A. It signifies the removal of all impediments, that hinder its pro- pagation in the world ; 2 Thess. iii. 1. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.
Q. 3. Who, and what hinders the propagation of it .?
A. Antichrist, that man of sin, hinders it externally ; 2 Thess. ii. 4. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped ; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. The devil and men's lusts inter- nally ; 1 Thess. ii. 18. Wherefore we would have come unto you (even I Paul) once and again ; but Satan hindered us. Luke xix. 14. But his citizens hated him, and sent a messenger after him, say- ing. We will not have this man to reign over us.
Q. 4. What then is the desire of all good men, with respect to the coming of the gospel-kingdom .?
A. That all nations may be brought to Christ by the preaching of it, and so Christ's kingdom be greatly exalted and enlarged ; Isa. ii. 2. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills ; and all nations shall flow into it.
Q. 5. What is the second thing here meant by the kingdom of God?
A. It signifies and intends the work of saving grace wrought ia
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men's souls ; Luke xvii. 21. Behold, the kingdom of God is
Q. 6. Why is this work of grace called the kingdom of God ?
A. Because wherever saving-grace comes, it subdues the soul to Christ's sceptre ; 2 Cor. x. 5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringeth into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ ?
Q. 7. Wherein consists the kingdom of grace ?
A. It consists not in external rites and observances, but in righte- ousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost ; Rom. xiv. 17. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Q. 8. What do we ask of God in this petition, with respect to this kingdom of grace ?
A. Herein we desire not only our own personal progressive sancti- fication, but the sanctification of others all the world over ; Acts xxvi. 9Q. And Paul said, I would to God that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
Q. 9. What is the third thing here meant by the kingdom of God?
A. By it is here meant the future state of glory and blessedness ; 1 Cor. XV. 50. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, &c.
Q. 1 0. Why is the heavenly state called the kingdom of God ?
A. This is called the kingdom of God, because in that state God reigns over his people gloriously, there being no rebellion in them in the least degree ; Luke xx. 36. — For they are equal unto the an- gels, and are the children of God, being the children of the resur- rection. And they reign with Christ ; Rev. iii. 21. To him that overcometh, will I grant to sit with me in my throne, &c.
Q. 11. W^hat do we desire in prayer for the coming of this king- dom ?
A. We desire not only our preservation in our passage to that state of glory ; 1 Pet. v. 10. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. But the
hastening of it to ourselves and others ; Rev. xxii. 20.— Amen,
even so come Lord Jesus.
Q. 12. What is the first instruction hence ?
A. That the gospel is an invaluable mercy, as it is the instrument of bringing us into Christ's gracious and glorious kingdom ; Acts xxvi. 18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by f^ith that is in me.
Q. 13. What is the second inference from hence .^
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A. That men may really hate and oppose the very thing they pray for.
Q. 14. What is the last instruction hence?
A. That how firmly soever Satan's and Antichrist's kingdom seem to be founded in the world, they must and shall fall before the daily prayers of the saints.
Concerning the Doing of God's Will
Quest. 103. V? HAT do we pray for in the third petition ?
A. In the third petition, which is, [Thy ^^ ill be done in earth as it is in heaven], zee pray that God, hy his grace, would make us able and willing to know, obey, and submit to his will in all things, as the angels do in heaven.
Q. 1. What will of God is here intended ?
A. Not the will of his decree ; for that is in himself alone ; 1 Cor. ii. 11. The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
Q. 2. What will then is here meant ?
A. The will of his providence may be here meant ; Psal. cxxv. 6. Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, and in the seas, and all deep places. And Psal. cxix. 89. For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Ver. 91. They continue this day according to thine ordinances ; for all are thy servants.
Q. 3. How are we to understand the doing of this will of provi- dence in heaven ?
A. (I.) As it done by the sun, moon, and stars ; Psalm cxix. 89. Thy word is settled in heaven. Ver. 91. They continue this day according to thine ordinances. Psalm xix. 6. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it ; and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. (2.) As it is done by angels ; Psal. civ. 4. AVho maketh the angels spirits, his ministers a flaming fire. Heb. i. 14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation ?
Q. 4. How do these perform the vvill of God's providence ?
A, (1.) The heavenly bodies do it evenly, constantly, and unwea- riedly ; Psalm civ. 19- He appointeth the moon for seasons, the sun knoweth his going down. (2.) The angels do it speedily, voluntarily, cheerfully, and so knowingly ; Psalm ciii. 21. Ye ministers of his that do his pleasure.
Q. 5. Must we be agents in this providential will ?
A. Yes, we must ; Acts xiii. 36. For David, after he had served his generation by the will of God, fell on sleep.
Q. 6. How must we do it ?
A. By employing our abilities, faculties, and interests, in the duties of our particular callings, and by moving constantly, prudently, and vigorously in our own sphere, and so imitate those in heaven.
Q. 7. Why do we pray that God's will of providence may be done bv us?
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