of Saluation and the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God praying alwaies with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit Eph. 6.11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18. This is the Armour of righteousnes which the Saints haue on the right hand and on the left 2 Cor. 6.7 2 Cor. 6.7 Onely the sober children of the day doe put on the Brestplate of Faith and Loue and for an helmet the hope of saluation 1 Thes 5.8 1 The. 5.8 Thus you haue as the titles so also the principall things of which this Kingdome consisteth As of a King a Scepter Lawes Ambassadors Subiects Officers Weapons And hauing this briefely seene what it is it followeth to bee shewed where it is According to that question of the Disciples Where Lord Luk. 17.37 Luk. 17.37 Here shall be obserued first Whether on earth or in heauen that is in this life or that to come Secondly seeing it is on Earth where it is to bee found For the first it is affirmed before and shall be confirmed by testimonies now that this Kingdome is on Earth for so it is written In the daies of these Kings shall the God of heauen set vp a Kingdom which shall neuer be destroyed Dan. 2.44 Dan. 2.44 And in another place Aske of me and I will giue thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the vttermost parts of the earth for thy possession Ps 2.8 Ps 2.8 Also it is written We are come to mount Sion and we receiuing a Kingdome Heb. 12.22.28 Also it is termed Dan. 7.27 The Kingdome vnder heauen Dan. 7.27 And in the Psalmes Great is the Lord and greatly to be praysed in the City of our God in the mountaine of his Holinesse beautifull for scituation the ioy of the whole earth is Mount Sion Ps 48.1.2 Ps 48.1.2 Yea it is said in the same Psalme That Kings shall see the glory of this Church or Kingdome and that with feare amazement Ver 4.5 ver 4.5 Out of all this we may gather many forcible Arguments to proue this truth that this Kingdome City House or Tabernacle is in this life as you haue before in the Scriptures scited to that purpose in these words It shal be in the daies of Kings of this world also It shall stretch to the vttermost parts of the earth also We are come to it not we shall but we are and we receiuing a Kingdome not Seeing we shall receiue a Kingdome but Seeing wee doe receiue also in the same Scripture wee are willed to hold it fast now there is no need of such an exhortation if it were of the life to come as al wil easily grant Further It is the ioy of the whole earth And Kings shall behold it passe by with feare amazement What shall I say Arguments of this sort are very many in holy Scriptures yea Is 6.5.17 the 66. Reu. 21. the 22. Ps 16.11 Mat. 22.30 Mat. 13.43 euen those places which they most abuse to the contrary do yeeld many plaine arguments to euery impartiall Reader as Isai 65.17 the 66. Reu. 21. and 22. and such like And let this be obserued that where the holy Ghost speaketh any where of the life to come it is alwaies in very short speeches or briefe sentences as for example Fulnes of ioy pleasures at Gods right hand for euermore Ps 16.11 We shal be as the Angels in heauē Mat. 22 30. We shall shine as the sun for euer in the Kingdome of our Father Mat. 13.43 We shal haue euerlasting life (a) Mat. 19.29 Mar. 10.30 Where Christ is we shal also be (b) Io. 14.3 We shal behold his glorie (c) Io. 17.24 2 Cor. 4.17 We shal haue a farre more exceeding and eternall waight of glory 2. Cor. 4.17 We shall appeare with Christ in glory Col. 3.4 1 Thes 4.17 Col. 3.4 Wee shall bee euer with the Lord 1 Thes 4.17 It is an inheritance incorruptible and vndefiled that fadeth not away 1 Pet. 1.4 reserued in heauen for vs 1 Pet. 1.4 When he shall appeare we shall be like him for wee shall see him as hee is 1 Io. 3.2 2 Tim. 4.8 Reuel 2.10 Mat. 5.12 1. Io. 3.2 We shall haue a Crowne of righteousnes 2 Tim. 4.8 A Crowne of life Reuel 2.10 A great reward in heauen Mat. 5.12 These or such like are all those phrases which are vsed in the Scriptures to set foorth the life to come vnto vs and that blessed condition there reserued for vs. The Reason hereof might be eyther the impossibilitie in regard of the straightnes of our bowels 2 Cor. 6.12 13. to conceiue of that blessednesse 2. Cor. 6.12 13. Or as we speak our shallow capacitie in the comprehension of such an excellent mysterie but it is indeed the eternall purpose of God in hiding these things as secrets from vs till the Last day as these Scriptures following may witnes That of Paul where it is written That being caught vp into the third heauen hee heard vnspeakable words which is not lawfull for a man to vtter 2 Cor. 12.2.4 2 Cor. 12.2.4 Also Now wee are the sonnes of God and it doeth not yet appeare what wee shall be 1 Io. 3.2 And it is also written 1 Io. 3.2 That this incorruptible and vndefiled inheritance is reserued for vs in heauen and ready to be reuealed in the last time 1 Pet. 1.4.5 1 Pet. 1.4 5. So that this may bee a manifest note eyther short or more large speeches to helpe vs to conceiue of the difference betweene things of this life and that which is to come Things of this life are alwaies spoken in expresse phrases that we may conceiue because we are to speake of them againe to others As it is written Eye hath not seene nor eare heard neyther haue entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that loue him but God hath reuealed them to vs by his Spirit Which things we also speake 1 Cor. 2.9 10 13. 