Exposition of the Lords Prayer, Treatise · Part 6

Exposition of the Lords Prayer · Treatise · Part 6

p. 64Thy Kingdome come.

Whence wee may obserue, That;

The faithfull ought earnestly to long for, and Observat. 6.heartily to pray for the Kingdome of Christ.

Every one that professeth himselfe to be a subject unto the King of heaven, must ardently desire that Sathans kingdome may be demolished, and overthrowne, and that the Lord may beare sway in his soule, and the soules of all that belongPhil. 3. 8. 9.Phil 3:8Phil 3:9 unto him. This did Paul desire for himselfe thinking all things but losse, and judging them no better then dung for the excellent knowledge sake of Christ Iesus, that he might be found in him, not having his owne righteousnesse, which was by the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, that hee might know him, and the vertue of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his afflictions, and might be made conformable unto his death. No man knowes the excellencie of grace, but hee that hath it, which when any hath in some good measure, he is so ravished with the louelove and likeing of it, that he preferres it before all the treasures in the world. And so did Paul, as we see in this place, having once tasted how good the p. 65Lord was, hee could not bee satisfied with that measure of mortification, and vivification which he had received, though it were very large, but hee still longeth and laboureth for more, and striveth hard toward the marke, that he might attaine to an experimentall knowledg of the vertue of Christ his death, for the crucifying of his flesh and of his resurrection, for the quickning of his soule unto everie good worke.

Neither doth he desire this for himselfe alone, but for his brethren the Iewes, being content (as was before noted) himselfe to be utterly cast off (if it had beene possible) separated from Christ, so that they might bee converted and sanctified, and saved: and, for the increase of Grace where it was begunne, we may obserue throughout his Epistles, how earnest he is for the obtaining thereof. I will onelyonly quote two places of many, for the manifestation of his zeale in this behalfe.

One out of the Ephesians, where he saith, For Ephes. 3. 16. 17Eph 3:16Eph 3:17this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, that he would graunt you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthned by his spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that yee being rooted and grounded in louelove, may bee able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the bredth, and length, and depth and height &c.

And againe, for the Philippians, he prayethPhil. 19. that their louelove might abound more and more in p. 66knowledge, and in all judgement, that they might discerne things that differ, and that they might be pure and without offence untill the day of Christ, &c.

Thus we see it plainly proved, out of Paules example, that it is a dutie for us evermore to desire that the graces of Gods spirit may bee wrought and continued and still increased both in our selues and others: which is all one with this petition, where Christ biddeth us to pray, Thy kingdome come: for wheresoever the sanctifying gifts of the holy Ghost are, there doth Christ Iesus rule and raigne. Reasons.

But let us yet further consider of some reasons for the confirmation of this point, that it stands us upon to pray for the erecting of his kingdome in our hearts.

First of all; This may be one forcible reason 1to induce us thereunto, that till such time as this holy government is established in our hearts, we can never sanctifie nor glorifie the name of God, as in the former petition we are taught to doe. For no unregenerate man, can in thought, word or deed, conceiue, utter, or performe any thing that may tend to the Lords honor, untill he be a subject and servant unto Christ Iesus, and untill he by his scepter hauehave beaten downe the sinnesRom. 8. 5.Rom 8:5 of his soule, he is but a lumpe of flesh: Hee savoreth the things of the flesh, and is led by the wisedome of the flesh, which is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can bee: and being wholy in the flesh (as the Apostle speaketh) it p. 67is impossible that he should please God, and consequently impossible that hee should any way glorifie God. And therefore, as often as he commeth before the throne of Grace with that Petition, Hallowed bee thy Name; he prayes without faith, as having no warrant to take that Petition within his lippes, being utterly unfit for that great worke of hallowing the Lords most glorious Name. Reas. 2

A second reason, to moue us to desire the comming of the Kingdome of Grace, may be taken from the miserable estate that we are in before, and the happie condition that we are brought vntounto after we hauehave Christ to beare rule in vsus.

