THere are two princi­pall Endes, at which the whole Scripture aymes. The first is,Rom. 11.36. Deut. 29.29. Gods Glory. Rom. 11.36. The second, our Good. Deuteronom: 29.29.

Concerning this latter: Two things are obserueable. First, our estate in this life: Secondly, when this life is ended. About our estate here; There is one thing necessarie. Luc: 10.42.Luk. 10.42. And about this necessary thing, three necessary Circumstances: First, that it is to bee sought, or enquired after. Secondly, being found, to be seized on, or entred into. Thirdly, beeing enioyed as our own, we must be care­full of the vse thereof; that wee be not againe depriued of it.

This one necessarie thing; is Christs Kingdome. This is that, which must bee Enquired for; or sought out: be­ing Found, must bee seized on, or en­tred into: and hauing found, and en­tred; Diligence must bee daylie vsed to make a greater Entrance, and con­tinuallie to walke worthie of such a glorious estate.

That it must be sought, is plaine: where it is written, Seeke yee first the Kingdome of God, Math. 6.33. Lu. 12.13. Matth. 7.13. and his Righteous­nes, Math: 6.33. Luk. 12.31. That it must be entred into, is plaine: where it is written, Enter in at the straight gate, Matth: 7.13.

And, Except your Righteousnes ex­ceede the Righteousnes of the Scribes and Pharisees, yee can in no case enter into the Kingdome of Heauen. Ma. 5.20 Mat. 5.20.

That wee are to Walke worthie of this estate; and daylie to make a greater entrance into this Kingdom: is plaine also in that charge which the Apostle had giuen to the Thessa­lonians: That they would walke worthie of GOD, 1. Thess. 2.12. who had called them to his Kingdome and Glorie. 1. Thessal: 2.12.

And where it is also written, Giue all diligence, adde to your Faith, Ʋertue; and to your Ʋertue, Knowledge; and to Knowledge, Temperance; and to Tempe­rance, Patience: and to Patience, Godlineso; & to godlines, brotherly kindenesse; & to brotherly kindnes, loue; For if yee doe these things, ye shall neuer fall; For an Entrance shalbe ministred vnto you aboundantly, in­to the euerlasting Kingdome of our Lorde and Sauiour Iesus Christ. 2. Pet. 1.5.6.2. Pet. 1. 5 6.7.10.11.7.10.11.

Now that seeking, we may finde: it shalbe shewed: First, what this king­dome is. Secondly, where it is. Thirdly, when it might properly be said to beginne. And first, what it is; It is that Spirituall Gouernement, which God the Father is saide to giue vnto the Sonne, and which the Sonne is saide to desire of the Father: which also both the Father and the Sonne doe order by the Spirite: Not that one of them is before, or after other; That one is greater or lesse then o­ther in this Administration; but that all three are Equall, and as one doe order this great businesse. Euen that [Page 4] Kingdome which the Sonne shall a­gaine at the ende deliuer vp vnto his Father. As it is written, Yet haue I set my King vpon my holy hill of Syon, I will declare the Decree: the Lorde hath saide vnto me, Thou art my Sonne, this day haue I begotten thee. Aske of mee, and I shall giue thee the Heathen for thine Inheri­tance, & the vttermost parts of the Earth, for thy Possession; Psalm. 2.6.7.8. And Peter wryteth thus, We haue not follow­ed cunningly deuised fables, Psal. 2.6.7.8. when we made knowne vnto you, the power and comming of our Lorde Iesus Christ, but were eye-wit­nesses of his Maiestie. For hee receyued from God the Father, honour and Glorie, when there came such a voyce to him, from the excellent glorie. 2. Pet. 1.16.17. 2. Pet. 1.16.17.

Also Paule writeth thus: Christ the first fruites, afterward, they that are Christs at his comming. Then the Ende, when he shall haue deliuered vp the King­dome to God, euen the Father. 1. Cor. 15.23.24.1. Cor. 15 23.24 Thus you see it is manifest; That the Sonne desireth, God the Fa­ther giueth, according to his desire; and at the end shall againe deliuer vp this which he hath receiued, to God [Page 5] the Father, and then GOD shall be all in all.

This Kingdome is sometimes ter­med the Church of the Liuing GOD; 1. Cor. 14.28. 1. Tim. 3.15. Heb. 12.23. Psal. 15.1 Ezek 37.27. Reu. 21.3 [...]. Cor: 14.28. Sometimes the House of God, 1. Tim. 3.15. Sometimes the Citie of the Liuing God; the New Ieru­salem: Hebr: 12.23. Sometimes the Tabernacle of God. Psalme: 15.1. Eze: 37.27. Reuel: 21.3. Albeit ney­ther of these doe so fully and cleerely discouer this great Mysterie: as this Title Kingdome.

Yet heerein God is to bee praised, in that he vouchsafeth so to descend to our Capacitie, as to vse all these: that they which cannot conceyue it by one, may vnderstand it by an o­ther. As those that knowe but a Ta­bernacle or Tent, may thereby be hol­pen, to the apprehension of it; Those that are not acquainted with a Tent, knowing a House, may yet conceiue it: Such as knowe Tents and Houses, yea Cities, may more fully see it: And such as knowe a Kingdome, may bee ledde (as it were by the hand) to the viewe of euery part thereof. Thus, [Page 6] God hath profered the viewe thereof to all: To Kings, discouering it by a Kingdome, Dan. 2.44. To Citizens, by the viewe of a Citie. Psal. 48.1.2. To Householders, by comparing it to a House. 1. Pet. 2.5. To Souldiers, by vsing a borrowed word of a Taberna­cle, or Tent. Heb. 8.3. What shall I say? He offereth the view thereof, to Merchants; Matth: 13.44.46. To Husband-men, Math. 13.24. Fishers. Math: 13.47. Women. Matth. 13.33. Ʋirgins. Matth. 25.1. Seruants, Matt. 25.14. To All; Matth. 22.1. That so, some of all sorts might receiue it: And all, bee they what they will that refuse, might be voyd of all Excuse.

That now we may be yet more ac­quainted with it, let vs consider of the Titles and the Partes thereof.

The Titles are most vsually foure: The first, is the Kingdome of GOD: the second, the Kingdome of Heauen: the thirde, the Sonne of Mans King­dome: the fourth, the Kingdome of CHRIST: The first, doeth indiffe­rently concerne the estate we do here enioy, with that hereafter. The estate [Page 7] heereafter, where it is written, Flesh and Blood cannot inherit the Kingdome of God, neither doth corruption, inherit incor­ruption. 1. Corinth. 15.50.1. Cor: 15.50. The other three concerne the Church, heere in this life: and eyther of them, may be vsed indifferently, as may bee made manifest, by comparing them toge­ther; As where it is written, That a Ritch-man can hardly enter into the King­dome of Heauen; Mat: 19.23.Matt. 19.23. And in the next verse, speaking of the same thing, wee finde it thus; It is easier for a Cammell, to goe through the eye of a nee­dle, then for a Ritch-man to enter into the Kingdome of God; Math. 19.24.Matt. 19.24. Where we find the Kingdom of Heauen, or of God, vsed indifferently. So wee may also see of the rest: As where it is thus written, There be some standing heere, which shall not taste of Death, till they see the Sonne of Man comming in his King­dom. Matth. 16.28.Matt. 16.28. There it is ter­med, the Sonne of mans Kingdome: or more plainely, the Kingdome of Christ. And speaking againe of the same thing, in another place, it is thus written, There bee some standing heere, [Page 8] which shall not taste of Death, till they see the Kingdome of God: Mar: 9.1 Lu. 9.27. Mark. 9.1. Luke. 9.27. Thus these three, may bee vsed indifferently one for another; yea, all the foure Titles. Yea, and the first doeth concerne moste the estate of the Church in this life, and is so al­wayes to be vnderstood, where there is no manifest difference in the same Scripture.

Nowe the Title, which doth most fully and cleerely set foorth this great mistery;Ephe. 5.5. Re. 11.15 1. Pet. 1.11. and includeth all the rest in it, is the last: which is, The Kingdom of Christ; Ephes. 5.5. Reuel. 11.15. 2. Pet. 1.11. Termed the Kingdome of God: because CHRIST is GOD; And the Kingdome of the Sonne of man, because he also is MAN: And the Kingdome of Heauen; to shewe that hee receiued his gouernment frō Heauen. But not so much desirous to shew the reasons of Titles, as the truth of things: I haue onely thus briefly touched these, as some helpe to the vnderstanding of the Scriptures; wherein these termes or Titles are of­ten found.

Now of the things, of which prin­cipally this Kingdome consisteth; and these are seuen, which shall bee touched also briefly: And first,1. King. As in other Kingdomes, or Kingdomes of this World, there are Kings, from which they properly are termed King­domes: So here is a glorious King, and blessed Prince: euen that Rod, out of the stemme of Iesse; and that Branch out of his rootes. That man whose name is, The Branch, The Lord our Righteous­nesse, Christ Iesus: As it is written, Yet haue I set my King vpon my holy hill of Sion: And in another place, Re­ioyce greatly, ô Daughter Sion, shout ô Daughter Hierusalem; behold thy King commeth vnto thee, he is iust, and hauing saluation: lowly, and riding vpon an Asse, and vpon a Colt, the Foale of an Asse. Is. 62.11. Zach. 9.9. Is. 62.11. Zach. 9.9. Thus did Christ, as wee read in the Gospell, Mat. 21.7.8. Mar. 11.2. Io. 12.15.Mat. 21.7.8. Mar. 11.2. Io. 12.15. where they are saide to cry Hosanna, to the Sonne of Dauid: blessed is hee that com­meth in the Name of the Lord. And Paul speaking expresly of Christ, applieth that of the Prophet Isaiah to him thus; [Page 10] There shall be a roote of Iesse, and him that shall rise to raigne ouer the Gentiles, in him shall the Gentiles trust. Rom. 15.12. 2. Scepter And thus you haue the King.

