Woman of Samaria is notable for this; The hour cometh, and now is, when the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: Io. 4.22. Io. 4, 22. It is now (saith he) and shall come more clearly and manifestly hereafter. For at that time it was so dark a Mystery, as that albeit the Disciples, nay the Apostles themselves heard it daily taught, yea and privately were instructed in it; yet they did not understand, nor apprehend the truth thereof: as it is evident by their qunstion which they moved, even after Christ's forty days abode with them, speaking of things appertaining to this Kingdom: yet after that they asked this question; Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the Kingdom to Israel? Supposing that it had been some outward glorious restoration of their Nation to their former estate, Act. 1.3, 4, 5, 6. that our Saviour had so often taught; Act. 1.3, 4, 5, 6. And we may further add, that this Kingdom began not clearly to appear, until the Apostles received power from above; as it was promised them where it is written, Behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry you in the City of jerusalem, until you be endued with power from on High: Luk. 24.49. Luk. 24.49. But especially it began at jerusalems' destruction. For those things which were abrogated long before, even when the vail of the Temple rend from the top to the bottom: Matt. 27.50, 51. Mat. 27.50, 51: yet than they might be said to vanish, as it is written: In that he saith; A new, he hath made the first old: Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish; For then verily the first had Ordinances of Divine Service, Heb. 8.13 the 9.1. and a worldly Sanctuary: Heb. 8.13. chap. 9.1. But this was fully made manifest in that glorious coming of Christ, to john, in that wonderful Revelation. Revel. 1.1. Revel. 1.1. Accorto his own prophecies, where it is written: Verily I say unto you, or I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here which shall in no wise taste of Death till they see, or till they have seen the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom, or the Kingdom of God come with power: Mat. 16.28. Mar. 9.1. Lu. 9.27. Mat. 16.28. Mar. 9.1. Luk. 9.27. Also of john in particular, as of the especial man that should see the Fullness of it, it is written, that his Master said to Peter, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? joh. 21.21, 22. joh. 21.21, 22. So that then was the truth of that seen which our Saviour prophesied to that Woman; Woman, believe me the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this Mountain, nor yet at jerusalem worship the Father: Io. 4.21. Io. 4.21. At that Time Ordinances of Divine Service, and worldly Sanctuaries vanished away, which served but as shadows of heavenly, or good things to come, and were not the very Image of the things themselves: Heb. 10.1 Heb. 10.1. Then, and not till then things made with hands were shaken, Heb. 12.26, 27. Is. 65.17.18. Revel. 21.1.5. that things not made might remain: Heb. 12.26, 27. Is. 62.17, 18. Reu. 21.1. The first point thus being pointed at, with the three branches thereof. The second follows; which is, That it is to be entered into: For the first were little worth: as, To know what it is? Where to find it? And when it began? If, having found it, we make it not our own, by taking possession of it. Therefore concerning our entrance, we will consider three things: First, What the Gate is by which we enter? Secondly, Who, and when men may be said to knock thereat? Thirdly, By what means we enter? The Gate or Door is Christ: as it is written; I am the Door of the sheep: and in the same Chapter; I am the Door, Io. 10.7, 9 by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved. Io. 10.7, 9 Here he proclaimeth himself to be the Door or Gate by which we enter. And a little before his departure, he tells his Disciples, That they do know whither he goeth, and the way also. But Thomas making a doubt, both of the place whither he should go, and also of the way thither. Christ answereth thus: I am the Way, Io. 14.4, 5, 6. the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh to the Father but by me: Io. 14.4, 5, 6. This is then that new and living way, which is consecrated to us by the flesh of Christ: Heb. 10.20. Heb. 10.20. And thus much for the Gate or Door by which we enter; Mat. 7.13 Lu. 13.24 Psa. 1.8.20. which is termed, A Strait Gate: and we are willed to strive to enter in thereat: Matth. 7.13. Luk. 13.24. Even, this Gate of the Lord: Psa. 118.20. The Gate being known: the next thing is, who they are, and when men may be said to knock at this Gate? For answer hereunto; know, that true penitent sinners, such whose hearts are pricked, whose consciences are laded, whose faces are covered with shame and confusion: these are they who knock thereat. As we see at that Sermon of Peter's; where it is written, Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter, and to the rest of the Apostles, Men and brethren, Act. 2.37. what shall we do? Act. 2.27. Hear you see these knocking aloud at this Gate. So the Publican being covered with shame and confusion, and full of indignation against himself for sin: as we see, by that he stood a far off; would not so much as lift up his eyes to heaven, but smote his breast, saying; nay, rather crying out, with much vehemency: Lu. 18.13. God be merciful to me a sinner: Luk. 18.13. He also knocks aloud at this Gate. The Thief upon the Cross knocked also efectually at this Gate: when he was come to himself: His Eyes being opened to see his fearful estate, and