the world to come under him so much is hinted Heb. 2.5 8. For unto the Angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come that is Honour peculiar to his Son under whose feet he hath put all things in subjection though now we see not yet all things put under him so much is expressed Eph. 1.20 God hath set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places farre above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named not onely in this world but also in that which is to come Secondly He is Mighty in rule and Authority in regard of the Measure of it he hath not onely power over all but he hath all power over all Math. 28.18 All power is given unto me in Heaven and Earth he hath an Absolute dispose of all things he doth whatsoever he will in the Church in Heaven in Earth in Hell God hath set him up over all and left all things to him Joh. 5.22 The Father judgeth no man but hath committed all Judgement to the Son so that he hath power to set up and pull downe to save and to destroy what and whom he will Thus it appeareth that Christ Jesus is a Mighty one in every sense and acceptation of the word Christ may be Considered First In respect of his Eternall Essence and being as he was one with the Father before the Foundation of the world was laid and so considered he is a Mighty One the onely Mighty One from everlasting the true God blessed for ever the Apostle speaking of him with reference to his eternall essence saith Phil. 2.6 Being in the Forme of God thought it not Robbery to be equall with God thus he is the Mightiest Highest God Secondly In respect of his Mediatourship as he took upon him to come between God and man to transact all matters between them and thus considered he is a Mighty One Foure things especially about his Mediatourship in Generall speak forth the Mightiness of Christ. First The singularity and oneness of the person Mediating not Many not a Few not two but One Mediator between God and man the Man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2.5 There was none with him in his difficult worke of Mediatorship but he carried it on alone there was none with him to helpe him therefore his own Arme brought salvation both unto him and us which speaks him to be a Mighty One Moses was a Mighty one in that he stood and that alone between the Lord and the Children of Israel on the Mountaine and yet but a shaddow of this One great Mediator Christ Jesus Secondly The Greatness of the persons between whom he doth Mediate he is usually a Mighty One that is Mediator between either Mighty Persons or Nations even the greatest mightiest and most excellent One they can finde then how Mighty must he be that is Mediator between the Almighty Highest God and Man the chiefe of the Creatures Thirdly The weightinesse of the Matter it being of greatest concernment no less than the bringing of souls which were afar off unto God 1 Pet. 3.18 the making sinners righteous yea righteousness 2 Cor. 5.21 the reconciling all things in heaven and earth unto God Col. 1.20 the turning away Gods wrath from sinners the destroying of the enmity that is in their minds against him and so the salvation of them that are lost Fourthly The exact performance and accomplishment of the whole business According to what was prophecied of him Dan. 9.24 He did make reconciliation for iniquity and brought in Everlasting Righteousnesse He did not begin do something and then faint and leave his work imperfect but he finished it and that to the Glory of his Father that sent him as himselfe testifieth in his prayer to his Father Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on the Earth I have finished the worke which thou gavest me to do surely he is a Mighty One Demonstrations of the Mightinesse of Christ the Mediator First He is a Mighty One in his Originall and rise from whence he came himselfe told the Jews Joh. 8.23 That he was from above and not of this World and that he proceeded forth and came from God When John heard he was come and manifested himselfe by preaching and Baptizing magnified him upon this account Joh. 3.31 He that cometh from above is above all He that cometh from Heaven is above all And by this the Apostle doth distinguish him from and exalt him above the first Adam 1 Cor. 15.47 The first man is of the Earth Earthly the second man is the Lord from Heaven Secondly He is a Mighty One in the first promise of him the first hint and report of him is of a Mighty One a Conquerour of the Devill In that this blessed seed of the Woman should bruise the Serpents head according as it is written Gen. 3.15 I will put Enmity between thee and the Woman and between thy seed and her seed It shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heele the first appearance and coming forth of Christ in the promise is as of a Mighty one prevailing against mans mightiest Enemy the Devill Thirdly He is a Mighty One in the Types of him First In the multitude of them every thing almost which was before him being a Type and shaddow of him as the Passeover Rock Mannah Brazen-Serpent 1 Cor. 5.7 Joh. 6.32 48 50. 1 Cor. 10.4 Joh. 3.14 15. The Priests Tabernacle Altar Sanctuary the Feasts Sacrifices and all the Ceremoniall rites Col. 2.16 17. Heb. 1. ad 11 verse Aarons Bells as one saith sounded Jesus Christ and him crucified surely he is some Mighty one indeed that the Lord did fore-signifie by so many things Secondly In the Mightiness of them I meane the personall Types of him who were not meane but mighty ones As Adam whom God made so mighty giving him Lordship over the Creatures was a type of him that then was to come Rom. 5.14 Melchisedec that great and mighty one of whose greatness the Apostle exhorts the Hebrews to consider Heb. 7.4 Now consider how great this man was unto whom even the Patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils was a Type of Christ Moses Josuah David those Great and eminent Saviours and Deliverers of the Children of Israel were but types and shaddows of that Great and mighty Saviour and Deliverer of his people Jesus Christ And if the shaddows be thus Mighty the body and substance must be very Mighty Fourthly He is a Mighty One in the Prophecies of him I shall not lay any weight upon the predictions of him to the Gentiles by the famous Sybils to whom much is attributed by some who are said to Prophecy of him as of a Mighty One an universall King that should be Lord over Romanes and all others Nor yet upon Diabolicall Oracles mentioned in History as the Answer of Apollo from Delphos to Augustus Caesar the Emperour demanding of him who should reigne after him after
his teaching was and is with power and authority upon the consciences of men wonderfully convincing of sin and righteousnesse he is a teacher that openeth both the Scriptures and understandings too Luke 24.32 45. He doth not only propound truth to men as others do but he makes them stoop to it which none else can do his Ministration is with such power and efficacy as that he puts the Law of God into the minds of his people and write it in their hearts and this is the sole prerogative of him who is both King Priest and Prophet as hath been shewn Fifthly In the Command of God concerning him viz. to heare him God at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets and his Command to the people was to heare them but God hath in these last dayes spoken unto us by his Son that Great Prophet who is greater than all the Prophets which were before him he being the substance of all their Testimony and he hath commanded that we should heare him This the Voice out of the cloud uttered saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Heare ye him yea this is the speciall and strict command of God Act. 3.22 A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me Him shall ye heare in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you and not onely so but the severity of God is and will be towards all those that reject and despise his words for every soule that will not heare that Prophet shall be destroyed from among the people Act. 3.23 Therefore he saith See that ye refused not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on Earth much more shall not we escape if we turne away from him that speaketh from heaven Heb. 12.25 This is his commandement that we should beleeve on the Name of his Son Jesus Christ 1 Joh. 3.23 Surely he is a mighty Prophet whom the Lord doth so strictly charge the people to heare I thought to have enlarged upon this subject by inserting some of the speciall predictions precepts ptomises and instructions of this Prophet but what hath been already mentioned is sufficient for the present designe viz. to demonstrate his mightiness in thâ—s office also Twenty-secondly In the Carriage of others towards him First In the carriage of the generality of the people as First Their recourse to him we reade not that any of the Patriarchs Judges Kings Prophets or Apostles were so followed and flockt to as he was As soone as he was borne we reade of wise men who came a great journey from the East to Jerusalem to worship him and as soone as he began to teach and worke miracles such multitudes followed him that he was fain to goe up into a Mountaine to teach his Disciples Math. 5.1 and as soone as he was come downe Great multitudes followed him Math. 8.1 He was seldome without multitudes who attended to see his miracles and to heare his wisdome and the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth sometimes there was such an innumerable multitude of people gathered together that they trod one upon another Luk. 12.1 When he was in Capernaum in Simons house healing all the City was gathered together at the doore And rising up early a great while before day he went into a solitary place Simon having found him said unto him All men seek for thee Mark 1.33 37. Sometimes he was so thong'd that they could not bring the sicke nigh unto him in an ordinary way that neither his mother nor brethren could come at him Luke 8.19 When the Apostles gathered themselves together unto him to give him an account of some matters he called them into a desart place to rest a while for there were many coming and going and they had no leisure so much as to eate And though they departed into a desart place by Ship privately the people saw them departing and many knew him and ran a foot thither out of all Cities and out-went them and came together unto him And when he came into the Land of Genesareth came out of the Ship straightway they knew him and ran through that whole Region round about and began to carry about in beds those that were sick where they heard he was and whither soever he entred into Villages or Cities or Countries they laid the sick in the streets and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment Mark 6.30 31 32 33 53 54 55 56. This carriage of the people speak him forth to be oâ—e from whom they expected great things Secondly Their marvelling and wondring at his Doctrine and Workes and that not seldome once or twice onely but often they often marvelled they often wondred they were often amazed they were often astonished as might be shewne and as it was often in respect of time so it was much and great in respect of measure It is said Mark 6.51 when Christ went up unto his Disciples into the Ship the winde ceased and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure and wondred when the Damsel which was dead arose and walked they which beheld it were astonished with a great astonishment Mark 5.42 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they were in an extasie in a great extasie they were not themselves for the time so when he healed the man which was deafe and dumbe they that saw it were beyond measure astonished Thirdly Their Rejoycings and Acclamations As he did ride into Jerusalem a very great multitude spread their garments in the way others cut downe branches from the trees and strawed them in the way and the multitudes that went before and that followed cryed saying Hosanna to the Son of David blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest Math. 21.8 9. So likewise when he had answered the Ruler of the Synagogue cavilling at him for healing on the Sabbath day it is said All the people Rejoyced for all the Glorious things that were done by him Luke 13.17 Fourthly Their beseechings the great and mighty ones besought him Jairus one of the Rulers of the Synagogue fell at his feet and besought him greatly to come and lay his hands on his little daughter Mark 5.22 23. The Centurion came beseeching him on behalfe of his servant Math. 8.5 6. Yea a certaine Noble man 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Joh. 4.46 47. Some Princely mighty one went unto him and besought him that he would heale his Son for he was at the point of death yea this was the carriage of the very Devils towards him Math. 8.31 Mark 5.12 Fifthly Their worshipping Many of those that came to him fell downe at his feet and worshipped him the Ruler of the Synagogue and others both good and bad worshipped him all along In his Infancy Math. 2.11 In his Man-age oft After his Resurtection Math. 28.9
brought forth to the day of wrath and then Christ will repay them what they have done according to that in 2 Pet. 2.9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the Godly out of Temptations and to reserve the unjust unto the day of Judgement to be punished Christ doth not presently destroy wicked men Reas 1. That he might magnifie his Justice and righteousnesse in their destruction The Judge of all the Earth will do no iniquity to the worst of men It shall be said of him when he hath executed his fiercest vengeance upon rebellious Ones he hath not done without cause all that he hath done to his enemies though he doth terrible things yet in righteousnesse Psal 65.5 Therefore he doth not cut off his enemies at first but stayes his hand till they have vented all their malice and acted rebellion to the height not that Christ desireth the increase of their sin for he calls upon them to repent but that he will proportion his judgements to their iniquities He will not bring great destruction upon men for a little wickedness and therefore he deferrs it till their transgressions be multiplyed he will not destroy men for a word or a blow or two against his servants but when they have a long time reproached scorned abused troubled and persecuted his faithful ones then it will appear to be a righteous thing with Christ to recompence tribulation to them that trouble them 2 Thess 1.6 Christ doth not at first judge the whore but lets her alone till she hath brought forth her Abominations till the Kings of the Earth have committed fornication with her and the Inhabiters of the Earth have been made drunk with the Wine of her Fornication till she hath made her self drunken with the blood of the Saints and with the blood of the Martyrs of Jesus Rev 17.2 4 6. yea till she saith in her heart I sit a Queen and am no widdow and shall see no sorrow and when she hath done thus wickedly then shall her plagues come in one day death and mourning and famine and she shall be utterly burnt with fire for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her Rev 18.7 8. And after these things a great voice of much people was heard in Heaven saying Alleluja Salvation and Glory and Honour and Power unto the Lord our God for true and righteous are his Judgements for he hath judged the Great Whore which did corrupt the Earth with her fornication and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand Rev 19.1 2. Reas 2. That he might magnifie his patience and long-suffering towards them that it might appear that he who is so great in power is also slow to anger and doth endure with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction There is not an enemy that the Lord Christ shall destroy but shall be forced to confess that Christ the Great Lord hath had patience with him Reas 3. Because there are some among his Enemies which are to be brought in some in rebellion against him who will submit to him and therefore he gives a space to them to repent in which he waits for their return to himself Peter tells us that there shall come in the last dayes scoffers walking after their own lusts saying Where is the promise of his coming c. 2 Pet. â— 3 4. They are answered in the 9. vers It is not his slacknesse but his long-suffering it is not his unmindfullness of his promise to his people nor yet of his threatnings against his Enemies but his abounding goodness to impenitent ones being not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance Yea there are some of his people among his Enemies whom he will call and draw out from amongst them and because of his favour to them his judgements upon his enemies are deferred for the righteous God will not destroy the righteous with the wicked God did not destroy the old world with water till he had provided for the security of his righteous Servant Noah he did not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah before he had brought forth Lot and set him without the City Gen 19. And we finde before the Lord bring his plagues upon Babylon he calls his people to come out of her Rev 18.4 Babylons Judgements are deferred that Gods people may depart out of her Reas 4. That he might Exercise the Faith and Patience of his Saints while wicked men live and are spared they will be persecuting of Gods servants as was manifest in Pharaoh and others and that the Lords people may live in the exercise of their Graces especially their Faith and Patience he lets the wicked live become old and mighty The Romans could have destroyed Carthage when they pleased but for the Exercise of their Souldiers they let it stand Christ this Mighty One could soon bring down and cut off all the wicked of the Earth but for the Exercise of his Servants Graces he let them stand a while John mentions the Faith and Patience of the Saints as most conspicuous in their soarest persecution under the Beasts Reigne Rev 13.10 Rev 14.12 saying Here is the Patience and Faith of the Saints Reas 5. That he may shew forth the greatnesse of his power in their destruction He let them continue to plot and design and to get as high a head against him as may be that so his might may be the more visible in their Overthrow that it may be known he can destroy them when they are at the strongest and bring them down when they are at the highest according to the word of the Lord to Edom Obad 4. Though thou exalt thy self as the Eagle and though thou set thy nest among the Stars thence will I bring thee down saith the Lord. Vse 5. Of CAUTION To the Mighty Ones yea to the greatest and mightiest on the earth to take heed what they do for though they be mighty yet they must know Christ is mightier therefore take heed that you oppose not this Mighty One lest ye perish God made David his Mighty One and you know what became of Saul Absolom Sheba and others who lifted up their hands against him Yea take heed what ye do against his servants for the evill which is done against them is done against him and he so accounts of it Matth. 25.35 40.45 what though they be weak he is mighty to avenge all wrongs done to them The Wiseman speaking of the fatherless cautions others against injuring of them upon this account Pro 23.10 11. Remove not the old Land-mark and enter not into the Fields of the fatherlesse for their Redeemer is mighty he shall plead their cause with thee The Prophet Jeremy also speaking of the oppressed condition of the children of Israel and Judah saith Their Redeemer is strong the Lord of Hosts is his Name he shall throughly plead their cause that he may give rest to the Land and disquiet the Inhabitants of Babylon Jer.