Secondly, as in other Kingdomes there are Scepters, to which Subiects must stoupe; and to which such as stoupe not are yet Rebels: So heere is a Scepter in the hand of Christ, by which men are knowne that yeelde true Subiection. And this Scepter is the righteousnes of Faith. By this hee rules his Subiects; as Paul confesseth, where it is thus written; I count all things but losse for the Excellencie of the Knowledge of Iesus Christ my Lord; for whom I haue suffered the losse of all things, and doe count them but dung that I might winne Christ: and bee found in him, not hauing mine owne Righteousnes, which is of the Law, but that which is through the Faith of Christ; the Righteousnes which is of God by Faith. That I might know him, and the power of his Resurrection, and the fellowshippe of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death: Phil. 3.8, 9, 10. Phil. 3.8, 9.10. So it is written in the Psalme: Thy Throne ô God is for euer, the Scepter [Page 11] of thy Kingdome is a right Scepter. Ap­plyed by the same Spirit to Christ: But vnto the Sonne he sayd, Thy Throne ô God is for euer and euer, the Scepter of Righteousnes is the Scepter of thy King­dome. And so you haue the Scepter.

Thirdly,3. Lawes. in Kingdomes of this World there are Lawes & Ordinances: So also in this; there are Lawes that are perfect, sure, right, pure, cleane, true, righteous, desireable, and most sweet, Psa. 19.7, 8.9, 10. Yea,Psal. 19.7, 8, 9, 10. heere are Lawes, Statutes, and Iudgements: Euen, All Scripture giuen by inspiration of God; and profitable for doctrine, for re­proofe, for correction, for instruction in righteousnes: 2 Tim. 3.16.2 Tim. 3.16. This was Prophecied of, where it is written, Remember yee the Law of Moses my ser­uant, which I commaunded vnto him in Horeb, for all Israel; with the Statutes, and Iudgements: Mal. 4.4.Mal. 4.4. These are the Lawes of this Kingdome; to which whosoeuer shall adde, he is accussed of GOD: Deut. 4.2. the 12.32.Deut. 4.2. & 12.13. And from which, whosoeuer shall take away, God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life: Reu. 22.Reuel. 22.18.19. [Page 12] 18, 19. For, Till heauen and earth passe, one Iot, or one Title shall in no wise passe from the Lawe,Mat. 5.18. 4. Am­bassadors till all be fulfilled: Mat. 5.18.

In Earthly Kingdomes there are al­so Ambassadors, whom the Kings send; and being so sent, they represent their owne Persons: either in calling in Rebels, or by treating with Enemies, to proclaime Warre, or to offer conditi­ons of Peace vnto them: So in this Kingdom, there are Ambassadors, which are tearmed Preachers, Rom. 10.14. Ministers, 1 Cor. 3.5. Stewards, 1 Cor. 4.1. And the Prophets making vse of their owne words, haue termed them Priests and Leuites, Is. 66.2 [...]. or Saui­ours, Obad. 21. Gladtidings bringers, Is. 52.7: and the like: As it is written; Behold vpon the Mountaines the feete of him that bringeth good Tidings, Nah. 1.15. And Paul vseth the words of Isaiah, and of Nahum, where it is thus written: How beautifull are the Feete of them that preach the Gospell of Peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Rom. 10.15. Rom. 10.15. And one of the Prophets hath it thus; Sauiours shall come vpon Mount [Page 13] Sion, to Iudge the Mount of Esau, and the Kingdome shall be the Lords: Ob. 21.Obad. ver. 21. Al­so, it is written; We are Ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by vs: we pray you in Christs stead, 2 Cor. 5.20. 5. Sub­iects. be yee reconciled to God: 2 Cor. 5.20.

As in other Kingdomes there is a King, Lawes, a Scepter, and Ambassa­dors; so there are also Subiects, men of all sorts and ages: So in this King­dome there are also Subiects, which are the Saints, holy Men and Women, pure, cleane, vndefiled, and harmelesse ones. As it is written; Thy people shall be all righ­teous: Is. 60.21. And in another place;Is. 60.21. Looke vpon Sion, the City of our solemni­ties, thine eyes shall see Ierusalem a quiet habitation. And the Inhabitants shall not say, I am sicke: the people that dwelt therein shall bee forgiuen their iniquitie: Is. 33.20.24. Is. 33.20.24. Againe, Who shall ascend into the Hill of the Lord? And, Who shall stand in his holy Place? The answere is; Hee that hath cleane hands, and a pure heart, who hath not lift vp his soule vnto vanitie, nor sworne deceitfully: Psal. 24.3.4. And in another place:Psal. 24.3.4. Who shall dwell with the deuouring Fire? Who shall [Page 14] dwell with euerlasting burnings? Is. 33.14. Is. 33.14. The answere is, Hee that walketh righteously, and speaketh vprightly; hee that despiseth the gaine of oppressions, and shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his eares from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing euill, Ver. 15.16 he shall dwell on high; Ʋer. 15.16. Againe, The Saints of the most high shall take the Kingdome, and shall possesse the Kingdome for euer and euer: Dan. 7.18 Dan. 7.18. Also, This yee know, that no Whoremon­ger, nor vncleane person, nor couetous man, who is an Idolater, hath any inheritance in the Kingdome of Christ: Eph. 5.5. Eph. 5.5. And in another place, Be not deceiued; neither Fornicators, nor Idolaters, nor Adulte­rers, nor Effeminate, nor abusers of them­selues with mankinde, nor Theeues, nor Couetous, nor Drunkards, nor Reuilers, nor Extortioners, shall inherit the King­dome of God: And of this sort were euery one of you, but yee are washed, but yee are sanctified, but ye are iustified in the Name of the Lord Iesus, and by the spirit of our God: 1 Cor. 6.9, 10, 11. 1 Cor, 6.9, 10, 11. And once againe the same Apostle giues thanks vnto the Father which hath made vs meete [Page 15] to bee partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in Light: And (being so made meete by repentance) hath deliuered vs from the power of darknesse, and hath translated vs into the Kingdom of his deare Sonne: Col. 1.12, 13. And it is plaine,Col. 1.12.13. that there shall in no wise enter in (to the new Ierusalem) any thing that defileth, nei­ther whatsoeuer worketh abhomination: Reuel. 21.27. Reuel. 22.14. Reuel. 21.27. But they that doe Gods commandements, Reuel. 22.14. That is, Doe truely beleeue in Christ: such on­ly haue right to the Tree of Life. And they alone may enter throgh the gates into the City: Mat. 7.21.22.Mat. 7.21.22. Thus then the Subiects of this Kingdome are none but Saints; holy, cleane, pure, and vndefi­led ones: such as are first washed, sanctifi­ed, and iustified: that is, Made meete by the washing of Regeneration, & the renew­ing of the holy Ghost, to be made heyres, and so to receiue their Inheritance a­mongst the Saints in Light: Tit. 3.5.7.Tit. 3.5.7. 6. Offi­cers.

Besides the King, Scepter, Lawes, Am­bassadors, & Subiects, in other Kingdoms there are Officers: So in this also, as it is written; Thy Officers shall be peace: Is. 60.17. that is, in stead of Officers, thou shalt haue [Page 16] Peace: Yea, all the Subiects of this Kingdome are Peace-makers: as it is writen; Blessed are the Peace-makers, for they shall bee called the Children of God. Mat. 5.9. They, and none but they: Mat. 5.9. And it is written, That a little Childe shall leade Christs Subiects. Is. 11.6. Is. 11.6. The humblest shall beare greatest sway there: as it is written, Whosoeuer shall humble himselfe as a little childe, the same is the greatest in the Kingdome of heauen; Mat. 18.4.Mat. 18.4. Is. 66.12. 7. Wea­pons. Yea, God hath promi­sed, To extend Peace like a Riuer to those that dwell in Sion. Is. 66.12.

Lastly, in a Kingdome of this world there are Weapons, with which the Subiects doe fight: So heere are Wea­pons also, yea compleat Armour, with which these Subiects doe also fight: as it is written; The Weapons of our war­fare are not carnall, but mightie through God, to the pulling downe of strong Holds: 2 Cor. 10.4.2 Cor. 10.4. Eph. 6.11 Ʋer. 12. Ver. 13. And againe, Put on the whole Armour of God, and stand, hauing your loynes girt about with Truth; and hauing on the Brestplate of Righteousnes; and your feete shod with the Preparation of the Gospell of Peace: aboue all things, [Page 17] taking the Shield of Faith, Ver. 14. Ver. 15. Ver. 16. Ver. 17. Ver. 18. the Helmet of Saluation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: praying al­waies, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit: Eph. 6.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. This is the Armour of righ­teousnes, which the Saints haue on the right hand, and on the left: 2 Cor. 6.7.2 Cor. 6.7. Onely the sober children of the day doe put on the Brestplate of Faith and Loue, and for an helmet, the hope of saluation: 1 Thes. 5.8. 1 The. 5.8. Thus you haue, as the titles, so also the principall things of which this Kingdome consisteth: As of a King, a Scepter, Lawes, Ambassadors, Subiects, Officers, Weapons: And hauing this briefely seene what it is; it follow­eth, to bee shewed where it is: Ac­cording to that question of the Disci­ples; Where Lord? Luk. 17.37.Luk. 17.37.

