92 AN EXPOSITION OF [MaT. YI. 10.
[2.] There is a kingdom of glory consummate, when sin and death is utterly abolished, and the elect perfectly separated from the reprobate, and conducted into heaven, and there remain with the Lord for ever. This is a kingdom : Mat. xxv. 34, ' Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you.' The full and final estate we enjoy after the general judgment and resurrection, that is called a kingdom. Well, now, you see what is meant by the kingdom we pray for.
II. Secondly, Here is a note of distinction, thij kingdom, by which the kingdom here spoken of is limited by particular reference to God, not only to difference it from the kingdoms of men, which are sub- ordinate to it, but those adverse kingdoms which are set up against God ; as tlie kingdom of sin, Satan, antichrist, the destruction of which we intend when we pray for the advancement of God's kingdom, as I shall show you.
III. Thirdly, Here is the supplication or the request which we make to God about this kingdom, iHOerco, let it co7ne. What do we mean by that ? This word must be applied to the several acceptations of Christ's kingdom.
1. If you apply it to the external kingdom of grace, then when we say. Thy kingdom come, the meaning is, let the gospel be published, let churches be set up everywhere, let them be continued and main- tained against all the malignity of the world, and opposition of the devil : and in the publication of the gospel, Avhere the sound of it hath not been heard, that God would come there in the power of his Spirit, and draw people into communion with himself : Mat. xii. 28, * If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you,' — meaning in the public tenders thereof. Saith he, if this miracle doth clearly, as it doth in your consciences, evidence my mission, then you may know the kingdom of God is come — that is, that there is a publication of the gospel of grace. Then we pray for the continuance of this privilege, notwithstanding opposition, that Christ may stand his ground. This is that we seek of God, that he may maintain his interest among the nations of the world, that the gates of hell may not prevail against his kingdom.
2. If you refer to the internal part of this kingdom, then we beg the beginning, the progress, and the final consummation of it. First, The beginning or the erection of a throne for Christ in our hearts, and the hearts of others, that he may fully exercise regal power. Secondly, The increase of this kingdom by holiness and obedience, and sincere subjection to him ; for the kingdom of grace is so come already, that it will still be coming yet more and more. So long as we need to pray, so long shall we have cause to say, ' Thy kingdom come.' Thirdly, The consummation of it, when the fulness of glory in the second coming of Christ shall be revealed ; when our head shall be glorious, and his day shall come, 7)fiepa Kvpiou. For the present it is man's day, so the scripture seems to call it ; but then it is the day of the Lord, when all the devils shall stoop, and enemies receive their final doom, and the saints shall have the crown of glory put upon their heads in the sight of all the world.
Well, the sum of all is this, that though this petition do mainly
Mat. YI. 10.] the lord's prayer. 9H
concern the special kingdom, which God administereth by Christ, yet God's universal kingdom, the kingdom of his power and providence, is a mighty support and prop to our faith in making this request to God. When we consider what an unlimited power God hath over all creatures, even devils themselves, to dispose of them for his own glory, and his church's good ; we need not be discouraged though Christ's kingdom be opposed in the world, but should with the more confidence deal with God about it.
That which I shall handle upon this petition will fall under these two points : —
1. That God hath a kingdom, which he will administer and manage for his own glory.
2. All those which are well affected to God's glory should desire the coming of this kingdom, and seriously deal with God about it.
For the first, namely —
Doct. 1. That God hath a kingdom, which he will administer and manage for his own glory.
I speak not of the kingdom of his power and providence, but of the dispensation of grace by Christ. The evangelical gospel state is com- pared to a kingdom ; as, Mat. iii. 2, ' The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' So to the disciples, Mat. x. 7, ' And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' And so Christ himself.
It may be called so with very good reason, for in this kingdom there is a monarch, Jesus Christ, to whom all power and authority is given. God the Father calls him 'my king:' Ps. ii. 6, 'I have set my king upon my holy hill.' And this king hath his throne in the consciences of men, where thoughts are brought into captivity to him : 2 Cor. X. 5. And he hath his royal sceptre, Ps. ex. 3, which is called ' the rod of his strength.' And he hath his subjects, and they are the saints : Kev. xv. 3, ' king of saints.' And he hath his laws and constitutions ; we read of ' the law of faith,' and ' the law of liberty.' And in this kingdom there are privileges, and royal im- munities ; there is freedom from the curse of the kiw, and from the power of sin, and from the destructive influence of Satan and the world. And here are punishments and rewards both for body and soul ; there is hell and heaven. Now, because all these things do so fitly suit, therefore is the gospel called a kingdom. It will not be amiss to insist upon some of these.