The Fountain of Life Opened

First, How Christ obtains this throne in the hearts of men. Secondly, How he rules in it, and by what acts he exerciseth his Kingly authority. Thirdly, What are the privileges of those souls over whom Christ reigns. And then apply it.

First, How Christ obtains this throne in the hearts of men. Secondly, How he rules in it, and by what acts he exerciseth his Kingly authority. Thirdly, What are the priviledges of those souls over whom Christ raigns. And then apply it.

First, ¹We will open the way and manner in which Christ obtains a Throne in the hearts of men: and that is by conquest. For though the souls of the Elect are his by donation, and right of redemption; the Father gave them to him, and he died for them: yet Satan hath the first possession; and so it fares with Christ, as it did with Abraham; to whom God gave the Land of Canaan by promise and Covenant; but the Canaanites, Perezites, and sons of Anak had the actual possession of it, and Abraham's posterity must fight for it, and win it by inches before they enjoy it. The house is conveyed to Christ by him that built it, but the strong man armed keeps the possession of it, till a stronger than he comes and ejects him. Luk. 11.20, 21, 22. Christ must fight his way into the soul, though, he have right to enter as into his dearly purchased possession. And so he doth, for when the time of recovering them is come, he sends forth his Armies to subdue them. As it is Psal. 110.3. The people shall be willing in the day of thy power. The Hebrew may as fitly be rendered,² and is so by some, in the day of thine Armies.³ When the Lord Jesus sent forth his Armies of Prophets, Apostles, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, under the conduct of his Spirit; armed with that two edged sword, the word of God, which is sharp and powerful.