The Christian mans care A sermon on Matth. 6. 33. Together with a short catechisme for the simpler sort. By Thomas Gataker, B. of D. and pastor of Rotherhith.

THE CHRISTIAN MANS CARE . MATTH. 6.33 .

Seeke first the Kingdome of God , and his Righteousnesse : and all these things shall be added unto you .

IT is the wonted manner of Physitians , a a Erumpens sanguis vena secta s●stitur . Fernel . method . med. l. 2. c. 6. when bloud issueth out immoderatly one way , to open a veine elsewhere , and so * * Dum revulsionis vi revocatur . Ibid. by revulsion , as they terme it , to stay it , by diverting the course and current of it another way : Occasion . The like course doth our Saviour Christ take in this place . For observing b b Vers. 31 , 32. the minds and hearts , the thoughts and cares of most men , to be wholly addicted unto , and caried after the things of this world ; he endevoureth in this place to withdraw them there-from , & so to cure them of this running disease , by diverting and turning the tide and streame of them another way . Drift . And as the Apostle would have us turne al our worldly griefe into c c 2 Cor. 7.10 . godly griefe , into sorrow for our sins ; and our Sauiour else-where , all our worldly feare into godly feare , into d d Matth. 10.28 . Timor● timore pellit , ut clavum clavo feare of offending and displeasing God almightie ; so here he willeth us to turne all our worldly care into godly care , our care for this life , Summe . and the things of this life , into care for the things of another , of a better life .

Branch 1. Seeke first the Kingdome of God , and his Righteousnesse .

Now because many e e Lu● . 12.29 . doubts and distrustfull thoughts might hereupon arise in weake or worldly mens minds , how they should be provided for , & furnished with meat , drink , & apparell , and other necessaries of this life ; that they may beg or starve , if they looke not after the world : Our Saviour for the better strengthning of their faith herein & further encouragement hereunto , assureth them that upon their due and diligent pursuite of the one , God himselfe will be mindfull of them , to supply them with the other ; these things that they now thirst after , and take so much thought for , shall upon their so doing , without their further care bee cast in upon them , and f f Non ait , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , dabuntur ; sed 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , addentur , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , velat add●tamentum : Metaphora ab eis qui poma , pyra , &c. emunt . Piscat . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost. in Matth. 22. Non ait , dabuntur , sed , adj●cientur . Aliud est enim quod principaliter datur , aliud quod superadditur . Greg. Moral . l. 15. c. 20. added as an ouerplus or an advantage thereunto .

And all these things shall be added unto you . Branch 2. Division . Parts 2. Part 1. Part 2.

So that the words , you see , divide themselues into two Generall Parts ; An Exhortation , And a Motiue to induce thereunto .

But for further light and helpe we may subdiuide them into these foure Particulars ; Members 4. Member 1. Member 2. 1. An Act , what we must doe , Seeke : 2. The Object of this Act , what it is that we must seeke , Gods Kingdome and his righteousnesse : 3. The Order and Manner , Member 3. how and when these things must be sought , in the First place : 4. The Benefit that thereby will accrew unto us * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Chrysost ▪ in Mat. hom. 22. And all these things shall be added unto you . Member 4.

To begin with the First , Seeke .

Spirituall things must be sought .

g g Coloss. 3.1 . Seeke the things that be aboue , saith the Apostle Paul . And , Member 1. Act. Observat. 1. h h Rom. 2.7 . To those that by continuance in well doing seeke glorie , and honour , and immortalitie , saith the same Apostle . And , i i Matth. 13.45 . The Kingdome of Heauen is like a Merchant that seeketh pretious Pearles , saith our Sauiour .

Sought thus they must be in two respects ,

k k Ratione difficultatis . In regard of the Difficultie , Respects 2.

And l l Ratione d●gnitatis . in regard of the Dignitie of them .

First in regard of the Difficultie of obtaining them : Respect 1. m m Prius est quaerere quam acquirere . because Without seeking they will not be had .

1. Things must be sought , Reason 1. that cannot easily be compassed ; such n n 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Plato Cratyl . & Hippia maj. & de rep●b . l. 4. Plut. de Paedag. Difficilia quae praeclara . Sine studio et ardore quodam mentis in vita nihil qui●quam fit egregium . Cic. de orat . lib. 1. all things of worth and weight are ordinarily , and such also these are . They are compared to a Kingdome both here , and oft o o Mat. 3.2 . & 5.3 . Iam. 2.5 . 2 Pet. 1.11 . Apoc. 1.9 . elsewhere : And a Kingdome , we know , is not easily conquered : a Crowne is not ordinarily compassed with ease . It is not wonne commonly without battaile ; nor bought but with bloud . They are compared to p p Matth. 13.44 . treasure , and matter of q q 1 Tim. 6.6 . gaine . And worldly Wealth , wee well know , ( and the heavenly much more ) will not be gotten but with labout and trauell .

2. Things must be sought that are not naturall , Reason 2. that come not by kinde . So * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Aristot. Ethic. Nicom . l. 2. c. 3. Arts and Sciences , ( because r r Nemo nascitur artifex . Nemo nascitur sapiens . Sen. de Ira , lib. 2. cap. 10. no man is borne an Artist ) must by studie and industrie be attained . And much more then this s s Ars artium regimen animarum . Gerson . de Recid . pecc . Ars est bonum fieri . Ad hoc , sed non cum hoc nascimur . Sen. ep. 9. Art of Arts ; this t t Ars regnandi . Art of reigning ; this u u Ars benè beateque vivendi . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Epict. Arian . l. 3. Ars vitae . Cic. Tuscul. l. 2. Ars vitae rectè agendae . Sen. ep. 94. Ars benè vivendi . Idem ep. 90. Virtus ars est benè vivendi . Aug. de ciuit . l. 4. c. 21. Art of happinesse . Rowse . Art of living well and happily , yea of living everlastingly , x x Non dat natura virtutem . Non contingit virtus animo nisi instituto & edocto , & ad summum assidua exercitatione perducto . Sen. ep. 9. will not without much studie and industrie be learned : especially lighting upon such blockes , as we all are naturally , being borne y y Iob 11.12 . Psal. 73.22 . Prov. 30.2 . Ier. 10.14 . starke ideots , and of our selves wholly z z 1 Cor. 2.14 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . uncapable of ought in it .

3. Things must be sought , that are not everie where to be had : as forreine commodities that must be farre fecht . But such is a a 2 Pet. 3.13 . Mat. 13.45 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Macar . homil . 38. Praeclara rara . the Righteousnesse spoken of in this place . Reason 3. It is a simple that every soile will not beare : a rare drugge that every countrie or climate will not afford . b b Eccles. 7.29 . It grew once in Paradise . But upon the fall of our first Parents , c c — Terras Astraea reliquit . Ouid. Met. lib. 1. Neglecta terras fugit Astraea . Memor. Octav. 2.1 . — ad sup●ros Astraea recessit . Iuven. sat. 6. Terra cessit , in coelumque migrauit . Lact. Instit. l. 5. c. 5. it left this world ; and it is d d Iob 28.13 , 14. not now to be found here on earth , in the land of the liuing . It must be fetched againe , as ( e e Hesiod . Oper. l. 1. they say ) fire was by Prometheus from heaven . f f Iam. 1.17 . Every good giving , and every perfect gift , saith S. Iames , commeth * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , ut Act. 14.17 . vel 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Mat. 21.25 . i. à D●o . Drus. in prov . & q●aest. l. 2. c. 61. from above .

4. Things lost must be sought ere they can be againe found . So our Saviour saith , g g Luk. 19.10 . he came to seeke what was lost . And h h Luk. 15.8 , 9. the Widow in the Parable , by seeking found her lost i i Drachma enim valebat 7. denarios cum dimidio . Breerwood de num. Iud. cap. 1. test●r . Such are these , we had them once , but we have now lost them . Our first Parents were k k 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. in ostro nati : uti Claudian . nup. Honor . & Mar. borne , as I may so say , with this l l Gen. 1.26 , 27. Eccles. 7.29 . royall robe ; Reason 4. they were created with this m m Psal. 8.5 . imperiall Crowne . But the Devill stript them of it ; n n P●rrexit pomum , & surripuit paradisum . Bernard . de Grad . humil . 4. he cheated and coosened them of this Crowne , as wee vse to doe Children , with o o Gen. 3.5 , 6. the Apple , or p p Ficum vult Moses Bar-Ceph . & Theod. in Gen. quaest. 28. Mal●granatum Machmed . in Alcoran . Malum Medicum alij , alij Persicum , quod Pe●●e G●ll. Alij pomum Paradisi , prout fructum quendam Syri indigetant . Sed & Malum ex Hebr●i● quidam ex Cant. 2.3 . vide Perer. ad Genes . what ever fruit it were , that he tendred unto Eve . So they lost it : and their posteritie must recover it , ere they can enjoy it ; they must win this Crowne againe , before they may weare it .

Thus you see then that these things must be sought in regard of the hardnesse and difficulty , because otherwise they cannot be had . Respect . 2.

Now they must againe be sought in regard of the dignitie of them . Which worth and dignitie of them appeareth in the next Point .

Vses 2. But before we passe to that , the Vse of this in a word .

Vse 1. Confutation . And the First use hereof may be for Confutation , to controll the vaine conceits of those that thinke that these things wil come without seeking ; q q Credunt dormientibus sibi haec cōfectur● Deum . Ter. Adelph . 4.5 . Non curant quaerere , quae tamen desiderant invenire : cupiunt consequi , non & sequi . Bern. in Cant. 2. that hope to have them though they never once looke after them , or the meanes whereby they may be attained ; that make account that heaven and happinesse will drop into their mouths , if they doe but gape when they lye a dying , and say , Lord have mercy upon me , or , Lord helpe me to Heaven . It were to little purpose for our Saviour to incite us here to seeke thus after them , if without such seeking they might bee had . No , r r Prov. 2.4 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Menand . If thou seeke for it , saith Salomon , as for silver , and search for it , as for treasure , &c. And God , saith our Saviour , will have us s s Matth. 7.7 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Sophocl . Plut. de fortun . aske that we may have , and seeke that we may finde , and knocke that it may be opened unto us . And as he addeth there , that t t Matth. 7.8 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Idem . Nil tam difficile , quin quaerendo investigari possiet . Ter. Heaut . 4.2 Hee that seeketh findeth : so u u Illud desperandum est , posse nobis casu bonum tantum contingere . Sen. ep. 50. certaine it is , that he that seeketh not , is never like to finde ought .

Vse 2. Conviction . Another Vse hereof may be for Conviction , to convince many x x Nemo in sapientiam incidit . Nulli sapere casu obtigit . Sen. epist. 76. Et cui credere contigit ? Bern. de Consid. lib. 3. not to have what they professe and pretend to have . For how many pretend title to , and claime interest in this Kingdome , that neuer tooke paines or labour about the compassing of it ? How many professe themselves to be possessed of the Righteousnesse here spoken of , that never travelled or laboured in the searching out of it , or in the seeking after it ?

He would be d●emed a most vaine man , that would boast and beare men in hand that a a Quomodo Caius Caesar Gall●● Graecisque aliquot un● c●ndemnatis , Gallo-graeciam se subegisse g●oriabatur , cum pedem Italia non e●tulisset . Et Occanum ipsum deuicisse , cum legionibus signo dato imperasset , ut conchas per otium in litore l●ger●n● . Sueton. C●io . cap. 29. & 46. Et Domitianus qui falsum à Germania triumphum egit , emptis per commercià , quorum habitus & crines in captivorum sp●ciem formarentur . Tacit. Agric. Ac si quis de certaminibus gloriosè peractis gloriaretur , qui nec oleum quidem quo ungi solebant athletae , oculis unquam usurpasset , ut Theocrit . idyl . 4. he had beene at the East Indies , conquered a great part of the Country , and brought away much treasure and rich commodities from thence , who yet had never crossed the seas , or set foot once on ship-bord , or come neere the sea side . And no lesse vaine are they , that would have men beleeve them , that they haue made conquest of the Spirituall Canaan , and possessed themselues of much of the wealth and treasure of it ; when as they never yet stirred once out of the mysticall Aegypt , never so much as enquired the way to it , much lesse ever travelled toward it . He would be deemed most ridiculous , that would professe b b Acsi eruditum se quis jactaret , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , qui nec Aesopum unquam didi●isset : ut Aristoph . avib . to have rare skill in the Mathematickes , or some other abstruse Science , when he had never spent day or howre in the studie thereof . And no lesse ridiculous are they that will seeme to have gotten much skill in this spirituall c c Arte regnandi , siue imperandi , ut Liv. hist. 22. vel Arte Imperatoria ▪ ut Cic. de Orat. l. 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Greg. Naz. Apolog. King-craft , ( if I may so terme it ▪ ) and yet never beate their heads , or busied their braines about it ; never studied d d Euangelium Regni . Matth. 4.13 . & 24.14 . the Gospell of this Kingdome , the onely Booke out of which it may be learned . Yea in this regard is this Spirituall Treasure rather like learning than wealth ; in that e e Pecunia veniet ultrò , honor afferetur , gratia ac dignitas fortasse ingerentur : virtus in te non incidet , ne levi quidem opera , aut parv● labore cognoscitur . Sen. ep. 76. worldly wealth and Honours may be had without labour or study by the donation of others , or by succession and descent ; this , * * Philosophia non est res beneficiaria : non obvenit . Sen. epist. 90. not so ; each one must seeke it for himselfe , and must seeke and labour in it himselfe , or else the seeking of others , and their endevour for him , will stand him in little stead .

It is a pithie speech , indeed , that Bernard hath , and in his sense not unsound . Speaking of those words of the Prophet , † † Lament. 3.25 . The Lord is good to him that trusteth on him , and to the soule that seeketh him ; f f Si tam bonus quaerenti , quid invenienti ? ( Quomodo idem in Cant. Si tam bonus sequentibus , quid consequentibus ? ) Sed in hoc mirum est , quòd nemo te quaerere valet nisi qui prius invenerit . Vis quaeri ut inveniaris : vis inveniri ut amplius quaeraris . Bern. de dilig . Deo , cap. 3. If God be so good , saith he , to him that seeketh him , what will he be to him when he findeth him ? But a strange matter it is ; That no man can seeke God before he have found him ; nor can a man sinne seeking of him , when he hath once found him . God will be sought , that he may be found of us ; and he will be found , that he may further be sought of us . Men cannot seeke him , saith hee , untill they have found him : and certaine it is that they have not yet found him , that never sought him , or that doe not still constantly and g g Psal. 105.4 . continually seeke him .