As for our miserie before such time as we hauehave 1taken up the sweet and pleasant yoake of Christ, For our former miserieit is verie great: for we are in bondage unto Satan, and unto every vile and base lust, and so areEphes. 2. 3.Eph 2:3 subiect to the eternall curse and malediction of God, & lyable to all manner of judgments both corporall and spirituall, both in this life and in that which is to come. This doth partly appeareActs 26. 18.Acts 26:18 in that place of the Acts, where the Lord sheweth the use and end of Paules ministrie, for that he was sent unto the Gentiles, To open their eyes, that they might turne from darknesse to light, and from the power of Satan vntounto God, that they might receiue forgiuenesse of their sinnes, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith in Christ. In which words, is liuely described and set forth the estate of all those that are without the precincts and limits of Christ his kingdome; p. 68to wit, that they are altogether blind in spirituall matters, the eyes of their mindes are quite shut up, so that they can see no more concerning heauen or hell, concerning holy duties to bee performed, or sinfull courses to bee eschewed, then one that is vtterlie voide of sight, is able to discerne of those obiects that lie directly before his eyes. There is nothing in their mindes but a confused heape of ignorance errours and false opinions, and consequently nothing in their hearts but (as it were) a Sea of ungodly lusts, and wretched affections: whence it commeth to passe, that living wholie in darknes, they are enthralled unto the diuell himselfe, who is the Prince of darknes, and (as this text speaketh) under the power of Satan that is, not onelyonly subiect to be tempted, and assaulted, by him (for that is incident to the most godly) but wholy given up to bee ruled, guided and ordered by him, and that in their thoughts words and workes. This is the naturall condition of all the Sonnes of Adam, to be vassals unto all manner of impietie and iniquitie, and consequently slaues unto him that ruleth in the children of disobedience, so that they must be at his command and be subiect to his lawes, even the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the 1 Iohn.Pride of life. And withall (which is the worst of all) they must stand to his reward, which is verie bad in this world, but farre worse in that which is to come: For they that hauehave giuen them selues to the service of the devill in their p. 69lifetime, shall afterwards be tormented with theMath. 25.Matt 25 devill and his Angels in hellish torments. and that for evermore: and therefore if it be ill serving off such a master, as can requite us with no better wages, let us cast of his yoake with all speed, and pray as we are commanded, Thy kingdome come.

But oh! This is it that addeth much unto the miserie of unregenerate persons, that the more sinfully they carrie themselues, the more they please themselues: and when they runne full manie in the broad way toward hell, they thinke themselues the happiest men that liue; and condemne them for foolish and mad people, that walke in the wayes of life and happines: and decline from such dangerous courses as they in their follie goe forward in, to their euerlasting ruine and perdition. Thus much breefely of the miserie that we are in, till such time as we be subjects of Christ his 2kingdome. Now in the next place, let us consider,Benefits by liuing under Christ his gouernment. of the benefits which we shall reape by liuing under that heauenly gouernment, and that in respect of our king, of his lawes and of his rewards, present and future, temporall and eternall

As for our King (in the first place) he is All-sufficient, both able and willing to make1. In respect of our King. all his subiects perfectly happie in all respects: which that we may more fully and cleerly perceiue, let us take a briefe veiw of some places of scripture, which doe most liuely describe him unto us.

p. 70And for this purpose, Psalme 93. is very worthy our consideration, where it is said, The Psal. 93. 1.Ps 93:1Lord raigneth, and is clothed with majestie. Other Kings are adorn…d with gorgeous and royall apparell, as was Solomon, to make them appeare more glorious unto the beholders, which argueth an imperfection in themselues, in that they are driven to seeke a kinde of excellencie out of themselues: but the King of Heaven needes no such matter: his owne Majestie serues insteed of royall robes, and therein doth he infinitely surpasse all the glory of earthly Monarkes. Then further it is said in that Psalme, The Lord is clothed and girded with power: earthly Kings hauehave their guard about them, and doe protect their persons by men and munition; by sword and shield and the like, because indeed they are weake in themselues, and neede these externall helpes for their safeguard: As for the Lord, he cares not for any of these; his own power is sufficient both to saue himselfe and his subjects, and to overthrow his foes with all their malicious attempts. Againe, in that Psalme is shewed, that as God hath power, so he doth exercise the same. The world is established by him, that it cannot be moved. Earthly Princes doe not alwayes use that power which they hauehave, for sometimes they are so idle that they will not, and at other times so crossed that they cannot, but the King of Kings doth alwayes put his power in practice, in the government of the world and of every thing therein. And among p. 71other things, herein doth his wonderfull power appeare, that he makes the whole earth to hang unmoveable even in the midst of the ayre, without any prop or stay at all.

Thus we see in part out of that Psalme, what a glorious and mightie King the Lord is: but his excellencie will be yet more perspicuous, if we consider of some more of his Attributes, as we finde them set downe in the Scriptures.

