A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

3. It is necessary with respect unto our waiting for the Accomplishment of many great Promises concerning the Kingdom of Christ and Interest of the Gospel in this world. That there are such Promises on record in the Scripture, and as yet unfulfilled, is I suppose generally granted. However I speak of them who are satisfied in their ⟨p. 130⟩minds beyond all hesitation, that such there are; and of such as lived before the Accomplishment of some of them, who are proposed for our Example. For so did the Fathers under the Old Testament who lived before the coming of Christ in the Flesh. In these Promises and their Accomplishment Believers find themselves greatly concerned; and those who are not so, do disavow an Interest in the spiritual Body of Christ and his Glory in the world. Now because their Accomplishment is deferred beyond the desires and expectations of men, as was of old the Promise of the coming of Christ, many Temptations do ensue thereon. And not a few have there been on the one hand who have in sad Instances made haste and antedated the Accomplishment in unwarrantable Practices; pretending unto Faith, they have renounced patient long-suffering; and not fewer have cast away all expectation of them on the other hand, as though they would never be fulfilled. Herein therefore we have also need of patient long-suffering. Without it we shall fall into one of the extremes mentioned, both of which are attended with dangers ruinous unto Profession: See Habak. 2. 1, 2, 3, 4. With respect unto these things the days of the Gospel are the time of the Kingdom and Patience of Jesus Christ, Rev. 1. 9. He hath begun to set up his Kingdom, and it shall never be prevailed against, Dan. 7. 27. But yet many things that belong thereunto, especially unto its tranquillity and extent are as yet unfulfilled, and whilst they are so, many outrages are committed in the world against his Rule and Interest. Wherefore it is at present the Time of his Patience as well as of his Reign. And therefore are we required to keep the word of his Patience, Rev. 3. 10. or to abide in the Faith of those things concerning which he exerciseth Patience in the world. So is it said with respect unto the Judgements which God in his own time will execute on the Antichristian persecuting world. He that leadeth into Captivity, shall go into Captivity;