Yet for the better explaining of Bernards meaning in the words before recited , & the assoiling of some scruple that thence might arise , as also for the reconciling of some h h Luke 11.10 . & 13.24 . speeches of our Saviour , that may seem the one to crosse the other : we must understand , that i i Esai . 65.1 . there is never any seeking on our part , before some proffer on Gods part : for k k Potes quaeri & inveniri : praeveniri non potes . Bern. de dilig . Deo , c. 3. Ad bonum assurgere perfectè non possumus , nisi nos spiritus & praeveniendo excitet , & subsequendo confortet . Greg. in Ezech. 10. Nolentem praevenit ut velit : volentem subsequitur , ne frustra velit , Aug. Enchir. cap. 32. man can by no means prevent Gods worke . Now to passe by those l l Rom. 1.20 . & 2.15 . common lights and helpes of nature by God generally afforded unto all , of which the Apostle Paul to m m Act. 17.27 . the Athenians , and n n Act. 14.17 . the Lycaonians in the Acts ; because o o 1 Cor. 1.21 . & 2.7 , 8 , 9. they never prove effectuall in this kinde to any purpose ordinarily in any : and to confine our selves to those aides that hee offereth and affordeth usually in his Church ; which alone in ordinary course are effectuall to this end : There is as a twofold vocation ; so a twofold diquisition : As p p Vocatio duplex ; externa , interna : s●ve generalis & specialis : vel communis & peculiaris ▪ Vide Aug. de Corrept. & Grat. c. 7. Drus Miscell . lib. 2. cap. 2. & Calv. Institut. l. 3. c. 24. §. 7. a twofold vocation on Gods part ; an externall vocation , in the offer of the meanes , which doth not alwaies take effect ; of which our Saviour , q q Matth. 20.16 . & 22.14 . Many are called , but few chosen : and r r Quae & vocati● secundum propositum ▪ Rom. 8.28 . 2 Tim. 1.9 . an internall vocation , in the blessing accompanying those meanes , which cannot bee without effect ; of which the Apostle , s s Rom. 8.30 . Those that hee calleth , he justifieth ; and those that hee justifieth , he glorifieth . So there is t t Disquisitio duplex . a twofold diquisition or seeking on our part ; an outward seeking ( if I may so tearme it ) in the use of the meanes , the studie of them , and paines taking about them , which yet is not alwaies effectuall : For , u u Hosh. 5.6 . They shall goe to seeke the Lord with their sacrifices ; but they shall not finde him , saith the Prophet : And * * Luk. 13.24 . Many shall seeke to enter , but shall not bee able , saith our Saviour . The other inward , x x Ier. 24.7 . & 30.21 . & 31.18 , 19. 1 Ioh. 5.20 . when those meanes by the gracious assistance of Gods Spirit , have wrought thoroughly upon the heart : of which the Psalmist , y y Psal. 119.2 . Blessed are they , that seeke him with their whole heart : and God by the Prophet , z z Ier. 29.13 , 14. They shall seeke me , and finde me ; because they shall seeke me with all their heart . And this is that seeking that Bernard speaketh of , which is ever effectuall ; and of which our Saviour therefore , a a Matth. 7.7 , 8. Luk● 11.9 , 10. Whosoever seeketh findeth . For none so seeke but such as by effectuall vocation are found of God before : none so seeke , but such as by effectuall conversion ( the inseparable effect and fruit of such vocation ) have b b Ierem. 24.7 . & 31.18 . returned unto God , and so found him in part alreadie . But as none are called ordinarily in the latter sort , but those that are called first in the former : so none seeke ordinarily in this latter sort , but those that have diligently c c Prov. 2.3 , 4 , 5. & 4.19 10 , 20. & 8.33 , 34. Io● . 5.39 . Luke 10.39 , 42. Act. 8.27 , 28. & 16.13 , 14. & 17.11 , 12. sought first in the former : which seeking our Saviour therefore inciteth hereunto , and by which we may hope to attain to the latter , if we continue constant therein , through Gods blessing thereupon . But without it there is no hope ever to attaine to it , or to finde that , that in some sort may bee d d Iohn 7.34 . Rom. 9.31 , 32. sought and not found , but e e Psal. 119.155 . cannot bee found unlesse it bee sought ; and when it is once found , is so farre from causing men to give over their seeking , that it maketh them , f f Sirac . 24.23 , 24. Propter saporis dulcedinem , qui gustatus magi● excitat appetitum , Bern. de Temp. Sic ergò quaeramus tanquam inventuri , & sic inveniamus tanquam quae situri : quia Sirac . 18.6 . Ibid. l. 9. c. 1. Videantur & Ambros. epist. 11. Gregor. in Evang. hom . 36. Bern. de Dilig . Deo , c. 1. & epist. 2. & 341. & de Divers . 38. Manducant & bibunt , quia inveniunt ; & quia esuriunt & si●iunt , adhuc quaerunt . Nam & invenicudus quaeritur , & quaerendus invenitur , qui & quaeritur ut inveniatur dulcius , & invenitur , ut qu● ratur avidiu● , Aug. de Trinit. l. 15. c. 2. encited by that sweetnesse that they finde in it in part found , g g Esai . 26.9 . Psal. 119.10 , 45. seeke more diligently now than ever before .

Without h h Nugae d●ff●c●les . Turpe est difficiles habere nugaes : Et 〈◊〉 est in●ptiarum , Martial ▪ l ▪ 2. epist. 86. tristes ineptiae , Caecilius . imò ridiculae , Sen. epist. 113. Sophismata , quae nec ignoranti nocent , nec scientem juvant , Idem epist. 45. seeking then , these things are not to bee expected . Question . But are they worth the seeking ? may some man say . There are indeed some i i 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Scopas Thessal . Plu. de Avarit . toylsome toyes , hard to come by , but of no use or worth when a man hath them : like an Olive , or a Date stone , hard to cracke the one , and to cleave the other , but nothing or nothing worth ought , when it is crackt or clouen , within either : And the very wealth , yea and the k k Latrunculis ludimus . Jn supervacuis subtilitas teritur , Sen. epist. 106. learning too of many consisteth much in such .

But these are not so : Answer . The things here propounded as they are l l 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . hard & difficult , so they are singularly m m 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . excellent . And therefore as they must bee sought ere they can bee had in regard of their difficul●ie ; Respect . 2. so they may bee sought that they may be had , in regard of the dignitie , the worth , the excellencie of them ; yea in regard of the use to , and the necessitie of them .

For first , here is a Crowne , a Kingdome , Member 2. Object . Branch 1. the highest pitch of ambitious mens aymes . n n 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Eteocles apud E●rip . Phoenis . apud Plut. de Aud. Poet. & ●anit . tu●d . Nam si violandum est jus , regnandi gratia Violandum est : alijs rebu● pi●tatem col●● , Cic. Offic. lib. 3. If for any thing a man should breake his faith , it should be for a Crowne , for a Kingdome ; saith one . And the Devill hoped , if by any meanes , by the proffer of o o Matth. 4.8 . a Kingdome , to draw our Saviour to his impious and devillish desires . If such reckoning then be made of p p 1 Cor. 9.25 . a corruptible Crowne , of q q Psal. 68.33 . an earthly Kingdome , r r Dan. 5.21 . the Kingdome of men ; that which when it hath beene long a getting , may be lost and gone againe the very next * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Eurip. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Idem Hecub . day , yea may bee overturned in an s s 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Demetrius Phalar . apud Plut. ad Apullo● . Longam moram dedit malis properantibus , qui diem dixit ; hora momentumque t●mporis ●vertendis imperijs suffecere , Sen. epist. 91. Simul parta ac sperata decora un●us horae fo●tuna ●vertere pot●st , Li● . hist. l. 30. V●ncendo didici magna momento obrui , Sen. Troad 2.2 . houre : what account should be made of an t t 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , 1 Cor. 9.25 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Iam. 1.12 . incorruptible Crowne , of a Crowne that cannot bee lost , of an heavenly Kingdome , the Kingdome of God ; of u u 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ▪ Heb. 12. ●8 . a Kingdome , saith the Apostle , that cannot be shaken , of x x ●sal. 45.6 . a Throne that standeth firme and immoveable forever ?

Secondly , here is Righteousnesse , a a Ephes. 4.24 . a principall part of Gods Image , b b Gen. 1.27 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Greg. Naz. i● Matth. 19. Haec antecedit animalia ; Deos sequitur , Sene● . epist. 76. wherein Man at fi●st was made : Branch 2. that whereby man excelleth the beasts ; Quic quid longa ser●●s , multis laboribus , mul●a numinis indulgentia stru●it , ●d 〈◊〉 dies spargit & d●ssipat , Senec. e●ist . 91. and that maketh him c c 1 Iohn 3.7 . 1 Pet. 1.15 , 16. like God ; yea without which man is not only no better , but farre worse than a beast ; and whereby men doe as farre excell men , as men themselves doe beasts . For d d Ipsis best●is bestiali●r est hom● ration● 〈◊〉 , & ratione non 〈◊〉 , Bernard . in Cantic . 35. a man endued with reason , without this righteousnesse , that is , without religion , is ( not only as bad as , but ) far worse than a b●ast . And e e Ratione homines jum●ntis , religione homines hominibus antistant . Vltra homines prove●it probitas sola , infra hominem detrudit improbitas , ●oct . Consol. lib. 4. Pros. ● . Religion maketh some men excell other some that want it , as much as reason maketh them excell brute beasts .

It was the saying of an Heathen Man , that f f Nihil est virtute formosius , ni●●l pulchrius , 〈…〉 , Cicer. de Nat. De●r . lib. 1. & 2. & de Amic . Quae si oculis cerneretur , mirabiles sui amores ex●i●ar●● , Idem O●fic . lib. 1. Omnes mortales in admirat●onem sui r●per●t . Senec. epist. 89. Nemo non amore ejus arderet , si vid●re illam contingeret , Ibid. 115. Morall vertue was so beautifull , that if it could be seene with bodily eyes , it would make men to be wondrously enamoured with it . And yet was that , saith Lactantius , but a bare g g Vmbra quaedam & imago j●stitia , Lactant. Jnstitut . l. 5. c. 17. & l. 6. c. 6. & ●aber . in Rom. cap. 2. shadow of the Righteousnesse here spoken of . But h h Sire ipsam prae●l●r●ssimam omnium penitus videremus , quonam gaud●o compleremur , quum ●ātopere , ejus adambrata op●nione laetemur ? Cic. de Fin. lib 5. if the shadow be so excellent , what is the substance ? if the Picture be so beatifull ; what is the Person it selfe , which the Picture commeth so far short of ? i i Tanti Vitrum , quanti margaritum . Tertul. ad Martyr . Tanti vit●um , quanti verum margari●ū ? Hieron . ad Deme●r . ad Salvin . & alibi . If they made such account of their glassie bugle , saith Ierome after Tertullian , how ought this rich and pretious Pearle of ours to be esteemed of ? This to that is as k k 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Homer . Iliad . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ▪ V●lius argentum est auro . vi●tutibus aurum , Horat. lib. 1. epist. 1. Gold to Brasse , saith Bernard ; and a little of l l Melius est pallens aurum quam fulgens aurichal●ū . Bern. in Cant. 61. the palest and coursest Gold is farre better than much of the finest and brightest Brasse .

But let us consider them a little severally .

In the First place then , here is

A Kingdome propounded to all Christs followers anf favourites .

Seeke Gods Kingdome , saith our Saviour .

Concerning which , Branch 1. it shall not be amisse to enquire ; Observ. 2. 1. What Kingdome this is ; Points 3. 2. Wherein it consisteth ; Point 1. 3. Why it is so termed .

The Kingdome then here spoken of , is not so much the Kingdome of God ●ver us , as the Kingdome of God in us : not the Kingdome whereby m m Psalm . ●03 . 19 . Luke 19 27. he reigneth over us ; ( and yet it is no small priviledge and preeminence to be subject and n n Psal. 18. & 36. Title . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Man . Pal●ol . praecept . 7. Rom. 1.1 . Phil. 1.1 . Merit● Paul●s hoc titulo gloriatur , 2. Cor. 11.22 . O praeclarum ministerium , quo non principatu gloriosius ? Bern. de Consid. l. 2. servant to so puissant a Soveraigne ; if they were counted o o 1 King . 10.8 . happie that were in Salomons service , then are they much more p p Psal. 84.4 , 13. blessed that dwell in Gods house and court , that have dependance upon him : ) but the Kingdome whereby he reigneth in us , and wherein we reigne with him : q q Luke 12.32 . It is your Fathers will , saith our Saviour , to give you a Kingdome . And , r r Apoc. 1.6 . & 20.6 . Hee hath made us Kings and Priests , and we shall reigne with him “ “ Apoc. 22.5 . for ever . And , s s Apoc. 3.21 . To him that overcommeth I will give to sit on my Throne , as I overcame , and sit on my Fathers Throne .

Now of this Kingdome there are two degrees .

Point 2. Degrees 2. Degree 1 Branch 1. There is first * * Regnum gratiae . a Kingdome of Grace ; wherein † † Rom. 5.21 . we reigne here in grace by Christ , whereby wee haue power here ;

1. To quell , conquer , and over-come t t Humilis res est stultitia , abjecta , sordida , servi●is , multis affectibus et saevissimis subjecta . Hos tam graves Dominos , interdum alternis imperantes , interdum pariter , dimittit à te sapientia , quae sola libertas est , Sen. ep. 37. Quem vicerim quaeris ? non Persas , non extrema Medorum , &c. sed avaritiam , sed ambitionem , sed metum mortis , qui victores gentium vicit , Idem epist. 72. Nulla major est victoria , quam viti●●●muisse . Innumerabiles sunt qui urbes , qui populos h●bu●re in potestate ; paucissimi , qui se. Quaest. Nat. l. 3. our naturall corruptions , our lusts and concupiscenses within us , our outragious passions , our unruly and inordinate affections , u u 2 Pet. 2.12 . Iude 16. Non eunt , sed feruntur , Sen. ep. 23. Turpe est autem non ire , sed ferri , Idem ep. 37. wherewith worldly men are led captive , enslaved and enthralled , and which x x Rom. 6.17 . 1 Cor. 12.2 . Tit. 3.3 . before our conversion bare sway , and ruled in and over us also . y y Sibi imperare maximum est imperium , Sen. ep. 113. Sivis tibi omnia subjicere , te subjice rationi . 〈…〉 rexerit , Idem ep. 37. It is a point of the highest command , saith the Heathen man , for a man to have command of himselfe . z z Regem non faciunt ●pes , Non vestis Tyriae color , Non 〈…〉 r●giae , Non a●ro 〈◊〉 ●rabes . Rex ●st , qui 〈◊〉 me●us , Et diri mala pectoris : Qui tuto positus loco , Infra se videt omnia . Rex est qui metuit ; rex est qui cupit nihil . Sen. Thyest. 2.2 . Latius reg●es avi●um ●omando Spirit●m , quàm si Lybiam remotis Gadibus jungas , & uterque 〈◊〉 Serviatuni , Horat. Carm. 2.2 . Rectius enim i● appellabitur Rex quam Tarq●●●ius , qui●●● se nec suos regere potuit . Cic. de Finib . l. 3. — tum omnia jura tenebis , Cum poteris Rex esse tui , Claud. de 4. Coss. Hon. He is a King that dreads nought ; hee is a King that covets and desires nothing . And , a a Immane regnum est posse s●ne regno pati . Senec. Thyest. 3.1 . It is a wondrous great Kingdome for a man to be able to contemne a Crowne , to set light by a Kingdome , as b b Hebr. 11.24 , 25 , 26. Moses did , that preferred afflictions with Gods people before it ; to tread , not the Earth only , but the very c c Apoc. 12.1 . Moone too , and all sublunarie things , as d d Philip. 3.8 . drosse and Trash under his feet .