First then to speake somewhat of his Omniscience, 1. Of Gods Omniscience and knoledgeand infinite knowledge, it is such, that he understands all things, and therefore knowes every one of his subjects by name, which Solomon himselfe, though the wisest King that ever was, could not doe. The Lord himselfe professeth by the Prophet Isaiah, complaining of his peoples unbeliefe, Zion hath said, the Lord hath Isaiah 49. 14.Isa 49:14forsaken mee and my God hath forgotten mee: Can a woman (saith he) forget her child, and not hauehave compassion on the sonne of her wombe? though they should forget, yet will not I forget thee, &c. And he yeeldeth a very forcible reason, Behold I hauehave graven thee upon the palme of mine hands, and thy Exod. 28. 11. 12.Exod 28:11Exod 28:12walles are ever in my sight. This much was very liuely signified in the time of the Leviticall Law, for then it was commanded that the high Priest (who was a type of Christ) should carrie the names of the twelue Tribes of the children of Israel on both his shoulders: being graven on the Ephod, and on his heart, and on his shoulders, so that he loues them dearely, and supports them mightily, and that at all times, for p. 72he is ever busied in the execution of his office: whence it must necessarily follow, that he takes speciall notice of all of them, and of every one of them: yea, not onelyonly of their persons, but also of their wants: he sees all their distresses, and foresees all their perills.

Touching their necessities, our Saviour testifiethThat God sees the necessities of his children. Math. 6. 23.Matt 6:23 saying, Your heavenly Father knoweth that you hauehave need of all these things, to wit, of food and rayment, and such like, whereof mention was made before in that Chapter.

And concerning his foreseeing of perils, it isOf Gods excellencie in forseeing of dangers. evident in this, that knowing of the samine that should be in the Land of Canaan. he sent Ioseph before hand into the Land of Egypt, to providePsal. 105. 17.Ps 105:17 for his Father Iacob and his familie. And indeed how can it be, but he must needs fore-see such things, since he doth fore-appoint the same? And herein also hee goeth beyond all worldly government: For they are not acquainted with the wants of all their subjects that are presently upon them, much lesse can they hauehave understanding of dangers before they befall them, and least of all, prevent every imminent evill whereby their Subjects may be annoyed.

Againe, as God in wisedome doth infinitelyOf Gods goodnes in his louelove to his servants. excell all earthly Potentates, so doth he also in goodnesse, there is never a subject nor servant of his, but he loues him with an unmeasurable and with an everlasting louelove; as the Lord himselfe protesteth unto his Church, saying, For a little Isaiah 54. 7Isa 54:7while hauehave I forsaken thee, but with great compassion p. 73will I gather thee: For a moment in mine anger I hid my face from thee, for a little season, but with everlasting merciemercy hauehave I had compassion on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer. It is not so with any earthly Prince: For, their affection is but in measure, and that which is, may soone faile by the ill desert of the partie himselfe, or by the ill report of others: at the least wise, it must end with the life of the Prince: for, when Psal. 146.Ps 146their breath departeth all their thoughts perish. Now as concerning the Lords favour, there can be nothing to diminish that, he will not be misinformed by ill willers concerning any of his children, for, He searcheth their hearts and their Reuel 2. 23.Rev 2:23reines, and is acquainted with all their wayes, and will deale with every one as he knoweth their hearts Psal. 1. 39.Ps 1:39and their workes. And whereas the best of hisChron. 6. 30. subjects are tainted with innumerable faults, which doe indeed deserue his displeasure: yet shall they not be cast out of favour: for if they Pro. 28, 13.Prov 28:13doe but confesse their sinnes, and craue pardon for them, (as they will doe who are led by the Spirit1 Iohn 1.1 John 1 of Grace) hee will forgiue all their iniquities, Micah 7 18.Mic 7:18and passe by all their transgressions, yea, hee will not onelyonly hauehave compassion upon them, but will also subdue their iniquities, and cast all their sinnes into the bottome of the Sea. And whereas the death of other Kings cuts off their louelove, this heavenlyDan. 4.Dan 4 King loues for ever: and therefore as there is no end of his dayes, so shall there be no end of his mercies.

