Christus in corde, or, The mystical union between Christ and believers considered in its…

First, The Union between Christ and Believers is set forth by that which is between a King and his Subject. In government ⟨p. 32⟩the humane instinct is gratified in society, and a multitude is reduced to unity; a King and his Subjects become politically one; he protects them, they are under his shadow; he governs them, they are in subjection to him; protection (as the Lawyers speak) draws subjection, and subjection draws protection. His royal care over them is returned in their reverence towards him; and their reverence towards him falls down upon themselves in the benefits of government;¹ he is, [Greek or Hebrew], the keeper of right for them, and they render him the honour due to his greatness: Thus they are knit together for that common good which is the great centre of Government. In like manner Christ is King, and Believers are his Subjects. His Kingdom, as it imports power, is over all creatures; but as it imports union, it is only over Believers. Tyrants (saith the Philosopher) rule over men against their wills, but Kings rule over the willing. The Emperor Justinus plainly told the great oppressors,² Ego contumacibus imperare nolo, I will not rule over the disobedient. Our Lord Christ doth not own rebellious sinners, while such, as Subjects, but look upon them as enemies: Believers only are his Subjects; he is their great Protector, they are under the wings of ⟨p. 33⟩his grace and power; he rules and governs them, they are obedient to him; his care is over them, their obedience is towards him; he maintains their right, they render him the honour of his government: Thus they are knit together to promote the glory of Christ, and the salvation of Believers. It's true, in this resemblance, the mere Analogy proves no more than a political Union; but the excellency of that union (which is between the spiritual King and Believers) shows forth a mystery. For the explaining of this, I shall lay down several particulars:

First, The Union between Christ and Believers is set forth by that which is between a King and his Subject. In government ⟨p. 32⟩