Here shall be obserued first, Whe­ther on earth, or, in heauen? that is, in this life, or, that to come? Secondly, seeing it is on Earth, where it is to bee found? For the first, it is affirmed be­fore, and shall be confirmed by testi­monies now, that this Kingdome is on Earth: for so it is written; In the [Page 18] daies of these Kings shall the God of hea­uen set vp a Kingdom which shall neuer be destroyed: Dan. 2.44. Dan. 2.44. And in another place, Aske of me, and I will giue thee the heathen for thine inheritance: and the vt­termost parts of the earth for thy possession; Ps. 2.8.Ps. 2.8. Also, it is written, We are come to mount Sion: and, we receiuing a King­dome: Heb. 12.22.28. Also, it is ter­med,Dan. 7.27. The Kingdome vnder heauen: Dan. 7.27. And in the Psalmes, Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praysed in the City of our God, in the mountaine of his Holi­nesse, beautifull for scituation, the ioy of the whole earth is Mount Sion: Ps. 48.1.2. Ps. 48.1.2. Yea, it is said in the same Psalme, That Kings shall see the glory of this Church, or Kingdome; and that with feare & amaze­ment: Ʋer. 4.5. ver. 4.5. Out of all this we may gather many forcible Arguments, to proue this truth; that this Kingdome, City, House, or Tabernacle, is in this life: as you haue before in the Scriptures scited to that purpose in these words; It shalbe in the daies of Kings of this world: also, It shall stretch to the vttermost parts of the earth: also, We are come to it; not, we shall; but, we are: and, we receiuing a [Page 19] Kingdome: not, Seeing we shall receiue a Kingdome; but, Seeing wee doe receiue: also, in the same Scripture, wee are willed to hold it fast: now there is no need of such an exhortation, if it were of the life to come, as al wil easily grant. Further, It is the ioy of the whole earth. And Kings shall behold it, & passe by with feare & amazement. What shall I say? Arguments of this sort are very many in holy Scriptures: yea,Is. 6.5.17. the 66. Reu. 21. the 22. Ps. 16.11. Mat. 22.30. Mat. 13.43. euen those places which they most abuse to the contrary, do yeeld many plaine argu­ments to euery impartiall Reader: as, Isai. 65.17. the 66. Reu. 21. and 22. and such like. And let this be obserued, that where the holy Ghost speaketh any where of the life to come, it is alwaies in very short speeches, or briefe sentences: as for example: Fulnes of ioy; pleasures at Gods right hand for euermore. Ps. 16.11. We shalbe as the Angels in heauē, Mat. 22 30. We shall shine as the sun for euer in the Kingdome of our Father, Mat. 13.43. We shal haue euerlasting life. Mat. 19.29. Mar. 10.30. Where Christ is, we shal also be. Io. 14.3. We shal behold his glo­rie. Io. 17.24. 2 Cor. 4.17. We shal haue a farre more exceeding and eternall waight of glory: 2. Cor. 4.17. [Page 20] We shall appeare with Christ in glory: Col. 3.4. 1 Thes. 4.17. Col. 3.4. Wee shall bee euer with the Lord: 1 Thes. 4.17. It is an inheritance incor­ruptible and vndefiled, that fadeth not a­way, 1 Pet. 1.4 reserued in heauen for vs: 1 Pet. 1.4. When he shall appeare, we shall be like him; for wee shall see him as hee is: 1 Io. 3.2. 2 Tim. 4.8. Reuel. 2.10. Mat. 5.12. 1. Io. 3.2. We shall haue a Crowne of righteousnes: 2 Tim. 4.8. A Crowne of life: Reuel. 2.10. A great reward in heauen: Mat. 5.12. These, or such like are all those phrases which are vsed in the Scrip­tures, to set foorth the life to come vnto vs: and that blessed condition there re­serued for vs.

The Reason hereof might be, ey­ther the impossibilitie, in regard of the straightnes of our bowels, 2 Cor. 6.12, 13. to conceiue of that blessednesse: 2. Cor. 6.12, 13. Or as we speak, our shallow capacitie in the comprehension of such an excellent myste­rie: but it is indeed the eternall purpose of God in hiding these things (as secrets) from vs till the Last day: as these Scriptures following may witnes: That of Paul, where it is written, That being caught vp into the third heauen, hee heard vnspeakable words, which is not [Page 21] lawfull for a man to vtter: 2 Cor. 12.2.4. 2 Cor. 12.2.4. Also, Now wee are the sonnes of God: and it doeth not yet appeare what wee shall be: 1 Io. 3.2. And it is also written,1 Io. 3.2. That this incorruptible and vndefiled inhe­ritance is reserued for vs in heauen, and ready to be reuealed in the last time: 1 Pet. 1.4.5. 1 Pet. 1.4, 5. So that this may bee a mani­fest note, eyther short, or more large speeches, to helpe vs to conceiue of the difference betweene things of this life, and that which is to come. Things of this life are alwaies spoken in expresse phrases, that we may conceiue, because we are to speake of them againe to others: As it is written; Eye hath not seene, nor eare heard, neyther haue entred into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that loue him: but God hath reuealed them to vs by his Spi­rit: Which things we also speake: 1 Cor. 2.9, 10, 13. 1 Cor. 2.9, 10, 13.

And yet further wee may obserue by certaine phrases & vsuall speeches, that the holy Ghost hath put a diffe­rence betweene our estate heere, and hereafter: for speaking of our estate here, hee speakes of comming to vs, and [Page 22] sending to vs, and such like. But spea­king any where of the life to come, hee speaketh of fetching vs to him, and the like.

This is not to bee slightly regar­ded in reading the holy Scriptures: as to instance in the places before men­tioned, which are by some abused, to the life to come. It is written, The glorie of the Lord is risen vpon thee: and, The Lord shall arise vpon thee: Is. 60.1.2. Is. 60.1.2. Yea, that whole Chapter is full of strong reasons to enforce it to be vn­derstood of the estate here. Also, where it is written, For behold I create new hea­uens, and a new earth, and the former shall not bee remembred, nor come into minde: But be you glad, and reioyce for euer, which I recreate: for behold, I recreate Ierusa­lem a Reioycing, and her people a Ioy. Here the holy Ghost expoundeth the New Heauens, and the New Earth; to bee meant of the New Ierusalem, and the people thereof: Euen that new worshippe which is now amongst the Saints: and the new worshippers which haue beene, are, and shall bee on the earth; as is plaine in the verse next before, to the [Page 23] which these are added, as a further Illustration. In that verse it is written; That he who blesseth himselfe in the earth, shall blesse himselfe in the God of Truth: and hee that sweareth in the Earth, shall sweare by the God of Truth: and then is added, For behold: as before;Is. 65.16, 17, 18. Is. 65.16, 17, 18.

So in that of the Reuelation, to omit other places, it is written, That Iohn sawe a new Heauen, and a newe Earth: And hee saw the holy Citie, new Ierusalem, come downe from God out of heauen; prepared as a Bride, adorned for her Husband: And heard a voice out of Heauen, saying; Beholde the Taber­nacle of GOD is with Men, and hee will dwell with them, and they shall bee his people, and GOD himselfe shall bee with them, and bee their GOD: Reu. 21.1, 2, 3. Reuel. 21.1, 2, 3.

But cleane contrary to these, are the Speeches which are vsed for the state after this life: as, where it is written; Come yee blessed of my Father, inherite the Kingdome prepared for you from the Foundation of the World: Mat. 25.34.Mat. 25.34.

And againe, And these shall go away into euerlasting punishment: but the righ­teous into eternall life: Mat. 25.46. Mat. 25.46. Al­so, the request of the Thiefe vpon the Crosse, Lord remember mee when thou commest into thy Kingdome. And our Sauiours louing answere; To day thou shalt be with me in Paradise: Luk. 23.42,43.Luk. 23.42.43. Also, I goe to prepare a Place for you: and if I goe to prepare a place for you, I will come againe, and receiue you to my selfe, that where I am, there may yee bee also: Io. 14.2.3 Io. 14.2.3. And againe, in Christs most comfortable Prayer wee finde it thus written; Father, I will that they also whom thou hast giuen me, be with mee where I am, that they may behold my glo­rie which thou hast giuen me: Io. 17.24. Io. 17.24. Also our Sauiours speech to Mary Magdalen; Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father: But goe to my Brethren, and say vnto them; I ascend to my Father, and your Father; and to my God, Io. 20.17. and your God: Io. 20.17. To this we adde that which the Apostle men­tioneth; That wee which are aliue, and remaine (at the last day) shall bee caught vp, together with those that were dead in [Page 25] Christ. The words ate these: The Lord himselfe shall descend from heauen with a shout, with the voice of the Archangell, & with the Trumpe of God? and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then wee which are aliue and remaine, shall be caught vp toge­ther with them in the cloudes, to meete the Lord in the ayre; 1 Thes. 4.16.17. and so wee shall bee euer with the Lord: 1 Thes. 4.16, 17.

