But more particularly : —
[1.] There is confidence established by that, that his is the king- dom, God's kingdom is either universal, over all men or things ; or particular and special, wdiich notes his relation to the saints, to those which have given up themselves to his government, to be guided by him to everlasting glory: and both these are grounds of con- fidence.
(1.) His universal kingdom over all persons and things in the world. This kingdom is an absolute monarchy, with a plenary dominion and propriety grounded upon his creation of them. There is a twofold dominion — dominium jurisdictionis, and dominium proprietatis. The one is such as a king hath over his subjects ; the other, such as a king hath in his goods and lands : the latter is greater than the former. A king hath a dominion of jurisdiction over his subjects to command and govern them ; but he hath not such an absolute pro- priety in their persons as he hath in his own goods and lands ; he may dispose of them absolutely at his own pleasure, but his jurisdiction is limited. In short, w^e must distinguish of his dominion as a ruler, and as an owner. But both these, they concur in God, and that in the highest degree, for God is owner as w'ell as ruler ; he made all things out of nothing, therefore hath a more absolute dominion over us than any potentate or king can have, not only over his subjects, but his goods ; and can govern all things, men, angels, and devils, accord- ing to his pleasure. It is more absolute than any superiority in the world, and more univ^ersal, as comprising all persons and things. God hath right to be king, because he gave being to all things, which no earthly potentate can : therefore the author must be owner. All other kings are liable to be called to account and reckoning by
248 AN EXPOSITION OF [Mat. VJ. 13.
this great king, for their administration ; but God is absolute and supreme.
Now this is a great encouragement to us, that we go to a God that hath an absolute right, for which he is responsible to none. We go not to a servant or a subordinate agent, who may be controlled by a higher power, and whose act may be disannulled ; but to an absolute lord, to whom none can say, ' What doest thou ?' Job ix. 12. Here is the comfort of a believer, that he goes immediately to the fountain and owner of all things ; the absolute lord of all the world is his father ; the sovereign and free disposing of all things is in his hand. If we expect anything from subordinate instruments, God's leave must first be asked, or they can do nothing for us ; but he can do what he pleaseth, it is his own : Mat. xx. 15, 'Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own ?' None can call him to an account.
(2.) His relation to the saints. It is the duty of a king to defend his subjects, and provide for their welfare ; so God, being king, will see that it be well with those that are under his government. It con- cerns you much to get an interest to be under this king, then to mention it in prayer : Ps. xliv. 4, ' Thou art my king, 0 God ; com- mand deliverances for Jacob.' If you want anything for yourselves or the church, put God in mind of his relation to you: ' Thou art my king.' Let not this interest lie neglected or unpleaded. All the benefit which subjects can expect from a potent king you may expect from God.
Again, the word command is notable, and expresseth the case to the full : ' command deliverances.' All things are at God's command and beck ; if he do but speak the word, or give out order to second causes, it is all done in a trice. So Ps. v. 2, ' Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my king and my God : for unto thee will I pray.' To thee, and to none other. Why should we go to servants, when we may go to the king himself? So Ps. Ixxiv. 12, 'For God is my king of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.' God will defend his kingdom, and right his injured subjects. Therefore, if we would have any blessing to be accomplished for ourselves, or for the public, let us go to God : ' Thine is the kingdom.' And more especially, if we would have any good thing to be done by those in authority and subordinate power over us, do not so much treat with them as with God. Let us beseech God to persuade and incline their hearts, for his is the kingdom ; he can move them to do what shall be for the glory of his name, and the comfort and benefit of his afflicted people. Let us go to God, who is the sovereign king ; he can give you to ' live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty,' 1 Tim. ii. 2. Or, he can give you favour ; dispose of their hearts to do good to his people: Neh. i. 11, ' Prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man ; for I was the king's cup- bearer.' The sovereign disposal of all things is in the hand of God.