1 Cor. 2.9 10 13. And yet further wee may obserue by certaine phrases vsuall speeches that the holy Ghost hath put a difference betweene our estate heere and hereafter for speaking of our estate here hee speakes of comming to vs and sending to vs and such like But speaking any where of the life to come hee speaketh of fetching vs to him and the like This is not to bee slightly regarded in reading the holy Scriptures as to instance in the places before mentioned which are by some abused to the life to come It is written The glorie of the Lord is risen vpon thee and The Lord shall arise vpon thee Is 60.1.2 Is 60.1.2 Yea that whole Chapter is full of strong reasons to enforce it to be vnderstood of the estate here Also where it is written For behold I create new heauens and a new earth and the former shall not bee remembred nor come into
preheminence or is aboue that Kingdome or Nation as is plaine by the Scriptures which are mentioned before which Scriptures also you see doe concerne the Estate of the Church heere as hath beene also proued So that it is scituate vpon a glorious holy Mountaine vpon an exceeding high Hill which is aboue all earthly Mountaines all earthly Hills Now followeth to bee shewed how wee may certainely or infalliblely know where this Mountaine and so consequently this House Tabernacle Church City or Kingdome is For full satisfaction in this let vs call to minde the Disciples question before spoken of the answere to the same by him that could best satisfie the doubtfull in a point of so great waight The question was moued vpō occasion of a large speech which our Sauiour had made cōcerning this Kingdom Luk. 17.37 And the words of the question are these Where Lord As if they should haue said Thou hast spoken often largely of a Kingdom now thou hast also shewed the men shall not be able to say See here it is or behold there it is Where is it then Lord or how may thy children finde it Mat. 24.28 Luk. 17.37 The answere is Wheresoeuer the Carkeise or body is there or thither will the Eagles be gathered together As if he should haue said in moe words thus Would you know where my Kingdom is or where it may be found Answere your selues by your own experience Did you euer see Eagles gathered together without a dead body or carkeise If no then may you also conclude that wheresoeuer true Beleeuers are there is Christes Kingdome According to that where it is written Wheresoeuer two or three are gathered together in my Name there am I in the midst of them Mat. 18.20 Mat. 18.23 or There is my Kingdome there is the Church the Citie the House the Tabernacle which I haue set vp Euen there wheresoeuer two or three are gathered or ioyned together in the same minde walking in the same way confessing the same things doing the same duties which I haue commanded There and and no where else is my Kingdome with them and none but such as they are doe I familiarly conuerse This and none but this is my house This is that Spirituall Tabernacle not made with hands there is that Citie of which so glorious things are spoken For as it is naturall for Eagles to ceaze or prey on dead bodies So it is as naturall for beleeuers to ceaze or prey on Christs Body and as nothing will draw Eagles together but a Carkeise So there is nothing will knit men together in true friendship and familiaritie but the Spirit of Christ The Truth of this most apt and excellent Similitude might bee shewed out of many Scriptures but let this be carefully obserued That by the Body or Carkeise is liuely represented vnto vs the crucified flesh of Christ and his blood powred out on which beleeuers doe onely feede This is done in the true preaching of the Word and the right administration of the Lords Supper Both these are playne where it is written O yee foolish Galatians who hath bewitched you that you should not obey the truth before whose eyes Iesus Christ hath beene euidently set foorth crucified amongst you Gal. 3.1 Againe Gal. 3.1 1 Cor. 1.23 Wee preach Christ crucified 1 Cor. 1.23 There is the Carkeise or Body in true preaching Also it is written The Cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the Communion of the blood of Christ The Bread which wee breake is it not the Communion of the Bodie of Christ For we being many are one Bread and one Body for we are all partakers of that one Bread 1 Cor. 10.16 17. 