2. To prevaile against , Branch 2. and triumph over all the enemies and adversaries of our salvation without us , and all such outward evils as they are able to raise up against us . To which purpose it is that the Apostle having spoken before of persecutions the sword , f●mine ▪ and nakednesse ; e e Rom. 8.35 , 36 , 37. In all these things , saith he , f f 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Sicut Soph●●l . Elect. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . wee are more than Conquerors , ( What is that ? even Triumphers . ) through him that hath loved us . For , g g 2 Cor. 2.14 . God maketh us alwaies to h h 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Theophyl . triumphat , i. tri●m●hare facit Prunas . triumph through Christ . i i Crux Christo currus fuit triumphalis . Thom. Cartw. Harmon . Euang. in Luc. 13.32 . & Ioan. 12.32 . Sic & Col. 2.15 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Ignat. ep ▪ 5. Cum ultima hoste morte 〈◊〉 , per trophaum crucis triumphavit , Tertull. ad . Marc. l. 4. The very Crosse of Christ , saith one , was Christs Charet of Triumph . And the verie same is the Crosse even to this day to all Christians ; it is their Charet , their Chaire of estate . k k 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Ig●●t . ep . 4. Duris ut ilex 〈…〉 P●r damn● , per ●aede● , ab ipso Sumit opes animumque ferro . Non hydra secto corpore firmior vinci d●lentem crevit in Hercui●● . Merces profundo : pulc●rior evenit . Luctere : magna pro●●●● integrum Cum laude victorem , Horat. Carm. 4 ▪ 4. He is a valiant Champion indeed , saith Ignatius , who though he be beaten , and receive many blowes , yet will not give over till he have vanquisht his adversarie . l l Apoc. 12.11 . They overcame him , saith the Holy Ghost , m m Apoc. 13.7 . that warred upon them , and overcame them , by the bloud of the L●m●e ▪ 〈◊〉 by the word of the Testimonie , and by not thinking much to lay downe their lives unto death ; by setting light ( as n n Act. ●0 . 24 . the Apostle of himselfe ) by their lives . The Spirit of God may seeme to contradict himselfe when he saith in the one place , o o Apoc. 13.7 . He made warre upon the Saints and overcame them ; and in the other againe , p p Apoc. 12 11. They conquered and overcame him . But the one is spoken q q 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . according to humane conceit , the other r r 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . according to the truth of the thing . And certaine it is , that as Gods s s Tunc enim non ex malo uno , sed ex omn●bus simul & s●m●l liberantur , Aug. in Psal. 34.17 , 19. Ita liberantur , ut liberari amplius o●us non habeant , B●rn . in Psalm . 91.15 , 16. Children are never better delivered out of their troubles , than when they seeme not to be delivered at all , when they are delivered out of them by death . So * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Oecum . in 2 Cor. 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Chrysost. in Rom. hom. 15. they never more prevaile against , and triumph over their adversaries , than when those their adversaries outwardly seeme most to prevaile against , and to triumph over them .

But because this their t t Ps●l. 45.13 . Majestie is most inward , and u u 1 Iohn 3.2 . the world cannot so well see it : there is secondly therefore x x Regnum gloriae . a Kingdome of Glorie , whereby those that y y Rom. 5.21 . reigne now in Grace by Christ , shall one day * * Rom. 5.17 . reigne in Glory with Christ . For , z z Coloss. 3.3 , 4. our life is now hidden with Christ in God ; saith the Apostle : But when Christ , who is our Life shall appeare , then shall we also appeare in glory with him . And , a a 1 Iohn 3.2 . We shall at his appearing become like unt● 〈◊〉 , Degree 2. because we shall see him as he is . As b b Ephes. 2.6 . We are now glorified in him , so c c 2 Thess. 1.10 . hee shall then be glorified in us ; what time we shall heare from him that blessed and joyful sound , d d Matth. 25.34 . Come and receive the Kingdome prepared for you from the beginning of the world .

Now further this Kingdome is called the Kingdome of God ; Point 3. Reasons 4. Reason 1. Reason 2. Reason 3. Reason 4. 1. Because e e Matth. 20.23 . he hath prepared it ; 2. Because f f Luke 12.32 . he conferreth and bestoweth it ; 3. Because g g Apoc. 4.10 . of and under him we hold it ; 4. Because h h Apoc. 20.6 . with him wee reigne in it ; for from him we receive it , and together with him we reigne in it .

Is it a Crowne and a Kingdome then , and such a Crowne and a Kingdome , Vses 4. that our Saviour here maketh offer of ?

This serveth first , as to discover , Vse 1. Reprehension . so to check and control the base-mindednesse of most men in the World : Who , as i i Num. 11.5 , 6. the Israelites preferred the k k In cepe & allium impensa 1600. talenta in pyramidum una extruenda , refert Herodot . l. 2. Leekes and Onions of Aegypt , before l l Psal. 78.25 . the bread of Angels , m m Iohn 6.31 . the food that came downe from heaven ; so preferre paltry Peables before these pretious n n Matth. 7.6 . & 13.45 . Perles ; * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Habac . 2.6 . thick●clay , as the Prophet speaketh , before this o o Apoc. 3.18 . pure Gold ; the worlds counterfeit coine , before this p p Luke 16.11 , true treasure ; the base and slavish service of sinne and Satan , before the Crowne and the Kingdome that our Saviour here maketh offer of : that choose rather , with q q Gen. 49.14 , 15. Issakar , ( dull asses indeed ) to couch themselves quietly betweene two packes , and bowe their shoulders downe to beare any such ( even unsufferable and unsupport●bl● ) burdens as r r 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; Chrysost. in Matth. 38.1 . Legatur Pers. Sat. 5. & ad eundem Epictetum ex Arian . dissert. l. 3. c. 26. apud Casaub. qui eos multa facere contendunt qui cupiditatibus suis serviunt , quae si servus domini jussu faceret , de dura servitute sua multum quiritaret . the World is wont to impose on those that are slaves and drudges to it ; than to rouse up their spirits , that lye groveling on the ground , seeke to shake off the yoake , and free themselves from this thraldome , and strive to get command of him , that now keepeth them as captives : that s s Malunt servire Diabolo , quam regnare cum Christo : Cui servire regnare est , Bern. de Temp. 110. & de bon. des●● . are content to serve the Divell rather , and their , nay his , brutish lusts , ( * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Clem. Strom. l. 2 Nulla voluntariâ turpior est servitus , Sen. epist. 47. the baddest and basest service that can be , ) than to reigne with Christ , or to serve him in a free and honourable service , whose t t Rom. 6.21 . Fallitur egregio quisquis sub principe credit Servitium : nusquam lib●rtas gratior extat . Claudian . de Stilic . Philosophiae servias oportet , ut tibi contingat vera libertas . Qui se illi subjecit & tradidit , statim circumagi●ur . Hoc enim ipsum Philoso●hiae s●rvire , libertas est , Senec. epist. 8. service is true freedome , and u u 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Gregor. Nazianzen . de Pace 2. to serve him is to reigne with him , who maketh all his servants Captaines , Commanders and x x Veruos quam Assur , Esai. 10.8 . Kings .

Againe , it serveth to discover and convince many , not to be that indeed , which they professe themselves to be , not to be Christians indeed and truth , though they beare the name and title of such . For Christianitie is a Kingdome . Vse 2. Conviction . It not freeth men only from the thraldome of Sinne and Satan ; ( a a Iohn 8.31 , 32 , 36. Arbitrium voluntatis tunc est vere liberum , cum vitijs peccatisque non servit , Augustin . de Civitat . lib. 14. cap. 11. Sapientia sola libertas est , Senec. epist. 37. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Nisi sapiens nemo liber , Zeno apud Laert. Cic. Parad. 5. Non natura servum facit , sed insipientia : nec manumissio liberum , sed disciplina , Ambros. epist. 7. Solus sapiens liber est , Ibidem . they are free indeed that Christ maketh free ; ) but it maketh them Kings also to rule and sway over such as b b Ephesians 2.2 , 3. before they were enthralled and enslaved unto . Whereas many millions of those that professe themselves to be Christians , remaine still Satans vassals , c c Alius libidini servit , alius avaritiae , alius ambitioni , omnes timori . Dabo cōsularem aniculae servi entē : dabo ancillulae divitem , Sen. ep. 47. Si metuis , si parva cupis , si duceris ira , Servitij patiere jugum ; tolerabis iniquas , Interius leges - Claud. 4. Coss. Hom. Liber est qui servitutem effugit sui . haec est assidua servitus , & in●luctabilis , & per diem ac nocte aequaliter premens , sine intervallo , sine commeatu . Sibi servire gravissima servitus est , Sen. Nat. q. l. 3. Extr●ma est servitus , cum animae vitijs d●ditae , rationis propriae possessione c●ciderint , Bo●● . Cons. slaves some to their filthy lusts , some to their mucke and their money , some to their pride and ambition , some to their furious affection , some to one corruption , and some to another . Yea as one saith of Rome when she was in her Pride , that d d Victrix gentium ▪ captiva vitiorum . Aug. de Civ . l. 15. c. 4. shee conquered other Countries abroad , but was vanquished with her owne Vices at home : and another of the Persian Kings , that e e 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Plut. ad praesect indoct. 1 Esd 4 26 , 29 , 30 , 31. E●ū sibi dominas , Ambr. ep. 7 captivarum suarum captivi . Ibid. they commanded the whole World , but their Wives or Concubines commanded them . And Cato of the Romans ; * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Cato Censor . Plut. Apophth . All men , saith he , but we , rule their wives ; We rule all men ; & our wives rule us . And the Orator of Verres , that † † Iura omnia Populi Romani nutu atque arbit●●● Chelid●nis meritriculae gubernari , Cic Verrin . 5. he governed the Province , & a base strumpet him . And Themistocles of himselfe , & the Athenians , That “ “ 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Plut. in Apophth . the Athenians ruled all Greece , hee the Athenians , his Mother him , and his Sonne his mother : So many in this kinde , they are f f 2 Pet. 2.19 . Masters of others , and yet servants themselves ; command some , but are againe commanded by others ; g g Bonus etiamsi serviat , liber est : Malus , etiams● regnet , servus est : nec unius hominis , sed quod gravius est , tot dom norum , qu●t vitiorum , Aug. de Civit. Dei , l. 4 c. 3. Est sa●ie●t● & s●rvire libertas : Stulto & imperare servitus est : Et q●od p●jus ●st , cum paucioribus praesit ▪ pluribus dominis & gravioribus servit ▪ Servit enim proprijs passionibus , servi● cupiditatibus suis , quarum dominatumnec nocte pote●● fugere nec d●e , Ambr. ep. 7 , Vidit eos qui judiciorum D●minos se dici volebant , harum cupiditatū●sse servos . Cic. Ver. 3 Quos videssedere celso Solij culmine Reges , &c. Detrahat siquis superbis Vana tegmina cultus , ●ā videbit in●us a●ctas Domi●os ferre ●atenas , Multos ●erre tyrannos , Bo●t . Co●sol . l 4. m●tr . 2. Refraenet pr●us libidin●s spernat volup●at●s , racundiā ten●at , coerceat avarit●ā , caetera● animi l●bes repella● . Tū●ncipia● al●j● imperare , 〈◊〉 ●pse imprubissimis Dominis dedecori a● turpitudi●● , parere desierit . Dum his qu● de obe●●e● , non modo Rex , sed liber habendus omnino non erit . Cic. Parad. 5. Vide & Horat. 〈◊〉 . l. 2. Sat ▪ 7. have as many Lords as lusts , that beare rule and sway in them ; For h h 2 Pet. 2.19 . by whom a man is overcome , his bond-slave he is , saith S. Peter : And , i i Rom. 6.16 . His servant hee is , whom he yeeldeth obedience unto ; saith S. Paul : And , k k John 8.34 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Diogen . Laert. l. 6. Melior est autem ejus status qui famulatur homini , quam qui suae servit cupiditati , Aug. in Prosper . Sent. 164. who so committeth sinne , is the servant of sinne , saith our Saviour . As long therefore as l l Iam. 4.1 . — intus & in j●c●re aegr● , Nascuntur domini , Pers. Sat. 5. Intra se dominos habet : intra seservitiū patitur intolerabile , Ambr. ep. 7. Levius autem est malum captivum esse corpore quam animo , Salviam . de Provid . l. 6. thou hast a Master , yea many Masters , within thee , thou art a slave to thy corruptions , m m Iam. 1.14 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Plat. leg . l. 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Antonin . vit. sua , l. 7. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Ibid. 12. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Ibid. l. 10. & Chrysost. to . 8. Ser. 13. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Tu mihi qui imp●rita● , al●js servis miser , atque Duceris ut nervis alienis mobile lignum , Horat. ser. l. 2.7 . they rule and sway thee as they list , they winde and turne thee whither way they will , like an artificiall motion that goeth with a screw , and stirreth as that writhes it ; so long as thou reignest not over them , but they reigne in and over thee , and thou art ruled & swayed by them , so long thou art no Christian , whatsoever thou mayest be counted or called ; For Christianitie is a Kingdome ; and n n 1 Cor. 7.22 . every Christian is not a Free-man only , but in this kinde even o o Apoc. 1.6 . & 5.10 . a King too .

