_Reason._ The reason is, because as in evill the sinne is never separated from the punishment, but in the sinne it selfe there is the spot or blemish, which is like unto misery; so also in good the obedience and vertue is never separated from the reward. For it hath alwayes joyned with it that consolation which pertaines to the reward of happinesse. _Use_ 1. This may serve to comfort us against the afflictions of this life; for although the faithfull receive no reward from this world, by reason of the iniquity of men, but hatred, disgrace, contempt, and persecutions: yet they may rest well contented in this, that they shall not only receive an ample reward in the life to come, but also they shall receive it in some sort in this life present, _Matthew 5.10,12._ & _19.29._ 2. To exhort us to labour to increase in piety, for as much as this labour is not in vaine, but hath its reward even in this present world, _1 Corinthians 15. last_. Doctrine 8. _This happinesse consists in being made partakers of the everlasting kingdome of God._ By the _kingdome of God_ is meant properly that condition into which the faithfull are translated by their effectuall calling: now seeing there are no degrees of this condition, this kingdome is distinguished into the kingdome of _grace_, and the kingdome of _glory_. Into the kingdome of _grace_, because the preaching and ministery of the Gospell is the efficient cause thereof, therefore the Gospell it selfe is called in Scripture _the kingdome of God_, and because the Church is the proper subject of this state and condition, therefore the Church is also called _the kingdome of God_; and because spirituall grace hath the chiefe part in this condition, therefore that also is called the _kingdome of God_, _Romans 14.17._ but most properly the condition it selfe is _the kingdome of God_. And it is compared to a kingdome rather then to a Democracy or Aristocracy, or any other society. _Reason_ 1. Because of the dignity and splendour which it hath. 2. Because the rule or governement is in the power of one. For although it is called sometimes the kingdome of God, sometimes the kingdome of our Lord Jesus Christ, as in this place; yet they are not made two Kings as touching the essence, but thereby it is shewed that he hath a singular charge in this kingdome. 3. Because the lawes and edicts of this society are altogether Kingly and Monarchicall; the seales also, and all things that pertaine to this government, beare the effigies as it were, or image of one King.