1 Cor. 10.16.17 Here is also the Carkeise or Body in the right vse of the Lords Supper To both these adde that where it is written Except yee eate the flesh of the Sonne of Man and drinke his blood yee haue no life in you Io. 6.53 Io. 6.35 Thus hauing done with the Body or Carkeise That the Eagles also doe notably represent Beleeuers is playne by many things wherin the holy Ghost hath made the Comparison In the first place Eagles doe mount on high as God saith to Iob Iob. 39.27 Doth the Eagle mount vp at thy command make her nest on high So likewise Beleeuers are sayd to mount vp with wings Is 40.31 as it is written They shall mount vp with wings as Eagles Secondly Eagles doe dwell abide on the Rocke and strong Place Iob. 39.28 Iob. 39.28 So beleeuers are sayd to dwell on high euen on strong defenced Rocks as it is written Hee that walketh righteously speaketh vprightly He shall dwell on high his place of Defence shall be the Munition of Rocks Is 33.15 16. Psal 103.5 Is 33.15.16 Thirdly Eagles do renew their strength Psa 113.5 So Beleeuers renew their strength as is written They that wayte vpon the Lord shall renew their strength Isa 40.31 Is 40.31 Iob. 39.29 Fourthly Eagles doe see a farre off Iob. 39.29 So beleeuers are said to see a farre off as it is written Where there is mention made of many beleeuers it is concluded thus of them These all dyed in Faith not hauing receiued the Promises Heb. 11.13 Iob. 39.30 but hauing seene them a farre off and were perswaded of them Fifthly Eagles do sucke vp blood Iob. 39.30 So Beleeuers as it is written Who so eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternall life and I will rayse him vp at the last day Io. 6.54 Lastly Io. 6.54 where the slayne are or where the carkeise or dead body is there is hee Iob. 39.30 Iob. 39.30 So beleeuers are euer with Christ for it is onely the Spirit of Christ that brings them together or doth cherish them asunder Thus you haue briefely seene the truth of this apt and most excellent Similitude how liuely and plainely it discouereth this great mistery which shal be thus summed so concluded Eagles mount on high Beleeuers do the like Eagles make their nests on safe places Beleeuers are also safe Eagles renew their youth Beleeuers doe renew their strength Eagles see a farre off Beleeuers do no lesse Eagles suck vp blood Beleeuers doe the same Eagles are neuer gathered without a carkeise nor Beleuers without the Spirit of Christ But it may be some of my Countreymen may say How shall we know it to be in England Let such answer themselues by this It is prooued that where beleeuers are there it is Now if thou then be a Beleeuer and dost know another as well as thy selfe thou mayst then safely conclude that it is in England And if thou say further How shall I know others I answere Labour first to be certaine of thine owne blessednes Get assurance that thou thy selfe art in Christ and when this is done I doubt not to say thou shalt know others also yea many others in
hath receiued to God the Father and then GOD shall be all in all This Kingdome is sometimes termed the Church of the Liuing GOD 1. Cor. 14.28 1. Tim. 3.15 Heb. 12.23 Psal 15.1 Ezek 37.27 Reu. 21.3 ◠Cor 14.28 Sometimes the House of God 1. Tim. 3.15 Sometimes the Citie of the Liuing God the New Ierusalem Hebr 12.23 Sometimes the Tabernacle of God Psalme 15.1 Eze 37.27 Reuel 21.3 Albeit neyther of these doe so fully and cleerely discouer this great Mysterie as this Title Kingdome Yet heerein God is to bee praised in that he vouchsafeth so to descend to our Capacitie as to vse all these that they which cannot conceyue it by one may vnderstand it by an other As those that knowe but a Tabernacle or Tent may thereby be holpen to the apprehension of it Those that are not acquainted with a Tent knowing a House may yet conceiue it Such as knowe Tents and Houses yea Cities may more fully see it And such as knowe a Kingdome may bee ledde as it were by the hand to the viewe of euery part thereof Thus God hath profered the viewe thereof to all To Kings discouering it by a Kingdome Dan. 2.44 To Citizens by the viewe of a Citie Psal 48.1.2 To Householders by comparing it to a House 1. Pet. 2.5 To Souldiers by vsing a borrowed word of a Tabernacle or Tent. Heb. 8.3 What shall I say He offereth the view thereof to Merchants Matth 13.44.46 To Husband-men Math. 13.24 Fishers Math 13.47 Women Matth. 13.33 Virgins Matth. 25.1 Seruants Matt. 25.14 To All Matth. 