Out of all this may be easily gathe­red, that our blessednes is not to be en­ioyed heere on earth (as some would haue it, the Creature being purged by fire) but it is aboue, euen there, where Enoch is; of whom it is saide, That God tooke him: Gen. 5.24.Gen. 5.24. And the Apostle saith, That hee was transla­ted, that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him. Heb. 11.5. Also wee read of Eliah, Heb. 11.5. That the Lord tooke him vp into heauen by a Whirle-winde, 2 King. 1.11.16.17. Mar. 6. last. Luk. 24.51. Act. 1.9, 10, 11. and hee was diligently searched for by fiftie strong men, but not found: 2 King. 2.1.11.16.17. Adde to this our blessed Redeemers Ascenti­on into Heauen, in the presence of ma­ny: Mark. 16. vlt. Luk. 24.51. Act. 1.9, 10, 11.

Besides Stephens glorious vision, where it is recorded, That being full of the holy Ghost, hee looked vp stedfastly into heauen, and saw the glory of God, and Iesus standing on the right hand of God; Act. 7.55, 56. Act. 7.55.56. Thus by the apposition of these Scriptures, the exposition is cleere, without further labour. They being alwaies as different as light and dark­nesse to all that are not obstinate and wilfully Ignorant. The first speaking alwaies of earthly, the latter of hea­uenly things. The first, of comming to vs, and being with vs: the latter, of fetching vs to him: as you see by ex­presse Scriptures, & plaine examples, which it is not possible to ouerthrow; no not Satan himself with all his wiles, and deepnesse, is neuer able to deny or turne vpside downe:Is. 29.16. Is. 29.16. This then being cleere and manifest, that this Kingdome, Citie, House, Taberna­cle, or Church, that hath such glorious things ascribed, and so many pretious promises made vnto it, is here, euen in this life. In the next place it must be shewed in what place of the Earth it is to be found: Here shall be obserued [Page 27] three things: First, that it is tyed too, or bounded within no one Nation, or Kingdome in the World. Secondly, that wheresoeuer it is found in any King­dome, it is aboue that Kingdome or Na­tion. Thirdly, where the Saints are, there it is. For the first, That it is tyed too, or bounded within no Nation or Kingdome, it is plaine by that it is writ­ten: And the Kingdome shall not be left to other people, but it shall breake in pee­ces, and consume all these Kingdomes: Dan. 2.44. And againe,Dan. 2.44 His Domini­on shall be from Sea euen to Sea; and from the Riuer euen to the ends of the earth. Zac. 9.10. And it is also written, that as the light­ning, that lightneth out of the one part vn­der heauen, Matt. 24.27. Luk. 17.24. shineth to the other part vnder heauen: So shall also the Sonne of Man be in his Day. That is, (as it is most plaine, if ye consider the former words, and vpon what occasion this similitude is vsed) Christs Kingdome, is not heere, and no where else; nor there, & no where else; as false Prophets would haue it: but it shall bee in diuers parts of the earth, at one and the same time, in one and the same manner: Euen as [Page 28] lightning doth disprerse it selfe, and shew it selfe alike in diuers places, at one and the same instant.

And thus this point is plaine, that it is not bounded within any Nation, or limitted vnto any one People or Kingdom. So that no man can say it is in this Company, and no where else, as diuers false Prophets haue assumed, and da­red to maintaine; and yet at this day doe not sticke constantly to affirme, contrary to that, where it is written; The Kingdome of God commeth not with obseruation, or outward shew; neither shall men say, Luk. 17.20. Lo here, or, lo there: Luk. 17.20.

Now that it is aboue euery Nation, and Kingdom where it is: according to that blessing to the obedient; He shall be aboue onely, Deut. 28.13. Is. 49.23. and not beneath: Deut. 18.13. This is playne by the excellent and glorious scituation thereof: as it is written, Then the Moone shall be confoun­ded, and the Sunne ashamed, when the Lord of Hosts shall reigne in Mount Sion, and in Ierusalem, and before his ancients gloriously: Is. 24.23. Is. 24.23. And againe, Sauiours shall come vpon Mount Sion, to [Page 29] iudge the Mount of Esau; and the King­dome shall be the Lords: Obad. 21.Obad. Ver. 21. Al­so, It shall come to passe in the last dayes, that the Mountaines of the Lords House shall be established in the top of the Moun­taines, and shall be exalted aboue the hills; and all Nations shall flow vnto it. And many people shall go and say; Come yee, & let vs goe vp to the Mountaine of the Lord, to the house of the God of Iacob, & he will teach vs of his wayes, and we will walke in his paths. For out of Sion stall goe foorth the Lawe, Is. 2.2.3. and the word of the Lord from Ierusalem: Is. 2.2, 3. This Mountaine was prefigured by that into which Mo­ses ascended: Exo. 19. and 24.Exod. 19. and 24. And that, that Mountaine was a figure of this wee now enioy, is manifest by that, where it is written; The Hill of God is an high Hill: why leape ye, ye high Hills? this is the Hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea the Lord will dwell in it for euer. The Chariots of God, are twentie thousand thousands of Angels; the Lord among them, as in Sinai in the holy place: Ps. 68.15 16, 17, 18 Ps. 68.15, 16, 17, 18. Also, Who shall dwell with the deuouring fire? Who shall dwell with euerlasting burnings? The answer [Page 30] is, He that walketh righteously, hee shall dwell on high, his place of defence shall bee the munition of Rocks: Euen on high, on that Mountaine, Is. 33.14.15, 16. Exo. 24.16, 17. where the sight of the Lord is like deuouring fire. Is. 33.14, 15, 16. Exod. 24.16, 17. Adde to this; We are not come to the Mount that might bee touched: But wee are come to Mount Sion, to the Citie of the liuing God; and we receiuing a Kingdome which cannot be mooued, let vs hold fast: For our God is a consuming fire: Heb. 12.18, 22, 28, 29. Heb. 12.18, 22, 28, 29.

This was yet further made manifest by that Mountaine where Christs most glorious Transfiguration was seene by Peter, Iames, and Iohn, where hee tal­ked with Moses and Elias; at what Time his Face did shine as the Sunne, and his Rayment was as white as the light; yea, exceeding white, and shining so as no Fuller on earth could white them: at what time also, a bright Cloude ouer-shadowed; and a voyce out of the Cloude was heard, which said,Mat. 17.1. Mar. 9.2. Luk. 9.28 This is my beloued Sonne, in whom I am well pleased, heare ye him: Mat. 17.1. Mar. 9.2. Luk. 9.28. This is a­gaine [Page 31] remembred, where it is thus written: We haue not followed cungingly deuised fables, when we made knowne vn­to you the power and comming of the Lord Iesus Christ; but were eye-witnesses of his Maiestie; For he receiued from God the Father, honour and glory, when there came such a voyce vnto him from that excellent Glory: This is my beloued Sonne in whom I am well pleased. And this voyce which came from heauen, we heard when we were with him in the holy Mount: 2 Pet. 1.16, 17, 18 2 Pet. 1.16, 17, 18. This Scripture doth no­tably prooue this poynt, and cleere the Transfiguration to bee a repre­sentation of the glorious estate of the Church heere, not hereafter: And that by this especiall circumstance; That he receiued from GOD the Fa­ther, honour, and glory, from that excel­lent Glorie.