his mouth also to reprove sin in his fellow, and to clear our blessed Redeemer; and no doubt with vehemency he cried out; Lord remember me when thou comest into thy Kingdom: Luk. 23.40, 41, 42 Luk. 23.40, 41, 42. Also, the Keeper of the Prison, when he was recovered of that desperate purpose, at his sudden amazement, calling for a light, sprang in, & came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas: and brought them out of the Inner Prison, into which he had cruelly thrust them: knocking also powerfully at this gate, Act. 16.27, 28, 29, 30. when he said; Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Act. 16.27, 28, 29, 30. So that we may very well conclude, that penitent ones only knock: yea, than men do knock, when their eyes are opened to see their misery, and the necessity of getting in: as it is written: Paul was sent to open the eyes, Act. 26.18. to turn (men) from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God: Act. 26.18. So that the eyes must first be opened; according to that, where it is written: I will power upon the house of David, and upon the Inhabitants of jerusalem the Spirit of Grace, and of supplications; and they shall look upon him whom they have pierced: Zach. 12.10. Zach. 12.10. Hear also the eyes are said to be opened. So it is written, That the Prodigal Son came to himself: Luk. 15.17. Luk. 15.17. That is, (as it is plain) he saw his miserable condition, and wretched estate. Thus men do then knock, when they see themselves shut out: for there is a necessity of the sight of misery before ever men will in truth call for mercy: So that this knocking contains in it, not only the sight of sin; but also a godly sorrow for it, a confession proceeding from both, and a vehement desire of mercy, craving it as for life and death: So that the eyes being opened to see, Eze. 11.19. Eze. 36.25, 26. I ter. 8.6. he 31.19 Is. 1.16. Mar. 9.43, 45, 4● the heart is also changed to bewail and lament: The stony heart is changed into a heart of flesh: Ez. 11.19. Now this godly sorrow, if it be indeed that true sorrow, it worketh carefulness, which is a smiting on the thigh, by saying, What have I done? jer. 8.6. the 31.19. Also, a cleared of themselves by an earnest endeavour to be freed of sin: Mar. 9.43, 36, 47. Is. 1.16. and avoiding the occasions and means, by which they may be made more guilty. Also, an indignation, which is an horror, even with gnashing of teeth at the very naming or memory of sin: Lu. 18.13 Luk▪ 18.13. yea, such an unfeigned detestation thereof, as is not to be expressed Also such a fear, as that such an one will tremble at the least motion of sin: job. 31.23. job. 31.23 Luk. 23.40. Lu. 18.13 Psal. 51. Luke 23.40. and every temptation thereunto, makes the very heart to quake. With these, there is also a vehement desire, Luk. 18.13. Ps. 51. of pardon, which doth enforce such an one to ask instantly, to seek constantly, and to knock incessantly at this Gate: Mat. 7.7. Mat. 7.7. Yea to crave mercy, with much vehemency, and loud crying with tears: Heb. 5.7. Hebr. 5.7. To this is added Zeal, by which the Penitent do now detest sin, even in others as well as themselves: Lu. 23.40 ● Pet. 2.7. Luk. 23 40. 2 Pet, 2.7. And lastly Revenge, whereby the penitent do abstain, even from lawful things, having formally adventured on unlawful: as for example; having sinned by Gluttony, they now do tame their bodies by fasting: Psalm. 109.24. Ps. 109.24 being before filthy, now they bridle even marriage desires: having abused precious Time, they now redeem it, Eph. 5.16. Eph. 5.16. from sleep, and such other things that steal it from them. All these are set down in that of the Apostle, where it is thus written: Behold this self same thing that ye sorrowed after a godly sort; what carefulness wrought it in you, yea cleereing yourselves, yea indignation, yea fear, yea vehement desire, yea Zeal, yea Revenge: 2 Cor. 7.11 2 Cor. 7.11. Now these are as so many infallible tokens of one in the estate of Penitency: Such an one doth indeed knock aloud for mercy, that hath such a deep sense of misery: and he that hath not all of these, hath never a one of them. These were easily to be showed in the forementioned examples, of the Publican, the Thief upon the Cross, the Men in the Acts, and the Keeper of the Prison. Thus you now see who do knock, and when men may be said truly to knock at this Gate, Even when being sick, Mat. 9.12 Hos. 6.1. they desire the Physician: Mat. 9.12. Being wounded, they desire to be healed: Hos. 6.1. Being imprisoned, Is. 61.1, 2. they crave liberty as for life and death: Is. 61.1, 2. Being touched with a deep sense of their misery, they cry aloud, & with much vehemency to God for mercy. Such, and none but such do knock at this Gate: they, and none but they thrust at this Door. The Door or Gate now known, and who do knock thereat being clearly discovered: it resteth to be showed, Whereby men do enter? That this may appear plainly unto us, let us consider of that, where it is written: Heb. 4.3. We which have believed do enter into rest: Heb. 4.3. And again, Except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of heaven: Mat. 5.20. Mat. 5.20. Also, that where it is written, We being justified by faith, have peace with God, through our Lord jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by Faith into this Grace wherein we stand: Rom. 5.1.2. Rom. 5.1, 2. Out of these, and very many more which might be alleged, we may truly conclude: That by faith men enter into Christ's Kingdom; as it is written: That such, whose eyes are first opened; and