But are they so indeed ? And are all Christians called to a Crowne , Vse 3. Admonition . to a Kingdome ? Then let them learne hence how charily and warily it behoveth Christian men to walke of all others .

For first , p p Soli latere si licet , Regi licet . Sen. de Clem. l. 1. c. 8. Nam lux altissima fati Occulium nihil esse sinit , Claud. de 4. Conss . Hon. The Sunne may goe unseene as soone as Kings may . Reason 1. q q Qui in excelso aetatem agunt , eorum facta cuncti mortales novere , Salust . ad Caesar. They are in the eye of the world , and r r Omnium in ista conversi sunt oculi , Sen. vbi sup. all mens eyes are on them . And , s s Matth. 5.14 . You are the light of the World , saith our Saviour , not to us Ministers alone , but to all Christians in generall . Yee are as * * Idem . a Citie seated on an hill , that cannot be hid .

Againe , Reason 2. the † † In maxima fortuna minima licentia , Salust . in Catil . Magna servitus fortuna magna , Sen. ad Polyb. c. 26. Minimum debet lib●re , cui nimium licet , Sen. Troad . Quanto plus liceat , tam libeat minus , Auson . 7. Sap. greatest states afford least libertie . t t Liberiora omnia sunt his quorum affectus tegi possunt , Sen. ad Polyb. c. 25. Multa tibi non licent quae humillimis & in angulo jacentibus licen● , Ibid . c. 26. Cui omnia licent , propter 〈◊〉 ipsum multa non licent , Ibid. Quam multa tibi non licent , quae nobis tu● beneficio licent ? Serv. ad Neron . de Clem. l. 1 , c. 8. Many things may well beseeme meane men , that will in no wise become great ones . It stood not with Themistocles his state to stoope downe to take up of the spoiles , that the enemie had throwne from them in flight ; but , u u 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Plut. Themist . Servo quo melior , quo liberior sit avarus , In trivio fixum cum se demittit ob assem , Non video . Hor. ep. 16. l. 1. Hinc & Pers. Sat. 5. Inque luto fixum possis transcendere nummum . Take thou up of them , if thou wilt , saith hee to one of his followers ; thou mayest well enough ; for thou art not Themistocles ; thou art not as I am : And many things may well beseeme a worldly man , as x x Mat. 6.32 . to be greedie of the world , and to y y Phil. 3.19 , 20. minde earthly things , which will in no wise become a Christian.

Besides that , z z 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Dion . Chry. orat. 1. the greater and higher the person is that offendeth , Reason 3. the more * * Indignitate peccans pecca● amplius , Iustin. in Authent . & Hilar. Pp. apud Grat. c. 25. q. 1. c. 4. Majore Regum scelera taxantur modo , Sen. Herc. fur . hainous and “ “ Omne animi vitium tanto conspectius in se Crimen habet , quanto major qui peccat habetur , Iuvenal . Sat. 8. conspicuous is his offence . a a 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Greg. Naz. in Matth. 19. In veste labes candida est insignior , Iuel . Apolog. Eccl. Ang. Any spot is soone spied upon white apparell ; and the least staine doth evill upon a royall roabe . A small defect in a Christian is more , than a greater matter in a meere Worldling . And b b Ideò dete●●●es sumus , quia meliores esse debemus , Salvian . de Provid . l. 4. therefore are such worse , saith Salvian , though they be no worse , than others , because they ought to bee better . Vse 4. Exhortation .

Lastly , is it no lesse matter than a Kingdome , that we are here invited unto ? This may serve to incite us , if there be any mettle in us , to the diligent & industrious seeking after it . c c Perp●ssi sunt exercitus in●piam rerum omnium , vixerunt herbarum radicibus , & dictu foedis tulerunt famem . Haec omnia passi sunt pro regno ( quo magis mir●ris ) alieno , Sen. epist. 17. Ab mis●ris quid si peteretur crimine tanto Limes uterque poli ? pugna est de paupere regno . Stat. Theb. l 1. Who would not put hard for it , to winne a Crowne , to gaine a Kingdom ? Here is fit matter for our ambitious thoughts and desires to be working upon with warrant . For , as Augustine observeth , that there is a kinde of lawfull and religious d d Qui vetat te esse foeneratorem , idem jussit te esse foeneratorem , et dicitur tibi , Foenerare , Aug. in Psal. 36. Vsury , that the Word of God alloweth ; e e Prov. 17.19 . He that sheweth mercie to the poore , lendeth on Vsurie to the Lord ; and it shall with large interest be repayed him . And there is a kinde of spirituall f f 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Covetousnesse , that the Spirit of God approveth of ; when men are * * Veri boni aviditas tuta est , Sen. ep. 23. greedie of Grace , they can never have enough of it ; g g Matth. 5.6 . Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after Righteousnesse . So there is a kinde of holy h h 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Rom. 15.20 . 2 Cor. 5.9 . 1 Thess. 4.11 . Ambition , that our Saviour Christ not alloweth only , but enciteth also , and exhorteth us hereunto . i i 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 1 Cor. 12.31 . Affect , saith the Apostle , the best , the chiefest things . And , Let even a Kingdome at least , a Crowne , and no lesse , saith our Saviour , be your aime . It is enough for earthly Princes , their followers and favourites , if they can attaine to some Titles of inferiour Honour , to be Dukes and Marquesses , or the like . But if they begin once , k k Legatur Dio Cass. hist. lib. 57. with Seianus , to have an eie or aime at a Crowne , l l Nulla fides regni so●●j● , omnisque potestas , Impatiens consortis erit , Lucan . lib. 1. that will in no wise bee indured in them . But it is not some m m Vsque ad regni dimid um . Ester 7.2 . Marke 6.23 . inferiour Honour , some petie place in a kingdome , but the Crowne and Kingdome it selfe , that our Saviour Christ here would have us shoot at , and seeke after . And who would not seeke after a kingdome , if he had any hope to attaine it ? Wee see upon what uncertaine hopes ambitious persons in such cases lay n n Jmperia pr●tio quolibet constant b●nè , Polyni●es apud Sen. Theb. 4. all at the stake , and hazard losse , not of living only , but of life . And certainely our Saviour would never encite us to seeke after it , if * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . it were not to be had . Yea he giveth us assurance , that if we seeke seriously , and so as we should , we shall finde it . For o o Luke 11.10 . Solus Deus nunquam frustra quaeritur , etiam quum non invenitur , Bern ▪ de Cons●d . l. 1. Every one , saith he , that so seeketh , findeth : he is as sure to finde , as if he had found already . p p 2 Tim. 1.17 . One siphorus sought me diligently , saith the Apostle , and he found me : And so , q q Prov. 8.17 . I love them that love me , saith the Wisdome of God , that r r Apoc. 19 11. hath the disposing of this Crowne , s s Apoc. 2.26 . & 3.21 . of this Kingdome ; and all those that seeke me early , t t 1 Chron. 28.9 . shall be sure to finde mee . The Kingdome of this World , as the u u Aurum quaesiturus es , & ●orte non inventurus : quisquis me quaerit , cum illo sum . August . in 1 Iohn 10. Wealth of this World , may bee sought , and not found ; this Kingdome we shall not misse of , if wee seeke it as we should . x x Amaturus es honorem , & ●ortasse u● perventurus . Qui● me amavit , & n●●s ad me pervenit ? Ib. He that sincerely desireth it , hath in part attained it already .

But a Crowne , a Kingdome ? may some say . Objection . y y Imperare omnes volunt ; parere nemo . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ▪ Greg. Naz. Apol. What man is there that will none of it ? What need any man bee encited or exhorted to accept of it ? x x Quis non perpetuò v●vere velit ? Salvian ▪ a● Eccles. Cath. l. 1. Nemo est qui beatus esse nolit . Aug. de lib. Arb. l. 1. c. 14. Vit●● beatam omn● hominem mod●s omnibus vel●e quis dubitat ? Id●m ●pist . 121. Who would not have heaven and happinesse ? Who would not reigne in heaven eternally with God and Christ ? Vnlesse it be some wretched & accursed Atheists , that thinke there is no such thing to be had .

Subjection . Yea but there is somewhat more than so in it . a a Matth. 19.28 . Wee must begin to reigne here , if wee meane to reigne there . We must partake with Christ here in the b b Rom. 8.23 . first-fruits of Grace , if we desire hereafter to partake with him in c c Iohn 1.14 , 16. fulnesse of Glorie .

Observ. 3 ▪ There is no accesse to this Kingdome , but by Righteousnesse only .

Branch 2. Seeke Gods Kingdome and his Righteousnesse , saith our Saviour Christ here . And , d d Rom. 5.21 . That Grace may reigne through Righteousnesse ; saith the Apostle else-where .

Questions 3. Now concerning this Righteousnesse , three Questions would be discussed ; 1. What is meant by Righteousnesse here ; 2. Why it is called the Righteousnesse of God ; 3. Why no part in this Kingdome can be had without it .

Question 1. There is therefore a twofold Righteousnesse ; and every true Christian ( it is the constant Doctrine of all our Divines ; and * * Legantur quae Mortonus noster adducit ex scriptoribus Pontificijs , Apolog. Cath. par. 1. l. 1. c. 24. our Adversaries wittingly wrong us , when they charge us with the contrary ) hath his peculiar share in either . There is e e Iust●tia imputata , Rom. 4.6 . a Righteousnesse imputed , and there is f f Iustitia impertita , Ephes. 5.9 . a Righteousnesse imparted ; the one g g Ierem. 23.6 . & 33.16 Rom. 10.4 . 2 Cor. 5.21 . inherent in Christ , and imputed to us ; the other h h 1 Cor. 1.30 . Ephes. 4.24 . imparted by Christ , and * * In nobis , non ex nobis , Aug. ep. 143. inherent in us . For that i i Esai . 61.1 . spirituall Oyle that was powred upon Christ our Head , & wherwith k k Psal. 45.7 . God anointed him aboue all his fellowes , when l l Iohn 3.34 . the Spirit was given him beyond measure , like m m Psal. 133.2 . the Ointment that was powred upon Aarons head , is shed forth and diffused in some measure , more or lesse , unto every living member of his mysticall Body . n n Iohn 1.16 . Of his fulnesse have we received all , even grace for grace . o o 1 Cor. 6.11 . The former is the Righteousnesse of Iustification ; the latter is the Righteousnesse of Sanctification .

Some understand here the former : Answer . I rather the latter .

1. Because the word is so taken every where else throughout this whole Sermon : Reason 1. as where it is said ; p p Matth. 5.6 . Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousnesse : And , q q Matth. 5.10 . Blessed are they that suffer for righteousnesse sake : And , r r Matth. 5. ●0 . Vnlesse your Righteousnesse goe beyond the Righteousnesse of the Scribes and the Pharisies , &c. Which verie passage these words seeme to have reference unto .

2. Because it is that Righteousnesse that doth properly , peculiarly , Reason 2. and immediatly make us actually Kings , and putteth us in the actuall * * 2 Pet. 1.4 . Mens regnum bona possidet , Sen. Thy. 2.2 . Qui rectè faciet , non qui dominatur , erit Rex . Auson . Monofyll . possession of this Kingdome : the former meriteth it , this entreth us into it : the former purchaseth it for us ; this prepareth and fitteth us for it . s s Rom. 4.5 , 6 , 7 , 8. Our justification acquiteth us of the guilt of sin : t t Rom. 8.1 , 2. Our sanctification freeth us from the power of sinne , u u Rom· 6.8 , 17 , 14. enabling us to quell it , to subdue it , to prevaile against it , that ruled , conquered , and kept us under before : and so causeth us x x Apoc. 20.6 . to reigne here as spirituall Kings over it : yea y y Ezek. 36.25 . Ephes. 5.26 . it clenseth us also of the soile and filth of sinne , and so by eating our corruption out of us by degrees , it prepareth and fitteth us for that Kingdome to come , 1 Cor. 15.50 . which flesh and bloud cannot enter , nor corruption inherit . But whether of the two be here meant , is not greatly materiall ; since that * * 1 Cor. 6.11 . & 1.30 . Rom. 8.29 , 30. they never are severed the one from the other : And where the one therefore is expressed , there the other ever is implied .

Question 2. Answer . Generall . Now this Righteousnesse is here called the Righteousnesse of God ;

Generally , in opposition to a a Luke 18.9 . that counterfeit Righteousnesse that the Scribes and Pharisies so much bragged of , and gloried so much in ; and which our Saviour had discovered , taxed , and rejected before b b Chap. 5.20 . in this Sermon .

Answer . Particular . Reason 1. More particularly , in divers respects :

1. Because it is given of God . For , “ “ 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Nullum bonum , quod non à summo bono , Aug. de divers . 3. All good is of God . And , c c 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , P●ndar . Olymp. 9. Nemo absque numine aut est , aut fuit bonus . Bonus vir sine Deo non est , Sen. ep. 41. Nulla sine Deo 〈…〉 est , Idem ep. 73. No man ever was or is good without God . d d Iob. 3.27 . No man can have ought , saith S. Iohn the Baptist , unlesse it be given him from aboue . And , * * Iam. 1.17 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 · Marc. de L●g . Sp●● . p. ●0 . Every good gift , saith S. Iames , is from aboue , and commeth downe from the Father of lights . As e e Matth. 19.17 . none is originally and essentially good but God : so no man is in any kinde or degree good without God . f f Nemo bon●● , qui non ex mal● bo●●s , Aug. in Prosper . Sent. 155. There is no man good , saith Augustine , but that of 〈◊〉 , is by God made good . And , g g Qui n●minem bonum ●●venit , nemin●m salvat , nisi quem praevenit , Bern. de Grat. & lib. Arb. He , saith Bernard , that h h Psal. 14.2 , 3. findeth no man good , saveth none but such as by preventing grace he maketh good .

2. Because it is approved of by God ▪ Reason 2. which that other of theirs is not . It is said of Zacharie and Elizabeth , that they were i i Luke 1.6 . just in Gods sight . Whereupon saith Ambrose , k k Multi hominibus justi videntur , pauci Deo . Aliter enim hominibus & aliter Deo . Hominibus sec. externam speciem & fac●●m : Deo sec. internam veritatem & virtutem , Ambr. in Luc. It is one thing to be just in mans sight , and another thing to be just in Gods sight , An outward shew and semblance , is enough for the one : but inward power and truth is required unto the other . And l l Luke 16.15 . Mat. 23.27 , 28. that that maketh a glorious shew in the eyes of man , is most abominable many times in the sight of God ; * * Aurum hominibus , l●tum Deo . Greg. Mor. l. 34. c. 13. Gold in mans eyes , durt in Gods sight ; saith Gregorie .