his Glorious Name for his so assisting his faithful servant herein and finding the Matter according with what the Author hath well expressed in this his Epistle doe therefore heartily joyne with him therein in what he hath written to all the Friends and Enemies of our LORD JESVS CHRIST James Nalton Minister of Leonards Foster Lane Thomas Brooks Robert Bragge William Adderley H Jessey THE MIGHTY CHRIST THE Saints Help PSAL. 89.19 I have laid help upon One that is Mighty THe precedent Psalm contain a mournful complaint to the Lord powred out in a way of prayer This especially the former part of it is a pleasant Song of praise The subject of it is the Lord. The things which he mentions as most sweetly refreshing his own soul and most eminently conspicuous in the Lord towards his people are his mercy faithfulness and power First His mercy Vers 1. I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever So vers 2. I have said mercy shall be built up for ever Secondly His faithfulness vers 1. With my mouth will I make known thy faithfulnesse to all Generations vers 2. Thy faithfulnesse shalt thou establish in the very Heavens both manifested in his Covenant which he made with David and his seed vers 3. I have made a Covenant with my chosen I have sworn unto David my servant thy seed will I establish for ever and build up thy Throne to all Generations Thirdly His power vers 6. Who in the Heaven can be compared to the Lord who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord vers 8. O Lord God of Hosts who is a strong Lord like unto thee manifested by his works of First Creation vers 11. The Heavens are thine the earth also is thine as for the world and the fullnesse thereof thou hast founded them Vers 12. The North and the South thou hast created them Secondly Providence vers 9. Thou rulest the raging of the Sea when the waves thereof arise thou stillest them shewed Partly towards his enemies in their destruction vers 10. Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces as one that is slain thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arme Partly Towards his people in their salvation vers 16 17 18. In thy name shall they rejoyce all the day and in thy righteousnesse shall they be exalted for thou art the glory of their strength and in thy favour our Horn shall be exalted for the Lord is our defence and the holy One of Israel is our King The Psalmist having spoken largely of the power of God returns to that with which his heart was most affected The precious Covenant of God made with David expressed vers 3. and shews at large the particulars of it what great things God would do for him and how great and mighty he would make him and for a confirmation of faith in this great promise of God the Psalmist declares First The Original of Davids power and authority viz that it was from God from Heaven he was no Usurper nor Obtruder neither of mans nor his own but of Gods exalting for so God saith I have exalted one chosen out of the people I have found David my servant with my holy Oyle have I anointed him So Psal 2.6 Yet have I set my King upon my holy Hill of Sion Peter and the other Apostles speaking of Jesus before the Council said Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour And therefore the Lord challengeth a peculiar propriety in David above all the Kings of the earth calling him his King My King Secondly The Lords discovery of it before he did it And to whom Not unto the Princes of this world but unto his holy One Samuel who anointed David in the midst of his brethren 1 Sam. 16.1 3 13. By some the word is translated in the Plural Number Sanctis tuis to thy holy Ones to wit the Prophets Samuel and Nathan one of which anointed David and the other fore-told of the perpetuity of his Kingdome 2 Sam 7.12 13 14 15 16. Yea the Lord spake the same thing to his holy One David by the mouth of his servant Nathan 2 Sam 7.17 According to all these words and according to all this vision so did Nathan speak unto David From the discovery of it we may First Observe That it hath been Gods way of old when he hath had any great and remarkable thing to do for or upon a people to reveal it unto his servants the Prophets Amos 3.7 Surely the Lord will do nothing but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the Prophets More particularly Secondly Observe That the discovery of Gods exaltation of Christ his True and Great Holy One sanctified and seperated above his fellows was first made to his Holy Ones Thirdly The manner of discovery thereof and that was by vision God in divers manners spake in times past unto the Fathers sometimes but rarely by Oracle it being a wonderfull condescention on Gods part and more than ordinary honour to the person to whom he so spake this honour God put upon Moses as he told Aaron and Miriam With him will I speak mouth to mouth Numb 12.8 Sometimes and more commonly In visions and in dreams Numb 12.6 It was in vision God spake to his Holy One when he made discovery of his Grace Then thou spakest in vision to thy Holy One. Here are two things chiefly to be enquired into First The mercy provided and that is a King not a mean weak one unfit for the Throne but a Mighty One I have laid help upon One that is Mighty if it be askt Who is this King the 20. vers is in answer I have found David my servant with my holy Oyle have I anointed him Of him the Lord hath spoken saying By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistims and out of the hand of all their enemies 2 Sam. 3.18 It is both David the son of Jesse and Christ the son of David according to the flesh who was also Davids Lord of whom David especially in his Kingly Office was a Type and Shaddow who is also called David Hos 3.5 And Ezekiel prophesying of the Kingdome of Christ a long time after David the son of Jesse was fallen asleep having served his Generation according to the will of God saith I will set up one shepherd over them even my servant David I the Lord will be their God my servant David a Prince among them Ezek. 34.23 24. Again David my servant shall be King over them my servant David shall be the Prince for ever Ezek. 37.24 25. This is that David that liveth for ever the Lord Christ that Mighty One mightier and higher than all others as the Lord hath promised vers 27. Also I will make him my first-born higher than the Kings of the earth which words agree exactly to the Lord Christ who is said
to be The first-born of every creature the Beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the preheminence Col. 1.15 18. And by John to be The first begotten of the dead and the Prince of the Kings of the Earth Rev 1.5 And this is he that the Psalmist principally sings of as he doth also in other Psalms who is and shall be so great a blessing to Gods people Secondly The people who partake of this mercy over whom this King this Mighty One was set that he might help them are not all the people of the world not his foes such as hate him not the proud and mighty ones of the earth who despise and oppose him though he be Lord over them also but they are Gods people one Translation addeth I have put help upon a Mighty One for my people They are Gods people Israel the weakest and smallest of all people not onely Israel according to the flesh but also Israel according to the spirit Jer. 23.5 6. Luke 1.32 33. Who by reason of their weaknesse and smallnesse the craftiness mightiness and multitudes of their enemies stand in as much need of the Lord of Christ the son of David That Mighty One to help and save them as ever Israel after the flesh did of David the son of Jesse That Mighty One to deliver them from their Oppressors I have laid or put help upon One that is Mighty A Champion one strong and able to help my people These words may be considered First Generally and largely as they contain the care and goodness of God in General to his people Secondly Specially and strictly as they point out the particular thing wherein God is so good to his people From the General and large Consideration of the words Observe That the condition of the people of God in this life is such as they stand in need of help Though this be not expressed in words yet it is necessarily implyed for help supposeth need and we are sure that the Lord the most wise Agent doth nothing in vain he doth not send help to them that need it not For demonstration of which seeing I intend not to insist long upon it I shall only mention First The many and mighty Persecutors under whom they have lived who have been stronger than they the four great worldly Monarchies viz Babylonian Persian Grecian and Roman set forth by the four terrible Beasts mentioned Dan. 7. whose natures are to tear and devoure of which the last under whose power yet they are is most dreadfull and exceeding strong whereupon they ever did and being not yet delivered out of the hands of all the mighty Ones that hate them do still want the help of some other Secondly The sore bondage and oppression whieh their enemies have and do keep them in for the seed of the Serpent especially being prevalent cannot but persecute the seed of the woman by reason of which they have in their several Generations sighed groaned and howled as they do also to this very day in the Nations of the world do plainly shew that they have and still stand in need of a stronger arm than their own to deliver them Thirdly The strong cryes and earnest prayers heretofore and now also put up to the Lord for help which else were to no purpose except to mock the Almighty do speak aloud the truth of this Assertion That their condition is such as they stand in need of help And it is not the worse but the better for the people of God that their condition is thus for though it be a manifest evidence and demonstration of their own weakness and self-insufficiency yet the great goodness and deep wâ—sdom of God is in it thereby with-holding occasion from them of trusting and glorying in themselves an evil which they are exceedingly prone to and as it were necessitating them of whom otherwise he should too seldome hear to a daily recourse to and continual dependance upon himselfe for help in every time of need by means of which they are safely preserved and their Heavenly Father is daily glorified Secondly Observe The Lord himself doth provide help for his people in their severall conditions I have laid help c. He doth not leave them without help in trouble as the gods of the Heathen do those that serve them neither doth he leave it to others who are unable and cannot or unfaithful and will not do it but that they may not be failed in any time of need they being a peculiar treasure unto him above all people he undertakes it himself for them though he doth oftentimes make the meanest and weakest creatures an help to them so that they may truly say Our help cometh from the Lord which made Heaven and Earth And this is the great priviledge and advantage which the people of God have above others that they are the people whom the Lord careth for according to that of Jacob Deut. 33. ult Happy art thou O Israel who is like unto thee O people saved by the Lord the shield of thy help and who is the sword of thy excellency Thirdly Observe The Lord doth lay in a sufficiency of help for his people in their various conditions What God doth he doth to purpose he dispenceth full mercies and blessings to his people I have laid help upon One that is Mighty The Lord layes in a sufficiency of help for service as also to save and deliver out of trouble Sometimes he layes help upon Angels those Mighty Ones who excell in strength for his people as he did in Hezekiahs time he sent an Angel who smote in one night 185000 in the Camp of the Assyrians Isa 37.36 He sent an Angel to the help of the three children in the exceeding hot furnace who did sufficiently help For the fire had no power upon their bodyes nor was an hair of their head singed neither were their Coats changed nor the smell of fire had passed on them Dan. 3.27 And also to Daniel when he was in the Lyons Den who did help effectually for he was taken up out of the Den and no manner of hurt was found upon him Dan. 6.23 And likewise to Peter in Prison Acts 12.7 10. Sometimes he layes help upon men who of weak he makes mighty to help he made Moses and Joshua mighty ones and sent them to the help of his people he made Gideon a mighty man of valour and said unto him Go in this thy might and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites he made Ehud a man left-handed as also Deborah a woman mighty for the help and deliverance of his people Jude 3.4 Sometimes he layes help upon other Creatures as upon the Stars Judg. 5.20 The Stars in their courses fought against Sisera upon Hail-stones for with them the Lord holpe Israel against the five Kings of the Amorites and it was help sufficient for they were more which dyed with hail-stones then they whom
the children of Israel slew Jude 10.11 Reasons why the Lord doth lay in a sufficiency of help for his people Reason 1. From that All-sufficiency and perfection of power which is in the Lord every thing as it is in Essence and Being so it is in act and operation and according to this Maxim the Psalmist sings of the Lord Psal 147.5 Great is our Lord and of great power As also Psal 86.10 Thou art great and dost wondrous things so that the Lord being Allmighty and All-sufficient in himself for him to lay in a sufficiency of help for his people is but to act according to himself Reason 2. From that height of affection which is in the Lord towards his people they being his peculiar treasure above all people his sons and daughters the people of his love this Moses mentions as the cause of that sufficiency of help which the Lord afforded to them in Egypt Deut. 7.8 Because the Lord loved you c. hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you out of the house of Bond-men from the hand of Pharoah King of Egypt This is also recorded Jer. 31.3.9 as the reason of the great things God will do for Israel I have loved thee with an everlasting love For I am a Father to Israel and Ephraim is my first-born Reason 3. From his exceeding tenderness of his own Name lest that should suffer upon this account the Lord oft spared his people Ezek. 20.9.14.22.44 I wrought for my Names sake that it should not be polluted before the Heathen So God will help sufficiently fot his Name sake lest the enemy who is alwayes ready to blaspheme should reproach him and either say God would not help his people according to their need and so the glory of his goodness should be somewhat darkned or else he could not and so the glory of his power should be eclipsed with this Argument Moses pleaded with God to help and save his people Numb 14.13 14 15 16. Deut. 9.26 27 28. I shall add no more to the confirmation of that which the Saints of the most High have so much experienced in their severall Generations And leave also the improvement of all to Gods faithful Ones in their various conditions and hasten unto a more strict and particular consideration of the words which will afford these two Observations First That Christ Jesus is a Mighty One Secondly That the Lord hath appointed this Mighty One to be for an help to his people First Christ Jesus is a Mighty One The Psalmist singing of him saith Gird thy sword upon thy thigh O most Mighty Psal 45 3. Isaiah prophecying of him saith His Name shall be called Wonderful Councellour The Mighty God Isaiah 9.6 The Angel declaring unto Mary his Mother what manner of Son he should be saith He shall be great and called the Son of the Highest and the Lord God shall give unto him the Throne of his father David c. Luke 1.32 John also testifying of him according to the Revelation of him which God gave unto him calleth him Allmighty Rev 1.8 I shall forbear to add more particular places the whole Scriptures both of the Old and New Testament being a large proof of this thing Mighty is a word of large Extent and of various Acceptation Sometimes it is taken Generally for any eminent excellent One that is greater than others so it is used Gen 10.8 where it is said of Nimrod He began to be a Mighty One in the earth i. e. One great and famous excelling others and in this sense Christ is a Mighty One greater than others In all things having the preheminence as the Apostle speaketh and as shall be shewed at large Sometimes it is taken particularly and specially First For one that is rich and wealthy thus it is used Ruth 2.1 where it is said Naomi had a kinsman of her husbands a mighty man of wealth Also 2 Kings 15.20 The rich man is usually called mighty in this respect Christ is a Mighty One he is a rich wealthy One and that both in respect of 1. Spiritual and Heavenly things he is so rich That in him dwelleth all the fullnesse of the God-head bodily He hath more of the Spirit than others being full of all grace wisdome and knowledge yea full of Unsearchable Riches according to that of Paul Ephes 3.8 That I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable Riches of Christ 2. All other things for he is heir of all things Heb. 1.2 All corn wine wool and flax all the beasts of the Forrest and the Cattel upon a thousand hils all the Fowls of the mountains and every thing that moveth in the waters are his yea the earth is his and the fullnesse thereof the round world and all that dwell therein Psal 24.1 See what an inheritance his father hath given him Psal 2.8 Secondly For one that hath power and strength strong men are mighty men and in this sense Christ is a Mighty One being full of power and strength The Apostle speaking of him saith 1 Cor. 1.24 Christ the power of God Thirdly For one that is exceeding valiant that doth most vigorously put forth and act his strength such an one is said to be a mighty man of valour full of courage in this sense also Christ is a Mighty One he hath not onely strength but he doth mightily exert and put it forth so that he makes his power to be seene the very spirit of Might doth rest upon him Isa 11.2 which he doth shew forth in all his workes Fourthly For one that hath rule and Authority he is a Mighty One and thus Christ is a Mighty One First He is Mighty in regard of the extent and universality of his power and Authority as to the subject of it it is over all for God hath put All things in subjection under his feet he hath left nothing that is not put under him he hath First All in the Church under him All Ordinances all offices all gifts all Administrations all consciences under him Eph. 1.22 He hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church Secondly All in Heaven under him he said of himselfe Math. 28.18 All power is given unto me in Heaven and it is said 1 Pet. 3.22 that he is gone into Heaven and is on the right hand of God Angels and Authorities and powers being made subject to him so that all in heaven is under him the Father onely excepted who did put all things under him 1 Cor. 15.27 Thirdly All in Hell under him the Devils themselves being subject unto him Fourthly All in this world under him He hath all principality power might and Dominion under him he hath power over all the Kings and Kingdomes of the world therefore he is said to be the Prince of the Kings of the Earth and to be Lord of Lords and King of Kings Rev. 1.5 17.14 Fifthly All in