Now what hee receiued, hee must at the last redeliuer; as hath beene be­fore prooued: for hee is sayde to re­ceiue it onely for the finishing of the great worke of Mans Redemption: which when it is accomplished, Then commeth the Ende: when hee shall [Page 32] deliuer vp the Kingdome which hee hath receiued, to God, euen the Father; that God may be all in all. And obserue fur­ther, that Peter had before preached of this glorious Kingdom of Christ; and he vseth this but for the confirmation of the Faith of those to whome hee had preached, in that hee was with others an eye and eare-witnesse (as we speake) of the excellent estate, prefigured in that notable and glorious Transfigu­ration: for he both saw his glory, which hee receiued from that excellent glory; and also hee heard the voice that pro­nounced him that blessed One, or, that King, Priest, and Prophet, which was Prophecied of long before; that such a Prophet should bee raysed vp, and such a King should be set vpon Mount [...]; yea, such a Priest should Offer a Sacrifice that should Iustifie many: Is. 53.10.11. Is. 53.10, 11. euen as many as were or­dayned to eternall life: as it is written, The Lord thy God will rayse vp vnto thee a Prophet, from the middest of thee, of thy brethren, like vnto me, vnto him shall yee hearken: According to all that thou desi­reast of the Lord thy God in Horeb, in the [Page 33] Day of the Assembly, saying; Let me not heare againe the voyce of the Lord my God, neyther let me see this great fire any more, that I dye not: Deut. 18.15.Deut. 18.15. Here is his Propheticall, Kingly, and Priestly Office, prophecied of cleerely: as it is applyed by Peter in that excellent Sermon of his, where wee finde it thus written: Hauing spoken before ex­pressely of Iesus Christ, hee addeth these words: For Moses truely sayde vnto the Fathers: A Prophet shall the Lord your GOD rayse vp vnto you of your brethren, like vnto me, him shall yee heare in all things whatsoeuer hee shal say vnto you. And it shall come to passe, that euery soule which will not heare that Prophet shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the Prophets from Samuel, and those that follow after, as many as haue spoken, haue likewise fore-tolde of these dayes: Act. 3.22, 23, 24. Also,Act. 3.22, 23, 24. to conclude this poynt; the very words of the voyce doe playnely note vnto vs these three; where it is written, This is my beloued Sonne, in whom I am well pleased, heare yee him. This is my beloued Sonne: There is his right of be­ing [Page 34] King, in whome I am well pleased. That notes his Priesthood; Heare ye him. This doth manifest him to bee that Prophet, which God hath raised vp. This Argument is fully handled, and nota­bly discouered in that most excellent Epistle to the Hebrewes. And thus it is manifest, that it is not tyed too, or bounded within any Nation or Kingdom of this World: but it is in diuers of them, at one, and the same time; in one, and the same manner. And wheresoeuer it is, it hath the preheminence, or is aboue that Kingdome or Nation; as is plaine by the Scriptures which are mentio­ned before, which Scriptures also you see doe concerne the Estate of the Church heere, as hath beene also pro­ued: So that it is scituate vpon a glo­rious holy Mountaine, vpon an excee­ding high Hill; which is aboue all earthly Mountaines, all earthly Hills. Now followeth to bee shewed how wee may certainely, or infalliblely know where this Mountaine, and so consequently this House, Tabernacle, Church, City, or Kingdome is? For full satisfaction in this, let vs call to minde [Page 35] the Disciples question, before spoken of; & the answere to the same, by him that could best satisfie the doubtfull in a point of so great waight. The questi­on was moued vpō occasion of a large speech, which our Sauiour had made cō ­cerning this Kingdom. Luk. 17.37. And the words of the question are these; Where Lord? As if they should haue said: Thou hast spoken often & largely of a Kingdom: & now thou hast also shewed, y^e men shall not be able to say; See, here it is; or be­hold, there it is. Where is it then Lord, or how may thy children finde it?Mat. 24.28. Luk. 17.37. The answere is; Wheresoeuer the Carkeise or body is, there, or thither will the Eagles be gathered together. As if he should haue said in moe words thus: Would you know where my Kingdom is? or where it may be found? Answere your selues by your own experience: Did you euer see Eagles gathered together, without a dead body or carkeise? If no, then may you also conclude▪ that wheresoeuer true Beleeuers are, there is Christes Kingdome. According to that where it is written, Wheresoeuer two or three are gathered together in my Name, [Page 36] there am I in the midst of them: Mat. 18.20. Mat. 18.23. or, There is my Kingdome: there is the Church: the Citie: the House: the Tabernacle, which I haue set vp: Euen there wheresoeuer two or three are ga­thered or ioyned together in the same minde, walking in the same way, confessing the same things, doing the same duties which I haue commanded. There, and and no where else is my Kingdome; with them, and none but such as they are doe I familiarly conuerse: This, and none but this is my house. This is that Spirituall Tabernacle, not made with hands: there is that Citie of which so glorious things are spoken.

For, as it is naturall for Eagles to ceaze or prey on dead bodies: So it is as naturall for beleeuers to ceaze or prey on Christs Body: and as nothing will draw Eagles together, but a Car­keise: So there is nothing will knit men together in true friendship, and fa­miliaritie, but the Spirit of Christ.

The Truth of this most apt and ex­cellent Similitude might bee shewed out of many Scriptures: but let this be carefully obserued: That by the Body [Page 37] or Carkeise is liuely represented vnto vs, the crucified flesh of Christ, and his blood powred out: on which beleeuers doe onely feede. This is done in the true preaching of the Word, and the right ad­ministration of the Lords Supper. Both these are playne where it is written; O yee foolish Galatians, who hath bewit­ched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Iesus Christ hath beene euidently set foorth, crucified amongst you? Gal. 3.1. Againe,Gal. 3.1. 1 Cor. 1.23. Wee preach Christ crucified: 1 Cor. 1.23. There is the Carkeise or Body in true preaching. Also it is written, The Cup of blessing, which we blesse, is it not the Communion of the blood of Christ? The Bread which wee breake, is it not the Communion of the Bo­die of Christ? For we being many, are one Bread, and one Body: for we are all par­takers of that one Bread: 1 Cor. 10.16, 17.1 Cor. 10.16.17. Here is also the Carkeise or Body in the right vse of the Lords Supper. To both these adde that, where it is written; Except yee eate the flesh of the Sonne of Man, and drinke his blood, yee haue no life in you: Io. 6.53.Io. 6.35.

Thus hauing done with the Body [Page 38] or Carkeise. That the Eagles also doe notably represent Beleeuers, is playne by many things, wherin the holy Ghost hath made the Comparison. In the first place, Eagles doe mount on high; as God saith to Iob: Iob. 39.27. Doth the Eagle mount vp at thy command, & make her nest on high? So likewise Beleeuers are sayd to mount vp with wings: Is. 40.31. as it is written; They shall mount vp with wings as Eagles.

Secondly, Eagles doe dwell & abide on the Rocke and strong Place: Iob. 39.28. Iob. 39.28. So beleeuers are sayd to dwell on high, euen on strong defenced Rocks: as it is written; Hee that walketh righte­ously, & speaketh vprightly; He shall dwell on high, his place of Defence shall be the Munition of Rocks: Is. 33.15, 16. Psal. 103.5. Is. 33.15.16.

Thirdly, Eagles do renew their strength, Psa. 113.5. So Beleeuers renew their strength: as is written; They that wayte vpon the Lord shall renew their strength: Isa. 40.31.Is. 40.31. Iob. 39.29. Fourthly, Eagles doe see a farre off: Iob. 39.29. So beleeuers are said to see a farre off: as it is written: Where there is mention made of many be­leeuers: it is concluded thus of them: These all dyed in Faith, not hauing recei­ued [Page 39] the Promises; Heb. 11.13. Iob. 39.30 but hauing seene them a farre off, and were perswaded of them.

Fifthly, Eagles do sucke vp blood: Iob. 39.30. So Beleeuers, as it is written. Who so eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternall life: and I will rayse him vp at the last day: Io. 6.54. Lastly,Io. 6.54. where the slayne are, or where the car­keise or dead body is, there is hee: Iob. 39.30 Iob. 39.30. So beleeuers are euer with Christ: for it is onely the Spirit of Christ that brings them together, or doth cherish them asunder. Thus you haue briefely seene the truth of this apt and most excellent Similitude, how liuely and plainely it discouereth this great mistery; which shalbe thus summed, & so con­cluded; Eagles mount on high: Beleeuers do the like. Eagles make their nests on safe places: Beleeuers are also safe. Eagles re­new their youth: Beleeuers doe renew their strength. Eagles see a farre off: Beleeuers do no lesse. Eagles suck vp blood: Beleeuers doe the same. Eagles are neuer gathered without a carkeise: nor Beleuers without the Spirit of Christ. But it may be, some of my Countreymen may say; How shall we know it to be in England?

Let such answer themselues by this: It is prooued, that where beleeuers are, there it is: Now if thou then be a Be­leeuer, and dost know another as well as thy selfe, thou mayst then safely con­clude, that it is in England. And if thou say further, How shall I know others? I answere, Labour first to be certaine of thine owne blessednes; Get assurance that thou thy selfe art in Christ: and when this is done, I doubt not to say thou shalt know others also: yea ma­ny others in England, to thy great com­fort: as it is written; Since yee seeke a proofe of Christ speaking in me: Examine your selues, whether yee bee in the Faith, prooue your owne selues. Know yee not your owne selues, how that Iesus Christ is in you, except yee be reprobates? But I trust yee shall know that we are not reprobates: 2 Cor. 13.2 Cor. 13.3, 5, 6.3, 5, 6. As if hee should haue said, The onely way to know that Wee, (that is, the true Ministers of Christ) are in Christ, is, by the knowledge of your selues to be in Christ: Mat. 7.2, 3, 4, 5. 1 Cor. 2. [...]5, 16. Giuing vs to vnderstand thereby, that none can truely know a Childe of God, but he that is in truth the Childe of God himselfe: [Page 42] Mat. 7.2, 3, 4, 5. 1 Cor. 2.15, 16.

But some may say further; I heare one cry out for want of Discipline; o­thers for Order; some for Christs Offi­cers: one saith, Here is Christ; another, There is Christ: Let such an one againe satisfie himself, that Christ hath made it a marke of a Seducing spirit, to drawe Disciples after him. Now wee haue learned to haue respect to all Gods com­mandements, Ps. 119.6:Ps. 119.6. and amongst the rest, this is one; To beware of false Prophets: Mat. 7.15.Mat. 7.15, 16. This our most blessed Redeemer, was carefull to presse vpon vs his Redeemed ones: where he saith, If any man shall say vnto you, Lo, heere is Christ, or there, beleeue it not: for there shall arise false Christs, and false Prophets, and shall shew great signes & wonders, insomuch that if it were possible, they will deceiue the very Elect: Mat. 24.24. Mat. 24.24. This is againe repeated, to note the certaine and necessary vse of such aduise: Behold, I haue tolde you be­fore; wherefore if any shall say vnto you, Behold, he is in the Desart, goe not foorth: Behold, hee is in the secret chambers, be­leeue it not: Ver. 25.26.Ver. 25.26. And the [Page 42] holy Ghost warneth vs of times, wher­in some shall giue heede to seducing spirits: 1 Tim. 4.1. 1 Tim. 4.1. As also, That there shall be false Teachers (euen among the Saints) That shall priuily bring in damnable Here­sies: And many shall follow their Perni­tious waies; by reason of whome, the way of truth shalbe euill spoken of. And through Couetousnes, they shal with feighned words make marchandise of the Saints: 2 Pet. 2.1, 2, 3. 2 Pet. 2.1, 2, 3. And we are willed, nay, com­manded, not to beletue euery Spirit; but to try the Spirits, whether they are of God, because many false Prophets are gone out into the World: 1 Io. 4.1. 1 Io. 4.1.