3. Because it is conformable to the Law of God ; It maketh us m m 1 Ioh. 3.4 , 6 , 9 , 10 , 24. & 5.2 , 3. Rom. 7.25 . conformable to it in part here for the present , Reason 3. and it will make us n n Eph●s . 5.27 . fully and perfectly conformable to it hereafter . Whereas that other of theirs doth nothing lesse . o o Tota vita infidelium peccatum est . Et nihil est bonum absque summo bono , Aug. in Sent. Prosper . 81. The whole Life of such , saith Augustine , is nothing but sinne : and their best actions , no better than p p Splendida peccata : Et vitia potius quam virtutes , Idem de Civit. l. 19. c. 25. Sine Christo siquidem omnis virtus in vitio est , Hier. in Gal. 3. Incassumque quis laborat in acquisitione virtutum , si aliunde eas sperat , quam a Domino virtutum , Bern. in Cant. 22. Omne etenim probitatis opus , nisi semine verae Exoritu● fidei , peccatum est , inquereatum Vertitu● : & sterilis cumulat sibi gloria poenam , Prosper . de Ingrat . glittering corruptions .

4. Because it is and shal be rewarded of God . The Crowne expected is called q q 2 Tim. 4.8 . the Crowne of Righteousnesse . And , r r Rom. 2.7 . To those , Reason 4. saith the Apostle , that by well-doing , and continuance therein , seeke glory , and honour , and immortalitie , will God give eternall life in that day . And , s s Matth. 6.6 . Thy Father , saith our Saviour , that seeth thee in secret , will reward thee openly . Yea there is t t Mat. 25.34 , 35 , 40. Luke 14.9 . no action so meane or slight proceeding from this , even to u u Matth. 10.42 . Mark● 9.41 . the gift of a Cup of cold water , that shall passe unregarded , or unrewarded with God . Whereas that other Righteousnesse of theirs hath no reward promised it . x x Matth. 6.2 . Verily I say unto you , saith our Saviour , not barely , * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . they have , but they † † 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Quod Theophylact●s observavit . have all , their reward : they have y y Matt. 23.5 , 6 ▪ 7. all they desire , and all they deserve , and all that ever they are like to have : they may make their z z 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Quo mod● Paulus Phil. 4.18 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . De quo argutius Paulo D●naeus noster ad Chrysostomum Savilianum . acquittance ; for such kinde and manner of discharge doth our Saviour there allude unto .

But why may a man without this Righteousnesse have no part in Gods Kingdome ? Quest. 3.

Answer . For dive●●●auses and reasons ;

These among many others :

Reason 1. 1. Because the Chiefe Commaunder in this Kingdome , is a a Hebr. 7.2 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ( ex Hebr. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gen. 14.18 . ) 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Frustrâ ergò est autor Etymologici , qui 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , inquit , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Imo 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ad quod Salem alludit , est 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , uti & Apostolus , ibidem , Etymologico ducente alucinatus est & Meurs . animadv . Miscell . lib. 1. cap. 11. a King of Righteousnesse . The Scepter of this Kingdome is ▪ b b Psalm . 45.6 . a Rod of Righteousnesse . The Throne of this Kingdome is c c Psalm . 9.5 . & 97.2 . a Seat of Righteousnesse : And the Kingdome it selfe is d d Rom. 14.17 . a Kingdome of Righteousnesse : And , * * 1 Cor. 6.8 . No unrighteous therefore can inherit this Kingdome ; that hath nothing at all but Righteous in it . “ “ Esai . 60.21 . The people of it , saith the Prophet , are all Righteous .

2. Because e e Rom. 5.17 . Apoc. 20.6 . none but those that have part here in the Kingdome of Grace , Reason 2. may hereafter partake in the Kingdome of Glorie . But by Righteousnesse we become members of the Kingdom of Grace . f f Rom. 5.21 . That Grace , saith the Apostle , may reigne through Righteousnesse . None but such therefore have any part in the one ; none but such shall ever have share in the other .

3. Because this Righteousnesse is the Royall Roabe . g g Psal. 132.9 . Let thy Priests , saith the Psalmist , Reason 3. ( and the same Persons here are both h h 1 Pet. 2.9 . Apoc. 1.6 . & 5.10 . & 20.6 . Kings and Priests ) be cloathed with Righteousnesse . And , i i Isai. 61.10 . He hath clad me with the Robe of Righteousnesse . And , k k Apoc. 19.8 . To the Bride it was given to bee arayed in fine Silke : and l l 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . the fine Silke is the Righteousnesse of the Saints . As no man then might come into the Wedding-house m m Mat. 22.11 , 12. without the Wedding-garment ; so may no man enter into this Kingdome without this Royall Robe . n n Hebr. 12.14 . Without Holinesse , saith the Apostle , shall no man ever see God . And o o Psal. 132.9 , 16. those alone that are cloathed with Righteousnesse here , shall bee cloathed everlastingly with Salvation hereafter .

4. Because p p Apoc. 21.27 . No uncleane thing can come within the walls and compasse of this Kingdom : Reason 4. nay , q q Esai . 35.8 . no uncleane person can set foot into the Way that leadeth to it . But this Righteousnesse , and this alone is that , that can truely and throughly clense , purge , and purifie us , and that not r r Psal. 24.3 , 4. 1 Tim. 2.8 . our hands onely , but our s s Matth. 5.8 . Act. 15.9 . hearts too ; as well the t t Rom. 7.22 . 2 Cor. 4.16 . inward man , as the outward ; as well u u 2 Cor. 7.1 . Ephes. 4.23 . the Spirit as the Flesh. Whereas that other Righteousnesse x x Matth. 23.25 . Luke 11.39 . clenseth the outside only , but leaveth the inside as foule still as ever it was . And therefore no marvell if our Saviour tell us , That y y Matth. 6.20 . unlesse our Righteousnesse exceed the Righteousnesse of the Scribes and the Pharisies , we shall never get into the Kingdome of God .

Vse 3. Vse 1. Information . First then , doe we desire to have part in this Kingdome ?

Are wee ambitious of a Crowne ? and that such a Crowne , as is not a a Inest imperio cura maxima maximo , Salust . ad Caes. Seleucus Rex dicere solebat , si multi scirent , quantum ●it negotij tantum modo to● epistolas scrib●re ac legere , nec humi projectum diod●m● tollerent . Alphonsus Arag . Rex , As●norum cond●tionem esse pot●rē quam regum : siquidem illis dum pascuntur dominos parcere , regibus neminem . Rex alius accepto in manus diademate , O Pann●● , inquit , nobi●ē magis quam foelicem ! quem siquis penitus cognoscat , quam multis periculis , sollicitudi●●bus ac miserijs fit re●ertus , ne humi quidem jacentem tollere dignetur , Erasm. in Apopht● . l. 6. & 8. Lega●tur Dio Chrysost. de Rege Persarum , Orat. 4. Sen ▪ Thy●st. 3.1 , 3. & Oedip●d. 1.1 . & Aga●●● . l. 2. Et Petra●ch . Dialog . 79. & 96. Scit● itaque Iocasta in Theb. 4. Ne metue ; poenas & quidem solvet graves : Regnabit ; haec est poena . — environed with pricking Cares , as if it were b b 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Mark● 15.17 . De qu● Meditationem Serenissimi Iacob● Regis nostri confidas sis . a Crowne of thornes or thistles , but such a one as may c●re and rid our heads of all carking care ? as hereafter we shall see . Learne we here the way to it . The Way to this Crowne , to this Kingdome , is by Righteousnesse . Seeke yee , saith our Saviour , the Righteousnesse of God ; and that will bring you to the Kingdome of God . For , c c Rom. 14.17 . The Kingdome of God is Righteousnesse . This Kingdome of God is not like the Kingdomes of this World : that are d d Scelere parte ; s●●iere r●tenta : De quibus Sen. The● . 4. — regna cum scelere omnibus sunt exi●ijs graviora . — gotten oft by wicked courses , and kept by the like : wherein e e Aud● aliquid brevibus G●aris & carcere dignum , Si vis esse aliquid ▪ — Iuvenal . Sat. 1. men rise by unrighteousnesse , and wherein not f f 2 Pet. 3.13 . Righteousnesse , but g g — exe●t aulâ Qui volet esse pius — Virtus & summa potesta● Non co●unt . — Lucant ▪ 〈◊〉 ▪ Phars . l. 8. — jura , pud●●que , Et conjugij sacrata fides 〈◊〉 aula● ▪ Fra●● sub●imi r●gnat in 〈◊〉 , Sen. Agam. ● . 2 . — sanctita● , pie●●● . fides Privat●●ono sunt , Sen. Thy. 1.2 . Vt nemo doceat fraudis & scel●rum vias , Regnum docebit . — Ibid. ● . 1 . — quid jam non regi●●● ans●● ? Aut quod 〈◊〉 regni restat scel●● ? Silius bel . Pun. l. 16. unrighteousnesse oft reigneth . There is no way to rise in this Kingdome , there is no way to attaine to this Kingdome , but by Righteousnesse . h h Prov. 21.21 . He that followeth Righteousnesse and mercie , shall finde Righteousnesse , and Life , and Glory ; saith Sal●mon . For it is the ●ust , saith the Psalmist , that i i Psal. 11.5 ▪ 7. God loveth and regardeth , that k k Psal. 5.12 . he gardeth & protecteth , that l l Psal. 17.15 . shall behold his face , that shall m m Psal. 140.13 . dwell ever in his house ; and that n n Matth. 13.43 . shall shine as the Sunne , saith ou● Saviour , in the Kingdome of God their Father o o Dan. 12.3 . for ever and ever .

Secondly , Vse 2. Eviction . observe we hence how crosse and averse the corrupt heart of man is naturally to all goodnesse and godlinesse ; that , though a Crowne , a Kingdome , an incorruptible Crowne , an everlasting Kingdome bee propounded to this Righteousnesse , and annexed unto it , yet will rather lose this Crowne , rather leave and forgoe this Kingdome , than condescend to accept of it upon such a condition ; p p At ●aris ut vivat regnetque ben●us , Cog● posse ●egat ▪ Horat. epist. ● . will not be constrai●ed to live happily , and to reigne everlastingly , unlesse he may doe so upon some other termes ▪ will choose rather not to reigne , than to be righteous . If this Crowne indeed might be compassed by fraud and deceit , or by oppression and extortion ; not a few would be sure to have a share in it , that are now never like to have any interest therein . Or if it might be held with loosenesse and lewdnesse of life , we should not need much Rhetoricke to perswade many to accept of it . It is q q 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Plut. ad 〈◊〉 ▪ indoct . 〈…〉 potentiae suae magnitudinem metiuntur , Vell. hist. l. 2. Idque esse regni maximum pignus putant . Si quicquid alijs 〈…〉 , Sen. ●gam . 2.2 . 〈◊〉 qu●●●ibet 〈◊〉 , ill esse Regem esse , 〈…〉 Hoc principat●s 〈◊〉 putant , 〈◊〉 . hist. 1. one maine end , for which many men desire authoritie and greatnesse , that they may thereby gaine libertie to live and doe as they list ; r r Sceptorū vis tota perit , si pendere justa Incipit . — Lucan . l. 8. Vbicumque tantum honesta dominanti licent , Precario regnatur . — Atreus , Sen. Thyest. 1.2 . and without which they esteeme power and authoritie nought worth . When s s Matth. 3.1 , 2. Iohn the Baptist preached the Gospell of this Kingdome , t t Marke 6.20 . Herode would willingly have had it , if hee might have held his Herodias , his Harlot with it . When u u Matth. 4.23 . Marke 1.14 . our Saviour Christ published it , x x Iohn 12.42 , 43 , & 3 1. the Pharisies would faine have had it , if with their y y Matth. 23.6 , 7. John 5.44 . pride , z z Luke 16.14 , covetousnesse , and a a Luke 12.1 . hypocrisie , it might have beene had and held ; or if such b b Matth. 5.20 . Luke 18.9 . a specious shew of Righteousnesse would have served the turne for it , as they dazled the eyes of the simpler sort with . But when this c c Matth. 5.20 . & 7.13 . Righteousnesse of God , this strictnesse of life , commeth to be propounded together with it , and to bee exacted of all those that will have any share in it ; now d d Marke 6.17 , 18. Herode flieth off , and will none of it , e e Luke 7.30 . the Pharisies keepe aloofe off , and reject it ; & every naturall mans perverse heart thinketh it held at too high a rate , if f f Mica 6.6 , 7 , 8. without change of his corrupt course of life it cannot be compassed .

Vse 3. Exclusion . Thirdly , this serveth to exclude many from it , that would yet seeme to have , yea and perswade themselves , that they haue a good share in it . They have no share in the former , because they have no part in the latter : They have no part in the Kingdome propounded by Christ , because no part in the Righteousnesse annexed unto it ; because they remaine still as they were naturally , g g 1 Cor. 15.32 , 33 , 34. 2 Cor. 12.21 . Tit. 1.10 , 12 , 15 , ●6 . unrenewed , unsanctified , unholy , unrighteous , wholly impure and profane both in heart and in life ; or if they have some shew of holinesse , it is h h 2 Tim. 3.2 , 3 , 4 , 5. in outward semblance only , there is no inward substance or power of it . Such they are ; and i i Psal. 58.3 , 4 , 5. & 36.1 , 2 , 3. Ier. 9.2 , 3 , 5 , 6. other they refuse to be . They like well of this Kingdome ; but they cannot away with the Righteousnesse : k k Num. 23.10 . They are desirous to reigne ; but unwilling to bee righteous . l l Jmpius & foelix sic simul esse cupit , Vt nolit pius esse , velit tamen esse beatus . De Macrin● nescio quis apud Iul. Capitolin . Happy they would be ; but holy they wil not be . And yet they hope , they say , to doe as well as the best . A thing that m m Quod natura negat , nec ratio patitur , Ibid. neither Religion , nor natural Reason admitteth . For God hath lincked these two together with an indissoluble bond , n n Apoc. 20.6 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Bonus beatus omnis , et malus miser , Socrat. Plato . Greg. & Cic. Tucs . l. 5. Happinesse and Holinesse , Reigning and Righteousnesse ; the one as the Crowne , the other as the Robe , which cannot be had or worne therefore the one without the other . And o o Matth. 19.6 . what God hath conjoyned , man , do he what he can , shall never be able to dis-joyne , and to sever . Whosoever refuseth p p Rom. 8.12 , 13. Gal. 6.7 , 8 , 9. Vivite itaque benè , ne moriamini malè , August . de verb. Dom. 24. Id age ut bonam vitam habeas , & quacunque occasione à vita exieris , ad requiem , ad beatitudine maeternam exibis : merces enim vitae bonae , ●terna est . Idem discipl . Christ . c. 2. to live as a Saint with Christ here on earth , shall never reigne as a Saint with him hereafter in heaven .

