Those are fit to be members of Christs Church, that are sub∣jects in Christs Kingdome.
The Church is the visible kingdome in which Christ reigns, by the scepter of his word and ordinances, and the execution of discipline. To whomsoever he is a Head, over them he will be King. He is our King; He is our Lawgiver. The Church is his House, and he is Master and Ruler of it. They who carry themselves, in professed rebellion, they are Traitors, not subjects. The members of the Body are under the motion and guidance of the Head. Wolves and Cancers are contrary to it. Members are in subordination, Wolves and Cancers are in opposition to the Head.
But visible Saints (as formerly described) are onely sub∣jects in this kingdome.
Christ is the King of Saints (not of drunkards and whore∣mongers, Athiests, &c.) they alone proclaim subjection in their practice: They onely attend to know and doe the will and com∣mand of God, or in case they swerve aside, and be carried un∣awares and unwittingly into conspiracie, yet are they willing to see, ready to yeeld, and come in again. But such, who cry, hail Master, kisse Christ and betray him: that in words pro∣fesse the truth, but in deeds deny it, and are to every good work reprobate, Sonnes of Belial, who can bear no yoke, but break all cords, and cast all commands behinde their backs, these are convicted rebells, but are not subjects of Christs kingdome.
As a Generall of the field, he will overpower these, and destroy them as his enemies, but not govern them as leige people, and therefore he professeth to such as sent after him, that they would not have him to rule over them, that they were his enemies. Bring hither mine enemies, and stay them before mine eyes.