Of the Kingdom of God. 173 chriflians, is an impregnable defence againft S E R Nr. the difcomforts of an afl1ifted outward con- VI. dition, as well as the tumultuous pleafures`' of the flefh, and the flattering amufements of a vain world. There is another thing which may be in- cluded in peace, and is one important de- fign of the gofpel, or the kingdom of God, that is, mutual concord and amity among men. As our lufts and paflïons naturally tend to difturbance and confufion in our own breafts, they divide us againft ourfelves, fo they produce difcord and animofity, they break fociety in pieces, and difunite the af- fe &ions of mankind ; Whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lulls that war in your members? James iv. i. On the contrary, that king- dom which God hath ereaed in the hands of Jefus Chrift, reftoreth order and har- mony ; and having united the fubjeéts to the great fovereign their head, in the bonds of faith and love, difpofeth them to keep the unity of the fpirit in the bond of peace. Chrifl is our peace, who hath reconciled the yews and Gentiles, between whom was the greateft enmity, having broken down the wall of partition, and aholifhed the law of commandments contained in ordinances be malt
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