Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

-284 The impediments of Gods kingdome 3. The Vieth The third is our Flefh, that is, our own corrupt nature, the lvifdome whereof is enmity againfl God; which lufleth againfl the fpirit; which fendeth out continuall lulls, as it were fpar kies out ofa furnace, which fight againfl our fouls; which the devil ab- ufeth as his bawd to pollute us and to beget in us all manner of finnes, which bring forth death. Therefore we pray that the Lord would reigne in us by his Spirit; that we may not be carnali but fpi- rituall; that we may not walk after the fief]) but after the fpirit; that, as being pilgrimes on earth but citi- zens of heaven, we may abflein from fle/hly lulls, &c, . Pet. z. Ir. that we may crucifie the fef h and the lofts thereof, Gal. 5. 24. In a word, we defire that the Lord would confound the kingdome of darknefí'e, whereby the devil ruleth in the hearts of men, u- fing for his inflruments or fouldiers the lulls ofthe world and ofthe flefh. The outward enemies of Gods kingdome. But thefe were fpirituall enemies. And we are not onely to pray againff them, but alto againft the outward enemies ofthe Church, which is the king- dome of God: And thefe are either open and pro - fefl'ed enemies, as the Turks and Infidels ( the great Turk being that 'ATrovuWV, or Abaddon, that maketh havock of the Church, Revel. 9. I I .) or elfe dole and covert enemies which under the name and pro - feffionof Chriff oppugne the kingdome of Chriff, as Antichrift & his Synagogue, that is the Pope and the Church of Rome. For notwithflanding all their glorious profeflion, that they and they alone are the Church of God,yet thefe are they that fay, We will not