withal, are turned from darkness to light; and from the power of Satan, to God: such by faith in Christ do receive forgiveness of their sins, Act. 26.18. Col. 1.12.13. and inheritance amongst the Saints in light: Act. 26.18. Col. 1.12, 13. So our blessed Redeemer speaketh expressly to him that demanded, What he must do to enter into life? Mat. 19.17. Mar. 10.17. His answer to him was, Keep the commandments: Mat. 19.17. Mar. 10.17. Now we keep them by no other means then by faith in Christ; as it is written: What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? jesus answered, and said unto them: Io. 6.28.29. This is the work of God; That ye believe on him whom he hath sent: Io. 6.28, 29. And in another place it is written, This is his commandment; That ye should believe on the Name of his Son jesus Christ; and love one another, 1 Io. 3.23. as he gave commandment: 1 Io. 3.23. And in another place it is written: Not every one that saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven: Mat. 7.21 Revel. 22.14. but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven: Mat. 7.21. Revel. 22.14. And you have seen before, that they only do the will of God, that believe on him whom he hath sent So then we may conclude, That Repentance doth ask, Faith doth receive: Repenatnce doth seek, Faith doth find: Repentance doth knock, Faith doth open this Gate to those that shall be saved. In a word, Repentance doth open the eyes, to see a miserable condition; & turneth such withal to God, to seek mercy. Faith doth receive Christ, and withal, forgiveness of sin; Io. 1.12. & the right whereby we do indeed become the Sons of God: Io. 1.12. The two first principal things being thus dispatched: as, That we must first, seek, and having found, enter: the third followeth: which is, That those that are entered must walk worthy of such a blessed and glorious estate. And that this may be also made manifest, we will in this observe two things: first, the King: secondly, the Subjects: If we respect the King, it offereth us a threefold meditation: First, His Presence: Secondly, His Mercy: Thirdly, His justice. For his Presence, he is to be considered of as a God, not a far off only, but at hand also: Even such a King, as that his Privy Chamber cannot contain him, as other Kings, much less a little Closet. But he filleth heaven and earth, as his own words do witness, where it is written; Am I a God at hand, and not a God a far off? Can any hide himself in secret places, jer. 23.23. that I shall not see him, saith the Lord? jer. 23.23. And in another place; All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do: neither 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 David offereth that to our meditation, where it is written: But mercy or forgiveness is with thee, that thou mayst be feared: Psalm. 130.4. So also his judgements are to set before our eyes; as the same blessed Prophet hath given us an example; Ps. 119.30 The way of truth, & thy judgements have I laid before me. Also, My flesh trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgements: Ver. 120. ver. 120. And it is worthy to be observed, that it is usual with the blessed Spirit to join these together, when he presseth the Saints on to perfection. They are alured by Mercy, and provoked by justice: as we will see it cleared by places for the very same purpose; where it is written: We receiving a Kingdom which cannot be moved, Heb. 12.28, 29. let us hold fast the grace received, that we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire: Heb. 12.28.29. Here is both Mercy and judgement to be considered: Mercy, in affording us the grace to be received into this Kingdom. justice, in these words: God is a consuming sire. So where it is written: Be ye ready; for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh: who then is a faithful and wise Servant, whom his Lord hath made Ruler over his Household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that Servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing: Verily I say unto you, he shall make him Ruler over all his Goods: Mat. 24.44, 45, 46, 47. Matt. 24.44, 45, 46, 47. There you see Mercy to allure. And it followeth; But, and if that Servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow Servants, and to eat and drink with the Drunken. The Lord of that Servant shall come in a day, when he looketh not for him, & in an hour that he 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 justice to provoke. Add to this that, where it is written: Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life; and so that day come upon you unawares: For as a snare it shall come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, Luk. 21.34, 35.36. and to stand before the Son of Man: Luk. 21.34, 35, 36. Hear you also see justice and Mercy. All these three are notably expressed and repeated to those seven Churches to which john wrote: Revel. 2. and 3. Revel. 