long waiting That an Hebrew child that ruleth over the blessed Gods commandeth me to leave this Habitation and out of hand to get me to Hell but yet do you depart in silence from our Altars which caused Augustus after much musing to returne to Rome and to build there an Altar in the Capitall with this Inscription as Nicephorus affirmeth Ara primogeniti Dei The Altar of Gods first begotten Son But I passe by these things and shall speak of him onely as he is prophecied of in the holy Scriptures according to which he will appeare to be a very Mighty One First In that he was prophecied of at all for the Prophets for the most part foretold of great things to come to passe Great changes and alterations in the world Great deliverances Great prosperity Great Judgements and desolations Great Warres Famines Pestilences as also of Great and Mighty Persons Families Cities Nations as of the five Mighty Monarchies the Man of sin that mighty one who opposeth and exalteth himselfe above all that is called God 2 Thes 2.4 the Mighty Beast whom the world worship saying Who is like the Beast who is able to make warre with him Rev. 13.4 The Great Whore that sitteth upon many waters and the false Prophet that worketh Miracles so that Christ is a Mighty One being One prophecied of Secondly In that he is prophecied of by all the Prophets in their severall ages and generations Gods holy Prophets which have been since the world began have prophecied of him Luk. 1.70 As Christ was in the way with the two Disciples going to Emaus beginning at Moses and All the Prophets he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himselfe there was somthing in Moses and all the Prophets concerning him And this doth accord with what he minded his Disciples of which he had formerly spake to them That all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets and in the Psalmes concerning him Luk. 24 27 44. Philip having seene Jesus speakes of him with Great affection to Nathaniel as of a Mighty One upon this very account We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets did write Jesus of Nazareth the son of Joseph Joh. 1.45 And Peter told the Jews that God shewed by the mouth of All his Prophets that Christ should suffer Acts 3.18 And speaking of Christ to Cornelius and those with him saith To him give All the Prophets witness c. Acts 10.43 Surely he is a Mighty One of whom all the Prophets have spoken Thirdly In that All of Christ is prophecied of not onely his sufferings and the glory which should follow in the Generall but his coming the time the Tribe out of which he should spring his birth the place thereof his offices workes particular sufferings death resurrection Ascention session and coming againe and whatsoever else was and is to be fulfilled in him and by him is spoken of in the Prophets And certainly he is no Ordinary Person whom the Spirit of God did so carefully predeclare in all things belonging to him Fourthly In that he is the summe and All of the Prophecies for what are they but Christ in his Sufferings and Glory they having all some reference and tendency unto him yea all the Great things prophecied of as the Conversion of the Jews the coming in of the fulness of the Gentiles the pulling downe high and lofty things the establishing of Justice and righteousnesse in the Earth the powring out of more abundance of the Spirit and all other Great things are in a subserviency unto him and have a speciall reference to his exaltation and kingdome Fifthly In the Matter of the prophecies concerning him which I shall reduce to these three heads First What he shall be and have Balam prophecying of Israels happiness saith His King shall be higher then Agag and his kngdome shall he exalted out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion Numb 24.7 19. The Psalmist speaking of Christ saith That he shall have the Heathen for his Inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession Psal 2.8 He shall be exalted extolled and be very high Isa 52.13 He shall have a portion with the Great and divide the spoile with the strong Isa 53.12 He shall not onely be Ruler in Israel but also Great unto the ends of the Earth Micah 5.2 4. Yea he shall be King over all the Earth Zach. 14.9 Secondly What he shall do He shall judge the poore of the people he shall save the children of the needy and shall breake in pieces the Oppressor Psal 72.4 He shall rule in the midst of his Enemies he shall Judge among the Heathen he shall fill the places with the dead bodies he shall wound the Heads over many Countreys Psal 110.2 6. He shall smite the Earth with the rod of his mouth and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked Isa 11.4 He shall reigne and prosper and shall execute Judgement and Justice in the earth He shall build the Temple of the Lord and he shall beare the Glory and shall sit and rule upon his Throne Zach. 6.13 He shall overcome the Beast and the Kings of the earth Rev. 17.14 19.19 20. These and other mighty things are spoken of Christ that he should do Thirdly What others shall be and do towards him Unto him shall the Gathering of the people be Gen. 49.10 To him shall the Gentilâ—s seeke Isa 11.10 The Kings shall shut their mouths at him they shall be dumb and not dare to speak in his presence Isa 52.15 They that dwell in the Wilderness shall bow before him and his Enemies shall lick the dust The Kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall bring presents the Kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts yea all Kings shall fall downe before him and all Nations shall serve him Psal 72.9 10 11. At his Name every knee shall bow of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth and every tongue shall confesse that he is Lord Phil. 2.10 11. All which speak Christ to be a Mighty One Fifthly He is a Mighty One in the expectation of the people First In the expectation it self he was one lookt for before his coming the people were in expectation of him and the expectation of the people is not ordinarily of mean and ordinary persons like themselves but of great and mighty ones of such as some way or other excell others Secondly In the nature and manner of their expectation it was not a faint and dull but a strong and earnest expectation they did expect him and expect him much they did expect him with desire and longing according to his own words to his Disciples I tell you that many Prophets and Kings have desired to see those things which ye see and to hear those things which ye hear Luke 10.24 Therefore when God sent any one into
his Birth which speaks forth his Mightinesse As First The message of the Angel to the Shepherds Luke 1.10 11. Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all People For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. Secondly The praisings of the Host the Shepherds they glorified and praised God for what they had heard and seen but men of the earth are not sufficient for this thing and therefore a Quire is sent from Heaven to rejoyce and sing praises to the Most High for this Heavenly and unspeakable gift Luke 2.13 Suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God These extraordinary praises speak the person born to be some great and Mighty One Thirdly The homage of the Wise men That they should come to tender their homage and service to this Infant and not unto Herod nor Agustus Caesar of whose greatnesse no doubt they had heard but did not esteem nor regard it in comparison of this late born King of the Jews speaks Christ to be a Mighty One especially if we consider First The quality of their Persons if because 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Wise men is usually taken in the worst sense for men practising Magical and unlawful Arts it should be understood so in this place it shews forth the more of the Mightiness and Power of Christ when men that had been of such a profession become such professors of Christ of any among the Gentiles as to come and do homage to him howsoever forasmuch as they were as is most likely not of the meaner sort nor yet persons of ordinary and common gifts but men of learning understanding wisdome and of high esteem among the People it holds forth the greatness and excelleny of Christ that such should come so early and submit themselves to him Secondly The greatness of their pains without doubt it was a long and tedious journey they took although we cannot tell exactly how far they came because the particular term from whence at which divers have diversly conjectured is not to be found in Scripture onely it is said with an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Behold prefixed as a matter of admiration that they should come and come so far They came from the East to Jerusalem and surely they would not have undertaken such a journey with regard to an ordinary common person Thirdly The reality and fulnesse of their homage it was not in word and in tongue onely but in truth and in deed we do not read of any thing they said to him but of what they did and that was much they first gave themselves an oblation to this great King and then made offering of their gifts For they fell down and worshipped him and when they had opened their treasures they presented unto him Gifts Gold and Frankincense and myrrhe Matth. 2.11 They would not have tendered such large homage to a mean one Fourthly The eminent appearing of God for their direction to him and preservation in returning a Star did lead them to the very place where he was for it is said Math. 2.9 Lo the Star which they saw in the East went before them till it came and stood over where the young Child was And for their preservation God did warn them in a dream that they should not return to Herod and they departed into their own Countrey another way Fourthly The dread of the Mighty even of King Herod and all Jerusalem with him for it is said When Herod the King heard these things viz of one born King of the Jews and of persons come to worship him he was troubled terrified yea he shaked with fear Mat. 2.3 so that Christ was a Mighty One in his Birth Eighthly Christ is a Mighty One in his Descent even after the flesh First In respect of his stock in general for he was descended of the Patriarchs he was of the stock of Abraham that Mighty One the Jews counted it a great priviledge above what the Gentiles had That they had Abraham to their Father that they were of his stock branches of that root Christ was also a son of Abraham Secondly In respect of his Tribe out of which he sprang Judah for it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah and it is as evident also that Judah was the mightiest Tribe both according to Jacobs and Moses blessing of him Gen 49.8 Judah thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise thine hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies thy fathers children shall bow before thee Judah is a Lyons whelp c. Deut. 33.7 Let his hands be sufficient for him and be thou an help to him from his eâ—emies Judah was Standard-bearer in the foremost Quarter as the children of Israel encamped about the Tabernacle Numb 2.3 And Judah's Standard Lyon-like marched in the first place as they marched towards the Land of Canaan Numb 10.13 14. and of this mighty Tribe was Christ yea he was the Mighty One of this Tribe The Lyon of the Tribe of Judah Rev 5.5 Further Judah was the Royal Tribe the Royalty of a Kingdome appertained to it Gen 49.10 The Scepter shall not depart from Judah c. The Kings and Rulers descended from thence and this speaks the mightinesse and exeellency of Christ that he was of this Tribe hence Mr. Perkins saith That Christ was the most excellent and notable One that ever was descending of the eternall Father as he is the Son of God and as he is man descending of the Patriarchs and of the renowned Kings of Judah And it is storied that it remaineth registred in the Jews Talmud it self That Jesus of Nazareth crucified was of the blood-royal from Zorobabel of the house of David so that he is a Mighty One in his Descent Ninthly Mighty in his Name Isaiah prophecying of him saith Ch. 9.6 His Name shall be called Wonderful Councellour the Mighty God the Everlasting Father the Prince of Peace Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins Immanuel the Word of God his name speak forth his excellency and might not that there is any might and virtue in the bare name it selfe as consisting of so many letters as some have fondly conceited that the bare name of Christ used had power to drive away the Devil and that the name of Christ written and carried about with them was of efficacy to keep them from danger but his name declare his nature for as his name is so is he it is not with Christ in this respect as with some who had names contrary to their natures and dispositions to hide their weaknesses and wickednesses as the Impius named Pius the Coward Leo the Cruel Clemens the Oppressor Innocentius the Earthly-minded Celestinus Tenthly Mighty in his Titles I shall name a few The Captain of Salvation Ruler in Israel The Consolation of Israel The Horn of Salvation The Deliverer The Power and wisdom of God
was not offended but did alwayes do the things which pleased his father as he told the Jews Joh. 8.29 all which speakes forth his might Fourthly In his delight in it his obedience was without murmuring or grudging it was with delight for the Law of God was within his heart as he spake Psal 40.8 I delight to do thy will O my God his fathers commandements were not grievous to him he professed to his Disciples That it was his Meat to do the will of him that sent him and to finish his worke Joh. 4.34 Fifthly In the efficacy and vertue of it his Righteousnesse doth not returne to him void but it doth accomplish that which he please and prosper in the thing whereto he ordaines it and that is the making others righteous according to that of the Apostle Rom. 5.19 For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made Righteous God made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 And accordingly we are for of God he is made unto us Righteousness Now surely he is Mighty in obedience whose obedience effect the Righteousness of others Secondly Particularly in the Graces of the Spirit which were in him First In his Faith for he as well as we had faith and that a greater and stronger than ours for he was so strong and mighty in faith as that he stagger'd not at any of the promises of his father through unbeliefe other mighty ones in faith sometimes feared as Jacob David c. but Christs faith was perfect he was never afraid of any ttouble or any persecutors he knew on whom he had beleeved he knew his father would uphold and reward him his confidence in his father is prophetically spoken of by Isaiah Chap. 50.6 7 8 9. I gave my back to the smiters and my cheekes to them that pluckt off the haire I hid not my face from shame and spitting for the Lord God will help me therefore shall I not be confounded therefore have I set my face like a flint and I know that I shall not be ashamed c. And he expressed as much at the raising of Lazarus Father I thanke thee that thou hast heard me and I know that thou hearest me alwayes he was mighty and strong in faith Secondly His love he was and is mighty in that grace which I shall illustrate in particulars First In the nature of it it is above ordinary common love above the love of one friend to another of a father to his child of an husband to his wife or of a man to his own self it is such a love wherewith the father hath loved him Joh. 15.9 He tells his Disciples As the father hath loved me so have I loved you which words do not only hold forth the truth but the excellency of his love towards them it being transcendent infinite love without measure above Geometrie above all arts and parts of men the Apostle tells the Saints at Ephesus that it passeth knowledge Eph. 3.19 Secondly In the objects of it not his friends as loving him any thing though his friends as loved by him not Saints or any excellent lovely ones but sinners enemies and he is a Mighty one that can love Enemies flesh and blood cannot do this Paul sets forth the greatness of the love of Christ by the objects of it Rom. 5.6 7 8. When we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly for scarcely for a righteous man will one die yet peradventure for a good man sâ—me would even dare to die but God commended his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us he was so mighty in his love that he loved his greatest mightiest enemies even those that took away his life yea when they were taking it away at that instant when it was doing when he did hang on the crosse when they were in the heate of their malice and hatred against him he pray'd for the choicest blessing for them Luke 23.34 Father forgive them for they know not what they do Thirdly In the vertue and operation of it it did produce wonderfull effects it carried him out First To the lowest Condition love brought him from heaven to earth from the highest to the lowest estate from the throne to the dunghil Though he was Lord over all yet love made him a servant to all and that is the lowest condition to be a servant this the Apostle mentions as the infinite condescention of Christ Phil. 2.7 And this himselfe minded his Disciples of that he the Son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister Math. 20.28 I am among you as he that serveth Luk. 22.27 Secondly To the meanest services who though he was the most Mighty One yet so great was his love as that he did not onely condescend to men of low estate but to the lowest meanest services for them John 13. from the first to the seventeenth verse is a full testimony of his love in this respect that he their Lord and Master should wash his Disciples feet Thirdly To the Greatest sufferings both in life and death his life was a life of sorrow and trouble and his death was a a death of great paine and ignominy the cursed death of the Crosse Fourthly To the largest communications he hath witnessed the greatness of his love by the largeness of his gifts he hath given himselfe This the Apostle mentions as the evidence of the Greatness and excellency of his love to the Church Eph. 5.2 25. that he loved the Church and gave himselfe for it and not only himselfe to die for it but now that he liveth he communicateth freely to it of all spirituall blessings for whatsoever he hath heard or received of his father that he imparts to his friends Fourthly In the duration of it it is for ever he abides in his love towards them notwithstanding all their unkindnesses its immutable no length of time nor distance of place can worke any alteration in his love the injuries that we do to Christ although they have their fruit in discomfort and occasion the suspension of the manifestation of his love for a season which is a burden very grievous to be borne by a gracious soule yet these do not remove his love to his yea though he visit their transgressions with the rod and their iniquity with stripes yet his loving kindness shall continue with them in a word it is Everlasting love Jer. 31.3 Thirdly His self-deniall he was mighty in that he was higher and greater then any then all he had more then all others and yet he forsooke all for others he emptied himselfe of all never any so high and never any so low never any so rich and never any so poor as he never any so glorious and never any counted so vile and this not by
What ever other ends Christ might have in this prohibition it plainly speaks that he was not desirous of vain-glory Secondly In that he sought not his own profit he did none of his mighty workes for money he had no designe to enrich himselfe by his workes he sought not Theirs but them he did not ask them what they would give him and he would heale them he did not say for so much I will heale thee of thy Leprosie for so much I will cast out the uncleane Spirit c. Christ had an heart free from the desire and love of money and we never reade that ever he received any from any man for any thing he did This Mighty One was above gifts and Rewards from men Twentithly Mighty in his Victories he had many Adversaries and met with much opposition yet he overcame All so he saith of himselfe Rev. 3.21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne even as I also Overcame and am set down with my Father on his Throne First Over the World the world was an enemy to him and hated him because he did testifie of it that the workes thereof are evil and did all manner of evil against him they would faine have destroyed him that he might have been no more and to that end they condemned killed and buried him and then they thought they had overcome him but he was not destroyed for he rose againe and now liveth being set downe at the right hand of the throne of God and so he became victorious over all their hatred malice and persecution so much he told his Disciples to comfort them in their Tribulation in the world Joh. 16.33 In the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good chear I have overcome the World Secondly Over sin not his for he was without sin but ours sin was an enemy to him and came against him in its strength viz. the Law for the strength of sin is the Law and did condemne him so that he died for our sins sin did its worst but could not destroy him for he endured and overcame it according to that in 1 Pet. 3.18 For Christ hath once suffered for sins the Just for the unjust that he might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh but Quickned by the Spirit Sin indeed was in the world and reigned like a Mighty King over all unto Death but Christ came and cast downe sin from its Throne and brought it into Captivity yea by his death he overcame it he put away sin by the sacrifice of himselfe Heb. 9.26 And as for sin in respect of himselfe he kept it at a great distance from him and would not let it come neere him he stood like a Mighty One farre above it keeping it under for the Law of his God was in his heart and none of his steps did slide he was holy harmless undefiled and separate from Sinners Heb. 7.26 Thirdly Over Death that Mighty Adversary by death he overcame Death like a Mighty victorious one he brake through Death it being not possible that he should be holden of it Act. 2.24 And being raised from the Dead dieth no more Death hath no more Dominion over him Rom. 6.9 So that according to what is prophecied of him He hath swallowed up Death in Victory so that now we may say O death where is thy sting O grave where is thy victory 1 Cor. 15.54 55. Fourthly Over the Devil that Mighty One whose principall aime and designe was against Christ But he overcame that Wicked one and that through Death Heb. 2.14 For as much as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himselfe likewise took part of the same that through Death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the Devil yea he triumphed over him according to that of the Apostle Col. 2.15 speaking before of his blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against us and nailing it to his Crosse saith Having spoiled principalities and powers he made a shew of them Openly triumphing over them in it Further Christ is not onely Mighty in the victories which his right hand have gotten over these Mighty Lords who have devoured so many but also in the victories which he will get over them hereafter for these his enemies are up againe against him and he will be victorious over them The Psalmist sings of him prophetically Psal 45.3 4 5. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh O most mighty with thy glory and thy Majesty and in thy Majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the Kings enemies whereby the people fall under thee And in this posture John saw him Rev. 6.2 And I saw and behold a white horse and he that sate on him had a bow and a Crowne was given unto him and he went forth Conquering and to Conquer The world is up and Christ will never leave till he hath overcome it till he hath brought in the Generality of men viz. Jews and Gentiles to be subject to him to be one sheepfold under him the Great Shepheard and Prince whom the Lord hath set over them according to the prophecies of him Ezek 34. 37 Chapters And as for his deadly enemies that will not that he should reigne over them he will slay them with the breath of his lips Rev. 19. from the 11 verse to the end John saw him in a warring posture with the Beast and the Kings of the earth and their Armies which were gathered together to make warre against him and the issue was The Beast was taken and with him the false Prophet that wrought Miracles before him these both were cast alive into a Lake of fire burning with Brimstone and the Remnant were slaine with the sword of him that sate upon the horse which sword proceeded out of his mouth Sin is up against him now he is in heaven Idolatry is up in the Nations of the world Antichristianisme is up prophaness is up ungodliness and unrighteousness is up in the earth and the Lord Christ will not cease working till he hath rooted out sin till he hath destroyed all the workes of the Devil And according to what is prophecied of him Isaiah 42.4 He shall not faile nor be discouraged till he hath set Judgement in the Earth The Devil is up also and hath great wrath against him and all his and however he may for a time prevaile to the deceiving of the Nations yet he shall be overcome in the end Rev. 20.9 10. Fire came downe from God out of heaven and devoured the Nations and the Devil that deceived them was cast into the Lake of fire and brimstone where the Beast and the false Prophet are shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever Secondly Mighty in his Offices which are three King Priest Prophet First He