Therefore if thou be a Saint or true beleeuer, abide in thy Place; and bee not drawne to any such Places, Compa­nies, or Constitutions: but attend vpon the Word, and drawe others thereun­to; that as others haue beene exam­ples to thee; so thou mayst also be to others. Labour for the Peace of the Land, Citie, or Place, where thou dwellest,Ier. 29.7. and dost liue: Ier. 29.7. Get thine owne soule within the com­passe of Christs Discipline, and thine owne Family into order. And know, [Page 43] that if thou must needes graunt that the Church of God is in England; thou must also of necessitie graunt that Christs Gouernment is here also, vnlesse thou wilt seperate him from that his Gouernment: Mat. 19.6.Mat. 19.6 For hee himselfe hath sayd, That his Gouern­ment is vpon his shoulder: Is. 9.6.Is. 9.6. But some may further obiect: This Go­uernment is not visible; or, I cannot see this that you affirme. Let such get Eye-salue, and desire God to open the Mistery of it: For indeed the Church is glorious; but to whome? To those onely that are within it: as it is written,Ps. 45.13. The Kings daughter is all glorious within: Psa. 45.13.

None can see the Light of this Candle, Mat. 5.15 Lu. 11.33 Io. 3.3. but such as are within the House: Mat. 5.15. Lu 11.33. And Ex­cept a man be borne againe he cannot see the Kingdome of God: Io. 3.3. So that it is no wonder seeing thou seest not the Church it selfe that thou seest not the beautie and comelinesse thereof. As it is no wonder, that a man cannot iustly finde fault with the Building, that sees not the House: or vvith the [Page 44] Order, that sees not the Army it selfe. And I must needes say, that if thou graunt that there is a Church any where, thou must of necessitie grant, that Christs owne glorious Order is euen there also, though thou see it not. Blame then thy blindnes, complayne of thine owne Ignorance: For it is fearefull to call in question Gods wisedome: who being the Author of our blessed Church in England, hath also set a beautifull and glorious Order in the same: For hee is not the Author of Confusion, but of Order; Rom. 9.20.Rom. 9.20 1 Cor. 14.33, 40. 1 Cor. 14.33.40.

Lastly, let this bee well obserued: As thou louest the life of thy soule, beware how thou call in Question, perempto­rily, things thou vnderstandest not, or affirme things thou knowest not; lest thou deserue iustly to bee rancked a­mongst those presumptuous and selfe-willed ones, that are not afrayd to speake of Dignities; whereas Angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not ray­ling Accusation against them before the Lord: 2 Pet. 2.10, 11, 12 2 Pet. 2.10, 11, 12. This be­ing then dispatched; Namely, What it is? and Where it is? A third was pro­posed; [Page 45] namely, When it began?

For satisfaction in this, obserue that this Kingdome hath beene open to all be­leeuers: Yea, Abraham, Isaac, and Ia­cob, and all the Prophets, are sayde to sit downe here by faith: As it is written: We which haue beleeued do enter into rest: Heb. 4.3. Also,Heb. 4.3. where vpon occasi­on of the Centurions faith, our blessed Redeemer sayd, I haue not found so great Faith, no not in Israel: And I say vnto you, that many shall come from the East and West, and shall sit downe with Abra­ham, Isaac, and Iacob,Mat. 8.10.11. in the Kingdome of heauen: Mat. 8.10, 11. And in an other Scripture, speaking (as here) ex­pressely of the Calling of the Gentiles, and reiecting of the Iewes; it is thus writ­ten: That there shalbe weeping and gna­shing of teeth, when yee shall see Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob, and all the Prophets in the Kingdome of God, and you your selues thrust out. And they shall come from the East, and from the West, and from the North, and from the South, Luk. 13.28, 29. and shall sit downe in the Kingdome of God: Luk. 13.28, 29. And howsoeuer it may truly be sayd, to be open to all beleeuers: yet it [Page 46] may be as truely sayd, that Iohn Baptist was the first proclaymer of it, in playne termes (as we speake) as it is written; In those dayes came Iohn the Baptist, preaching in the Wildernesse of Iudea; and say­ing, Mat. 3.1, 2. Repent yee, for the Kingdome of hea­uen is at hand: Mat. 3.1, 2. After him the King himselfe, or that great Prophet began to make the same Procla­mation: Mat. 4.17, 23. Mat. 4.17.23. And that the obstinate Iewes might be left without all excuse, he sendeth out his Apostles and Disciples into all their Cities and Villages, to proclayme the same things. And to confirme the truth of the Pro­clamation, Mat. 10.1, 7. Mar. 6.13. Luk. 9.2.60. they had power giuen them to cast out Diuels, and cure Diseases: Mat. 10.1, 7. Mar. 6.13. Luk 9.2.60. Yea, our Sauiour tels the Phari­sees, that it is amongst them, euen at his being on earth: as it is written: The Kingdome of God, behold it is among you: Lu. 17.21 Luk. 17.21. As also his speech to the Woman of Samaria is notable for this; The houre commeth, and now is, when the true Worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: Io. 4.22. Io. 4, 22. It is now (saith he) and shall come more [Page 47] cleerely and manifestly hereafter. For at that time it was so darke a Mistery, as that albeit the Disciples, nay the A­postles themselus heard it daily taught, yea and priuately were instructed in it; yet they did not vnderstand, nor appre­hend the truth thereof: as it is euident by their qunstion which they mooued, euen after Christs forty dayes abode with them, speaking of things appertay­ning to this Kingdome: yet after that they asked this question; Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the Kingdome to Israel? Supposing that it had beene some outward glorious restauration of their Nation to their former estate, Act. 1.3, 4, 5, 6. that our Sauiour had so often taught; Act. 1.3, 4, 5, 6.

And we may further adde, that this Kingdome beganne not cleerely to appeare, vntill the Apostles re­ceiued power from aboue; as it was pro­mised them where it is written, Be­hold, I send the promise of my Father vp­on you: but tarry you in the City of Ieru­salem, vntill you bee indued with power from on High: Luk. 24.49.Luk. 24.49. But espe­cially it began at Ierusalems destruction. [Page 48] For those things which were abroga­ted long before, euen when the vaile of the Temple rent from the top to the bottome: Matt. 27.50, 51. Mat. 27.50, 51: yet then they might bee sayd to vanish, as it is written: In that he saith; A new, he hath made the first olde: Now that which decay­eth and waxeth old is ready to vanish; For then verily the first had Ordinances of Di­uine Seruice, Heb. 8.13 the 9.1. and a worldly Sanctuary: Heb. 8.13. chap. 9.1. But this was fully made manifest in that glorious comming of Christ, to Iohn, in that won­derfull Reuelation. Reuel. 1.1. Reuel. 1.1. Accor-to his owne prophecyes, where it is written: Ʋerily I say vnto you, or I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here which shall in no wise tast of Death till they see, or til they haue seene the Sonne of Man comming in his Kingdome, or the Kingdom of God come with power: Mat. 16.28. Mar. 9.1. Lu. 9.27. Mat. 16.28. Mar. 9.1. Luk. 9.27. Also of Iohn in particular, as of the especiall man that should see the Fulnesse of it, it is written, that his Master said to Peter, If I will that hee tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Ioh. 21.21, 22. Ioh. 21.21, 22. So that then was the truth of that seene [Page 49] which our Sauiour prophecied to that Woman; Woman, beleeue me the houre commeth, when yee shall neyther in this Mountaine, nor yet at Ierusalem worship the Father: Io. 4.21.Io. 4.21. At that Time Ordinances of Diuine Seruice, and worldly Sanctuaries vanished away, which serued but as shadowes of hea­uenly, or good things to come, and were not the very Image of the things thēselues: Heb. 10.1 Heb. 10.1. Then, and not till then things made with hands were shaken,Heb. 12.26, 27. Is. 65.17.18. Reuel. 21.1.5. that things not made might remaine: Heb. 12.26, 27. Is. 62.17, 18. Reu. 21.1.

The first point thus being pointed at, with the three branches thereof. The second followes; which is, That it is to be entred into: For the first were little worth: as, To know what it is? Where to finde it? And when it began? If, ha­uing found it, wee make it not our owne, by taking possession of it. There­fore concerning our entrance, wee will consider three things: First, What the Gate is by which wee enter? Secondly, Who, and when men may be said to knocke therat? Thirdly, By what means we enter? [Page 50] The Gate or Doore is Christ: as it is written; I am the Doore of the sheepe: and in the same Chapter; I am the Doore, Io. 10.7, 9 by me if any man enter in, hee shall be saued. Io. 10.7, 9. Here hee pro­claymeth himselfe to bee the Doore or Gate by which we enter. And a little before his departure, he tels his Disci­ples, That they do know whither he goeth, and the way also. But Thomas making a doubt, both of the place whither hee should goe, and also of the way thi­ther. Christ answereth thus: I am the Way, Io. 14.4, 5, 6. the Truth, and the Life; no man com­meth to the Father but by me: Io. 14.4, 5, 6.

