The Fountain of Life Opened

So that Christ hath a twofold Kingdom, the one spiritual, and internal; by which he subdues and rules the hearts of his people. The other providential, and external; whereby he guides, rules, and orders all things in the world in a blessed subordination to their eternal Salvation. I am to speak from this text of his Spiritual and internal Kingdom.

These words are considerable two ways, either relatively, or absolutely. Considered relatively they are a vindication of the Apostle from the unjust censures of the Corinthians; who very unworthily interpreted his gentleness, condescension, and winning affability to be no better than a fawning upon them for self ends: and the authority he exercised, no better than pride, and imperiousness. But hereby he lets them know, that as Christ needs not, so he never used such carnal Artifices.

These words are considerable two ways, either relatively, or absolutely. Considered relatively they are a vindication of the Apostle from the unjust censures of the Corinthians; who very unworthily interpreted his gentleness, condescention, and winning affability to be no better than a fawning upon them for self ends: and the authority he excercised, no better than pride, and imperiousness. But hereby he lets them know, that as Christ needs not, so he never used such carnal Artifices.

The weapons of our warfare (saith he) are not carnal, but mighty through God, &c.