Of the Kingdom of God. 175 hate of their infirmity and probation will S E x M. allow. As Chrifl himfelf was the great VI. preacher of righteoufnefs, and of the king - dom of heaven, he telleth us expreflly, that the joy of his difciples was the defign of his words, john xv. i i. Theft things have I fpoken to you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. After him the apoflles treat largely of the fame fubjea, they deliver commandments in the name of their mailer to his followers to re- joice in him ; the meaning of which I take to be, that by obeying his commandments, forfaking carnal fatisfa&ions, and duly at- tending to the grounds of joy which he hath laid in his gofpel, their confolation is amply provided for; and this is the true genius of his kingdom. Indeed our Lord hath warned his fol- lowers, that in this world they (hall have tribulation ; far from promifing an exemp- tion from the calamities to which mankind are liable, or that they (hall enjoy eafe or carnal fatisfadion, he biddeth them expect peculiar difficulties on account of their pro - feßion, and affureth them, that all who will live godly (hall fuffer perfecution : But hill joy is fown for the righteous, and gladnefs for the upright in heart. From the hope of God's
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