2. and 3. Especially to the five that are reproved: as Ephesus, Pergamus, Thiatira, Sardis and Laodicea. His presence with them all, in these words, seven times repeated; I know thy works. His Mercy to every of them, in these words; To him that overcometh I will give: as many times used. His justice, plainly to those five, in divers phrases; and more hiddenly to the other two, in these words; He shall not be hurt of the second death. Chap. 2.11 the 3.12. And, He shall go no more out. Chap. 2.11. the 3.12. And so much for the first help to walk worthy in respect of our King. The second help to walk worthy is taken from the Communion amongst the Saints themselves. This principally standeth in their mutual prayers one for another: the exhortations, reprehensions, and instructions, that they use one to another. Their providing for the necessities one of another; whether spiritual or bodily. Finally, in using all good means for the building up one of another. That these things ought to be, or rather cannot but be amongst those that are indeed Subjects of this Kingdom; let us consider what is written to this purpose: & first for Prayer. The Apostle having furnished a Christian with Armour for his great Combat, addeth this: Pray always, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and thereunto with all perseverance, 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 hardened through the deceitfulness of sin: Heb. 3, 13. For Reprehension or Reproof: 1 Tim. 5.20. Them that sin, rebuke before all that others may fear: 1 Tim. 5.20. For Instruction: Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom, teaching, and admonishing one another, in Psalms, and Hymns, and Spiritual songs, Col. 3.16. singing with grace in your hearts unto the Lord: Col. 3.16. Providing both for spiritual and bodily estate: For Spiritual: Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault: ye which are spiritual, restore such an one with the spirit of meekness; Gal. 6.1. considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted: Cal. 6.1 For the Body: Rom. 12.13. Distributing to the necessity of the Saints, given to Hospitality: Rom. 12.13. Finally, we are to use all good means for the building up one of another: 1 Thes. 5.11. as it is written; Comfort yourselves together, & edify one another. And, Let us hold fast the Profession of our Faith without wavering, (for he is faithful that promised.) And let us consider one another, to provoke unto Love, and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as you see the day approaching: Heb. 10.23, 24, 25 Heb. 10.23, 24, 25. So also, Keep yourselves in the Love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord jesus Christ, unto eternal life. Building up yourselves on your most holy faith: Jude ver. 20.21. Praying in the holy Ghost: Jude 20.21. And, Of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire: Ver. 22.23 ver. 22, 23. Add to this, those blessed examples of believers, where it is written: There were added about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in th'apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers, And fear came upon every soul: And all that believed were together, and had all things common: Act. 2.41, 42, 43, 44 45. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need: Act. 2.41, 42, 43, 44, 45. Also, in another place: And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart, and one soul: neither said any of them that aught that he possessed, was his own, but had all things common: Act. 4.32.34. Neither was there any among them that lacked: Act. 4.32.34. Also, Upon the first day of the week, when the Disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to departed on the morrow, and continued his speech until midnight: Act. 20.7. Act. 20.7. And thus you see both by Precepts and Examples, what is required of the Subjects of Christ's Kingdom amongst themselves, or one towards another for their building and growth; that so they may walk worthy of the high and excellent calling, to the which they are called. And to conclude, you have now the brief heads of this great business: namely, the discovery of this Kingdom of Christ, or the laying opon of the three necessary circumstances, about this one necessary thing: As, that we must first seek it, and in seeking that we may find, we now know what it is; where, and when it began. Having found it, we must enter: and to this end the Gate is made known. Who are they that knock? and what gives admittance? The penitent only knock; True believers enter. To this is added the means or helps to walk worthy: and here we are taught to have an eye to God, and one to another. To God, or Christ our King; and to remember his Presence, Mercy, and justice. To the Subjects; by mutual prayers, exhortations, reprehensions, instructions, and by using all other means, both public and private, for the good both of souls and bodies. And thus by God's mercy we have dispatched this weighty work. Desiring God to send forth every day more and more Scribes instructed unto this Kingdom, able to bring forth out of their Treasuries, Met. 13.52. things new and old: Mat. 13.52. And so to God the Father, that hath given this Kingdom to the Son: and to God the Son, that desired, hath received, and shall deliver up this Kingdom to the Father: and to God the holy Ghost, by whom, both the Father and the Son do govern this Kingdom: Even to these Three, Io. 10.30. 1 Io. 5.7. which are yet but one invisible and only wise God: Io. 10.30. 1 Io. 5.7. Let us ascribe all Glory and Honour, all Dominion and Majesty, even henceforth, and for evermore, Amen. ROM. 11.33, 34, 35, 36. O The Depth of the Riches both of the Wisdom and of the Knowledge of GOD! How unsearchable are his judgements, & his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been his Counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed to him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever, Amen. FINIS. Faults Escaped in the Printing. Page 4. line last, God. Pag. 15. line 24. Laws. Pag. 36. line 8. confessing the same truth, by the power of the same spirit, observing the same things, doing the same duties. Pag. 54. line 26. formerly. The rest mend with your Pen.