is a King and that is an office which speaks might and power a King notes Supremacie in respect of others 1 Pet. 2.13 but Christ is not onely a King and mighty in that regard but also a Mighty King a King above all other Kings he is a King higher than the Kings of the earth Psal 89.27 The Prince of the Kings of the Earth Rev. 1.5 Lord of Lords and King of Kings Rev. 17.14 He is a mighty King First In himselfe and that especially in two things First In majesty and glory excellent majesty is upon him The Psalmist singing of him and his kingdome saith Gird thy sword upon thy thigh O most mighty with thy glory and thy majesty and in thy majesty ride prosperously c. Psal 45.3 4. See a â—lymspe of his glory in his Type Soâ—â—mon The Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel and bestowed upon him such Royall majesty as had not been on any King before him in Israel yet behold a Greater than Solomon is here for Solomon in all his Glory was not arrayed like unto Christ of this Glory the Apostles had a sight according to the words of Peter We were eye-witnesses of his Majesty for he received from God the Father honour and Glory when there came such a voice to him from the excellent Glory This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased and this voice which came from Heaven we heard when we were with him in the holy Mount 2 Pet. 1.16 17 18. And Paul stiles him even him that was crucified The Lord of Glory 1 Cor. 2.8 Secondly In wisdome and understanding he was and is greater and above all others both men and Angels in understanding There was excellent Wisdome found in Daniel but there was more and more excellent in Christ God gave Solomon wisdome and understanding exceeding much and largeness of heart even as the sand that is on the Sea-shore and Solomons wisdome excelled the wisdome of all the children of the East Country and all the wisdome of Egypt for he was wiser than all men and all the Earth sought to him to heare his wisdome which God had put in his heart 1 Kings 4.29 30 31. 1 Kings 10.33 But behold a Greater than Solomon is here in this respect Math. 12.42 Even he in whom are hid all the Treasures of wisdome and knowledge Col. 2.3 The very wisdome of God 1 Cor. 1.24 Secondly He is Mighty in his Subjects two things considerable in his Subjects which speak forth his Mightiness First Their Mightiness his Subjects are Saints and Nations and both sorts are mighty his Saints are excellent ones Subjects of the highest ranke they are Kings and Priests being advanc'd to that Dignity by himselfe Rev. 1.6 Men of other spirits redeemed from among men who have all Earthly things under their feet such as regard not Silver nor yet delight in Gold The Law of the mouth of their King being better to them than thousands of Gold and Silver as also men of valiant and couragious spirits for the honour of their King upon Earth not loving their lives unto the Death Rev. 12.11 The Nations of the Earth also are full of Mighty Ones men of high degree and all the Kings Princes Potentates Rulers chiefe Captaines Great Lords all the Mighty men of Valour all the Worthies and men of Renowne and all the wise and Honourable ones of the Earth are his Subjects the excellency and mightiness of the Subjects speak forth the mightiness of the King how mighty must he needs be who have all the mighty Kings and Princes of the world under him Secondly Their multitude he hath more Subjects than any if Solomons Subjects were so great a people that could not be numbred nor counted for multitude how great and numerous or rather innumerable are Christs Subjects who are all people Nations and Languages Dan. 7.14 And these are not onely his Subjects in respect of the Right and extent of his Dominion but also in respect of their submission and obedience to him for all Dominions shall serve and obey him Dan. 7.14 27. Yea all kingdomes shall resolve into his kingdome The joyfull sound of the Seaventh Angel and the great voices in Heaven which John heard proclaimed the largeness and amplitude of the kingdome of this King saying The kingdomes of this World are become the kingdomes of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reigne for ever and ever and if in the multitude of people is the Kings Honour Pro. 14.28 then surely he is a mighty and honourable one that hath such multitudes under him Thirdly He is mighty in his Rule and Administration both towards his loyall Subjects and desperate Enemies The Administration of Christ towards his faithfull ones is chiefly in two things in both which he appeares to be Mighty First Preservation for he preserveth the faithfull even all them that love him he is mighty to save and defend them against all the mighty ones that rise up against them he hath been and is a strength to the poore a strength to the needy in distresse a refuge from the storme a shaddow from the heate when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storme against the wall The Psalmist singing of him and his kingdome saith He shall deliver the needy when he cryeth the poore also and him that hath no helper he shall save the soules of the needy he shall redeeme their soules from deceit and violence Psal 72.12 13 14. And for this reason the Prophet Zephany calls upon Zion to sing and rejoyce The King of Israel even the Lord is in the midst of thee thou shalt not see evil any more The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is Mighty he will save Zeph. 3.14 15 17. And this is the confidence of his Subjects The Lord is our Judge the Lord is our Law-giver the Lord is our King he will save us Isa 33.22 And he is not onely mighty to save their bodies from destruction but to save their soules from sin and death for that was the reason which the Angel gave Joseph before Christ was borne why he should be called Jesus Math. 1.21 Thou shalt call his Name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sins And in this he is mightier than all other Kings who cannot deliver any of their Subjects soules none of them can by any meanes redeem their Subjects nor yet their own soules but stand in need of this Mighty One to save them Secondly Remuneration he is not unrighteous to forget the worke and labour of love which any of his Subjects do shew towards his Name but will give reward unto his servants the Prophets and to the Sâ—ints and them that feare his Name small and great and his Reward is great becoming such a Mighty King to bestow he will plentifully reward all his faithfull constant Followers and his reward is First Everlasting life This Christ promised to his self-denying
blood as a mighty Advocate he plead for them in a way of Justice And upon this the servants of God may and do bear themselves in case of sin according to that heart-unholding word 1 John 2.1 My little chilâ—â—â—n these things write I unto you that ye sin not and if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous Upon this did that good woman that we read of in History bear her self who being charged and accused and much put to it by the Devil said Though I cannot answer thee my Advocate can meaning Christ And the Apostle did apprehend so much of the mightinesse of Christ in his performance of this part of his Priestly work as that he layes the stress of his peoples eternal salvation upon it Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Thirdly To offer up the gifts and services of the people Heb 5.1 8.3 And this Christ doth also and that powerfully and effectually for he doth not take the prayers praises and spiritual services of his people and barely offer them up to the Lord but by and through him presenting them they are acceptable to God 1 Pet. 2.5 His very presenting the persons and performances of his people unworthy and imperfect in themselves is sufficient to make them acceptable to God and therefore he is mighty in that part also of the work 〈◊〉 a Priest Fouâ—â—â—ly To blesse the people Numb 6.23 24 25. This also Christ doth and in this he is mighâ—ier than all other Priests which were before him which is evident in that First He blesseth more than they they blessed but a few in comparison of those he blesse they but the Nation of the Jews at the most they but one Nation he all the Nations of the world both the Jews and the Gentiles also according to the promise of God of old to Abraham so often repeated That all the Nations of the Earth should be blessed in him And for this end did God send him according to the words of Peter to the Jewes Acts 3.25.26 Ye are the children of the Prophets and of the Covenant which God made wite our Fathers saying unto Abraham and in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed Vnto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him to blesse you in turning away every one of you from your iniquities And Paul tells the Galatians That Christ hath redeemed them from the curse of the Law being made a curse for them that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ Gal. 3.13 14. Secondly He blesseth with more and more choice blessings than any other Priest he blesseth not onely with bodily but with spiritual and with all spirituall blessings with blessings for this life and all estates and conditions therein and with blessings for the life to come Thirdly He blesseth more eminently than they he doth not only wish blessed but make blessed he doth not only pray for a blessing for his people but he doth authoritatively pronounce them blessed Seventhly In the unchangeableness and everlastingness of his Office when the Lord made him a Priest it was for ever The Lord hath sworn and will not repent thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec And by this also doth the Apostle exalt Christ above all other Priests Heb 7.22 23 24. They truly were many Priests because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death but this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priest-hood wherefore he is able to save c. Thirdly Christ is a mighty Prophet this plainly appears by the words of the Disciples to himself inquiring about the things which came to passe in those dayes Luâ—e 24.19 which they said to be concerning Jesus of Nazareth which was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people His mightiness in this respect is manifest First In his Original for though all other true Prophets be of Gods raising up and sending yet he more especially it is peculiarly prophecyed of him Deut. 18.15 The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee He is a Prophet of Gods special sending he sent him in a more eminent way than he did others he sent him immediately from himselfe Nicodemus exalting him above others saith John 3.2 We know thou art a teacher come from God He came from God otherwise than other Prophets did it is said of him alone That he came out from God even from the bosome of the Father where he was Secondly In his Qualification he came out from God and he came throughly furnished for the discharge of this Office even with the whole mind of God and with a sufficiency of power to make it known the Lord speaking of him saith Isa 42.1 Behold my servant c. I have put my spirit upon him he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles and himself saith Isa 61.1 2. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me he hath anointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted to proclaim liberty to the captives c. He was full of the Spirit and of power by the Spirit of the Lord. Thirdly In his Commission and his Commission is answerable to his Qualification God gave him largely of his Spirit and he gave him a large Commission abundance of teaching-power and abundance of teaching-work See both his Qualification and his Commission Isa 42.1.6 7. I have put my Spirit upon him I will keep thee and give thee for a Covenant of the people for a Light of the Gentiles to open the blind eyes to bring out the Prisoners from the Prison and them that sit in darknesse out of the prison-house As also Isa 49.6 He is not only Gods servant to raise up the Tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel but saith God I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth He is the great Prophet he hath the grand Commission the whole work of teaching and saving souls is committed unto him alone and he hath undertook it he is the Lord of the Harvest and all other faithfull Teachers they are but his servants and labourers he is the chief Shepherd all others are inferiour to him being appointed by him to feed the Flock of God in a word the Father sent him and gave him all power both in Heaven and Earth and he sendeth others even all that are sent Mat 28.18 19 20. Jesus came and spake unto them saying All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth Go ye therefore and teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father c. Fourthly In his Execution and exercise of this Office
In the time of his Ascension Luke 24.52 These carriages of the Generality of the people declare his mightiness Secondly In the carriage of his Enemies even in their worst carriages viz. First Their persecutions for that he was so persecuted of the Mighty Ones of the world was because they lookt upon him as a Mighty One and were afraid of him lest he should become mightier then they and indeed persecution of any person or party do usually arise from feare in the persecutors lest such a person or party should prevaile against them It was evidently so in the persecutions of Christ as soone as he was borne he was persecuted by Herod that Mighty One he sought to destroy him and it was from feare for hearing of one born King of the Jeweâ— and some coming from farr to worship him being led to him in an extraordinary way he was troubled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 very much terrified and all Jerusalem with him It is also said Mark 11.18 The Scribes and the chiefe Priests sought how they might destroy him For they feared him because all the people were astonished at his doctrine And when some told the Pharisees what things Jesus had done Then gathered the chiefe Priests and the Pharisees a Councel and said what do we for this man doth miracles if we let him thus alone all men will beleeve on him and the Romanes shall come and take away both our place and Nation and from that day forth they took councel together for to put him to death Joh. 11.46 47 48 53. And History tells us of some Emperours who have been so troubled with the Feare of one King Jesus taking away their Crownes as they have sought the destruction of the whole lineage of David so that it is apparent that the very persecutions of his enemies spake him to be a Mighty One one whom they durst not let live Secondly Their Combinations and confederacies against him there were and are combinations of the mighty against him yea strong Combinations against him First A Combination of all Interests both civil ecclâ—siasticall and military as is evident in the words of Peter and John recorded Acts 4.25 26 27. Lord thou art God which hast made Heave and Earth c. who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said Why did the Heathen rage and the people imagine vaine things The Kings of the Earth stood up and the Rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his Christ For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus whom thou hast anointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together with Luke 19.47 The chiefe Priests and the Scribes and the chiefe of the people sought to destroy him thus all sorts of Interests were ingaged against Christ Secondly A Combination of all they have which may be reduced to three heads First A Combination of powers and strength For both Herod and Pontius Pilate and the chiefe Priests and others joyned their severall powers and Authorities against him and as it was then so it was to be afterwards as is manifest by the Angels explanation of Johns Vision to him Rev. 17.12 13 14. The ten Hornes which thou sawest are ten Kings which have received no kingdome as yet but receive power as Kings one houre with the Beast These have one minde and shall give their power and strength unto the Beast These shall make warre with the Lambe And this John saw yet more fully Rev. 19.19 I saw the Beast and the Kings of the Earth and their Armies gathered together to make warre against him that sate on the Horse and against his Army Thus the powers and forces of the world combine against Christ Secondly A Combination of policy and Councel The Enemies of Christ consulted together with one Consent and were confederate against him They consulted together how to intangle him in his talke how to apprehend him how to put him to death how to conceale his Resurrection Math. 22.15 Math. 26.3 4. Math. 27.1 Math. 28.12 Of this the Psalmist speaks The Kings of the Earth set themselves and the Rulers take Councel together against the Lord and against his Anointed Psal 2.2 Thirdly A Combination of purses they had all one purse against him this is evident in his Apprehension for the chiefe Priests and Captaines covenanted to give Judas money Luke 22 4 5. As also in his Resurrection being apparent to the Souldiers who also declared it to the chiefe Priests they spared no cost to prevaile with the Souldiers to conceale the same They gave large money to them to stop their mouths from publishing the Truth and to open them to tell a lie Math. 28.11 12 13. Thirdly A Combination against him and all of him They combined against his person to put him to death as a Malefactor against his Doctrine to keep or cast it out as error against his servants to root them out of the Earth as evil doers against his Kingdome to suppresse that as some hurtfull dangerous thing As their hatred was of the whole kind viz. Christ and those that were Christs so they combined against him and all of him both persons and things that the name of Christ might be no more in Remembrance And that they durst not deale with him singly but thus combined together against him is a plaine demonstration of his mightiness Thirdly In the carriage of his servants towards him as First Their confidence in him In all their difficulties dangers and distresses relating both to soule and body he is their confidence for supplyes succours and salvation neither is he the confidence of some onely but of all his servants not of the Jews onely for many yea many thousands of them have beleeved on him Acts 20.21 but also and especially of the Gentiles according to the prophecy of him Isa 11.10 He shall stand for an Ensigne of the people to it shall the Gentiles seeke which the Apostle explaines and calls a Trusting in him Rom. 15.12 In him shall the Gentiles trust and thus he is the Confidence of all the ends of the Earth and of them that are a far off upon the Sea and how mighty must he needs be that is the sole trust and confidence of all the truely wise holy and faithfull ones among men Secondly Their Confession of him As the Lord requireth confession with the mouth as well as faith in the heart Rom. 10.9 10. so the servants of Christ are not satisfied that they beleeve on him onely in secret as their Prince and Saviour but by their profession proclaime him to be so on the house-top being neither ashamed nor afraid to confesse him before men that others might also know and acknowledge him with them And as Confession of him is as Luther saith Virtus virtutum et summum ac difficillium opus the most excellent and difficult worke and that which some beleeevers have not been able to do Joh. 12.42 So