Againe, in regard of his Truth, the Lord is p. 743greatly to be magnified, for we may build uponIn regard of his truth. his word: whatsoever he saith he will assuredly doe it, not one jot or title of his word shall perish, Math. 5.Matt 5till all bee fulfilled. It is otherwise with earthly Rulers, they many times say and doe not, bebause they are fickle and changeable, and mind one thing to day, and another to morrow: and because they oft-times say, that which they are utterly unable to performe, or they are cut off before they hauehave time to goe thorough with it.Iames 1.Jas 1 But with the King of Kings there is no variablenesse, he is the same still, and changeth not: hisPsal. 115. 3.Ps 115:3 power is as large as his will, and his kingdome is Dan. 4. 13.Dan 4:13from generation to generation, and therefore hee must needes be as good as his word.

Furthermore, this King is just in all his wayes, 4whereas David and Solomon, though otherwiseIn regard of his justice. good and godly Kings, dealt unjustly in divers things, as David in the matter of Vriah, and of Mephibosheth: and Solomon, in laying too heavie1 Sam. 1 King. 4. 7.1 Kgs 4:7 burthens upon the people, in so much that being wearie of them, they fell to mutinie and rebellion. But the Lord never wrongs any of his subjects: but guides and governes them with all equitie and justice. Hee is set upon the throne, Psal. 9. 4.Ps 9:4and judgeth right, as the Psalmist speaketh. Now then (to lay all these together) if it be a singular prerogatiue to liue under such a King as is full of majestie, and glory, power and sufficiencie, full of wisedome and understanding, full of justice and tender compassion, full of truth and of equitie; Under such a King as knowes and p. 75considers all his subjects wants and distresses, as pitties their case: as is able to helpe and saue them, and because he hath promised so to doe, cannot in his justice deny the performance therof.

If (I say) it bee a speciall priviledge, to liue under such a ones government, then may it strongly bee concluded hence, that his kingdome ought earnestly to be desired, which is the point that we hauehave now in hand. And thus much concerning our King.

In the next place, let us consider of his lawes, 2. In regard of his lawes.which will likewise induce us to long for erecting and establishing of his kingdome in our soules and consciences: for such as our King is,Rom. 7. 12.Rom 7:12 such are his statutes, even holy, just, and equall, and such as are made for the good and comfort of all his subjects. Other Princes doe now and then make lawes and constitutions, to serue their owne turnes, though in the meane time those that are under their jurisdiction, pay for it, and finde themselues much oppressed and over-burthened: but there is not the meanest Christian, that hath any cause at all to complaine. For,1 Iohn 5. 3. Mat. 11. 30.1 John 5:3Matt 11:30 Gods commandements are not grievous, but Christ his yoke is easie, and his burden light. Every one of his lawes are given to bring all manner of blessings on us, and to keepe off all manner of judgements from us, as is at large specified in Deuteronomie 28.

Then thirdly, concerning the rewards and promotions 3. In regard of his rewards.that he bestoweth upon his subjects, they p. 76are marvelous large, and very excellent, whether we regard;

1. Those that are present: or

2. Those that are to come.

Touching those that are present, they are 1either spirituall or corporall. The spirituall areOf Gods present rewards. Rom. 14. 17.Rom 14:17 righteousnesse, and peace, and joy in the holy Ghost.

First; they hauehave the righteousnesse of Christ imputed 1unto them, whereby they are made perfectlySpirituall reward, is Christs righteousnesse imputed. righteous in Gods account, even as the holy Angels in heaven are. Hereupon followes peace, for being justified by faith; wee hauehave peace with God, (as saith the Apostle) and so consequently2. Peace. with our owne consciences. Christ, who Rom. 5. 1.Rom 5:1is the Prince of peace makes a reconciliation betwixt Isaiah 9.Isa 9God and us, by taking away the guiltinesse of our sinnes, which formerly made difference and disagreement, bestowing upon us the meritRom 5.Rom 5 of his owne absolute obedience, which maketh us to stand perfectly justified before theIsa. 57.Isa 57 throne of Gods justice. Till men doe attaine unto this they hauehave no quietnesse at all: for, there is no peace to the wicked, who are like the raging waues of the Sea, that are still tossing and tumbling from one side to another, and casting up mire and dirt. But as soone as ever they betake themselues to liue under the regiment of the King of heaven, their hearts do grow to sound tranquillitie, and to a setled peace.

From whence ariseth a third grace, which is,Ioy in the holy Ghost. Ioy in the holy Ghost; That is, such joy as is1 Peter 1. 8.1 Pet 1:8 p. 77wrought by Gods holy spirit, which is unspeakable and glorious, whereof when men hauehave once tasted, they giuegive over their vaine and foolish sports, with their fleshly and mad delights, with such a detestation of them, that it makes them even sicke to thinke upon them.

