time. The state of this kingdom, then, as applicable to our own persons, is that needful share of divine grace in the soul, which must gradually increase, notwithstanding its small appearance at first, in order that we may be prepared for God's kingdom of glory. That this is the kingdom we all stand in need of, is fully proved by Christ's own words in Matt. iii. 31: Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard-seed, which, though among the least of all the seeds, yet, when grown, it is the greatest among the herbs, and becometh such a tree, that the birds of the air may lodge in the branches of it. As the state of the church, under the Gospel, or the kingdom of the Messiah, wherein we have so many great and spiritual blessings and privileges bestowed upon us, is our state of trial for a place of eternal happiness and glory; as here we have no continuing city, but do seek one to come; so, the foundation of this kingdom must be laid here, or we shall never attain unto the building of God, unto the house not made with hands. (2 Cor. v. 1.) For which reason, the Apostle styles all who have the seeds of this kingdom sown in their hearts, God's own husbandry and God's building. (1 Cor. iii. 9.) And according to this representation of our condition, our blessed Lord, in the parable of the sower (Matt. xiii.

28), describes the children of this kingdom by the good seed, and assures us, that he himself, the Son of man, is he that soweth that good seed.

1. St. Paul, in confirmation of the same truth, informs us in Rom. xiv. 17, in what this kingdom expressly consists, what it is not, and what it is: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; i. e. it does not consist of things indifferent in themselves, or of any of the comforts and external advantages of this temporal world; but it is of a pure, spiritual nature, it is righteousness and joy, and peace in the Holy Ghost. From all these passages, then, it is very evident, that to pray that "GOD'S KINGDOM "MAY COME," and to pray for his grace, are one and the same thing. Now, when we reflect how we are encompassed with infirmities and sin, how the carnal desire of the body clogs and weighs down the soul, we must all readily confess how very expedient it is, that this kingdom should be formed in us, in order to become heirs of the kingdom which Christ hath promised, and to have an entrance ministered into his everlasting rest. We must be content now (if the Lord sees fit) to be his companions in tribulation, and humble brethren of the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. (Rev. i. 9.) Being convinced that, without God's help, we can do nothing truly acceptable to

him, or worthy a place in his glorified kingdom, it is surely both our duty and our interest, always to put up this petition in the true spirit of Christian meekness, and to implore him continually (for Christ's sake) so to establish the spiritual kingdom in our hearts, that we may bring forth the fruits of holy living, to the honour and praise of his name here, and by which we shall be qualified for admission into that blessed state of endless happiness, prepared for 'all who love him, and use the gracious means he has appointed to purify their souls.

The last particular that comes under our observation relative to these words is,

2. How we may assure ourselves of any interest in this kingdom now, or of any hope of it hereafter-how we are to pray, that the effects of this kingdom may come; or, in other words, by what manner and means we may obtain them.

Our blessed Saviour tells us (Matt. xi. 12), that the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and that the violent take it by force. Hence it is evident, that we cannot be too active and diligent in our endeavours after the qualifications that are absolutely needful to prepare us for it and agreeable to this information, he exhorts us, in another place, to strive to enter in at the strait gate; but at the same time he adds an observation that has something rather dis

couraging in its sound, viz. that many shall seek to enter in, yet they shall not be able; and to the same effect is his declaration in John, vii. 34, that they should seek him, but not find him; and that where he was they should not come (viii. 21); and that for this natural cause, because they should die in their sins. Now, as the explanation of this passage immediately concerns the point we are upon, I will endeavour to remove what may at first sight appear alarming in it, by showing briefly in what only this difficulty can consist. They who seek, but are not able to secure, the blessed object held out to them, can signify no more than that they do not employ the PROPER MEANS of succeeding. They are such as neither work out their salvation with fear and trembling; that is, with the concern and caution the task requires; nor yet do they work with the right instrument. And when we consider the matter seriously, there can be no more wonder that people who seek in so improper a manner, should fail of obtaining eternal life, than that they should fall short of accomplishing any other design which they pursue by measures not calculated for securing the particular end in view; and thus, in both cases, people may be continually seeking, but in vain. If, therefore, we would seek the kingdom of God in earnest, we must seek it in the only way by which it can be found; we must employ

the means that Christ has appointed, and then we need not fear but success will follow. We must pray that God's Holy Spirit may take possession of the heart, there to set up his kingdom, and reign over all our corruptions, that so we may be truly and entirely his subjects. Never was any one disappointed of present peace and joyful hope, who sincerely and humbly strove for this means.

The outward means are of Christ's own appointment: 1. the use of the sacraments, to which he has promised the assistance of his Spirit; and, 2. the Holy Scriptures, which are a rule for us to walk by, plain directions in writing, to which likewise he has promised a light to open, that is, help our understanding in the reading and studying his word. But this very promise implies that we must read and study; we must use our endeavours, or God cannot be said to help our endeavours. God has graciously appointed other helps. He has provided us a church, and an order of men to teach, and assist those to understand the Scripture, who, from want of education, cannot read and study them: their office also is to administer the sacraments to the members of that church. The reason, therefore, that many do not experience this kingdom within them, is, because they seek it by a light that is fallible, by the mere light of their own natural understanding; for,