for the mighty such as are able to revenge all wrongs done unto them Posse et nolle nobile The Mighty Ones of the world are usually hasty soon angry and presently set upon those that offend them but it is the glory and excellency of Christ that he is great in power and yet slow to anger and bears long with sinners and enemies he doth at this very day with much long-suffering endure the manifold indignities contradictions and rebellions of sinners against himself in which respect he excels other Mighty Ones Sixthly He is Mighty and Allmighty He is Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending The Lord which is and which was and which is to come The Allmighty Revel 1.8 Other Mighty Ones can do great things but he can do all things others are potent but he is the Lord God Omnipotent Rev 19.6 and so higher and greater than they Seventhly He is mighty and alwayes mighty Other Mighty Ones they faint and their strength faile them Isa 40.30 they grow weary and weak and cease to be Mighty at least so mighty as they have been I cannot do as I have done is the voice of other Mighty Ones but Christ the Lord the Mighty One fainteth not neither is weary his strength faileth not he is as mighty as he was when God first put his Spirit upon him as his strength was then so it is now and so it ever shall be He is the same yesterday to day and for ever Heb 13.8 His Mediatorship was as powerfull before as after his exhibition in the flesh in which respect he is said to be a Lamb slain from the foundation of the world Rev 13.8 and will be hereafter even at the very last end of all things as effectual as it is now or hath been heretofore Eighthly He is mighty and the onely Mighty One he is mighty and none besides him the Father alwayes excepted who hath put all things under him power is Christs peculiar he is Plenepotentiarius the Proprietary of power and the Distributer of it others who are called mighty are not so compared with him for He is the one Lord over all Zech 14.9 and they his Subjects who must bow down before him either freely or unwillingly and therefore he is called by the Apostle 1 Tim 6.15 The blessed and onely Potentate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords 9. He is the Mighty One that is truly that and doth that which other Mighty Ones are said to be and are not and do not that which is falsely ascribed to others is truly attributed to him for though the worlds mighty ones are accounted mightier than indeed they are this Mighty One cannot be esteemed mightier than indeed he is History tell us that Canutus King of England being flattered by his Subjects and called King of Kings Most mighty c. went and sate down by the Sea-side commanded the floods arising and coming nigh him nor to touch him nor his cloaths but the floods came and made him start back and he said to his Lords Lo ye call me such a mighty King yet I cannot cause this little water to stay at my command but it is ready to drown me but Christ can do this The Sea and the winds obey him and whatsoever any of the mighty ones of the earth undertake to do and cannot accomplish He is not onely called Mighty but he is mighty and acts mightily He is without any flattery or Hyperbole Most High most Mighty most Sacred most Excellent yea He is Excellency Highness Holiness Mightiness and Majesty it selfe Thus Christ doth not onely appear to be mighty but to be mightier and more excellent than all others we have heard and read of many mighty famous Ones both in Sacred and Common writings as Nimrod Pharaoh Moses Joshua Gideon Sampson David Solomon * Alexander the Great Pompey the Great and others who have done great and mighty things but Christ excels them all and is greater than any than all of them indeed he is so mighty that he is above the understanding of men he is great in power and we know him not we cannot find him out great things doth he which we cannot comprehend Quest How came Christ to be such a Mighty One Answ If we consider him in his Eternal Essence and Being abstractively from his Humane Nature as he is one with the Father from Eternity so his mightinesse and dignity is of himself and not from any other but if we consider him as undertaking and carrying on the work of Mediatorship between God and man in the humane Nature which he assumed so he is said to be made Mighty The Apostle Peter speaking of him as such saith Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus whom you have crucified both Lord and Christ Acts 2.36 In which respect God is said to do what he did as appears by the words of Peter in the same speech to the men of Israel Jesus of Nazareth a man approved of God among you by miracles wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you Acts 2.22 And thus Christ becomes Mighty through the Father First Through the Fathers mission the Father sent him and that 's his strength and therefore he speaks much of it upon all occasions nigh forty times in John besides several other places he hints that the Father sent him and that he came not of himself but proceeded forth and came from God God cannot say of Christ as of those Prâ—phets mentioned Jer. 14.14 I sent them not neither have I commanded them and as they were weak and could not profit the people being not sent of God Christ being sent of God becomes mighty to accomplish whatever he undertook Had not God sent him he could not have spake with such Power and Authority could not have done such wonderful works nor have undergone and suffered such grievous torments as he did but being sent of the Father and knowing that the Father sent him he was full of might courage and confidence to do and suffer what was the Will of his Father that sent him Gods mission makes mighty it was that which enabled Gideon to be a Saviour to Israel Judges 6.14 The Lord looked upon him and said Go in this thy might and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites have not I sent thee He that is sent with full Authority and Power from some mighty Prince to transact his affairs is thereby mighty coming and acting as one sent by him Christ came and acted as one sent from the absolute Monarch of all the world the most high â—od of Heaven and Earth and he having given all power and authority into his hands he is exceeding mighty to perform the will of him that sent him Secondly Through the Fathers Unction he was full of power and might by the Spirit of the Lord the Anointing of the Lord makes mighty It was that which
made David Solomon Cyrus and others mighty to do the worke of God in their severall generations and it is that which makes Christ so Mighty for being anointed with the holy Spirit above others he became mightier than all others The Lord anointed him King in which respect he is in a peculiar manner called Gods Anointed Psal 2.2 and thence it is that he is so mighty to rule both able to save and to destroy The Lord anointed him to preach good tidings unto the meeke and sent him to binde up the broken-hearted Isa 61.1 with Luke 4.18 and thence it was that his words were with such power and efficacy And the Lord anointed him Priest and so he was Mighty to offer up himselfe without spot to God and his blood also Mighty and effectuall to purge the Conscience from dead workes according to the words of the Apostle Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the Eternall Spirit offered himselfe without spot to God purge your Conscience from dead workes to serve the living God And Peter in his Sermon Act. 10.38 gives this very account of Christs might and mighty workes viz. That God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the holy Ghost and with power who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil for God was with him And himselfe saith Joh. 8.29 He that sent me is with me the Father hath not left me alone And thus through the Spirit of the Lord resting upon him even the Spirit of might according to what was prophesied of him Isa 11.2 he is Mighty Reasons why Christ is a Mighty One Reas 1. For the Fathers Glory that the Father might be glorified in the Son for as it had been a disparagement and dishonour unto God to have sent a weake insufficient one so it is the Fathers glory that he hath sent a Mighty One one like unto himselfe able to save to the uttermost all them that come unto God by him Heb. 7.25 It is the Fathers glory to have such a Son so Mighty a one and that not onely because he himselfe did glorifie him on earth but because others also did glorifie him because of his Son for when the people even the multitude saw the mighty works and miracles which he did they marvelled and glorified God Math. 9.8 Math. 15.31 Mark 2.12 Luke 5.26 Reas 2. For the Sons glory that Christ might be honoured as well as the Father Christ himselfe gives this reason why the Father made him such a Mighty One Joh. 5.22 23. The Father Judgeth no man but hath committed all Judgement unto the Son That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father and by this the Father drawes the thoughts and hearts of men to the Son so as they receive and entertaine him as the Redeemer of the world For Christ being a Mighty one and sufficiently manifesting and evidencing himselfe to be The Christ the Son of the Blessed by doing the Works which none other man did neither could do many beleeved on him and became followers and honourers of him Reas 3. Because of the worke which God hath sent him to do which was hard worke beyond the skil and strength of men and Angels to performe for it was to redeeme a weake captivated cursed people from the power of Sin World Death and Devil those mighty Adversaries and to raise them up unto a participation of his holiness and glory It is Requisite there should be a proportion of strength in every Agent to the work which he hath to do that if the worke be difficult the Agent should be strong And it hath been the usuall way of the most wise God to suite persons to things who though he hath and doth sometimes make use of weak ones for Great and weighty and difficult services yet doth alwayes make them mighty and sufficient for the work whereunto he calls them he did so with Gideon David and others And thus it was and is with Christ for being sent to save he was and is therefore mighty to save being sent to redeeme he is a strong Redeemer that he may thoughly plead his peoples Cause and disquiet and confound all their enemies The Spirit of God in the Prophets speaking of the great work of Christ in the execution of his Regal and Prophetical Offices makes mention of his mightiness and ability thereunto Isa 42.1 4. Behold my servant whom I uphold I have put my Spirit upon him he shall bring forth Judgement to the Gentiles He shall not faile nor be discouraged till he hath set Judgement in the Earth Micah speaking of him as the Ruler in Israel saith He shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord in the Majesty of the Name of the Lord his God and they shall abide for now he shall be great unto the ends of the Earth Mic. 5.4 The Apostle also treating of his Priestly Office saith That he through the Eternal Spirit offered himselfe without spot to God Heb. 9.14 Quest Whence is it that men despise and oppose this Mighty One Ans 1. It is through that Enmity which is in their hearts against him God hath according to his word Gen. 3.15 put Enmity between the Serpent and the Woman and their seed and from this Enmity as from a cursed root proceeds that evil fruit of opposition against Christ which will not cease till the Enmity be abolished This very account doth Christ himselfe give of his enemies opposition against him in one of his parables Luke 19.14 His Citizens hated him and sent a Message after him saying we will not have this man to reigne over us Secondly It is through the ignorance that is in them not knowing him whom they persecute It was so with Paul when Christ spake to him saying Saul Saul why persecutest thou me He said who art thou Lord and the Lord said I am Jesus he knew not Christ Act. 9.4 5. And thence it is that he saith speaking of his being a persecuter and injurious I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbeliefe 1 Tim. 1.13 From hence it was even from their ignorance that the Princes of this World did so oppose and persecute him in his Person they knew not the wisdome of God for had they knowne it they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory 1 Cor. 2.7 8. And himselfe gives the same reason of his suffering and persecution in his Members Joh. 16.2 3. He saith to his Disciples They shall put you out of the Synagogues yea the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will thinke he doth God service and these things will they do unto you because they have not knowne the Father nor me Thirdly Through unbeliefe for though they heare of his Mightiness and power yet they do not beleeve the report thereof though not one halfe of the greatness and power of Christ have been told them but the words of them that declare it seeme to them
as Idle taleâ— and they beleeve them not and then no wonder they despise and reject him They do not beleeve his Omnisciencie but say concerning their actions How doth he know can he judge through the darke cloud Job 22.13 and so they become bold to speak and act against this Mighty One like those whom the Prophet complained of to the Lord Psal 94.5 6 7. They breake in pieces thy people O Lord and afflict thy heritage they slay the widdow and the stranger and murther the Fatherless yet they say The Lord shall not see neither shall the God of Jacob regard it Or if they do beleeve that he is Mighty yet they do not beleeve that he will be so severe and terrible to his enemies as many conceive and speake giving no heed to what is written concerning him especially Psal 2.9 12. Psal 72.4 Psal 110.6 Isa 11.4 2 Thes 1.7 8 9. Thus falsely concluding in their own spirits that there is no great danger in opposing him they readily venture thereupon to their own destruction Fourthly Through confidence in their own strength thinking of themselves more highly than they ought to thinke they are carried forth to undertake more than they are able to performe The Mighty Ones of the Earth do conceit conclude within themselves that they have a sufficiency of counsel and strength to eâ—â—â—â—nter with this Mighty One. Pharaoh that mighty one was so confident in his own strength that he scorn'd and opposed the Almighty for he said Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice to let Israel go I know not the Lord neither will I let Israel go Exod. 5.2 Likewise Sennacherib King of Assyria trusting to the multitudes of his Chariots c. sent a challenge to the living God exalted and lifted up himselfe on high even against the holy One of Israel Isa 36.18 19 20. Chap. 37.23 When men are confident to overcome they are bold to oppose Fifthly Through their putting afarre off the day of his wrath and vengeance they take boldness to rebell against him And though they heare of his Indignation and furious rebukes to be poured out upon them yet they see that through his patience long-suffering there is respite and so like Pharaoh they harden their hearts against him they say as they Ezek. 12.22 The dayes are prolonged and every vision faileth and because sentence against themselves and other evil workers is not executed speedily in stead of submitting unto him against whom they have sinned theâ—r hearts are fully set in them to do more evil Eccl 8.11 and at length become mockers and scoffers at him and his word saying Where is this Mighty one where is the promise of his coming where is his kingdome and power and glory and thus become abusers and persecutors of his servants upon the Earth Sixthly Because they are afraid he will take away their deare enjoyments from them their power pompe pleasures profits If Christ would be with them as a sojourner and stranger and not meddle with their matters they would let him alone but they feare he will be a Prince a Judge amongst them and drive them from their stations and pull them downe from their state Isa 22.19 and therefore they thinke it wisdome to oppose him betimes When Tiberius the Emperour of Rome sent to the Senate and required that the Image of Christ might be set up in the Capitol They returned Answer that if that were set up all the other Images of their Gods must downe Potestas Christi non est privativa sed cumulativa The power of Christ doth not deprive men of any good but conferrs and multiplies blessings upon the heads of all those that submit to it It being the readiest way for Kings Princes and Potentates of the world to reigne long and safe to set their Thrones beneath the Throne of this Mighty One whom God hath made and exalted Lord over all But for as much as the high and honourable ones of the earth are afraid he should bring them into contempt and shame they desperately oppose this Mighty One. Seventhly Because of the present seeming meanness contemptibleness of this Mighty One. The Prophet Isaiah speakes of him as one despised and rejected upon this account Isa 53.2 3. He hath no forme nor comeliness and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him he is despised and rejected of men Though Christ's doctrine and works among his own Countrymen were even to astonishment yet because he had such a meane outside a meane trade and kindred he was without honour among them Mark 6.3 4. Christ is without outward splendor and worldly glory and therefore he is both lightly esteemed by the worlds Mighty Ones and greatly opposed Vse 1. Of Information First It informes Gods people what manner of Saviour they have some yea many who call Christ Lord know not how great he is I may say to such in honour to Christ what Pilate said in contempt of him to the Jews John 19.14 Behold your King behold your Saviour what a great and a Mighty One he is your Saviour is more than another Saviour he is the chiefe of ten thousand farre excelling all the worlds Saviours Among all the Gods of the Heathen and among all the wise and mighty Ones of the Nations and in all their Kingdomes there is none like unto him Secondly It informes us of the safe and happy condition of those that are Christ's they do indeed dwell on high being built upon the rock which is higher than they and all their enemies so that we may say to the righteous that it shall be well with him in the most perilous times Isa 3.10 11. and though they be as sheepe in the midst of wolves yet being in the hands of their great Shepheard this Mighty One they are safe yea so safe that none can harme them For saith Christ I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand my father which gave them me is greater than all and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand I and my Father are one Joh. 10.28 29 30. Paul also speaking of their safe and blessed estate saith Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit Though there be many indictments and accusations brought in against them yet no condemnation but being in him and walking in him they are free and safe and feare no evil Hence the blessed Apostle sends a challenge to all the enemies of Gods Elect saying Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect it is God that justifieth Who is he that condemneth It is Christ that died yea rather that is risen againe who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us Nay they are not onely safe in tribulation distresse