These are the priviledges of Christ his kingdome, the like graces whereof hee doth communicate to every one of his Subjects; whereby indeed they are made spirituall Kings, according to that in the Revelation, where it is said, that Christ hath loved us, and (for the manifestingRevel. 1 5. 6.Rev 1:5Rev 1:6 of his louelove) hath washed us from our sinnes in his bloud, what followeth upon this? Hee hath made us Kings and Preists unto God, even the Father. &c. No earthly King can thus preferre any of his Subjects, much lesse all of them. One Kingdome can admit but of one King: but in the Kingdome of Grace, there is never a subject but it may truely be said of him, that he is a King, yea a more excellent King, then any that this world can afford.

And thus much for the spirituall rewards, 2that this King giveth in this world. As for theGods corporall rewards. corporall and temporall commodities which he bestowes, they are likewise very great: For,1 Cor. 3. 22.1 Cor 3:22 when Christ is ours, all things are ours; for, hee Heb. 1. 1.Heb 1:1is heire of all things: therefore, if God giuegive his owne Sonne, how should not hee with him giuegive us Rom. 8.Rom 8all things? Whosoever therefore hath the Lord to rule in him and over him, hee shall be sure toPsal. 23. 1.Ps 23:1 want nothing that is good for him. If wee bee p. 78Goates, or Swine, Wolues, or Beares, or the like, not submitting our selues to the government of Christ, to be ordered and ruled according to his word, we can expect nothing at Gods hand but judgements and plagues, but if we be sheepe of his pasture, hee hath undertaken to provide for us: that when we are well, he will keepe us well, and when we are in any distresse, he will recover us; as is at large shewed in that Psalme. These things shall we be sure of while we are in our pilgrimage, but the largest recompence of all shall be when we come into the heavens, to enjoy that Kingdome which hath been of old prepared for us. Whosoever will let Christ raigne in his heart while he liues, shall undoubtedly raigne with him when hee dyes. And whosoever is a subject in the Kingdome of Grace, shall be a King everlastingly in the Kingdome of Glorie, where he shall hauehave more comfort and happinesse in one minute of an houre, then he had here in all his life time. And herein, (as in all other things) Gods rewards and promotions doe surpasse any earthly Kings; for theirs are momentarie and vanishing, but his durable and eternall. But of these we shall hauehave occasion to speake more fully in handling the next point.

Now that we may draw to some vse of the Vse 1 point, is it so, that the comming of Christ his kingdome, is so desirable? Then first of all, here are those to bee reprooved, that in words pray, Thy kingdome come; But in truth, they wish it p. 79not from their hearts, as their practice doth evidently declare: for, they hate the scepter of this heauenly King, viz. his holy word, and the instructions that are given them by his servants, and if God would graunt the desire of their soules (as many times in his justice hee doth,) they would much rather liue where the scepter of the diuell rules, then where Christ swaies by the rod of his power, as the word is termed. Psalm. 110. 2. For if a man should appeale to many mens consciences, would they not choose rather to be in such families, and congregations, where there is swearing, and sabbath-breaking, and rioting, and swilling, dauncing, gaming, and such like, then where there is praying, preaching, catechising, and singing of Psalmes, and other the like holy and religious exercises: If it be so (as they cannot deny) what should they speake of their desiring of the comming of Christ his kingdome? they doe but play the hypocrites in so doing, for they refuse the government of this heauenly King, and shew themselues to be professed enemies unto him, whatsoever pretences they make to the contrary. This Iob prooveth euidently, to the faces of all hypocrites, of whom he avoucheth, that They say unto God, depart from us, not that any will be so blasphemous, as in plaine termes to utter so much, but in effect they manifest that their desire is such, that they would willingly hauehave nothing to doe with God: and how doth he prooue p. 80this? by two arguments: one is this That they 1doe not desire the knowledge of his wayes, for they are utterly destitute of heauenly understanding, affecting their grosse ignorance more then sauing knowledge, which appeareth in that they will not take paines for it: nay, they will not entertaine it, when it is brought home unto them.