Yea but , will some say , Objection . though q q 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Plut. de Praefect . Ita , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Epicur . Stob. c. 16. Quod ●odiè non est , eras erit : sic vit● truditur , Petron. Satyr . Cras hoc fiet , idem cras fiet . Quid ? quasi magnum Nempe diem d●nas . Sed cum lux altera venit : Iam cras ●esternum consumpsimus : ecce aliud cras Egerit hos annos , & semper paulum erit ultra , Pers. Sat. ● , Itaque pulchrè Chrysost. ad Pop. Ant. 19. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 we be not so for the present , yet intend we , and purpose one day to be such ; we hope to be so ere wee die , when wee lye a dying at least . As there is no wretched miser almost , no miserable worldling , no griping cormorant , no filthy leacher , no debauched hell-hound , unlesse he be r r Ierem. 2.25 . desperately bent to destroy his soule , and be wholly given up unto s s Rom. 1.28 . a reprobate sense , & to t t Ephes. 4.19 . a senselesse estate , but will say , that he meaneth yet one day to doe otherwise ; u u Ier. 8.5 , 6. he goeth far , they say , that never turneth ; and he hopeth he shall have time enough so to do ere he die . But they must follow the world , or their own lusts first a while , and then they will take time at last to looke after these things .

Subjection . Member 3. Order . To meet with this slight that Satan is wont to suggest , therby to cheat men of their soules , our Saviour here admonisheth us to seeke Gods Kingdome and his Righteousnesse , not in the last , but a a Sive aliquid habes ; ò jam ▪ philosophare . Sive nihil , hoc prius q●aere quam quidquam , Sen. ep. 17 in the first place .

Spirituall things as they must be sought , so they must be sought in the first place :

Observ. 4. b b 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Nigrinus apud Lucianum . They must bee sought instantly , without longer delay ; c c Ab hoc incipiendum est . Nihil prius quam hoc parandum est . Quid tu differs & post ●aetera paras ? Sen. epist. 17. they must be sought first , d d Prou. 4.5 , 7. before and above all other things . Seeke ye first Gods Kingdome , and his Righteousnesse , saith our Saviour . And , e e Prov. 8.17 . He that seeketh me early , saith Gods Wisdome by Salomon , shall finde me .

Reasons 8. And great reason there is , why it should so be .

Reason 1. For first , f f Merito poscit studia majora pars melior , Euc●●r . ad Va●●r . Prior pars 〈◊〉 . Vt qu● 〈◊〉 prior est , non ●it con●ideratione post●ri●r , Ibidem . The better part justly claimeth the principall care , and to be provided for in the first place . Other things concerne our bodies ; these our soule and its wel-fare . And as our Saviour saith , g g Matth. 6. ●5 . Luke 12. ●● . The Bodie is better than raiment : so h h 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Plut. cont. Epic. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Idem de Tranq . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Aristot. Polit. l. 7. c. 1. Nostri melior pars animus est , Sen. quaest. Nat. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Greg. Naz. ad Cledon . 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Idem de Nupt. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Post Euripid . Idem in I●● . 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Idem Apolog. the Soule is better than the Bodie . Besides that , The Soule may doe well without the Body ; but the Bodie cannot doe well without the Soule . Our i i 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Chrys. tom. 8. ser. 17. Pr●●● animi bona , Iu●en . Sat. 8. first and principall care therefore should be for our soule , and those things that concerne it ; and for these therefore in the first place , because they principally concerne it .

Secondly , k k Aeterna momentaneis praef●ren●●● 〈◊〉 . Things eternall should be preferred before things temporall . l l 2 Cor. 4 . 1● . While we looke , Reason 2. saith the Apostle , not on the things that are seene , but on the things that are not seene . For the things that are seene , are temporall ; but the things that are not seene , are eternall . And , m m Iohn 6.27 . Labour , saith our Saviour , not for the meat that perisheth , but for * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Plut. the meat that endureth unto life eternall . But n n 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Euripid. M●●talium m●rtalis est foelicitas . Mortal● est omn● mortali●m ▪ bonum . Metrodorus d●●is loquit●r bo●● ad qu● concurritur , Sen. epist. 98. all other things are temporall and transitorie ; o o Certum est sempiter●●mque virtu● bon●● . Hoc unum contingit immortale mortalibus , Sen. epist. ●● . these only that our Saviour enciteth hereunto , are eternall . And what comparison then betweene the one and the other ?

Thirdly , p p Supe●●ac●● n●cessarijs pos●ponend● s●nt , Sen. epist. 49. & 109. Things necessarie ought to be preferred to the first place . Reason 3. But these are the only necessary things . q q Vnicum nec●ssarium , Luke 10.42 . There is but one thing necessary ; saith our Saviour to Martha . Which r r Psal. 27.4 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Chrysost. tom . 8. S●r. 17. one thing therefore only David desired ; and Paul made his s s Phil. 3.12 , 13. maine aime , counting all but as drosse and trash unto it : to wit , this Kingdome , and the Righteousnesse of it . The old Proverb here holdeth , t t Aut Caesar , aut nullus , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Gregor. Naz. in Pentecost . Omnis homo aut est cum Christo regnaturus , aut cum diabolo cruciandus , Aug. de Temp. 85. Either a King , or a Caitiffe . The greatest King in the world , if he misse of this Kingdome , is as miserable a wretch as may be .

Fourthly , u u Indignum est dare Deo , quod dedignatur homo , Hier. in Malac. 1. Grat. Decret. Dist. 49. c. 3. It is a most unworthy thing to deale so with God , Reason 4. as no man would endure to bee dealt with . We will serve God , forsooth : but when ? when we are now good for nought . When we have served our selves of the world , and satisfied our owne lusts , are glutted with the one , and have surfetted of the other , and are unfit and unable any longer to follow either ; x x — Postquam lapidosa cheragra Fregere articulos , veteris ramalia fagi , Pers. Sat. 5. Cum omnibus membris extorti & fracti , ne in lectulo quidem queant nisi ab alijs moveri ; uti de Domitio Tullo , Plin. epist. 18. lib. 8. when we are scarce able to turne our withered bodies , and wearied bones in our bed , then will wee offer and tender our service to God . y y Malac. 1.8 . Non pudet te reliquias vitae tibi reservare , & id solum tempus bonae menti destinare , quod in nullam rem conferri possit ? Sen. de Brev. Vit. c. 4. Offer it to thy Prince , saith the Prophet ; and see if he will accept of it . Yea make proffer of thy selfe then , say I , to any meane man . And it is an unworthy usage of God , for a man to offer that unto God , that any man would thinke scorne of .

Fiftly , a a Non omnis ●●as ad perdiscendum sat est . Plaut. Truc . 1.1 . Nullum non tam magnis re●us tempus a●gustum est , Sen. q. Nat. l. 3. Non cum vacaveris , philosophandum est : Omnia alia negligenda , ut huic assideamus , cui nullum tempu● satis magnum est , etiamsi à pueritia usque ad longiss●●os humani aevi terminos vita protenditur , Idem ep. 72. All mans life is little enough , were it never so long , as for the learning , so for the attaining of these things . Reason 5. And b b 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; Epicu● . Stob. c. 16. Nihil in diem , nihil in horam permittitur , Sen. ad Marc. c. 10. Nihil ne in totum quidem diem certum est , Idem ad Poly● . c. 29 ▪ we have no suretie of any time , no not of an houre . c c Psal. 31.15 . My times , saith David , are in thine hands . Our times are in Gods hands , who d d Qui promisit p●nitenti veniam , non promisit poenitendi horam . Qui poenitenti misericordiam promisit , peccanti crastinum non promisit . Aug de verb. Dom. 59. & homil . 11. & 13. & in Sent. Prosp. 72. as he hath promised pardon , saith Augustine , upon our repentance , so hee hath not promised us , so much as an houre for repentance . And when e e Apoc. 2.21 , 22. hee hath given men space , but they have no grace to turne , it is a just thing with him f f Apoc. 10.6 , 7. to deny them further time for turning . g g Maximum benè vivendi impedimentum est expectatio , quae pendet ex cras●ino . Perdis hodiernum : quod in man●● alterius positum est disponis ; quod in tua dimittis , Sen. de brevit . vit. c. 9. It is a fond thing therefore to let goe and lose the time that we have , in hope of , and building upon that that wee may never have ; to let that goe that is in our owne hand , relying upon that that is in anothers hand . Reason 6.

Sixtly , h h Durus valdè , imò potius , quod molestius est , valdè mollis capitur , consuetudine mala & diutina fractus , qui vitij● simul & emarc●●t & induruit , Sen. ep. 112. The longer we defer it , the more unfit shall we finde our selves for it . i i Qui non est hodiè cras minus aptus erit , Ovid . Remed. l. 1. He that is not fit for it to day , will be more unfit for it to morrow . k k Consuetudo peccandi tollit sensum peccati , Bern. de Cons. c. 4. Continuance in sinning hardeneth in sinne , and breedeth a brawninesse in the Soule : while Nature , and Custome , l l 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Arist. Eth. Mag. l. 2. ● . 6. Consuetudo altera natura , Cic. Fin. l. 5. Ber. de Divers. 14. a second Nature , concurring together , m m Ier. 13.23 . Natura & consuetudo robustissimam faciunt & invictissimam cupiditatem , Aug. ad Simpl. l. 1. q. 1. Ex voluntate perversa facta est libido ; & dum servitur libidinum facta est consuetudo : & dum consuetudini non resistitur , facta est necessitas . Idem Conf. l. 8. c. 5. Inveterata in nobis malorum omnium labe , aliter jam non vitiosi esse non possumus , nisi ut omnino non simus , Salv. de Prov. l. 6. L●ngo quod usu in pejus usque induruit , multo facilius fregeris quam flexeris , Buch. Bapt. produce an irrecoverablenesse in evill .

Seventhly , this Righteousnesse should bee sought in the first place , Reason 7. because n n 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Arist. Eth. Nicon . l. 5. c. 1. & Mag. l. 1. c. 34. et Eudem . l. 4. c. 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Plato de Rep. l. 4. Iustitia instar sanitatis est , sine qu● nihil quicquam juvat . Sine justitia nihil valet , Cic. Offic. l. 2. nihil potest esse laud●bile , Ib. l. 1. Domina siquidem est omnium et regina virtutum , Ibid. l. 3. Nothing whatsoever , though never so good , either is good , or can doe good without it . Yea the better and the more excellent any thing is , the worse it is , if it be not joyned with it .

What is better than government ? the verie o o Sin● imperio nec domus ulla , nec civitas , nec g●ns , nec hominum universum genus stare , nec rerum natura omnis , nec ips● mundu● potest , Cic. de leg . l. 3. Istud est vinculum , per quod Respub . co●●ret : ille spiritus vitalis , quem tot millia trahunt : nihil ipsa per se futura nisi onus & praeda , s● mens illa imperij ●ubtra●atur , Senec. de Clem. l. 1. c. 4. Life of a State . Yet if the Scepter be not swaied aright ; if it rule not according to justice and right ; Regiment without righteousnesse degenerateth , and turneth into Tyrannie ; it is but p p Iudex injustus latro cum privilegio est . Sicut medicus imperit● , homicida . Colum. lib. 1. Iudex locusta civitatis est malus , Scalig. A●e . Robberie with authoritie . For the maine q q Fruendae justitiae causa reges constituti sunt , Cic. Offic. l. 2. Judex iniq●●s & ●●trone p●jar est . end of government is for the execution and enjoyment of justice : and without it therefore government is no better than plaine r r 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Plut. ad praefect . ind●ct . ●emo●● justitia quid sunt Regna nisi magna latrocinia , Aug. de Civit. l. 4. c. 4. robberie ; yea it is in some respect s s Injusta reg●a justa latrocinia sunt . worse than it .