persecution famine nakedness peril sword but in all these things they are more than Conquerours through him that loved them Rom. 8 33 34 35 37. And of this priviledge of the Lords people the Prophets have spoken eminently to be enjoyed in the Reigne of this Mighty One. David Psal 72.7 saith In his dayes shall the righteous flourish and abundance of peace so long as the Moone endureth Isaiah saith Behold a King shall reigne in righteousnesse and Princes shall rule in Judgement and a man shall be an hiding place from the winde and a covert from the Tempest c. Isa 32.1 2. Jeremy saith Behold the dayes come saith the Lord that I will raise unto David a righteous branch and a King shall reigne and prosper In his dayes Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell safely and this is the name whereby he shall be called The LORD our Righteousnesse Jer. 23.5 6. And to this agreeth also the Prophesie of Ezekiel which saith I will make with them a Covenant of peace and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the Land and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness and sleepe in the woods They shall be safe in their Land and shall know that I am the Lord when I have broken the bands of their yoke and delivered them out of the hands of those that served themselves of them and they shall no more be a prey to the Heathen neither shall the beasts of the Land devoure them but they shall dwell safely and none shall make them afraid Ezek 34.25 27 28. Thirdly It shewes us the aggravation of the evâ—l of unbeliefe were Christ a meane weak one there might be some plea for unbeliefe the unbeleever might excuse himselfe saying I was afraid to trust him I durst not commit my soule body name estate and concernments into his hand but when a soul refuseth to beleeve on him who is declared and manifested as well by work as word to be so mâ—â—hty in every respect it is inexcusable The men of Nineveh who repented at the preaching of Jonas and the Queene of the South who came from the uttermost parts of the Earth to heare the wisdome of Solomon shall rise up in the Judgement with such and condemne them seeing a Greater than Jonah and Solomon is with them The Evangelist John mentioneth the wonderfull workes which Christ did among the Jewes as the Aggravation of their unbeliefe Joh. 12.37 Though he had done so many miracles before them yet they beleeved not on him Thence Christ is said to Vpbraid the Cities wherein most of his mighty workes were done because they repented not it being a greater evil in them not to repent than in others amongst whom Christ did not shew himselfe so mighty To heare and not to beleeve on Christ the Mighty Lord who speakes from heaven is that which makes unbeliefe to be such a mighty sinne Heb. 12.25 Fourthly It discovers a ground for the Saints Expectation of great things The Saints are in expectation of perfect Redemption and most glorious salvation to be wrought for them by Christ and there is good ground for it for besides the promise of God who is faithfull here is the Ability of Christ who is Mighty to performe the Fathers will Great ones use to be active The Mighty Kings and Princes of the Earth do not alwayes sit still only waite for opportunities for great and weighty undertakings This Mighty One the Lord Christ though he hath done great and marvellous things will shew himselfe yet more glorious than ever for he hath yet but begun to shew his servants his Greatness and his Mighty hand onely he waites till the set time be come and then he will arise and redeeme Israel from all his iniquities and troubles Psal 130.8 The Disciples of Christ who saw his might and power in the dayes of his flesh became expectants of great things to be done by him We trusted said the two Disciples speaking of Jesus of Nazareth a Prophet mighty in deed and word that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel Luke 24.19.21 The Apostles when Christ was assembled together with them asked of him saying Lord wilt thou at this time restore againe the kingdome to Israel Acts 1.4 6. His Answer was no check to their expectation but a reprehension of their over-curious affectation to acquaint themselves with the particular time in which they should behold the glorious accomplishment of so certaine a blessing And seeing this Mighty One is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the Heavens Heb 8.1 his servants may expect that he will appeare in the presence of God for them yea that he shall appeare the second time without sin unto their evident and everlasting salvation Heb 9.28 Paul speaking of himselfe and other faithfull followers of Christ saith Phil. 3.20 21. Our conversation is in heaven from whence also we looke for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himselfe Fifthly For the discovery of false Christs The true Lord Christ hath told us that in the last dayes there shall arise false Christs as well as false Prophets Math. 24.24 And this doctrine doth informe us how to know them from the true The true Christ is thus mighty and it follows that others who are not so mighty whatsoever they may pretend are not the true Christ Therefore when false Christs shall arise and shall come and say I am Christ beleeve them not neither go after them but labour to know their power and not their speech onely 1 Cor. 4.19 for the kingdome of God is not in word but in power vers 20 whether they be mighty as the true Christ is And though they should shew signes and wonders to deceive you try whether they be equall with this Mighty One who thought it no robbery to be equall with God For though some may boast themselves and their mouths speak great swelling words of vanity yet their deficiency and insufficiency for such things as he did speak them to be false Christs and deceivers As there never did heretofore so there never will any one arise in every respect so mighty as Christ by which he may be knowne to be the true Christ from all others Vse 2. Of conviction to false worshippers who neglect and slight this Mighty One. First To the Jews who do not beleeve that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ the Messiah that was promised and the main plea which they have for their unbelief is because he did not appear to be so mighty as become the Saviour of the world he came not in worldly glory he had no stately Palace was not cloathed in Purple did not fare deliciously he was not in form and fashion like the mighty ones of the earth and therefore they expect and look
he hath undertaken to do by his own Power is really to dishonour him Fourthly To all Despisers and Contemners of Christ For though he is mighty yet he is despised and rejected of men This was and is the sin of the Jews they so far despised him that they denyed him and desired a murtherer to be granted unto them Acts 3.14 And they call him at this day in contempt Talvi the hanged man and his Disciples The followers of the hanged man And this evil is common among the Gentiles also yea multitudes of those that name the name of Christ are guilty of this iniquity so vile and abominable are many as to despise him in their hearts and works whom in words they professe to honour as their Prince and Saviour The very Turks will condemn such Christians for it is said They suffer no man to blaspheme Christ but honour him and speak reverently of him though they do exceedingly vilifie Christians for being so unlike to him The greatness and danger of this evil the Apostle sets forth in his Epistle to the Hebrews Chap 10. vers 28 29. He that despised Moses Law dyed without mercy under two or three witnesses of how much soarer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy who hath trodden under foot the Son of God Wherefore then are ye not affraid to despise and speak against this mighty One. Vse 4. Of TERROR to the wicked For if Christ be so mighty where shall the sinner and ungodly the Enemies of this Mighty One appear 1 Pet. 4.17 18. Surely they shall be broken in pieces like a Potters Vessel Psal 2. they shall perish and be as the fat of Lambs they shall consume into smoak shall they consume away Psal 37.20 for they will not be able to stand before this mighty One when he cometh to judge the earth in righteousnesse it will be ill especially with these First The Refusers of his Grace those that now make nothing to refuse him and his grace that speaketh from Heaven shall not be able to escape the severity of this Mighty One against them for despising the riches of his goodnesse Rom 2.3 4. for they that have slighted his greatest love must look to endure his fiercest wrath One main end of his coming in great power and glory is to punish such 2 Thess 1.7 8 9. He shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power Secondly The Opposers of his Reigne For this Mighty One will not spare neither will he have pity nor have mercy on them His fury against such is fully set forth in the Parable recorded Luke 19.27 where he saith But those mine enemies which would not that I should reign over them bring hither and slay them before me He speaks it not of such that gladly would though sin prevails but of them that would it not Thirdly The Oppressors of his servants For though men now count it a small matter which God calls a mighty sin Amos 5.12 To afflict the just and oppresse the poor and say that God regards it not yet this Mighty One will arise and take vengeance for them and that to purpose for he shall break in pieces the Oppressor Psal 72.4 yea he shall cut him in sunder and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth Matth. 24.49.51 Fourthly The Scoffers at his coming For those that now mock and scoffe saying Where is the promise of his coming as those in 2 Pet. 3.3 4. they shall find that the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is no devised fable Chap. 1.16 but a real yea a powerful appearance against them to their destruction as Isa 5.28 29. Who may abide the day of his coming And who shall stand when he appeareth Malachi 3.2 This Doctrine speaks terror more especially to the great and mighty Ones of the Earth for against them will Christ appear with greatest indignation He shall strike through Kings in the day of his wrath and he shall wound the heads over many Countreys Psal 110.5 6. Yea he will be so terrible to them that they shall not know how to endure him but seek by any means to hide themselves from him Revel 6.14 15 16. The Kings of the Earth and the great men and the rich men and the chief Captains and the mighty men and every bond-man and every free-man hid themselves in the Dens and in the Rocks of the Mountains and said to the Mountains and Rocks fall on us and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the Throne and from the wrath of the Lamb for the Great day of his wrath is come and who shall be able to stand And CHRIST will be MOST TERRIBLE TO THEM Reas 1. Because it is a just and righteous thing that he should be so seeing they are not onely most of them against him for not many mighty not many noble are called 1 Cor. 4.26 but they are often his greatest Enemies do most despise and reject him and oppose his Kingdome and Power hence saith the Psalmist The Kings of the Earth set themselves and the Rulers take Councel together against the Lord and against his ANOINTED Psal 2.2 The Great men have altogether broken the Yoke and burst the Bonds Jeremy 5.5 And Christ accepteth not the persons of Princes nor regardeth the rich more than the poor but will render to every one according to his works they that offend most against him must look to suffer most from him Reas 2. Because it is to his honour for by this he gets himselfe a great name of strength and power having and exercising Dominion over the mighty he is the more feared and glorified of men The Prophet Isaiah tells us Chap 2. That the day of the Lord of Hosts shall be upon every one that is proud end lofty and upon every one that is lifted up and he shall be brought low upon all the Cedars of Lebanon that are high upon all the Oaks of Bashan upon all the high mountains and upon all the high hills that are lifted up and upon every high Tower and upon every fenced Wall upon all the Ships of Tharshish and upon all pleasant Pictures and the loftinesse of man shall be bowed down and the haughtinesse of men shall be made low and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day vers 12 13 14 15 16 17. Christ doth therefore ingage with the Mighty because he shall be exalted in their fall especially Quest If Christ be such a Mighty One why do the wicked live become old yea are mighty in power flourish and prosper in the world and go so long unpunished Answ Dost thou not know that the wicked are reserved to the day of destruction they shall be
50.33 34. Therefore though you be not affraid of them yet be affraid of Christ their King who in the midst of them is Mighty to save them and to destroy you Ye mighty ones of the world who intend mischief against Christs Servants know that he will one day arise and say as that Great Prince Ahasuerus to Queen Esther when she had told him of the Design of wicked Haman against her and her people Esther 7.5 Who is he and where is he that durst presume in his heart to do so and then like Haman you will be affraid before this King and his people whom now you despise Oh that you would consider the danger you are in which you may easily apprehend from those precious though dreadfull words of Christ Matth. 18.6 Whoso shall offend one of these little Ones which beleeve in me it were better for him that a milstone were hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the Sea Therefore lift not up your horn lift not up your horn on high though you be never so high and mighty Christ this Mighty One is now the Judge having all power in his hands he putteth down one and setteth up another Ps 75.5 7. and he avengeth the evil which is done unto his Servants Vse 6. Of EXHORTATION 1. To Christs Enemies 2. To his Servants First To his ENEMIES Submit subject your selves to him strive not with a Mighty man saith one surely it cannot be safe to strive with this Mighty One. Your security lyes in submission not in opposition in kissing the Son not in kicking against him Therefore O ye sinners ye mighty ones lay down all your weapons and your selves at his feet The men of this world desire peace with those that are mightier than they Luke 14.31 Acts 12.20 Learn of them to humble your selves under the mighty hand of Christ who is a King against whom there is no rising up as Prov 30.31 What the Lord speaks in faithfulnesse and with affection to the Kings and Judges of the Earth I may say to them and all others 〈◊〉 stand out against this Mighty One Be wise now therefore O ye Kings be instructed ye Judges of the Earth serve the Lord with feare and rejoyce with trembling kisse the Son lest he be angry and ye perish from the way when his wrath is kindled but a little Blessed are all they that put their trust in him Psal 2.10.11 12. And if you be in such danger of perishing when his wrath is kindled but a little what will ye do when the great day of his wrath is come Rev 6.17 the day that shall burne as an Oven and all the proud and all that do wickedly shall be stubble and the day that cometh shall burne them up that it shall leave them neither root nor branch Mal. 4.1 And whosoever thinkes either to prevaile against him or to escape from him they imagine a vaine thing For First By WISDOME and POLICY shall no man prevaile against him God turneth the wisdome of the wise into foolishness he leadeth Councellours away spoiled and maketh the Judges fooles Job 12.17 What Great and deepe policie did Saul use against David a Type of Christ to keep him from the Kingdome he set him over the men of Warre and when he saw that all Israel loved him in a way of subtilty he proffered him his Daughter thaâ— she might be a snare unto him and he â—â—sired no dowry but an hundred foreskins of the Philistines for he thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines 1 Sam. 18. and oft-times he sought to kill him both by open war and privately but notwithstanding all his policy he lost his kingdome and his life too and David possessed the kingdome What deeper policy could Herod have used to destroy Christ when he came into the World or the Jewes to hinder his Resurrection yet could not prevaile verifying the words of Solomon Pro. 21.30 There is no wisdome nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD Secondly And by STRENGTH shall no man prevaile 1 Sam 2.9 He is mighty in strength who hath hardened himselfe against him and prospered he will lead Princes away spoiled and overthrow the Mighty yea the Couragious among the Mighty shall flee away naked in the day that he ariseth You that are strong have you an Arme like him or can you thunder with a voice like him Know that it is altogether in vaine to strengthen your selves against Christ for by reason of his Highness and Mightiness you shall not be able to endure Thirdly Neither will RICHES profit in the day of his wrath Pro. 11.4 For though the rich mans wealth is his strong City and as an high wall in his own conceit Pro. 18.11 yet it cannot preserve him from perishing by the hand of this Mighty One so that there is no way to escape but by a hearty submission to the Son of God Neither let the Greatest and highest of the Earth thinke themselves too Great and High to stoop to him to whom every knee shall bow Rom 14.10 11. for it is no weakness nor baseness but true mightiness and nobleness of spirit to be willing to be overcome by and to him yea the Greatest honour attainable here consists in fullest subjection and serviceableness to this Mighty One The consideration of which should cause strangers and enemies freely to submit themselves unto him as Psal 18.44 Psal 66.3 Besides he hath power to forgive sins past and to make Rebels Favourites in the Court of Heaven Psal 68.18 and he waites that he may be thus gracious to them 2 Pet. 3.9 Yea though he be a Mighty One the King of Glory who could destroy the strongest in a moment yet he knocks yea he condescends to stand and knock at the doore of their hearts desiring to enter in that he might do them good Rev 3.18 19 20. Therefore Open to the King of Glory that he may come in Psal 24.9 10. and rule in you and over you for ever And as you have been much in rebellion against him be much in subjection to him Secondly To CHRISTS SERVANTS If Christ be Mighty First Feare him O ye his Saints feare not man nor any of the sons of man that shall dye that are as grasse but feare this Mighty One the Lord that liveth for ever Isa 51.12 13. He that hath all power both in Heaven and Earth Math. 28.18 let him be your feare let him be your dread Isa 8.13 and not the Mighty or rather weak ones of the world that kill the body and after that have no more that they can do Luke 12.4 The Prophet Jeremiah advancing the true and living God above all Idols saith to the house of Israel Be not afraid of them for they cannot do evil neither also is it in them to do good Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee O Lord thou art great and thy name is great in might who would not
