A Golden Chain

The last point is, concerning the subjects of Christs kingdom, expressed in these words, They which are of the truth, hear my voice. In which he sets down the true mark of his servants and subjects, that they are hearers of that heavenly and saving word which he revealed from the bosom of his father. It may be alleged the most wicked men upon earth, yea the devils themselves may be hearers of the truth of Christ.¹ Ans. There be two kind of hearers: one which heareth only the outward sound of the word with his bodily ears, and he having ears to hear doth not hear: the second, is he that doth not only receive the doctrine that is taught with his ears, but also hath his heart opened to feel the power of it, and to obey the same in the course of his life. This distinction is notably set forth by David, saying,² Sacrifice and burnt offerings thou wouldest not have: but my ears hast thou pierced: whereby he insinuates as it were two kinds of ears: one that is deaf and cannot hear: and thus are the ears of all men by nature in hearing the doctrine of salvation: the other is a new ear pierced and bored by the hand of God, which causeth a mans heart to hear the sound and operation of the word, and the life to express the truth of it. Now the subjects of Christs kingdom are such, as with the outward hearing of the word, have an inward hearing of the soul, & grace also to obey: & therefore all those that make no conscience of obedience to the word of god preached unto them, are no less then rebels to Christ. We may persuade our selves that we are good subjects, because we hear the word & receive the Sacraments, but if our lives abound with sin, and if our hearts be not pierced through by the sword of Gods spirit, whether we be high or low, rich or poor, let us be what we will be, we are no right subjects indeed, but rebels & traitors unto the everliving God. It may be hereafter God will give further grace; but as yet all impenitent persons, though living in the midst of Gods church, are no obedient and faithful subjects: & therefore while we have time, let us labour to perform in deed that which we do in word profess.

The last point is, concerning the subiects of Christs kingdome, expressed in these words, They which are of the truth, heare my voice. In which he sets down the true marke of his seruants and subiects, that they are hearers of that heauenly and sauing word which he reuealed from the bosome of his father. It may be alleadged the most wicked men vpon earth, yea the deuils themselues may be hearers of the truth of Christ.