pence ; grace is tlic root, peace is tlic flower grows out of it ; it is par in prucdla, such peace that no worltlly aflliftioii can sliako. The doors of SoU)mon's tonij)le were made of olive-tree carved with open flowers, 1 Kiiiffs vi. 32. : in a gracious heart is tlie olive of poafce, and the open flowers of joy.
Alh Motive. The kiniidoni of grace en- richeth the soul ; a kingdom hath its riches, A believer is said to be rich in faith, James ii. 5. How rich is he who hath God for his God, who is heir to all the promises ! Ileb. vi. 17. A man may be rich in bills and bonds ; a believer, thongh he may say as Peter, " Silver and gold have I none," Acts iii. 6., vet he is rich in bills and bonds, lie is heir to all God's promises ; and to be lieir to the promises, is better than to be heir to the crown.
bth Motive. When the kingdom of grace comes, it doth fix and establish the heart, Ps. Ivii. 7., " O God my heart is fix- ed !" Before the kingdom of grace comes, the heart is very unfixed and unsettled, — like a ship without a ballast, — like quick- silver that cannot be made to fix : but when the kingdom of grace comes, it doth stnhi- liri avivuim, it fixeth the heart upon God, and when the heart is fixed, it rests quiet as in its centre.
Qth Motive. This kingdom of grace is distinguishing ; it is a sure pledge of God's love. God may give kingdoms in anger ; but wherever the kingdom of grace is set up, it is in love ; God cannot give grace in anger. Tiie crown always goes with this kingdom ; let us therefore be ambitious of this kingdom of grace.
Quest. How should we do to obtain this hii^gdom ?
Ans. 1. In general, take pains for it; we cannot have the world without labour, and do we think we have grace ? " If thou Kcekest lier as silver," Prov. ii. 4. A man may as well expect a crop without sowing, as grace without laboui'. We must not think to have grace as Israel had manna ; tliey did not plough nor sow, but it was rained down from lieaven upon them ; no, we must operant dare, — take pains for grace. Our salvation cost Christ blood, it will cost us sweat.
A 2. Let us go to God to set up this
kingdom of grace in our hearts , God is called, ' the God of all grace,' 1 Pet. v. 10. Sav, " Lord, I want this kingdom of grace, — I want an humble, believing heart, — O enrich me with grace, let thy kingdom come !" And be importunate suitors. As Achsah said to her father Caleb, Josh, xv. 10., "Thou hast given me a south land, give me also springs of water :" so, " Lord, thou hast given me enough of the W(»rld,^ here is a south land, — but Lord, give me the uj)pcr-sprlngs of grace, let ' thy king- dom come.' AVhat is the venison thou hast given me, without the blessing?" When we are importunate with God, and will take no denial, then he will set up his king- dom within us.
A. 3. Keep close to the word preached ; the word preached is virga virtutis, — the rod of God's strength ; it is the great en- gine God useth for the setting up the king- dom of grace in the heart, Rom. x. 17., " Faith comes by hearing." Though God could work grace immediately by his Sjjirit, or by the ministry of angels from heaven, yet he chooseth to work by the word preach- ed ; this is the usual mean by which he sets up the kingdom of grace in the heart ; and the reason is, because he liath j)ut his divine sanction upon it, he hath appointed it for the means of working grace, and lio will honour his own ordinance, 1 Cor. L 21. AA'hat reason could be given why the wa- ters of Damascus should not have a sove- reign virtue to heal Naaman's leprosy, as the waters of Jordan ? Only this, because God did a])point and sanctify the waters of Jordan to heal, and not the others ; there- fore let us keep the word preached, because the power of (Jod goes along with it.
Use 2d. Such as have this kingdom of God set uj) in them, it calls for gratulation and thanksgiving. What will you be thankful for, if not for a kingdom? Grace is the best blessing, it is the result and ])roduct of God's electing love; God in setting up his kingdom of grace, hatli done more for you, than if he had made you kings and queens ; for now you are born of God, and of the blood-royal of heaven. O admire and exalt free grace ; " make his praise glorious," Ps. Ixvi. 2. The apostle seldom mentions the work of grace, but he joins
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OF THE SECOND PETITION IN THE LORD'S PRAYEU.
praise, Col. i. 12., "Giving llianks to the tlie other." It requires much strenorth to
Father, wlio liatli made us meet to be par- climb up this rocky way. That grace which
takers of the inheritance of tlie saints in , will carry us through prosperity, will not
light." If God hath crowned you with the carry us tiirough sufferings; the ship needs
king(h)ni of grace, do you crown him with stronger tackling to carry it through a
your ])raises. storm than a calm. Now, when we are so
II The second thing intended by our strong in grace that we can bear up under