feare thee O King of Nations for to thee doth it appertaine Jer. 10.5 6 7. And this is the summe of the triumphant Song of them that get victory over the Beast Rev. 15.3 4. Great and marvellous are thy works Lord God Almighty just and true are thy wayes thou King of Saints who shall not feare thee O Lord and glorifie thy Name Secondly Trust in him he is a sure foundation all the powers of Earth and Hell cannot move it He is a fit object for your faith seeing he is the LORD Mighty to save and to save to the uttermost out of the deepest dangers and troubles you can be brought into Heb 7.25 yea he hath redeemed the soules of his servants from deceit and violence heretofore and will for ever shew himselfe strong on the behalfe of those whose hearts are stay'd on him Psal 26.3 4. And therefore though ignorant worldlings slight and reject this Mighty One and place their confidence in Kings Princes Horses Chariots which do faile them often yet do you that know his great and glorious Name put your trust in him Psal 20.7 8. yea at what time you are afraid either of spirituall or temporall evils trust in him in whom is everlasting strength Psal 56.3 you shall finde him sufficient for you and faithfull to you He that beleeveth on him shall never be confounded 1 Pet. 2.6 Thirdly Prize him above all Prize him according to his excellent greatness This was Gods designe in making him mighty Joh. 5.22 23. Do you further it what in you lyeth by honouring the Son even as you honour the Father If the people prized David farre above themselves saying Thou art worth ten thousand of us 2 Sam. 18.3 how should we value Davids Lord our Lord who is the onely Potentate King of Kings and Lord of Lords above our selves and all things else 1 Tim 6.15 Fourthly Stand by him stand by his cause and interest all your dayes Worke and love righteousness evermore though you be persecuted for its sake yea though many should forsake him through the unbeliefe of their hearts as the Disciples did of old yet stand by him and his work of righteousness For he is Mighty to save you Isa 63.1 It was Shammah's commendation that he stood it out and defended the Field alone when all the people fled from the Philistines 2 Sam. 23.12 and the Lord wrought a great Victory Stand by this Mighty One though alone Though you that be faithfull be but few and weake and ingaged against mighty Adversarâ—â—s The Devil the World and the Flesh yet be bold and couragious and go on with confidence in your holy warre you March under the Banner of a Mighty One who is the Captaine of salvation Heb 2.10 who hath conquered mighty Enemies and will not rest till he hath destroyed every evil work worker 2 Tim. 4.16 18. Christ saith Luther hath destroyed many great Kings and laid them in the dust For my part I will hold with him and on his side rather than with the Turke with the Emperour and the whole universall world Let his Resolution be yours its rationall to be on the strongest side Fifthly Blesse God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who of his rich mercy and by his great power hath drawne you out of the world and separated you from your companions and brethren in iniquitie and brought you from under the Dominion of other Lords who were not able to save you to be under this great and Mighty One. Pauls heart was wonderfully taken with this grace as appeares by his words Col. 1.12 13. Giving thanks â—nto the Father c. Who hath delivered â—s from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdome of his deare Son Blesse God for this unspeakable grace Yea Blesse God for that great grace vouchsafed to thee that in thy unregenerate estate thou wert not confounded and destroyed for and in thy opposition against Christ for he is Mighty and could have done it Suppose a child should take a stick in its hand and go into the Lions den and there strike the Lion and the Lions whelpes the young Lions and continue beating them for some time with all its might and yet the Lion not teare this child nor meddle at all with it but the child returne without any hurt done to it what will this child say when it comes to mans estate It will be filled with amazement and astonishment when it shall be told what it did and how it escaped surely it will cry out with wonder what a mercy what a providence past finding out that I was not devoured I stroke the Lion which was wont to devoure others You that are Christs servants you have been the Enemies of Christ and his people you have as it were struck at the face of Christ by your opposition against him yea peradventure you have continued some time beating Christ and his servants provoking Christ the Lion of the Tribe of Judah against you and yet he did not teare you in pieces as he did others but you are escaped oh study what rich mercy and grace it is that such a bold rebellious wretch as you have been should be spared by this Mighty One Surely you cannot look back upon such delivering grace without wondring and being melted by it into love and submission to Christ who hath thus loved and saved you from perishing in and by your iniquities Sixthly Lastly If Christ be Mighty Labour to get much of Christ to be Christians indeed not by profession of the Name onely but by participation of the Spirit of Christ that so receiving the Anointing you may be Mighty also He was full of might by the Spirit of the Lord Isa 11.2 Let us seek to be mighty not by carnal might nor power nor sword but by the Spirit of the Lord. He was mighty in Faith let us be so a strong mighty faith in a mighty Christ is very sutable he was mighty in love to us let us be so to him let us love him with all the heart with all the soule with all our strength He was mighty in patience Let us get much of that grace also for we have need of patience that after we have done the will of God we may inherit the promise Heb 10.36 He was mighty in zeale let us be so even a peculiar people zealous of good works Tit. 2.14 Doctr 2. God hath appointed This Mighty One Christ to be an help to his people This Doctrine hath two Branches 1. That Christ is an help to his people 2. That God hath appointed him thereunto First That CHRIST IS AN HELP appeares First In the TYPES of him both REALL as chiefly the Passeover Mannah the Rock the Brazen Serpent which were types of Christ and for the good and help of the people 1 Cor. 5.7 8. Ch. 10.3 Joh. 2.14 and PERSONALL as a Moses b Josuah c Act. 2.29 20. 13.34 35. David
Christ did not many mighty works in his own Countrey because of their unbelief Math. 13.58 If thou dost not beleeve that he can and will help thou canst not expect he should help Secondly When they set about any work without his call The Lord hath been wont to help in those things he hath called his Servants to as might easily be made manifest in Moses Josuah Gideon David and others but when his People have run and he sent them not they have been without his help in such undertakings When the children of Israel would invade the Land of Canaan without Gods call they were smitten and discomfited Numb 14.44 45. And though Josiah was a good man yet going to fight against Pharaoh Necho contrary to the mind of God he dyed for it 2 Chron 35.20 21 22 23. They that act without Christs call are like to act without his help Thirdly When they undertake any work though never so good and excellent in at self in their own strength without engaging him to their help he helps them not as in the case of Peter it was a good work and much conducing to the honour of Christ which Peter undertook but trusting to his own strength Christ left him to miscarry in it John 13.37 38. Fourthly When the eyes of his people are upon some other besides him or when they joyn some other with him to help then he usually leaveth both him that helpeth and him that is holpen to fall together Isa 31.3 The Lord was Israels help when he was their God alone and none other with him Deut 32.12 The LORD alone did lead them and there was no strange God with him When the Spouse shall lean upon Christ her Beloved and upon other Lovers also then Christ withholdeth his help from her Fifthly When they have any sinister ends and aims in what they do for though the work be good yet if a mans end be bad Christ doth not usually further him in it as when a man in Preaching Praying or any part of Religion seeks not so much Christs honour as his own praise and profit he cannot expect neither doth he ordinarily receive such help from the Spirit of Christ therein They that seek not Christs things but their own shall not prosper Jer 10.21 Haggai 1.4 6 9. Sixthly When they refuse to be holpen by him Christs Servants are sometimes more especially in great dangers and straits and stand in need of his help and though Christ shew himself willing and ready to save and deliver them yet such is the folly and untowardnesse of their spirits that they will none of his help but rather chuse to suffer through walking in the wayes and imaginations of their own hearts than to be delivered in their hearkning to his counsel and submitting to his will and then no wonder Christ helps not this was the frame of spirit and sad condition of Jerusalem which Christ lamented over Jerusalem was in danger Christ would have holpen her but she would not Christ lets her alone and the issue is sad Matth. 23.37 38. O Jerusalem Jerusalem thou that killest the Prophets and stonest them that are sent unto thee how often would I have gathered thy children together even as an Hen gathereth her Chickens under her wings and ye would not behold your house is left unto you desolate Quest What shall Gods people do when Christ helps not First Seriously consider and lay it to heart as a matter of greatest concernment and trouble to us So did Joshua when the Lord withheld his help from Israel Joshua 7.6 8. Josuah rent his cloathes and fell to the earth upon his face before the Ark of the LORD untill the even-tide he and the Elders of Israel and put dust upon their heads and Joshua said Alas O Lord God wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to destroy us would to God Hebr O that we had been content and dwelt on the other side Jordan Oh LORD what shall I say when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies We should look upon it as that wherein both God and his People suffer God suffers in his name when he doth not help his people His and their enemies blaspheme his name Sometimes they cast dirt upon his power saying The Lord cannot help nor save sometimes upon his goodnesse and mercy The Lord will not help sometimes upon his Truth and Faithfulnesse The Lord hath forgotten his people Hence saith Joshua What wilt thou do for thy great name And his people they must needs suffer when he with-draws his hand they are endangered and trampled upon by their enemies and the suffering of Gods Name and the distresses of his Servants must not seem a light thing in our eyes Nehemiah's frame and carriage under such a dispensation is worthy of imitation When he heard that the Remnant that were left of the Captivity were in great affliction and reproach that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down and the gates thereof burnt with fire he sat down and wept and mourned certain dayes and fasted and prayed before the God of Heaven Neh 1.3 4. And this is that which Jerusalem lamented with much bitterness of spirit Lament 1.15 16. The Lord hath troden under foot all my mighty men in the midst of me he hath called an Assembly against me to crush my young men the Lord hath troden the Virgin the Daughter of Judah as a Wine-presse For these things I weep mine eye mine eye runneth down with water because the Comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me It 's just matter of mourning and lamentation when the appointed helper and Saviour doth not help nor save Secondly They should diligently search out the cause and reason why Christ helps not For if the Lord cease to help his People there is some cause for such a dealing as there is for what evil soever the Lord bring upon them Ezek. 14.23 And when the Lord slacks his hand concerning the help of his Servants it s their present work and duty to look narrowly about them and in them to find out the cause thereof When the Lord denyed Israel his help against the men of Ai he told them the cause of it There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee O Israel and commanded and directed them to seek and they found it out Achan was taken and the Silver and the Garment and the wedge of Gold his Sons Daughters Asses Sheep Tent and all that he had and they stoned him and burned them with fire Joshua 7. This was part of Jobs work in his affliction to find out the cause of it and that he might know it he begs of God to shew him wherefore he contended with him Job 10.2 Thus did David also in his distresse Psa 22.1 My God my God why hast thou forsaken me why art thou so far from helping me And we find the Faithful in their
low and helplesse estate calling upon one another to this very thing Lament 3.40 Let us search and try our wayes and turn again to the Lord. Thirdly They should humbly acknowledge and really forsake those evils wherewith they have provoked Christ to with-hold his help from them in time of need The Faithful do not onely complain of their misery and troubles but they confesse and forsake their iniquities when Nehemiah considered the afflicted condition of the People he doth not onely put them upon fasting and confession but upon reformation also Neh 13. This is that which the Lord so frequently calls for at the hands of his people Turn turn your selves from all your transgressions And they also call upon God for this Lam 5.21 Turn thou us unto thee O Lord. Fourthly They should earnestly cry to the Lord for help This hath been the course of the servants of God of old whereby they have prevailed with God to lift up his hand to their help in time of trouble The Church lifted up her voice in affliction saying Awake why sleepest thou O Lord Arise cast us not off for ever Psal 44.23 Wherefore hidest thou thy face and forgettest our affliction and oppression For our soul is bowed down to the dust our belly cleaveth to the earth arise for our help and redeem us for thy mercy sake This is a tryed means saith David This poor man cryed and the Lord heard him and saved him ouâ—â—f all his troubles Psal 34.6 When the men of Gibeon were in great distresse and danger by reason of five Kings coming against them and needed help they sent to Joshua saying Slack not thy hand from thy servants come up to us quickly and save us and help us Joshua 10.6 So should all the servants of the Lord cry to their Joshua the Lord Christ whom God hath made so strong for them to come and help and save them out of all their troubles When the Disciples were in danger on the Sea and wanted help they cryed to Christ to save them they awaked him and said unto him Master carest thou not that we perish and he arose and rebuked the wind Mark 4.38 39. O ye Saints cry to Christ and the more he seems to neglect you cry so much the more earnestly and constantly and give him no rest till he hear and help and redeem you from all evils Fifthly They should patiently wait upon Christ for help Though Christ do not help presently yet wait upon him for he will help in due time Do as Beggars that have but one doore to go to for bread if none hear nor help them presently they lay them down at the door saying within themselves we will wait here may be their compassions will move them as they passe by to help us God forbid that any of Christs Servants should say either with heart or mouth as that person 2 Kings 6.33 What should I wait for the Lord any longer but rather to follow the counsel of the man after Gods own heart mentioned Psal 37.7 Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for him and for his help though it tarry wait for it because it will surely come it will not tarry and in the mean time know It is a good thing that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD Lament 3.26 Such only shall say and sing in the day that the Lord arise for the help of his people Lo this is our God we have waited for him and he will save us This is the LORD we have waited for him we will be glad and rejoyce in his salvation Isa 25.9 Quest When may Gods people groundedly expect that Christ will help them Answ First When they are afflicted greatly when their burthens are so heavy that they know not how to bear them then the Lord hath been wont to help them The Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigor so that they sighed and groaned by reason of their bondage and the LORD saw the affliction of his people and delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians Exod. 1.13 2.23 3. 7 8. And at another time when God saw the affliction of the children of Israel that it was bitter he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam 2 Kings 14.26 27. This David experienced and acknowledgeth to the praise of God Psal 116.6 10. 16. saying I was brought low and he helped me I was greatly afflicted O LORD thou hast loosed my bonds And he professeth faith in God for the same towards others Psal 18.27 Psal 140.12 Thou wilt save the afflicted soul I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted and the right of the poor The Church in her complaint and prayer to God for help spreads the greatnesse of her affliction before him Lament per totum throughout the Book and concludes saying Remember O Lord what is come upon us consider and behold our reproach Lament 5.1 Secondly When they are forsaken utterly when all creature help failes and ceases The LORD will judge his people and repent himself for his servants when he seeth that their power is gone and there is none shut up nor left Deut 32.36 And according to this word did the Lord do for Israel for when there was not any shut up nor any left nor any helper for Israel he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash 2 Kings 14.26 27. And the efore God is said to be the helper of the Fatherlesse Psal 10.14 And to regard the prayer of the destitute Psal 102.17 Jehoshaphat seeking help of God urgeth him with their weak and destitute condition 2 Chron 20.12 saying O our God wilt thou not judge them for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us neither know we what to do but our eyes are upon thee And to raise Gods Servants expectation of help from Christ in their lowest estate it is prophesied of him Psal 72.4.12 13. That he shall judge the poor of the people he shall save the children of the needy he shall deliver the needy when he cryeth the poor also and him that hath no helper Thirdly When they cry mightily to the LORD for help When Israel was oppressed time after time they cryed to the Lord and he delivered them when the Lord hath a purpose to help his servants he usually poures forth a Spirit of Prayer upon them When the Decree of release from Babylon was ready to issue forth God put a mighty Spirit of Prayer upon Daniel Chap 9. And immediately before God will work deliverance and salvation for Jerusalem he will spirit his servants to cry mightily unto him to do it for them Isa 62.6 7. I have set Watchmen upon thy walls O Jerusalem which shall never hold their peace day nor night ye that make mention of the Lord keep not silence and gâ—ve him no rest till he establish and till he make Jerusalem a praise
Thus it was with the children of Israel Ezek 37.11 Behold they say our bones are dried and our hope is lost we are cut off for our parts But why should Gods people despaire in this respect God can open their graves and cause them to come up out of their graves vers 12. He hath appointed a Mighty one to be an help to them a Mighty Saviour and deliverer who can deliver them when they are at the lowest Fifthly Those that seek and look to others for help in time of trouble as the manner of most is and neglect Christ that cry to the Mighty and wise ones of the Earth help us save us To such I say First It 's in vaine to go to the Creature for help for help is not to be found in it The wisest mightiest richest and honourablest man on earth must say as the King of Israel to the Woman of Samaria crying to him for help saying Help my Lord O King If the LORD do not help thee whence shall I help thee 2 Kings 6.26 27. The Psalmist cryes out once and againe Vaine is the help of man Psal 60.11 108.12 The Children of Israel went downe to Egypt for help but they were a people that could not profit them nor be an help but a shame and reproach Isa 30.2 5. If the Cities of Judah and Inhabitants of Jerusalem go and cry unto the Gods unto whom they offered Incense they shall not save them at all in time of their trouble Jer 11.12 Populous No was situate among the rivers and had the waters round about her the Sea was her Rampart and her wall was from the Sea Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength Put and Lubim were her helpers yet she was carried away she went into Captivity Nah 3.8 9 10. The Church acknowledgeth and bewaileth her fault and condition in this respect Lament 4.17 saying As for us our eyes as yet failed for our vaine help in our watching we have watched for a Nation that could not save us And what is more common and ordinary than for those that conceit and look to receive help from Creatures to meet with disappointments and to finde by experience that they imagine a vaine thing I shall conclude this particular with that serious Affirmation Jer 3.23 Truly in vaine is salvation hoped for from the hils and from the multitude of Mountaines truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel Secondly It is not onely in vaine but dangerous also greatly to the hurt and losse of those that flee to the Creature for help For the Lord will not onely not help but he is thereby provoked to come against such and their helpers too to cause them all to fall And therefore there is a Woe pronounced against such Isa 30.1 31.1 Wo to them that go downe to Egypt for help to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh Israel sought for help from Egypt but received hurt hence God tells the Inhabitants of Egypt that they have been a staffe of reed to the house of Israel When they took hold of thee by thy hand thou didst break and rent all their shoulder and when they leaned upon thee thou brakest and madest all their loins to be at a stand Ezek 29.6 7. If Ahaziah neglect the God of Israel in his sickness and seek help from Baalzebub the God of Ekron God will meet with him for it And he shall not come downe from the bed on which he went up but shall surely die 2 King 1.2 4. Ahaz in his straits sent to the King of Assyria to help him but he received harme in stead of help for it is said he came unto him and distressed him but strengthened him not And Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the Lord and out of the house of the King and of the Princes and gave it unto the King of Assyria but he helped him not and missing of help from him he betook himselfe to false Gods he sacrificed to the Gods of Damascus which smote him and said because the Gods of the Kings of Syria help them therefore will I sacrifice to them that they may help me but they also were far from helping him For they were the ruine of him and of all Israel 2 Chron 28.16 20 21 23. And thus will it fare with the man that neglecting the help of Christ trusteth in man and maketh flesh his Arme Jer 17.5 Thirdly It is sinfull VERY SINFVLL Such like to the children of Israel of whom God greatly complaines Jer 2.12 13. commit two great evils at once they forsake the Lord Christ the Saviour and the Great one whom God hath appointed for their help and chose to themselves Creatures weak Creatures that can afford no help The greatness of this evil consists chiefly in THREE THINGS First It is a despising the riches of Gods goodness In this was manifested the greatness of the love and the riches of the goodness of God to his people that he appointed his onely begotten Son to be an help for them and now for them to refuse his help and to seek to others for help is a despising of the riches of Gods goodness and that is no little evil Rom 2.4 5. Secondly It is also a slighting of Christ yea it is highly dishonourable to Christ whom God hath appointed to help It is not onely a preferring others before him but it is a setting by this Mighty One as needless and a making use of others as sufficient to help This was Israels sin in asking a King to reigne over them when God was their King They slighted the Lord Hence said the Lord to Samuel they have not rejected thee but they have rejected me that I should not reigne over them 1 Sam 8.7 And Samuel charged it home upon them 1 Sam 10.19 Ye have this day rejected your God who himselfe saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations and ye have said unto him nay but set a King over us It is no little sin to tread underfoot the Son of God Heb 10.29 Thirdly Further it is a walking contrary to profession Upon this account Ezra would not seek to the Creature for help against the enemy which did lie in wait by the way Ezra 8.21 22. He betook himselfe to the Lord to seek of him a right way for him and his companions and their little ones and all their substance For saith he I was ashamed to require of the King a band of Souldiers and Horsmen to help us against the Enemy in the way because we had spoken unto the King saying The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him Because it was contrary to his profession he sought not help from the King For men to call Christ LORD and acknowledge him to be King the Saviour helper redeemer and deliverer of all those that trust in him and yet to look to the hils and the mountaines for help
