( 44 ) over them, may be Rightly and Honourably termeda King- dom For as that which formally makes them fuch Sub- jedts of Chrifts, gives themno outward Appearance or Vi- fibility, fo if in a time of the univerfal prevalency of Idola- try, there were Seven thoufand of thefe in the fmall King- dom of Jfrael, undifcerned and invifible unto the molt Eagle-eyed Prophet who lived in their days; what number may we juftly fuppofe to have been within the limits of Chrifts Dominions, which is thewhole World, in the worft, darkeft, molt profligateand idolatrous times, that havepaf fed over the Earth, fince the firft Ere&ion of thisKingdom. This therefore is a fundamental Article of our Faith, that by vertue ofthis Grant ofthe Father, Chrift ever had, hath, and will have in all Ages, fome, yea a Multitude, that are the True, Real, Spiritual Subjects of his Kingdom. Nei- ther the Power of Sathan,nor the Rage or furyofthe World, nor theAccurfed Apoftacyof many,or ofall vifibleChurches, from the purity and Holinefs of his Laws can hinder, but that the Church of Chrift in this fenfe, muff have a perpe- tual continuation in this World. Mat. 16. 18. z. It may be confidered with refpedt unto the outward vifible Profefiìon of Subjedtion and Obedience unto him , and the Obfervation of his Laws. This alto belongs unto the Kingdom granted him of his Father. He was to have Kingdom in this World, though it be not of this World. He was to have it not only as unto its Being, but as unto its glory.TheWorld and the worft ofmen therein,were to fee and know,that he bath Rill aKingdom andaMultitude ofSubjects depending on his Rule. See the Confhitution of it. Dan. 7. 13, i 4.W'herefore it is from hence indifpenfibly and abfolute- ly necef,ary,that there fhould at all times, and in all A,ges,be ever an innumerable Multitude of themwho openly profefs Faith in Chrift Jefas, and Sub;edtion of Confcience unto his Laws and Commands. So it hath alwayes been , fo it is,
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