22.1 That so some of all sorts might receiue it And all bee they what they will that refuse might be voyd of all Excuse That now we may be yet more acquainted with it let vs consider of the Titles and the Partes thereof The Titles are most vsually foure The first is the Kingdome of GOD the second the Kingdome of Heauen the thirde the Sonne of Mans Kingdome the fourth the Kingdome of CHRIST The first doeth indifferently concerne the estate we do here enioy with that hereafter The estate heereafter where it is written Flesh and Blood cannot inherit the Kingdome of God neither doth corruption inherit incorruption 1. Corinth 15.50 1. Cor 15.50 The other three concerne the Church heere in this life and eyther of them may be vsed indifferently as may bee made manifest by comparing them together As where it is written That a Ritch-man can hardly enter into the Kingdome of Heauen Mat 19.23 Matt. 19.23 And in the next verse speaking of the same thing wee finde it thus It is easier for a Cammell to goe through the eye of a needle then for a Ritch-man to enter into the Kingdome of God Math. 19.24 Matt. 19.24 Where we find the Kingdom of Heauen or of God vsed indifferently So wee may also see of the rest As where it is thus written There be some standing heere which shall not taste of Death till they see the Sonne of Man comming in his Kingdom Matth. 16.28 Matt. 16.28 There it is termed the Sonne of mans Kingdome or more plainely the Kingdome of Christ. And speaking againe of the same thing in another place it is thus written There bee some standing heere which shall not taste of Death till they see the Kingdome of God Mar 9.1 Lu. 9.27 Mark 9.1 Luke 9.27 Thus these three may bee vsed indifferently one for another yea all the foure Titles Yea and the first doeth concerne moste the estate of the Church in this life and is so alwayes to be vnderstood where there is no manifest difference in the same Scripture Nowe the Title which doth most fully and cleerely set foorth this great mistery Ephe. 5.5 Re. 11.15 1. Pet. 1.11 and includeth all the rest in it is the last which is The Kingdom of Christ Ephes 5.5 Reuel 11.15 2. Pet. 1.11 Termed the Kingdome of God because CHRIST is GOD And the Kingdome of the Sonne of man because he also is MAN And the Kingdome of Heauen to shewe that hee receiued his gouernment frō Heauen But not so much desirous to shew the reasons of Titles as the truth of things I haue onely thus briefly touched these as some helpe to the vnderstanding of the Scriptures wherein these termes or Titles are often found Now of the things of which principally this Kingdome consisteth and these are seuen which shall bee touched also briefly And first 1. King As in other Kingdomes or Kingdomes of this World there are Kings from which they properly are termed Kingdomes So here is a glorious King and blessed Prince euen that Rod out of the stemme of Iesse and that Branch out of his rootes That man whose name is The Branch The Lord our Righteousnesse Christ Iesus As it is written Yet haue I set my King vpon my holy hill of Sion And in another place Reioyce greatly ô Daughter Sion shout ô Daughter Hierusalem behold thy King commeth vnto thee he is iust and hauing saluation lowly and riding vpon an Asse and vpon a Colt the Foale of an Asse Is 62.11 Zach. 9.9 Is 62.11 Zach. 9.9 Thus did Christ as wee read in the Gospell Mat. 21.7.8 Mar. 11.2 Io. 12.15 Mat. 21.7.8 Mar. 11.2 Io. 12.15 where they are saide to cry Hosanna to the Sonne of Dauid blessed is hee that commeth in the Name of the Lord. And Paul speaking expresly of Christ applieth that of the Prophet Isaiah to him thus There shall be a roote of Iesse and him that shall rise to raigne ouer the Gentiles in him shall the Gentiles trust Rom. 15.12 2. Scepter And thus you haue the King Secondly as in other Kingdomes there are Scepters to which Subiects must stoupe and to which such as stoupe not are yet Rebels So heere is a Scepter in the hand of Christ by which men are knowne that yeelde true Subiection And this Scepter is the righteousnes of Faith By this hee rules his Subiects as Paul confesseth where it is thus written I count all things but losse for the Excellencie of the Knowledge of Iesus Christ my Lord for whom I haue suffered the losse of all things and doe count them but dung that I might winne Christ and bee found in him not hauing mine owne Righteousnes which is of the Law but that which is through the Faith of Christ the Righteousnes which is of God by Faith That I might know him and the power of his Resurrection and the fellowshippe of his sufferings being made conformable to his death Phil. 3.8 9 10. Phil. 3.8 9.10 So it is written in the Psalme Thy Throne ô God is for euer the Scepter of thy Kingdome is a right Scepter Applyed by the same Spirit to Christ But vnto the Sonne he sayd Thy Throne ô God is for euer and euer the Scepter of Righteousnes is the Scepter of thy Kingdome And so you haue the Scepter Thirdly 3. Lawes in Kingdomes of this World there are
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 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 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 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 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 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 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