and salvation is to walk contrary to their profession and that is a great evil also Vse III. From hence flow forth several streames of COMFORT to the people of the Lord in their various conditions and employments in this World It holds forth comfort to them First Against mightiest Adversaries They that hate the faithfull without a Cause are many they that would destroy them being their enemies wrongfully are mighty their persecutors are stronger than they Psal 142.6 But here is the Comfort of the Righteous they are not left alone to encounter with these Giants Christ the Captaine of salvation stands at their right hand to help them Psal 109.31 If the Devil stirre up Mighty Ones to hate and persecute Gods servants God answerable thereunto hath appointed a Mighty One yea a Mightier than they to be an help to his people When the Devil himselfe like a Roaring Lyon shall in any speciall manner seek to devoure them 1 Pet 1.8 Christ the Lyon of the Tribe of Judah is at hand to help and deliver them Zac 3.1 2. Rev 5.5 It is the high priviledge of the Church of the living God that Christ the appointed helper thereof is mightier to save than the Devil and all enemies are to destroy Isa 63.1 Yea the very weakness of their Mighty helper and Saviour is stronger than their Adversaries 1 Cor 1.25 27. They may boldly say the Lord is our Helper we will not feare what man shall do unto us Heb 13.6 With this Luther comforted and encouraged himselfe against many and Mighty Adversaries saying Ego habeo qui causam defendat etiamsi totus mundus in me solum insaniat I have one that can defend my Cause although the Whole World should be in a rage against me alone Secondly Comfort against greatest difficulties When the people of God consider what great and hard things even impossible to flesh and blood the Lord hath required at their hands as to Deny themselves to forsake all for Christs sake to confesse him before men and so to walk even as he walked in this world And also compare their great work with their own little strength they are sometimes much discouraged and ready to faint in their work and to say almost despairing Who is sâ—fficient for these things Indeed the strongest are not sufficient of themselves as of themselves to performe the least part of the Lords will as they ought yet the least and weakest of the Saints through Christ that Mighty One helping are well able to overcome all difficulties According to this the Apostle Paul speaks Phil 4.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me Surely it must needs be matter of great joy and comfort to Gods fearing and trembling servants because of difficulties to heare of and experience such an alsufficiency of help as is in Christ for them Thirdly Comfort against deepest troubles Sometimes God shews his people hard things and make them to drinke the wine of Astonishment Psal 60.3 They are sometimes troubled on every side innumerable evils compassing them about Psal 40.12 so that they know not what to do nor how to escape But the Father of mercies will not leave his children to perish in the deep waters of Affliction but hath provided help for them in that estate a Saviour in time of trouble Jacob must have a time of trouble but he shall be saved out of it Jer 30.7 This was Davids faith in his low estate Psal 71.20 21. Thou which hast shewed me great and sore troubles shalt quicken me againe and shalt bring me up againe from the depths of the Earth thou shalt increase my greatness and comfort me on every side And let all the faithfull servants of the Lord who are this day in the deep even overwhelmed with troubles lift up their heads and rejoyce in this grace of God in laying help upon one that is Mighty to redeeme Israel out of all his Troubles Psal 130.8 Fourthly Comfort against weakest Instruments of help He giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might he encreaseth strength Isa 40. at the end If the Instruments he intend to use in his work be dull he can sharpen them He can make the Worm Jacob a new sharp threshing Instrument having teeth to thresh the Mountaines and beat them small Isa 41.14 15. And if the iron be blunt and he do whet the edge he hath so much strength to put to as he can make it do execution to cut asunder what he will have cut asunder It is nothing with him to help whether with many or with few or with them that have no power 2 Chron 14.11 Therefore let the servants of Christ be comforted and encouraged in the Mightiness of their Lord to help though they see nothing but foolish weak base and despised things in his hand to make use of for their deliverance It s the manner of Christ and he gets honour thereby to help by such things he hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty and base things of the world and things which are despised yea things which are not to bring to nought things that are 1 Cor 1.27 The Mightiness of the Agent is an encouragement against the weakness of the meanes Object But many put away from themselves this breast of consolation and object against this Doctrine First Some saying they are not worthy that Châ—ist should help them And though God hath appointed him to be an help to his people yet he will not arise to the help of such obstinate and rebellious ones as they have been and are Answ Christ is a free undeserved help and none of those whose help he hath been were ever worthy of it But he hath remembred his people in their low estate and redeemed them from many enemies and evils not because of their merits but because his mercy endureth for ever The children of Israel were a rebellious and stiffnecked people and yet the Lord saved and delivered them many a time And the Lords hand is not shortned that it cannot save nor his goodness abated that he should not still help his people notwithstanding their unworthiness Secondly Some say that they are of froward discontented and peevish spirits under troubles and Afflictions and Christ will not help such Answ Such a frame and carriage of any of the servants of Christ must needs be a griefe and trouble to his soule but yet their hope of help from him in time of need is not hereby cut off The children of Israel were a froward murmuring generation and yet the most high God was their help from time to time The tender-hearted mother is as ready to succour and help her froward discontented child that cryes night and day as the rest of her children And surely Christs succour and help extends as farre as any mothers on earth Thirdly Some say That Christ hath
to spoil his goods Luke 11.21 22. therefore COMMIT ALL TO HIM I. Commit your SOULS to him They are your most precious Treasure therefore it doth greatly concern you to look well to them especially in perilous times that they may be safe commit therefore the keeping of your souls to this Mighty One 1 Pet. 4.19 who alone is able to keep you from falling by the hand of any temptation persecution corruption or whatsoever may annoy or indanger you in the way to his Heavenly Kingdome he is the Great Shepherd and Bishop of souls who can preserve feed and nourish them unto eternal life 1 Pet. 2.25 Luther was wont to say Let him that dyed for my soul see to the salvation of it II. Commit your BODIES to him for he is mighty to help and save them also he is ABLE TO HELP AND SAVE THEM First In case of service When the Lord Christ calls his People to his work they oft neglect it with this pretence their bodies are so weak that they cannot do what is required this is sometimes the Ministers Plea for his negligence he is so weak that he cannot Preach much nor oft the Peoples Plea for not hearing we cannot go so far or we cannot sit so long we cannoâ— visit the sick at a distance our bodyes wilâ— not away with journeying This hath been many a Believers Plea for not being baptized their bodies cannot bear it surely say they God doth not call us thus to afflict and endanger our bodyes he will havâ— mercy and not sacrifice But let such know that the Lord Jesus Christ who hath boughâ— the Body as well as the Spirit doth requirâ— to be glorified in with and by the bodyes oâ— his People and seeing he is mighty to help in this respect namely to fit and strengthen the weak bodyes of his Servants in his work as they have oft found by experience it should greatly encourage and engage them to givâ— them up to watching fasting labouring sacrifice or whatever service the Lord shall call them to do Rom 12.1 Secondly In case of sickness and diseases This the Lord commandeth by his Servant James and encourageth to by a gracious promise of help in that respect James 5.14 15. Is any sick among you let him call for the Elders of the Church and let them pray over him anointing him with oyl the Name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up And this was the Primitive Practice both Saints and People committed their bodyes to him and were holpen he healed them all yea many were healed and many signs and wonders were done by the Name of Gods holy Child Jesus in the Apostles dayes Acts 4.30 Acts 8.5 7. 3.6 and therefore let us commit our bodies to this Mighty One let us make him our Physitian he is able to help and heal Thirdly In case of sufferings When you be called to suffer in your bodies whether stripes buffetings imprisonments hunger thirst cold nakednesse or death for the sake of Christ be not fearful nor careful but commit your bodyes and every part thereof to him who is mighty to help in this respect also both to prepare fit and strengthen the body for the enduring these and the like afflictions and also to keep it that it shall not be lost nor perish in any of its sufferings no not a hair or bone thereof Phil 3.21 Luke 21.18 Psal 34.20 but though it dye it shall live again he will raise it in power and glory 1 Cor. 15.43 and therefore men are said only to kill the body not utterly to destroy it Mat. 10.28 III. Commit your Estates to him He is able and he will either keep your estates for you as some of his Servants who have been willing to part with them have experienced whilest others distrusting and not committing them into his hands but seeking to save them have lost them or if you part with them for his sake he will help you to live of a little yea to live more comfortably of a little than you did of a great deal he will make your little that you have in a way of righteousness better than great Revenues without right Pro 16.8 And this Gods People have often experienced and found that saying of Christ verified Luke 12.15 viz That a mans life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth and at last he will restore them with encrease no less than an hundred fold according to those incouraging words of his to his self-denying Disciples Math. 19.29 Mark 10.29 30. Neither shall they onely have more but better things than they lose for Brass they shall have Gold and for Iron they shall have Silver and for Wood Brasse and for Stones Iron for carnall things they shall have spiritual and for temporal things they shall have eternal 2 Cor. 4.16 17 18. Thus will Christ blesse the latter end of his faithfull followers more than their beginning IV. Commit your NAMES to him he is mighty to help his Servants in that respect also And either he will keep up your Names and Reputations among men that your very enemies shall be forced to speak well of you and to acknowledge that you are more righteous than they Or if your Names be covered and buried under reproach and disgrace yet he will raise them up again He will bring forth your righteousnesse as the light and your Judgement as the noon-day Psal 37.2 Yea the time is a coming when he will take away the reproach and rebuke of his people from off all the earth and make them a name and a praise among all people Isa 25.8 Zeph 3.20 V. Commit his CAUSE to him His Cause is the best cause in all the world it is no other thing than truth and righteousnesse it self and it becometh his Servants to do what they can to help it forward but yet not to be so solicitous and careful for it as if the promoting of it depended onely upon them but when they have done what they can to leave it to him who is able to plead and maintain his own Cause against all the enemies thereof What though Truth and Righteousnesse be fallen in the streets and seem to lye dead and buried and almost forgotten by many yea what though instead of Truth there be Errour instead of holinesse there be prophanesse instead of judgement there be oppression and instead of righteousnesse a cry yet he is able to raise up his own Cause and will do it For he shall not fail nor be discouraged till he have set judgement yea till he have established Truth and Righteousnesse in the Earth Isa 42.4 Therefore let none of the followers of Christ be discouraged if at any time the Cause of their Lord do not prosper in their hands according to the desires of their hearts but commit it to him to mannage who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working Isa
28.29 This did David Psal 74.22 saying Arise O God plead thy own cause As also Luther who was wont to say when the Cause of God was low in his hand It is Gods Cause let him look to it Sixthly Commit YOUR OWN CAUSE to him Other Mighty ones may be neglect and condemn your Righteous Cause this Mighty One the Lord Christ who is higher than the highest regardeth and pleadeth the Cause of his People yea he will throughly plead their cause In confidence of this grace of God the Church of old resolving to be quiet under the present dispensation committed her cause to the Lord as appears from those words recorded Micah 7.8 9. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him untill he plead my Cause and execute judgement for me he will bring me forth to the light and I shall behold his righteousnesse then she that is mine enemy shall see it and shame shall cover her which said unto me Where is the Lord thy God When Davids enemies digged pits for his soul and rejoyced over him wrongfully and devised deceitfull matters against them that were quiet in the Land and opened their mouth wide against him saying Aha aha our eye hath seen it He committed his cause to the Lord Psal 35.22 23. This thou hast seen O Lord keep not silence O Lord be not far from me stir up thy selfe and awake to my judgement even unto my cause my God and my Lord. Thus did Jeremy also when his enemies devised devices against him Jeremy 11.20 20.10 11 12. Let then the upright Ones of the earth when they are oppressed and wronged by the wicked of the world be of good cheer and not faint in their minds but commit all to the Lord Jesus Christ who is Mighty to clear and justifie them and to take vengeance for them Seventhly Commit your WORK to him All your work and way especially your difficult work wherein you most need his help look for it God hath appointed him to be an help and he is free to help yea to work all your works in you and FOR you Isa 26.12 Eighthly Commit your CONDITIONS to him Yea let all both the Wicked and the Righteous both Sinners and Saints commit their conditions to him I. SINNERS Commit your Conditions to him that you may not perish in your iniquities he onely can help you First There is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby you can be saved Acts 4.12 Neither is there need of any other forasmuch as he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him Heb. 6.7 And therefore hasten away from the Devil world and your own selves and all vanities lest they be your ruine and commit your Conditions to him and you shall find help and healing of all your wounds and in the end everlasting life Acts 13.38 39. Secondly Are you laden with sin so that you cannot look up with any confidence or cheerfulnesse of spirit Psal 40.12 Despair not do not say There is hope as Jer 2.25 Christ hath both power to forgive and destroy sin his blood can cleanse from all sin Mat. 11.28 1 John 1.7 9. His Spirit can crucifie the flesh with the affections and lusts Rom. 8.11 13. Thirdly Are you ignorant of the way of salvation Do you sit in great darkness God hath given him to be a Light to the Gentiles to open the blind eyes Isa 42.6 7. and he can make you that are darknesse light in the Lord as those in Eph 5.8 him self hath said That he is the light of the world and he that followeth him shall not walk in darknesse but shall have the light of Life John 8.12 Fourthly Are you the Devils Captives and Slaves to do his will Jesus Christ can deliver you from that servitude also he can turn you as he hath others from the power of Satan unto God Acts 26.18 to be his Servants and Sons blessed for ever Yea however it is with you he can help you therefore to day while it is called to day while he tenders his help and salvation do not neglect it lest hereafter when you call and cry to him for it he refuse to hear you at all Heb 2.3 3.7 11. Prov 1.22 23 24. II. SAINTS Commit your Conditions to him also your most afflictive Conditions Cast all your burthens upon him according to that word Psal 5.22 Cast thy burthen upon the Lord and he shall sustain thee I. Commit your OVTWARD CONDITIONS to him all your bodily concernments and troubles As First Your Reproach he is mighty to roll it away Jos 5.9 And he will assuredly bring forth the righteousnesse of his people as the light and their judgement as the noon day Psal 37.6 Secondly Your Poverty and low estate as it is said Psal 10.14 The poor committeth himself to thee thou art the helper of the fatherlesse It is the work of this Mighty One to deliver the needy when he cryeth the poor also and him that hath no helper Psal 72.12 Thirdly Your oppressions and persecutions he can deliver from them he can and will burst every band and take off every yoke and also break in pieces the oppressor Psal 72.4 II. Commit your INWARD SPIRITVAL Conditions to him First All the troubles and burthens of your spirits which are most heavy and hard to bear as it is written A wounded spirit who can bear Prov 18.14 Make use of the arm of Christ which he stretcheth out for your help your souls support and salvation and come to him according to his gracious invitation all you that are weary and heavy laden and he will give you rest Mat. 11. at the end and you shall find help in every time of need Heb 4. Secondly Are you such as the Devil tempteth and thrusts sore against that you might fall Commit that condition to Christ that he may be your helper therein forasmuch as he is appointed of God and in that himself hath suffered being tempted is able to succour them that are tempted Heb 2.18 And to keep you from falling Jude 24. Thirdly Have you been overcome by the Tempter Still look unto Christ who is mighty to recover you out of the snare of the Devil to raise you up again 1 Joh. 3.8 Fourthly Are you men and women of sorrowfull spirits and full of heavinesse Lye at the feet of him whom God hath sent to comfort all that mourn to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion to give unto them beauty for ashes the oyl of joy for mourning the garment of praise for the spirit of heavinesse Isa 61.2 3. Fifthly Do you find a Combate within you the flesh lusting against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh so that you are hindred from doing the good you would Gal. 5.17 and sometimes brought into captivity to the Law of sin that you even cry out like wretched undone men Who shall deliver us from the body of this