An other argument is, that they imagine, 2there comes no profit, nor benefit by serving such a master. Who is the Allmightie, that wee should serue him (say they) and what profit should we hauehave, if we should pray unto him? As if they should say, there is much a doe about seruing of God, and many faire promises are made to such as seeke unto him: but we cannot see that men speed so well by their hearing and praying and such like: others that take not such courses carry away the wealth and promotions of the world from them; And therefore I will neuer trouble my selfe with such matters, these are the thoughts and resolutions of carnall men: who hope to get more by the service of Sathan, and of their owne lusts then by the service of the King of heauen. And therefore they wholy apply themselues to rooting and winding in the earth (like moles,) utterly reiecting the knowledg and practice of holy duties. Such were they of whom mention is made in the Parable that would not hauehave the king to raigneLuk. 19. 14.Luke 19:14 ouer them. And as they louelove not the King, nor his lawes, so can they not away with his servants p. 81and subjects: but when they see them come from other places with their bibles, to be instructed in the lawes of their heavenly King, they maligne them, and snarle at them, and will not suffer them by their good will, to sit quiet at sermon by them.

Neither doe they esteeme of those rewards, which are conferred upon Christians, but like prophane Esau, doe make more account of aGen. 25. 32.Gen 25:32 messe of pottage, then of the birth-right, of a few sinfull pleasures and base commodities, then of the righteousnesse of Christ, and of that peace of conscience, that passeth all understanding: with the joy of the holy Ghost, which is unspeakable and glorious, or of that happinesse, which is treasured up for the Saints in the life to come. They make more reckoning of the Devills false proffers,Math. 4.Matt 4 All these will I giuegive thee, if thou wilt fall downe and worship mee, then of Christ his true offers, seeke first the kingdome of God, and his righteousnesse, and all other things shall bee cast upon Math. 6.Matt 6you. But whosoever they be, that are of this disposition, let them hauehave their doome, as it is set downe by our Saviour, Those mine enemies that Luk. 19. 27.Luke 19:27would not that I should raigne over them, bring them hither and slay them before me.

Secondly, This serveth for Instruction; that Ʋse 2 whosoever would hauehave assurance that he is of the number of Christ his subjects, should fervently desire, and heartily long for, and labour for the setting up of his kingdome, both in his owne soule, and likewise in the soules of all his p. 82people: and though Gods children be sheepe and lambes in other things, yet herein they should shew an holy kind of violence, according to that of our Saviour, From the time of Iohn Baptist, Mat. 11. 12.Matt 11:12the kingdome of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. That is, as soone as ever their hearts were truely and throughly touched by the word and spirit of God, they saw their miserie that they were in, in being vassals unto sinne and Sathan; and what then? they presently betake themselues to liue under the government of Christ: And whereas they found many lets and impediments, many hindrances and pull-backes to keepe them from Christ, they violently breake through them all, and rather then they would loose their hope, and be frustrate of their expectation, they would run through fire and water, the like eagernesse must we labour for: though there be in us naturally a great deale of backwardnesse, and sinne doeHeb. 12. 1.Heb 12:1 hang very fast on us, and presse us downe in such sort, that we cannot doe as we would, yet mustThat we must compell our memories and affections unto the best things. we not be dismayed, but striue against our corruptions. And though wee be very unapt to conceiue of holy things, yet must wee as it were breake open the doores of our mindes, that they may understand heavenly mysteries, and though our memories be very untrustie and unfaithfull servants unto God and unto us, & very ready to giuegive way unto Sathan, to robbe us of the true treasure which is laid up in them. Wee must even constraine and compell them to hold fast the p. 83holy word of God, and never cease praying and labouring, till the Lord hauehave strengthned them in some good measure, and made them fit to entertaine and to retaine the best things. And albeit our hearts be very rebellious and stubborne, and all our affections exceeding head-strong and untamed, yet must we by an holy kind of coaction and compulsion draw them unto sanctified obedience, and to an orderly subjection unto their chiefe Soveraigne the King of glorie. And because all our endevours without Gods speciall blessing are nothing worth, therefore it is our part, to be instant with the Lord, that hee would please to assist us, and helpe us, to crucifie our flesh, and to mortifie our sinfull members, and to make his sacred word powerfull and effectuall in us: that it may not onelyonly bee brought unto our eares, but also written in our hearts by the finger of Gods holy spirit. For it is as easie for God to reach it unto our soules, as to draw it from the Ministers mouth, to cause it to take roote in our hearts. Thus if we can doe, we may be assured that we make this Petition in truth, Thy Kingdome come. And we shall find that it will come, and that God will dwell in our hearts, and daily increase his graces it us, till at length we be throughly fitted for his kingdome of glorie.

And thus much generally for this Petition: But that we may make yet some better use therof, let us briefly see;

1. What things particularly wee pray for.

p. 842. What things we pray against.