This is then that new and liuing way, which is consecrated to vs by the flesh of Christ: Heb. 10.20. Heb. 10.20. And thus much for the Gate or Doore by which we enter;Mat. 7.13 Lu. 13.24 Psa. 1.8.20. which is termed, A Straight Gate: and wee are willed to striue to enter in thereat: Matth. 7.13. Luk. 13.24. Euen, this Gate of the Lord: Psa. 118.20.

The Gate being knowne: the next thing is, who they are, and when men may bee said to knocke at this Gate? [Page 51] For answere heereunto; know, that true penitent sinners, such whose hearts are pricked, whose consciences are la­ded, whose faces are couered with shame and confusion: these are they who knocke thereat. As wee see at that Sermon of Peters; where it is written, Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and sayd vnto Peter, and to the rest of the Apostles, Men and brethren, Act. 2.37. what shall wee doe? Act. 2.27. Heere you see these knocking aloude at this Gate.

So the Publicane being couered with shame and confusion, and full of indig­nation against himselfe for sinne: as wee see, by that hee stood a farre off; woulde not so much as lift vp his eyes to heauen, but smote his brest, saying; nay, rather crying out, with much vehemency:Lu. 18.13. God be mer­cifull to me a sinner: Luk. 18.13. He also knocks aloude at this Gate.

The Theefe vpon the Crosse knoc­ked also efectually at this Gate: when hee was come to himselfe: His Eyes beeing opened to see his [Page 52] fearefull estate, and his mouth also to reprooue sinne in his fellow, and to cleere our blessed Redeemer; and no doubt with vehemencie he cryed out; Lord remember mee when thou commest into thy Kingdome: Luk. 23.40, 41, 42 Luk. 23.40, 41, 42.

Also, the Keeper of the Prison, when hee was recouered of that desperate purpose, at his sudden amazement, calling for a light, sprang in, & came trembling, and fell downe before Paul and Silas: and brought them out of the Inner Prison, into which hee had cruelly thrust them: knocking also powerfully at this gate,Act. 16.27, 28, 29, 30. when he sayde; Syrs, what must I doe to bee saued? Act. 16.27, 28, 29, 30.

So that we may very wel conclude, that penitent ones onely knocke: yea, then men doe knocke, when their eyes are opened to see their misery, and the ne­cessitie of getting in: as it is written: Paul was sent to open the eyes, Act. 26.18. to turne (men) from darknesse to light, from the power of Sathan to God: Act. 26.18. So that the eyes must first be opened; ac­cording to that, where it is written: I will powre vpon the house of Dauid, and [Page 53] vpon the Inhabitants of Ierusalem the Spi­rit of Grace, and of supplications; and they shall looke vpon him whom they haue pier­ced: Zach. 12.10.Zach. 12.10. Heere also the eyes are said to be opened. So it is written, That the Prodigall Sonne came to himselfe: Luk. 15.17. Luk. 15.17. That is, (as it is playne) he saw his miserable condition, and wretched estate. Thus men doe then knocke, when they see themselues shut out: for there is a necessitie of the sight of misery before euer men will in truth call for mercy: So that this knocking containes in it, not onely the sight of sinne; but also a godly sorrow for it, a confession proceeding from both, and a vehement desire of mercy, crauing it as for life and death: So that the eyes be­ing opened to see, Eze. 11.19. Eze. 36.25, 26. I ter. 8.6. he 31.19 Is. 1.16. Mar. 9.43, 45, 4 [...] the heart is also chan­ged to bewaile and lament: The stony heart is changed into a heart of flesh: Ez. 11.19. Now this godly sorrow, if it bee indeed that true sorrow, it wor­keth carefulnesse, which is a smiting on the thigh, by saying, What haue I done? Ier. 8.6. the 31.19. Also, a cleering of themselues by an earnest endea­uour to be freed of sinne: Mar. 9.43, [Page 54] 36, 47. Is. 1.16. and auoyding the occasions and meanes, by which they may bee made more guilty. Also, an indignation, which is an horror, euen with gnashing of teeth at the very naming or memory of sinne:Lu. 18.13 Luk▪ 18.13. yea, such an vnfeined detestation thereof, as is not to be expressed Also such a feare, as that such an one will tremble at the least motion of sinne: Iob. 31.23.Iob. 31.23 Luk. 23.40. Lu. 18.13 Psal. 51. Luke 23.40. and euery temptation thereunto, makes the ve­ry heart to quake. With these, there is also a vehement desire, Luk. 18.13. Ps. 51. of pardon, which doth enforce such an one to aske instantly, to seeke constantly, and to knocke incessantly at this Gate: Mat. 7.7. Mat. 7.7. Yea to craue mercy, with much vehemency, and loude crying with teares:Heb. 5.7. Hebr. 5.7. To this is added Zeale, by which the Penitent doe now detest sinne, euen in others as well as themselues:Lu. 23.40 [...] Pet. 2.7. Luk. 23 40. 2 Pet, 2.7. And lastly Reuenge, whereby the penitent do abstaine, e­uen from lawfull things, hauing for­mally aduentured on vnlawful: as for example; hauing sinned by Gluttony, [Page 55] they now doe tame their bodies by fasting: Psalm. 109.24.Ps. 109.24 being before filthie, now they brydle euen mari­age desires: hauing abused pretious Time, they now redeeme it, Eph. 5.16. Eph. 5.16. from sleepe, and such other things that steale it from them. All these are set downe in that of the Apostle, where it is thus written: Behold this selfe same thing that yee sorrowed after a godly sort; what carefulnesse wrought it in you, yea cleereing your selues, yea indignation, yea feare, yea vehement desire, yea Zeale, yea Reuenge: 2 Cor. 7.11 2 Cor. 7.11.

Now these are as so many infallible tokens of one in the estate of Penitency: Such an one doth indeed knocke a­loude for mercy, that hath such a deep sense of misery: and he that hath not all of these, hath neuer a one of them. These were easily to be shewed in the fore-mentioned examples, of the Publicane, the Theefe vpon the Crosse, the Men in the Acts, and the Kee­per of the Prison. Thus you now see who doe knocke, and when men may be sayd truely to knocke at this Gate, [Page 56] Euen when being sicke, Mat. 9.12 Hos. 6.1. they desire the Phisition: Mat. 9.12. Being woun­ded, they desire to be healed: Hos. 6.1. Being imprisoned, Is. 61.1, 2. they craue libertie as for life and death: Is. 61.1, 2. Be­ing touched with a deepe sense of their miserie, they cry aloude, & with much vehemency to God for mercy. Such, and none but such doe knocke at this Gate: they, and none but they thrust at this Doore.

The Doore or Gate now knowne, and who doe knocke thereat being cleerely discouered: it resteth to bee shewed, Whereby men doe enter? That this may appeare plainely vnto vs, let vs consider of that, where it is writ­ten:Heb. 4.3. We which haue beleeued doe enter in­to rest: Heb. 4.3. And againe, Ex­cept your righteousnes exceede the righte­ousnes of the Scribes and Pharisees, yee shall in no case enter into the Kingdome of heauen: Mat. 5.20. Mat. 5.20. Also, that where it is written, We being iustified by faith, haue peace with God, through our Lord Iesus Christ: By whom also we haue ac­cesse by Faith into this Grace wherein wee stand: Rom. 5.1.2. Rom. 5.1, 2. Out of these, and [Page 57] very many moe which might bee al­ledged, we may truely conclude: That by faith men enter into Christs King­dome; as it is written: That such, whose eyes are first opened; and withall, are turned from darknesse to light; and from the power of Sathan, to God: such by faith in Christ do receiue forgiuenesse of their sinnes, Act. 26.18. Col. 1.12.13. and inheritance amongst the Saints in light: Act. 26.18. Col. 1.12, 13. So our blessed Redeemer speaketh expressely to him that demaunded, What hee must doe to enter into life? Mat. 19.17. Mar. 10.17. His answer to him was, Keepe the comman­dements: Mat. 19.17. Mar. 10.17.

Now wee keepe them by no other meanes then by faith in Christ; as it is written: What shall wee doe, that wee might worke the works of God? Iesus an­swered, and sayd vnto them: Io. 6.28.29. This is the worke of God; That yee beleeue on him whom he hath sent: Io. 6.28, 29. And in another place it is written, This is his commaundement; That yee should be­leeue on the Name of his Son Iesus Christ; and loue one another, 1 Io. 3.23. as he gaue comman­dement: 1 Io. 3.23. And in another place it is written: Not euery one that [Page 58] saith, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the King­dome of heauen: Mat. 7.21 Reuel. 22.14. but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heauen: Mat. 7.21. Reuel. 22.14. And you haue seene before, that they onely doe the will of God, that beleeue on him whom he hath sent So then we may conclude, That Repentance doth aske, Faith doth receiue: Repenatnce doth seeke, Faith doth finde: Repentance doth knocke, Faith doth open this Gate to those that shall be saued. In a word, Repentance doth open the eyes, to see a miserable condition; & turneth such with­all to God, to seeke mercy. Faith doth re­ceiue Christ, and withall, forgiuenes of sin;Io. 1.12. & the right wherby we do indeed be­come the Sonnes of God: Io. 1.12.

