The Substance of Christian Religion, Lecture 48
The forty eighth Lords day. On the second petition of the Lords prayer.
Let thy Kingdome come.
IN the second Petition is handled the principal meanes, whereby the name of God is hallowed, or glorified amongst men; and that is, the Kingdome of God, and its coming is sought for. And by the Kingdome of God properly is understood that state of the Church, wherein she is made partaker of that happinesse, that she hath in her communion with God. For a Kingdome in its general notion, is a kinde of politie or publick government and state of men, wherein one hath the supreme and chief command, and all others are subject (less or more) for their own good. For unless it be for the good of the Subjects, or people, it is not a Kingdome, but a Tyrany. So the Kingdome of God, is a Politie or State, wherein God hath the Soveraignty or Supreme power and command; and men are sub…ect in such a sort, that from thence they may reap and receive their chief good, that can be desired, or eternal and true happinesse. By a … also all such meanes are understood by the Kingdome of God, whereby such a state of the Church is procured. Of this Kingdome there are two most remarkable degrees; one in that administration which belongs unto this present life, in respect whereof it is called the Kingdome of grace: The other unto the life to come, in regard whereof it is called the K…ngdome of glory. By the coming of this Kingdome then, is understood its state▪ or condition; and the giving, or bringing to pass of all such things, together with the advancing and perfection of them, as belong to this state, for its accomplishment.
Doct. 1. The chief mea…s to hallow, or glorify Gods name by, is the Kingdome of God, which consists in his Church.
This is gathered from the connexion of this petition with the preceding.
Reas. 1. Because the name of God, or the greatest perfections of God, are more manifested in this Kingdome, than in any other of his works, but especially his grace, or mercy, justice, truth, and wisdome.
Reas. 2 Because this Kingdome of God in its perfection comes nighest unto God himself. For there is nothing out of God himself, that can be compared with his Church; yea, in a manner all things else are subject to the Church.
Rea. 3. Because nothing is more contrary to the glory of Gods name, than the impairment of this Kingdome, or trenching upon it, or than the troubling and deforming of it.
Use, Of Direction and Exhortation, that first of all we seek the Kingdome of God.
Doct. 2. This Kingdome is not set up, nor brought about by any other, than God himself.
This is hence gathered, in that the coming hereof is sought from God alone, as the author and principal cause and procurer of it.
Reas. 1. Because the adversaries and enemies of this Kingdome are more and mightier, than that they can be overcome by any creature.
Reas. 2. Because the profits and advantages that this Kingdome brings, are greater, than that they can be imparted to any by any creature.
Reas. 3. Because the administration of this Kingdome is more spiritual, than that it can be performed by any creature in chief.
Use, 1. Of Refutation, as well against Pelagians, who go about to rob God of a great part of this Kingdome, and ascribe it to nature; as against Papists, and others, Who will have the external government of the Church at least to depend upon humane power and pleasure.
Use 2. Of Direction, that in seeking this Kindome we fly to God by faithfull prayers.
Doct. 3. This Kingdom is come to us, but in part, as yet.
This is hence gathered, in that the coming of this Kingdome is by all during this life alwayes to be sought for.
Reas. 1. Because alwayes in this life something cleaves to us, which belongs to the Kingdome of darkness, and must be put off, and laid away.
Reas. 2. Because alwayes something is wanting to us, that belongs to the Kingdome of light, and must be put on.
Reas 3 Because we must alwayes pant and breath after the accomplishment of this Kingdome, which is to be revealed and perfected in the last coming of Christ.
Use, Of Admonition, that we never so set up our rest here, as if we were arrived at the end and last perfection, but strive unto a further perfection, than any we have attained.
Doct. 4. It belongs to our duty, that we use all care and pains to advance this Kingdome of God, by our desires, prayers, and all other lawfull meanes and endeavours within the compass of our power, place, and calling, that God hath set … in.
This is gathered, because we are here taught to do this by prayer; and what we are bound to pray for, we are bound to use all lawfull and expedient meanes to bring it to pass: else we should but tempt and mock God by such prayers, by dividing the right means from the end, and disjoyning of things that God hath conjoyned.
Reas. 1. Because the zeal of the House and Kingdome of God (for Gods Kingdome and his Family or House, are all one) ought to take up and possess our mindes as farre as makes for the glory of God.
Reas. 2. Because from it depends our owne salvation.
Reas. 3. Because such endeavours, if they be sincere, are never in vain. For though perhaps they profit little with men sometimes, yet they alwayes advance the Kingdome of God in our selves, and have the promise of the blessing.
Use, Of Reproof, of such as care nothing what the estate of the Church be, how the Word is preached, the Sacraments administred, Discipline exercised, and the like; but it is to be feared that such Gallio's have no part nor portion in this Kingdome, which they entertain with such slight and neglect.
Doct. 5. We ought to wish for the uttermost perfection of this Kingdome, which is to be after the day of judgement.
This is hence gathered, in that believers here on earth are taught still unto the day of judgement to pray for this Kingdome. For further illustration it needs no more, than what hath been said on the former Doctrines.
Doct. 6. The Kingdome of the Devill, and of Darkness, and of Antichrist, and all other such things, as are opposite to the Kingdome of God, and enemies to it, we ought with all our heart to detest, and with all our strength to oppose.
This is gathered from the distinctive particle, thy: Wherein is held out an opposition of this Kingdome to all other Kingdomes and things, that are contrary to it.