Concerning the former, our maine and great request I What things are to be prayed for in this petition.must bee, that it would please the Lord to send forth labourers into his harvest, and to furnish all Congregations with learned, able, and faithfull Ministers. For they are the Lords Captaines to fight his battels, against the flesh, the world, and the devill: and to draw men from under Sathans tyrannie; to liue under the Prince of peace. This is cleere in the Prophesie of Isaiah, Isa. 62. 3. 4.Isa 62:3Isa 62:4where when the holy Ghost sheweth, how poore and sinfull men & women come to be a crown of glorie, and a royall diademe in the hand of the Lord, how they become a delightfull Spouse unto him, and he a most glorious and comfortable Husband unto them. The Instruments of effectingThat ministers are the instruments for our conversion. this wonderfull worke, are said to bee Watchmen, sent unto them by the Lord himselfe, Who all the day and all the night continually never cease, but either call upon the people, or cry unto the Lord for them, giving him no rest, till hee repaire and set up Ierusalem in her beautie. These are the instruments of the conversion of Gods chosen, and whereby they become the praise of the whole earth, as there it is said. They are1 Pet. 4. 9.1 Pet 4:9 a chosen generation, a royalt Priest-hood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, as Peter termeth them. The preaching of the Gospell is the ordinary meanes that God useth for the calling, sanctifying, and saving of them, as it is yet more evident in that place of the Acts before cited, where the holy Ghost declareth, that, first he opened their p. 85Acts 26. 18.Acts 26:18eyes, and illuminated their understanding, and maketh them able to put a difference betwixt good and bad, truth and errour, light and darknesse. And is that all, nay, as it sheweth them what is to be eschewed, and what to be imbraced, so it inableth them to shunne the one, and to lay hold of the other. And (as there it is said) to turne from darkenesse unto light. But what benefit commeth unto them thereby, They are by that meanes set free from the power of Sathan, and are brought under the power of God, being translated into his glorious kingdome, they receiue remission of sinnes, and hauehave right unto, and in due time shall hauehave the fruition of an eternall inheritance among them that are sanctified. To this very purpose tendeth that saying of the Apostle, The weapons of our warfare are not carnall, 2 Cor. 10. 4.2 Cor 10:4but mightie thorow God, to cast downe holds: casting downe the imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivitie every thought unto the obedience of Christ. In which place, the Apostle Paul together with his fellow-workmen in the Ministry of the Gospell, are compared unto Champions, that are to goe forth in the name of the Lord, for the recovering of his chosen out of Sathans hand, who doth tyrannously usurpe authoritie over them.

Now, what weapons doe they use in this warfare?

Not such as are carnall, that is, weake and of little or no force against the Adversarie, but p. 86spirituall weapons, taken out of the Lords owne Armorie, which are mightie and powerfull, where it pleaseth the Lord to worke by them, to overthrow all the strong holds, and fortresses that Sathan hath set up in mens soules, and to bring into subjection not onelyonly the outward man, (which is as much as any earthly Prince can require) but the inward man also, framing and inclining the very secret thoughts and imaginations of the heart, unto that whole obedience which the Lord requireth. And yet further the same Apostle, writing to the Galatians, puttethGal. 3. 1.Gal 3:1 them in mind, how they received the spirit by the hearing of faith, that is, of the doctrine of faith, which is so called, because (as hee saithRom. 10. 14.Rom 10:14 else where) by the preaching thereof we come to beleeue, and so to hauehave Christ his throne set upEphes. 3. 13.Eph 3:13 within us, for hee dwelleth in our hearts by faith.

If then the Ministrie of the word bee thatThe effectuall power of the ministrie of the word is shewed. which dispossesseth Sathan the Prince of darknesse, which maketh a riddance of all manner of sinnes and corruptions, and which is as it were a Chariot to convay the holy Ghost into mens hearts, which worketh in them faith, and all other graces necessarie to salvation, and maketh them fit and readie for every holy dutie and service. These things considered, it must needes be concluded to be a speciall meanes to erect the kingdome of Christ in the soules of his chosen, and therefore we are by this second Petition directed to pray, that where there is sincere and powerfull preaching, the Lord would p. 87continue it, and giuegive his Servants grace and wisdome to use their gifts aright, otherwise, they may doe more hurt then good.