What is * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Euripid. better than Law ? the t t 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Arist. R●et . l. 1. c. 3. Pr●sunt enim Magistrati●us leges , ut populo Magistratus , Cic. de Leg. l. 3. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Demosth. apud S●●b . life of Government . But u u Leges iniqu● nec l●ges dice●d● su●● , Aug. de Civit. l. 19. c. 21. injust Lawes are not worthy the Name of Lawes . x x Esai . 10.1 . Woe to those , saith the Prophet , that make unjust Lawes . Woe to those that make them ; yea and w● to those also for whom they are made . For y y Legibus fundata civitas legi●us evertitur , Pli● . ●●neg . they are but a meanes to undoe those , for whose good they are pretended .

a a 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Gregor. Naz. in Iul. 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Idem ad Cledon . 2. Pax opti●a rerum Qua● homini ●●visse datum . Pax una triumphi● 〈◊〉 p●ti●r . — S●●●us bel . Pun. lib. 2. What is better than Peace , Vnitie , Agreement , and Concord ? b b Iudici● , l●gosque esse non possunt pace sub●at● , Cic. Phil. 8. Without which those former also are of no use , of no force . The very Name of Peace is sweete ; c c 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Greg. Nazi●● ▪ de Pac● 3. Dulc● 〈◊〉 est pacis : res verô ipsa tum jucunda . tum salutaris , Cic. Philip. 2. & 13. but the thing it selfe much sweeter . d d Psal. 133.1 . Behold , saith the Psalmist , e e 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Greg. Naz. de Eu●a● . how goodly and how pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unitie ▪ f f Psal. ●33 . 2 . It is for the pleasantnesse of it , like the pretious g g Levit. 8.12 . Ointment that was powred upon Aarons Head , that wet his Beard , and ran downe to the very ●kirts of his Garments . It is h h Pax 〈◊〉 r●●tis , tranquillitas a●●ni , s●●plicitas cordis , vinculum amoris , consortium charitatis . Haec est quae sim●●●ates tollit , bella compescit , ira● comprimit , discordes s●d●t , inimicos concordat , cunctis est placi●a , Aug. de ve●b . Dom. 57. delightfull not to those themselves alone , that are at unitie among themselves , but it sendeth forth a pleasing savour to their neighbors round about them : as on the other side , contentious persons are not troublesome to either other onely , but to all that dwell neare unto them . i i Quod in cantu 〈◊〉 , i●civitate ●oncordia , arctiss●●●● atque optimum 〈…〉 Cic. de Repub. l. 2. Aug. de Civit. l. 2. c. 21. Concord in societies , is as Harmonie in consorts , which being duly observed , maketh the Musicke delightfull ; being not observed , by jarring maketh all harsh and unt●●able , as well to the hearers , as to the fingers themselves . Again , for the profitablenesse and behovefulnesse of it , k k Psal. 133.3 . It is like the dew of Her●●n , and that that commeth downe upon the Hill of Sion . It is as a sweet l l Prov. 19.12 . dew , that maketh all things grow and thrive ; as the contrarie spoileth and layeth all things waste , like the m m Ha●● . 1.9 . blast of some malignant aspect . n n Conc●●dia 〈…〉 crescunt : discordia maximae dila●u●tur . Micypsae apud 〈…〉 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Eccles ▪ 4 . 1● . Gregor. Naz. ad Aegypt-adv●n . Concord and agreement addeth strength even to meane things ; discord and disagreement bringeth the strongest to wracke . And no marvell : For o o Nihil beatum non favente numine . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Eschyl . Theb. without the Blessing of God what can prosper ; yea or subsist ? But p p Psal. 133.3 . There , saith the Psalmist , hath God promised his Blessing , ( to wit , q q Vers. 1. where Brethren agree together in one ) and life for evermore . But r r Mat. 18.19 , 20. Rom. 16.20 . the God of Peace will give s s Pacis Deus nisi pacem colentibus benedictionem non dabit , Cyprian . Quid simultates amas , quod antori pacis placere non potest ? Non potest concordiam habere cum Christo , qui discors esse voluerit cum Christiano , August . de verb. Dom. 57. no blessing there , where Peace and Vnitie is not . So that there is nothing more delightfull , more behoovefull than Peace . In regard whereof , it is that the Apostle Paul so oft , and so instantly enciteth unto it . t t Ephes. 4 ▪ 1. — 6. I therefore Paul , the Lords Prisoner , beseech you , that you would walke worthy of the Calling whereunto you are called ; with all humblenesse of minde , and meeknesse , with long suffering , supporting one another through Love ; Endevouring to retaine the unitie of the Spirit in the u u Col. 3.14 . bond of Peace . There is x x Rom. 12.5 . 1 Cor. 12.12 , 27. one Bodie , and y y 1 Cor. 12.13 . one Spirit , one Faith , one Hope , one Baptisme , z z 1 Cor. 8.6 . one Lord , one God and Father of all , aboue all , through all , and in you all . And againe , to passe by many other passages ; a a Philip. 2.1 , 2. If therefore there be any consolation , if any comfort of Love , if any communion of Spirit , if any bowels and compassions ; Fulfill yee my joy , that yee be b b Act. 4.32 . Rom. 15.5 , 6. 1 Cor. 1.10 . Phil. 3.16 . & 4.2 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Aristoteles , Laert. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Iocus in Catonem min. ipsiusque hospitem , Plut. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Gregor. Naz. in Basil. like minded , like affected , of one accord , and of one judgement . And so c c Phil. 2.3 , 4. proceedeth he to dehort them from selfe-will , selfe-love , selfe-respect , and selfe-conceit , the very bane and pests of agreement and concord . d d 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Chrysost. in 1 Cor. hom . 19. Hanc erg● qui accepit teneat ; qui perdidit repetat ; qui ami●it , exquirat , Aug. de verb. Dom. 57. This therefore should you strive and labour by all means to maintain among your selves , being ( as e e Gen. 13.8 . Abraham told Lot ) brethren ; and being f f Coloss. 3.15 . called and joyned together ( as the Apostle speaketh ) into one Bodie . But g g 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Greg. Naz. de Pace 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Chrysost. in Ioan. hom . 57 withall , you must have a care that this your Peace bee the Peace of God , that it be in God , and for God ; that the maine aime of your agreement be the advancement of Gods Kingdome , and the maintenance of Right . For h h 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Greg. Naz. ibidem . if Peace be not joyned with Pietie , better no Peace than such Peace ; i i Sine justitia pax nulla est , Cic. de Repub. l. 2. Aug. de Civit . l. 2. c. 21. if agreement be not joyned with justice and equitie , better no agreement at all than such . As it is k k Conciliabulum , sive Conventiculum , non Concilium . no Councell , but a Conventicle , wherein Truth is not aimed at : so it is l l 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Act. 23.13 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Chrys. in Matth. hom. 35. no Societie , but a Conspiracie , wherein right is not regarded . When men are , as Simeon and Levi , m m Fratres in malo , Gen. 49.5 . Pax mala est inter malos , ut quibus est una malitia , & unus ad malefaciendum consensus , Autor oper. imperfect . in Matth. hom. 26. Brethren in evill ; when they combine themselves together to injure and wrong others ; n n 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Chrysost. in Mat. 35. Pax cum bello sub Sylla de crudelitate certavit & vicit . Aug. de Civit. l. 3. c. 28. such agreement and concord is worse than any discord or disagreement whatsoever . And o o Vt pernitiosum est , si unitas desit bonis : ita perniciosius est , si non desit malis ▪ Eripiuntur enim justa , dum dividuntur injusti . At verò contra bonos vehementer praevalent , quando in malo se concorditer tenent , Greg. Mor. l. 34. c. 3. Qui iniquos paci sociat , iniquitati vires administrat : quia bonos deterius deprimunt , cum unanimiter persequuntur , Idem Pastor . part . 3. c. 1. §. 24. the more strongly men in such case are united together , the worse they are , the more evill they may doe ; yea the worse it is for themselves too . For the more they are united and conjoined either with other , the more are they dis-united and dis-joined from God .

But to leave this Digression , though not altogether impertinent , which p p I was that morning admonished , that somewhat of this Argument was of course by the Doners desire required and expected . the present Occasion in part required of me ; and to returne to the maine Point that wee are principally to pursue .

Therefore , lastly , are Gods Kingdome and his Righteousnesse first to be sought , Reason 8. because

The seeking thereof will be the most Compendious Course for the Compassing of our owne Desires .

For why do men neglect to looke after Gods Kingdome ? r r Moratur me res familiaris . Sic illam disponere volo , ut sufficere mihi hoc agenti possit , ne aut paupertas mihi oneri sit , aut ego alicui . Quantum sat est , nondum habeo . Si ad illam summam pervener● , tunc me totum philosophiae dabo , Sen. epist. 17. Forsooth , because they must build their houses , they must feather their nestes first : they must get something that may bee a stay to them hereafter , that they may bee able to defend the world withall . To remove therefore this rubbe , Member 4. Benefit . and to rid and ease men of this care , our Saviour here telleth them , that s s Quid in longum ipse te differs ? expectabis ne foenoris quaestum , aut ex merce compendium , aut tabulas beati senis , cum ●ieri possis statim dives ? Repraesentat opes sapi●tia : quas cuicunque supervacuas fecit , dedit , Ibidem . upon the due seeking of Gods Kingdome and his Righteousnesse , or the Righteousnesse thereof , ( for t t E●dem quod sensum attinet , rede●nt ; etiamsi ad Deum , non ad Regnum referri Syntaxis Grammatica postulat . Atque hoc est quod Calvinus in hunc locum voluit . Quem iniquè igitur Maldonatus ta●at tanquam Graecarum literarum imperitum . all commeth to one effect ) all these things that men so much desire and looke after , and take so much thought and care for , shall bee by God himselfe provided for them , supplied unto them , and cast in thereupon as an advantage thereunto .

So that

* * Vi●tus omnia in se habet : Omnia adsunt bona , Quem penes est Virtus , Plaut. Amph. 2.5 . Est tanti laborare , omnia bona semel occupature , Senec. epist. 76. This one thing will bring all with it , it will helpe us to all things , Observ. 5 , that our heart can desire . u u Psal. 37.3 , 4. Trust in the Lord , saith the Psalmist , and doe good , and thou shalt assuredly be ●ed . Delight thy selfe in the Lord , and he will give thee thine ●wne hearts desire . x x Psal. 84.11 . Hee will be y y Deus Sol et Sc●tum , debit grati●● & gloriam . thy Sunne and thy Shield ; he will give thee grace and glory : and hee will deny thee no good thing , so long as thou leadest a godly life . As z z 1 King . 3.9 — 13. 2 Chron. 1.11 , 12. when Salomon asked Wisedome , it pleased God so well , that he gave him Wealth and Honour together with it ; so upon the seeking hereof , we shall not onely finde it , but we shall have all other good things cast in upon us together with it .

Nor indeed can it be otherwise . Reasons 4. Reason 1.

For first , we shall have thereupon our right to all things restored us in Christ . a a 1 Cor. 3.22 , 23. All things , saith the Apostle , whether present , or future , this world or the next , all things , I say , are yours ; and you Christs ; and Christ Gods . As b b Hebr. 1.2 . Christ , so all Christians are c c Gal. 3.26 . Rom. 8.17 . in Christ d d Apoc. 21.7 . Heires of all things . And for e e Aud●cter Deum roges , nihil illum de alieno rogaturus , Sen ep●st . 10. God therefore to deny them ought , were to deny them of their owne .

Secondly , they that thus doe , Reason 2. are f f Iohn 1.12 . Gal. 3.26 . 2 Cor. 6.17 , 18. Gods Children in Christ ; and g g Iohn 14.13 . & 16.23 . 1 Iohn 5.14 , 15. may have for the asking what they will at Gods hands . For , h h Matth. 7.11 . If you that are evill , saith our Saviour , use to give good things to your Children ; how much more will your heavenly Father give you good things , if you aske him ? i i Psal. 147.9 . Mat. 6.26 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; &c. Epictet . Ari●● . Dissert. l. 3. c. 26. He seedeth the fowles of the aire , and the beasts of the field : and hee that is carefull to provide for his hounds and his haukes , will hee suffer his Children to beg and starve , that must one day be his heires ?

Reason 3. Thirdly , he hath prepared a Crowne , a Kingdome for them . k k Luke 12.32 . Feare not , little flocke , saith our Saviour ; it is your Fathers will to bestow a Kingdome upon you . And , l l Qui dabit regnum , non dabit viaticum ? Aug. de verb. Dom. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Chrysostom . in Matth. 22. will he deny them a Crum , that will give them a Crowne ? Will hee deny them a bit of bread , or a cup of drinke , ( m m 1 Chron. 29.11 , 12. all the wealth in the world is no more with him ; he can as easily give the one as the other ) that purposeth one day to make them Kings .

Reason 4. Yea lastly , he hath bestowed his owne , his only Sonne on them . n n Iohn 3.16 . He so loved them , that he gave his only begotten Sonne for them . And , o o Rom. 8.32 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Chrysost. in Rom. hom. 15. He that spared not his owne Sonne , but gave him up to death for them , how can he but give them all things together with him ? p p Qui misit unigenitum , immisit sp●ritum , promisit vultum , quid tandem tibi negaturus est ? Bern. de Temp. Nihil ei negaturus creditur , quem ad esum vituli hortatur , Hieron . de Fil. Prodig . He that q q 1 Iohn 4.9 , 10. sent his Sonne to die for them , hath r r Galat. 4.6 . put his Spirit in them , and hath s s Matth. 5.8 . promised them the fruition of his blessed presence for ever ; how can hee refuse to provide for them , and confer upon them whatsoever good thing they shall stand in need of , while they live here ?

Vses 4. Vse 1. Admonition . Now this first serveth to admonish all Christian men , yea all men in generall , both what they should first and most , and what they should last and least care for . t t Optimum est curam principalem anima impendere . Eucher . ad Valer. Vt primas apud nos curas , quae prima habentur , obti●●ant : summasque sibi sol●citudinis partes , qu● summa est , salus vendicet . Omnia vincat eo studio , quo praecedit omnia , Ibidem . Their first and principall care should be for the principall things , that is , for spirituall things , for Gods Kingdome and his Righteousnesse , for sanctification and true holinesse . u u Quis extruendi , nisi cum fundamenta jeceris , locus est ? Superaedificare caeteras utilitates destinanti salus fundamentum est . Caeterum quomodo quispiam sequentia addat , si nec prima possederit ? Idem ibid. These are the things that most neerely concerne them ; and without which they can have no benefit of ought else . And these are the things that God would have them most to looke after : As for other things , when we have so done , hee would have us leave the care of them wholly to him . x x Psal. 55.22 . Roll thy burden upon the Lord , saith the Psalmist , and he will maintaine thee . y y 1 Pet. 4.4 . Cast all your care upon him , saith S. Peter ; for hee taketh care for you . And , z z Philip. 4.6 . Take you no thought for ought , saith S. Paul : but let al your wants be made knowne unto God by prayer . He * * Matth. 6.32 . knoweth what is fit for you , and he will supplie you . What a deale of trouble , and distraction might wee free our selves of ? How great quietnesse and sweet tranquillitie of minde might we procure to our selves , if we could doe thus ?

But alas how contrarily ( and let that be the next Vse ) are most men affected to that that God would here have ? Vse 2. Reprehension .

God would have men take care for spirituall things , Error 1. and leave the care of temporall things wholly to him . Whereas most men take a cleane contrarie course . a a 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Chrysost. in Matth. 22. All the care they take is for temporall things , and as for spirituall things , they say , they will leave all to Gods mercie : They will take to themselves Gods part , and they will leave God their part . What he would doe himselfe , they will doe ; and what he would have them doe , that they put off and referre wholly to him . Temporall things they will be sure to looke for , they will not trust God with them : But for spirituall things if they will not be found without seeking , for their parts they are never like to be sought after .