The two first principall things be­ing thus dispatched: as, That wee must first, seeke, and hauing found, enter: the third followeth: which is, That those that are entred must walke wor­thy of such a blessed and glorious estate. And that this may bee also made ma­nifest, wee will in this obserue two things: first, the King: secondly, the Subiects: If wee respect the King, it [Page 59] offreth vs a threefolde meditation: First, His Presence: Secondly, His Mercy: Thirdly, His Iustice.

For his Presence, he is to be conside­red of as a God, not a farre off onely, but at hand also: Euen such a King, as that his Priuy Chamber cannot con­taine him, as other Kings, much lesse a little Closset. But hee filleth heauen and earth, as his owne words do wit­nesse, where it is written; Am I a God at hand, and not a God a farre off? Can any hide himselfe in secret places, Ier. 23.23. that I shall not see him, saith the Lord? Ier. 23.23. And in another place; All things are naked and opened vnto the eyes of him with whome wee haue to doe: neyther is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: Heb. 4.13.Heb. 4.13. Therefore his eyes are said to be as a flame of fire; Reu. 1.14.

For his Mercy, the Prophet Dauid offereth that to our meditation, where it is written: But mercy or forgiuenesse is with thee, that thou mayst bee feared: Psalm. 130.4. So also his Iudgements are to set before our eyes; as the same blessed Prophet hath [Page 60] giuen vs an example;Ps. 119.30 The way of truth, & thy Iudgements haue I layd before me. Also, My flesh trembleth for feare of thee, and I am afrayd of thy Iudgements: Ʋer. 120. ver. 120. And it is worthy to be obserued, that it is vsuall with the blessed Spirit to ioyne these together, when hee presseth the Saints on to perfection. They are allured by Mercy, and pro­uoked by Iustice: as wee will see it cleered by places for the very same purpose; where it is written: Wee receiuing a Kingdome which cannot bee mooued, Heb. 12.28, 29. let vs hold fast the grace receiued, that we may serue God acceptably with re­uerence and godly feare. For our God is a consuming fire: Heb. 12.28.29. Here is both Mercy and Iudgement to bee considered: Mercy, in affoording vs the grace to bee receiued into this Kingdome. Iustice, in these words: God is a consuming sire. So where it is written: Bee yee ready; for in such an houre as yee thinke not, the Sonne of Man commeth: who then is a faithfull and wise Seruant, whom his Lord hath made Ruler ouer his Household, to giue them meate in due season? Blessed is that Seruant, whom [Page 61] his Lord when hee commeth shall finde so doing: Ʋerily I say vnto you, he shall make him Ruler ouer all his Goods: Mat. 24.44, 45, 46, 47. Matt. 24.44, 45, 46, 47. There you see Mer­cie to allure. And it followeth; But, and if that Seruant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his comming; and shall begin to smite his fellow Seruants, and to eate and drinke with the Drunken. The Lord of that Seruant shall come in a day, when he looketh not for him, & in an houre that hee is not aware off, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with Hypocrites; Ver. 48, 49, 50, 51 there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth: Verses, 48, 49.50, 51. Here is Iustice to prouoke. Adde to this that, where it is written: Take heede to your selues, lest at any time your hearts be ouercharged with surfetting and drunkennesse, and cares of this life; and so that day come vpon you vnawares: For as a snare it shall come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch yee therefore, and pray alwaies, that yee may bee accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to passe, Luk. 21.34, 35.36. and to stand before the Sonne of Man: Luk. 21.34, 35, 36. Heere you also see Iustice and [Page 62] Mercy. All these three are notably ex­pressed and repeated to those seuen Churches to which Iohn wrote:Reuel. 2. and 3. Reuel. 2. and 3. Especially to the fiue that are reprooued: as Ephesus, Pergamus, Thiatira, Sardis and Laodicea. His pre­sence with them all, in these words, seuen times repeated; I know thy works. His Mercy to euery of them, in these words; To him that ouercommeth I will giue: as many times vsed. His Iustice, plainely to those fiue, in diuers phra­ses; and more hiddenly to the other two, in these words; Hee shall not bee hurt of the second death. Chap. 2.11 the 3.12. And, Hee shall goe no more out. Chap. 2.11. the 3.12. And so much for the first help to walke worthy in respect of our King.

The second helpe to walke worthie is taken from the Communion amongst the Saints themselues. This principal­ly standeth in their mutuall prayers one for another: the exhortations, repre­hensions, and instructions, that they vse one to another. Their prouiding for the necessities one of another; whether spirituall or bodily. Finally, in vsing all good meanes for the building vp one [Page 63] of another. That these things ought to be, or rather cānot but be amongst those that are indeed Subiects of this Kingdom; let vs consider what is writ­ten to this purpose: & first for Prayer. The Apostle hauing furnished a Chri­stian with Armor for his great Combat, addeth this: Pray alwaies, with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and thereun­to with all perseuerance, Eph. 6.18. and supplication for all Saints: Eph. 6.18. For Exhorta­tions: Exhort one another daily, while it is called to day, Heb. 3.13 lest any of you be hardned through the deceitfulnesse of sinne: Heb. 3, 13. For Reprehension or Reproofe: 1 Tim. 5.20. Them that sinne, rebuke before all that others may feare: 1 Tim. 5.20. For Instructi­on: Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisedome, teaching, and ad­monishing one another, in Psalmes, and Hymnes, and Spirituall songs, Col. 3.16. singing with grace in your hearts vnto the Lord: Col. 3.16. Prouiding both for spirituall and bodily estate: For Spirituall: Bre­thren, if a man be ouertaken in a fault: yee which are spirituall, restore such an one with the spirit of meeknesse; Gal. 6.1. considering thy selfe, lest thou also be tempted: Cal. 6.1 [Page 64] For the Body: Rom. 12.13. Distributing to the neces­sitie of the Saints, giuen to Hospitalitie: Rom. 12.13. Finally, we are to vse all good meanes for the building vp one of another:1 Thes. 5.11. as it is written; Comfort your selues together, & edifie one another. And, Let vs hold fast the Profession of our Faith without wauering, (for he is faithful that promised.) And let vs consider one another, to prouoke vnto Loue, and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of our selues together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as you see the day ap­proching: Heb. 10.23, 24, 25 Heb. 10.23, 24, 25. So al­so, Keepe your selues in the Loue of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Iesus Christ, vnto eternall life. Building vp your selues on your most holy faith: Iude ver. 20.21. Praying in the holy Ghost: Iude 20.21. And, Of some haue compassion, making a diffe­rence: And others saue with feare, pulling them out of the fire: Ver. 22.23 ver. 22, 23. Adde to this, those blessed examples of be­leeuers, where it is written: There were added about three thousand soules. And they continued stedfastly in th'apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of [Page 65] bread, and in prayers, And feare came vpon euery soule: And all that beleeued were together, and had all things common: Act. 2.41, 42, 43, 44 45. And solde their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as euery man had neede: Act. 2.41, 42, 43, 44, 45. Also, in another place: And the multitude of them that beleeued were of one heart, and one soule: neyther saide any of them that ought that hee possessed, was his owne, but had all things common: Act. 4.32.34. Neyther was there any among them that lacked: Act. 4.32.34. Also, Ʋpon the first day of the weeke, when the Disciples came toge­ther to breake bread, Paul preached vnto them, ready to depart on the morrow, and continued his speech vntill midnight: Act. 20.7. Act. 20.7. And thus you see both by Pre­cepts and Examples, what is required of the Subiects of Christs Kingdome a­mongst themselues, or one towards another for their building and growth; that so they may walke worthy of the high and excellent calling, to the which they are called. And to conclude, you haue now the briefe heads of this great businesse: namely, the discouery of this Kingdome of Christ, or the laying [Page 66] opon of the three necessary circumstances, about this one necessary thing: As, that wee must first seeke it, and in seeking that wee may finde, wee now know what it is; where, and when it began. Hauing found it, we must enter: and to this ende the Gate is made knowne. Who are they that knock? and what giues admittance? The penitent only knocke; True beleeuers enter. To this is added the meanes or helps to walke worthy: and heere wee are taught to haue an eye to God, and one to another. To God, or Christ our King; and to remember his Presence, Mercy, and Iustice. To the Subiects; by mutuall prayers, exhor­tations, reprehensions, instructions, and by vsing all other meanes, both publique and priuate, for the good both of soules and bodies. And thus by Gods mercy vvee haue dispatched this weighty worke. Desiring God to send foorth euery day more and more Scribes instructed vnto this Kingdome, able to bring forth out of their Trea­suries,Met. 13.52. things new and olde: Mat. 13.52. And so to God the Father, that hath giuen this Kingdome to the Sonne: [Page 67] and to God the Sonne, that desired, hath receiued, and shall deliuer vp this King­dome to the Father: and to God the holy Ghost, by whom, both the Father and the Sonne doe gouerne this King­dome: Euen to these Three, Io. 10.30. 1 Io. 5.7. which are yet but one inuisible and onely wise God: Io. 10.30. 1 Io. 5.7. Let vs ascribe all Glory and Honour, all Domini­on and Maiestie, euen hence­forth, and for euermore, Amen.