And withall, that he would vouchsafe, to blesse 2. We pray here that God would blesse all Schooles of learning.all Schooles of learning, that they may be Seminaries of good and holy zealous teachers, that so where an holy Ministery is wanting, it may be supplyed. And light may shine to them that sit in darknes, and in the shadow of death. Thus the Apostle exhorteth the Thessalonians; Furthermore Brethren pray for us (saith he) that the word 2 Thes. 3. 1.2 Thess 3:1of the Lord may hauehave free passage, and be glorified even as it is with you: Where he willeth them, to aske these two things, first that they might hauehave liberty in their ministrie, to preach the Gospell without interruption: And then also, that it might be glorifyed, that is, that it might so enter into the mindes and hearts of their hearers, that they might practise it in their lives, and so bring credit to the Gospell. And then indeede is Christ his throne established in mens hearts, and his scepter beares sway, among the sonnes of men.

Now on the other side, The things principally 2. What is to be prayed againstto be prayed against, are two.

First, The bondage of sinne, especially of originall sinne, which sticks so fast unto us, and is the greatest hinderer of the worke of grace in us; for the deuill, though he be a busie, and a malicious adversarie, yet he is sometimes quiet (through Gods restraining hand) and departs for a season (as Luke speaketh:) But this naturallLuke 4. 13.Luke 4:13 p. 88corruption is alwayes with us, in the day and in the night: it goes to bed with us in the euening and hinders us of that sanctified rest that otherwise we might enioy. It riseth with us in the morning, and accompanies us in all our actions,Naturall corruptions projects. egging us forward unto that which is euill, and pulling us backe from that which is good, or at the least inter-mingling it selfe in our best actions, and causing them to tast of the cask from whence they proceed, and to savor of that defiled Chanell through which they flow. And therefore we should with Paul cry out against it, for though he were a regenerate man, and had beene an Instrument of conuerting many soules, unto God, yet he found flesh remaining in him still: so that the good that he would doe, he could not, and the evill that hee would not doe, that he did.

What doth he in this case. he takes up a lamentable complaint, O wretched man that I am, Rom. 7. 24.Rom 7:24Who shall deliver me from the body of this death. He calleth originall sinne a body, because it hath many wretched members, and, a body of death, because besides many other miseries, it drawes both the naturall and spirituall death upon the parties in whom it is, and here with many of Gods dearest servants are so troubled and distempered, that they many times make question whether they be Christs subjects or Satans, the children of light, or the children of darknes: but this may be a comfort unto them, and a cleere testimony that they belong. unto p. 89Christ, if with the Apostle, they grieue for it, Tryall of true hatred to a corruption.groane under it, complaine against it, and desire to be freed from it, for, as for those that are unregenerate, when the corruption of their nature breaketh out in speeches or sinfull actions, they are merrie, jocund, and not one whit troubled thereat, but like better of themselues at such times, then Gods children doe when they are most full of grace, for, they feele their infirmities A difference betwixt carnall and spirituall men.when they are at best, and feare future falls, when they stand in most uprightnesse, whereas carnall men are bold and venturous, and are not touched with any feare or shame of sinne at all.

Let this therefore be our comfort, that though we be tempted and assaulted, and many times dangerously plunged, yet herein wee goe beyond all unregenerate people, in that wee labour against our corruptions with might and maine, as one in a mightie River would doe to keepe his head aboue water. This is the first thing to be prayed against even the slavery of sinne.

In the second place, wee are to pray against all lets and stumbling blockes, that doe hinder the proceedings of the Gospell, and the conversion of the elect: we are to intreat the Lord, that he would crosse and curse all the plots and practices of Antichrist and his Adherents, and of all the limmes of the devill whatsoever, and withall, that he would in his good time, purge his Church from all idle and Idol Ministers, p. 90and from blinde, deceitfull, and unfaithfull guides; that he would roote out every plant that Iohn.hee himselfe hath not planted, and abandon all things that doe offend, even all the remnantsMat. 13.Matt 13 and reliques of superstition, and such ceremonies as doe but insnare the consciences of men, and draw a great many into persecution and trouble. And when we see the people of God to be pestered and burdened with such things, and to liue as sheepe without shepheards, we should with our Saviour hauehave compassion upon them, and beseech the Lord to open their eyes, that they may see what a lamentable case they are in, that so they may seeke to come out of the snares of the devill, by whom they are kept in miserable thraldome. And thus much touching the Kingdome of Grace.

Now concerning the Kingdome of Glorie, that is also to be comprehended in this Petition, and therefore to be desired of us, so that from these words,