Error . 2. Againe , Spirituall things God would have to be esteemed as the c c 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . principall , and to be set in the first place ; and temporall things to bee reckoned of as d d 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Chrysost. in hunc locum . secondarie matters , as things accessorie unto them . Whereas worldly men generally take a direct contrary course . They e e 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Lucian . Terpsion . set the cart , as wee say , before the horse . They f f Si caro famula anima domina , non oportet posteriore loco nos dominam ponere , ac famulam iniquo jure praeferre , Eucher . ad Valer. make Sara tend on Hagar ; the Mistresse wait on the hand-maid . g g 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Agatho apud Clem. S●rom . l. 5. Vel ut apud Athen. Dipnosoph . lib. 5. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Sic enim utrobique interstinguendum , ne suus sententiae lepidissimae lepos intereat . Vise Hadr. Iuni●m in Adag . Cen● ▪ 3. Adag. 79. They make the principall the accessorie , and the accessorie the Principall . Take most pains in that , that God would have them to take least in ; and take least paines in that , that God would have them to take most in . First Gods Kingdome and his Righteousnesse , saith Christ , and then Riches or those other things , h h Vers. 〈…〉 cives , cives , quaerenda pecunia primùm est . Virtus post nummos . — Horat. 〈…〉 Lucri●●●us est od●● ex re Qualibet . — Vade habeas quaerit ne●●o ; sed oportet 〈…〉 . Sat. 14. — facias rem , Si possis , rectè : si non , quocun● mo●● re● ▪ Horat. ep. 1. 〈…〉 ; cum omnia habu●ris , tunc & sapientiam habere voles . Hoc ●rit ultimum vitae in●●●mentum , & , ut ita dic●● , 〈◊〉 , Sen. epist● 17. meat , drinke , and apparell . But ⁱ first Riches , saith the World , moneyes and meanes of maintenance , ( for ᵏ these must be had howsoever ) and ˡ the Religion and Righteousnesse may a little , time enough , be looked after , when wee are once furnished of the former .

Yea Gods Children themselves are oft-times too much faultie in this kinde : Too slacke and 〈◊〉 in seeking after the best things ; and ●ore careful than they should be , for the things of this life . Not so diligent in attending as they should be , with Mary , that m m Vnicum necessarium , Luke 10.42 . one thing , that is only necessarie , and without which no worldly thing can ought availe them ; and on the other side , with Martha , n n Solliciti de multis , Luke 10.41 . troubled about many things , and those many times such as they might very well be without ; much perplexed and distracted with care and thought about provisions for the bodie , for the backe and the belly , for meat , drinke and apparell ; ( that which our Saviour here o o Mat. 6.25 , 28 , 31. Luk. 1● . 22 , 29. had reproved in his followers before ) as if either they wanted p p Matth. 6.26 . a Father to provide for them , or q q Matth. 6.32 . Luke 12.30 . their Father were ignorant of their wants . r r Perkins alicubi . If wee see a young man grow worldly , full of care and thought for the world ; we are readie to say , Sure his Father is deceased , and his Friends gone ; he hath lost those that should looke after him ; he hath no bodie left to take care for him but himselfe ; else s s 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Aristot. Rhetor. l. 2. c. 12. he would never sure be so worldly , so full of care as he is . But our heavenly Father is not dead : ( he t t 1 Tim. 6.17 . Apoc. 15.7 . liveth for ever to doe for us : ) nor doth or can u u Esay . 49.15 . his care die for them , whom he hath once vouchsafed to undertake the care of . And it is a great wrong therefore , that Christian men offer to this their carefull and provident Father , when they are so full of care themselves .

But doth no care at all then bec●me Christians ▪ Question . may some man say . Or is all Care utterly condemned ? Should Christian men be like those of a a Iudg 18.27 . Laish , a sort of carelesse people ; to live looking after nothing , but b b Qui finxit alas papilioni , is curabit omnia . Luxurioso●●● 〈◊〉 . Sc●lig . de Subtil . put off all to Gods providence , and so let things goe at six and sevens , as we say ?

Answer . Not so neither . We must wisely distinguish here , that we neither wheele into the whirle-pit of distrustfulnesse on the one hand , nor wrecke our selves against the rocke of retchlesnesse on the other . There is a two-fold care , yea or carefulnesse , if you will : there is c c Solicitudo diligentiae , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . a carefulnesse of diligence ; and there is d d Solicitudo diffidentiae , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . a carefulnesse of diffidence : the one is approved and commended ; the other is disallowed and condemned : we are e e Prov. 27.23 . & 22.29 . Phil. 4.8 , 9. 1 Tim. 5.4 , 8. enjoyned the one ; wee are f f Philip. 4.6 . 1 Tim. 6.8 , 17. inhibited the other ; nor doth the one necessarily follow the other , or the expulsion of the one exclude also the other . Conceive it by a plaine and familiar instance . A Father placeth his Sonne in a Farme , furnisheth him with a stocke , biddeth him play the good husband ; and further assureth him , to put him out of all feare , that , if things fall out otherwise than well , so that it bee not by his owne wilfull neglect or default , he will supplie him and set him up againe . The Sonne in such case , though he may well be the lesse distrustfull , yet ought not to be the lesse diligent , for this his Fathers kinde offer , and the assurance given him of such supplies . Nor ought Christian men therefore to bee the lesse carefull of g g Prov. 6.6 , 7 , 8. et 12.11 . et 28.19 . walking diligently and industriously in those places and callings whereunto God hath assigned them , or in following the affaires and doing the duties that doe thereunto appertaine . ( They h h 2 Thess. 3.6 , 11. walke inordinately , saith the Apostle , that i i 1 Thess. 4.11 . follow not their owne worke , and as well k k 2 Thess. 3.10 . earne , if they be able , as l l 2 Thess. 3 . 1● . eat their owne bread ; ) because God hath graciously promised , and undertaken to provide for them . m m 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Phil. 3.16 . Walke they must each one carefully n n 1 Cor. 7.20 , 24. within the compasse of his calling , and expect o o Deut. 28.8 . Psal. 128.1 , 2. Gods blessing upon their labours and endevours . But for the issue and event of them , they must not be troubled and distracted about it ; but p p Psalm . 37.5 . 2 Sam. 10.12 . leave that all to God , q q Hebr. 13.5 , 6. assuring themselves that hee will not see them to want , howsoever things fall out , but will furnish them ever with what is fit .

And so in the third place , Vse 3. Prevention . this serveth to meet with a conceit that keepeth many from looking after the things of Gods Kingdome , because they feare that they shall want necessaries , if they shall so doe . For , to omit that true r r Fides famem non formidat , Hieron . ad Heliodor . Faith , as Ierome speaketh , feareth not Famine : and againe , that he is unworthie this Crowne , this Kingdome , that preferreth worldly trash before it , or s s Mat. 13.44 , 45 , 46. Luke 14.26 , 33. that is not content t t Philip. 3.7 , 8 , 9. willingly , yea and u u Hebr. 10.34 . gladly , * * Omnia relinquas , ut hoc habeas , Sen. epist. 76. to forgoe the one , for the attaining and compassing of the other : Such feare is wholly superfluous ; it is a groundlesse feare : Since that God the Father by Iesus Christ his Son and x x 2 Cor. 1.20 . his Surety , hath here given thee assurance ; that so long as thou seekest it as thou oughtest , y y At necessaria decrunt . Deesse non poterunt , Sen. ep. 17. thou shalt never want ought ; all other things shall be from God himselfe supplied to thee with it . And a a Psal. 34.10 . the Lions themselves therefore , saith the Psalmist , ( and the Lion is the b b Prov. 30.30 , 31. Rex ferarum , Isid. Orig. l. 10. c. 2. King of beasts , ) shall hunger and starve ; those that are likeliest to be fed : But those that seeke the Lord shall want nothing that is good . Hee c c Psal. 78.24 . Pluviam escatilem . Tertul . de Patient . will raine bread from heaven , and d d Psalm . 78.20 . & 114.8 . Petram aquatilem , Ibid. set the flintstone abroach , and turne e e Psal. 107.35 . 2 King . 3.17 . Esai . 43.19 , 20. the drie and waste wildernesse into rivers of water , before his shall pine and perish .

Yea this rather should enduce , encite , and encourage us to seeke , Vse 4. Encouragement . as the more carefully , so the more cheerefully after these things , considering that so gracious a promise is annexed thereunto f f Psal. 34.9 . Feare , that is , g g Sicut , 1 King . 17.32 , 33. & alibi . serve the Lord diligently , yee his Saints , saith the Psalmist : for there shall nothing bee wanting to them that feare him . h h Parare unde vivam volo . Simul & parare disce — Sen. ep. 17. i. vis parare ? Parandi rationem disce , Lips . Wouldest thou then bee cared for ? Wouldest thou be provided for ? Wouldest thou need to take no more thought or care for ought ? Get thee into Christs Court ; get thee a place in Gods Kingdome . Men thinke they shall be well , they shall be safe , they shall be made for ever , when they have got some place , so it be at least some gainfull one , about the King , or belonging to the Court : such an office could they compasse , they should never need more to feare want , or to take further care for the world . Yet we know and see that such places oft bring * * Desere palatia : nam Curia Curis , imò crucibus & mortibus Semper est obnoxia . Petr. Bles. ep. 57. — dum excelsus steti , numquam pavere destiti . — Sen. Thyest. 3.1 . a world of cares with them , & i i Pauc●s ●eavit aula , plures perdidit : Sed hos quoque ips●s , quos beavit , per didit . area means oft to bring men to want . But he that hath a share in this Kingdome of God , shall never indeed need to take further care for ought , shall never need indeed to feare any defect . k k Ierem. 17.7 , 8. Blessed is the man , saith the Prophet , that dependeth upon God : for he shall bee as a Tree planted by the water side , that spreadeth her roote alongst the river , and doth not feele when the scorching heat commeth , but continueth ever greene , and taketh no thought for the yeere of drought , nor at any time ceaseth to have fruit on her . Forbeare not therefore the following hereof for feare of want ; but follow these things rather if thou wouldest not feare want .

In like manner for your Children , would you have them so provided for , that you should not need to take any further care for them in that kinde ? Distrustfull care , I meane still , and of uncertaine event ; for otherwise l l 2 Cor. 12.12 . Parents ought to be carefull to provide for their children ; and m m 1 Tim. 5.8 . he is worse , I say not , than an Infidell , but n n Nahum . 2.13 . Thren. 4.3 . Ipsae fera savissimae f●●●us su●●●●vent , enutriunt ▪ milvi pullis circumvolantes rapinis prospiciunt , Aug. de Civit. l. 19. c. 12. than a brute beast , that doth otherwise . But would you so doe for them , that they may bee sure not to want ? which otherwise , o o Eccles. 4.14 . Amplae & regiae ●pes , ubi ad malum dominum pervenerunt , momento dissipantur , Sen. de Brev. vit. c. 1. Irus & est subitò , quid modò Croesus erat . Ovid. Trist. 3.7 . though you leave them never so much , they may doe . Doe the like for them , that you are exhorted here to doe for your selves . A poore man when he hath gotten his childe once into the Hospitall , how glad is he ? he thinketh hee need take no more care for him , whether hee live or die , whether he leave him ought or no ; ( and yet he will do his best to get somewhat to leave him ; ) he knoweth there he shall not want . But get your Children , say I , not into Christs Hospitall , but into Gods Kingdome of Grace , and they shall then bee sure indeed never to want , you shall need to take no further thought for them . Let this be thy first care , and thy principall care , as for thy selfe , so for them , nor how to make them rich , but p p Genes. 18.19 . Deut. 6.6 . 1 Chron. 28.9 . how to make them religious , how to worke the sincere q q Prov. 24.21 . Ephes. 6.4 . feare of God , and r r 1 Tim. 4.6 . 2 Tim. 1.5 . & 3.15 . faith of Christ into them . This when thou hast once effected , thou needest not bee troubled to thinke what will become of them , if thou beest taken away from them ; or what thou shalt bee able , when thou diest , to doe for them : thou shalt leave them Gods blessing , if thou hast nothing else to leave them ; ( where Religion and Righteousnesse runneth on in a race , there s s Psal. 115.13 , 14. Gods blessing is also hereditarie with it : ) and if thou leave them that , though thou leave them nought else , they shall be sure to doe well , they shall never want ought . For , t t Psal. 37.18 , 19. The Lord knoweth the daies of the upright , or the righteous ; saith David : and their inheritance shall abide for ever . They shall not be confounded in the evill time : and in the daies of famine they shall have their fill . And hee confirmeth it further by his owne experience , both concerning them and their issue . u u Psal. 37.25 , 26. I have beene young , and am now old ; yet x x 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Clem. Alex. Paedag. lib. 3. cap. 7. never , either in my younger or elder times , have I seene any righteous man forsaken , or his seed driven to beg their bread . But though he be mercifull and readie to lend , ( a meanes many times to lessen and impaire mens estates ) yet his seed after him inheriteth the blessing .

Objection . Yea but we see even y y Hebr. 11.37 . godly men many times in want , may some say .

I answer in a word . z z Psalm . 37.10 . & 64.11 . They never want what is good , Solution . what is necessarie , what is * * Sicut contra de malis Chrysippus apud Plut. de commun . not . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Ai● sapientem nulla re indigere , & tamen multis illi rebus opus esse : contra stulto nulla re ●pus est ; nulla enim re scit uti , sed omnibus eget . Egere enim necessitatis est . Nihil autem sapienti necesse est quod non habet ▪ Sen. epist. 9. needfull and behoovefull for them to have . And whatsoever is not good and fit for them , it is a a 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Di●gen . Laert. l. 6. better for them to be without it , than with it ; to want , than to have it . Doe we not see , I say not , the Sons of Kings , but even Kings and Princes themselves oft by the Physitians direction b b 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Dion . Chrysost. Orat. 14. imprisoned in their owne Palaces , confined to , and cowpt up in their chambers , restrained of their wonted full and delicate fare , and held to hard meat , as we say , tied to a strict and spare diet ; yea and glad too to observe it , because c c 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , ibid. it would otherwise be worse with them ? No marvell then if the godly sometime in like manner , though Kings and d d 2 Cor. 6.10 . Lords of all things , are for their spirituall health and further good , restrained of some things that are not so fit for them at the present . Such want is no want , when a man rather e e Aliud enim non habere , aliud carere , Cic. Tuscul. l. 1. is without , than wanteth that , which to be without then is for his good .

To end where wee began ; let us by any meanes take heed , Conclusion . lest our immoderate care for the things of this life , expell and justle out our care for things belonging to a better life : f f Congruum non est in honor● solicitudinis nostrae praestantioribus pej●ra subjicere , Eucher . ad Valer. Let that rather yeeld to this , and g g Philip. 4.4 . this then wil discharge us of that : let our maine and principall care be for Gods Kingdome and his Righteousnesse , and for other things we may then boldly h h 1 Pet. 5.7 . cast our care upon God , who will be sure thereupon i i Psalm . 23.1 . Luke 22.35 . sufficiently , yea k k 2 Cor. 9.8 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , &c. Chrysost. in 〈◊〉 l●cum . abundantly to furnish us with whatsoever l l Matth. 6.32 . he shall see to be needfull and fit for us .