Of the Kingdom of God. 171 defiance of all temptations, and, having pu- S E R n2. rifled our hearts and hands, íli11 wax ftronger VI. and ftronger. That righteoufnefs which the apoftle calleth the kingdom of God, confifteth in a thorough, fubje&ion of our fouls to the Father of fpirits, and an entire unreferved obedience to his eternal and moil equitable laws. It doth not Rand in a fixed point, but groweth up gradually to perfection, like the Mining light, that fhineth more and more to the perfeel day. Virtuous habits (till in- creafe in ftrength and vigour, and they in- creafe uniformly, prevailing againft the in- firmities, of nature, and the temptations which neceffarily attend our prefent Rate of trial ; a ftedfaft faith, working by love, produceth more eftahlifhed virtue, tem- perance, patience, and charity, as well as godlinefs. Again ; as a natural confequence of this, the kingdom of God is peace; or, that is, the proper and immediate effect of the gof- pel on the minds of men, when fincerely embraced and complied with. The prophet telleth us, Ifa. xxxii. 17. That the work of righteoufnefs Jhall be peace, and the e fee`í of righteoufnefs (hall be quietnefs and a/urance for ever, as fear and confufion, perplexity and
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