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
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
he shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David and he shall reigne over the house of Jacob for ever and of his kingdome there shall be no end To the Shepheards Luke 2.10 11. The Angel said unto them feare not for behold I bring you good tydings of Great joy which shall be to all people for unto you is borne this day in the City of David A Saviour which is Christ the Lord. Sixthly The testimony of Enemies and the testimony of Adversaries is of greatest validity The Jews themselves testified that he was a Mighty One Joh. 11.47 48. The chiefe Priests and the Pharisees gathered a Councel and said What do we for this man doth many miracles If we let him thus alone all men will beleeve on him so likewise John 12.19 The Pharisees said among themselves Perceive ye how ye prevaile nothing behold the world is gone after him Josephus the Jew who was borne not long after Christ writeth There was at this time One Jesus a wise man if it be lawfull to call him a Man a worker of most wonderfull miracles and a Master and Teacher of all such men as are willingly content to embrace the truth Yea the Jews do grant and record Christs miracles and make mention of many wonderfull workes which Jesus did that are not written by our Evangelists As the Authour of the book call'd Proofes of Christianity observeth The very Turkes give this testimony of him That he was a great Prophet Mighty in word and deed and that the Jews did evill in crucifying of him Yea the Devils themselves confessed and acknowledg'd him to be a Mighty One For they came out of many crying out saying Thou art Christ the Son of God Luk. 4.41 So vers 33 34. A man which had a spirit of an uncleane Devil cryed out with a lowd voice saying Let us alone what have we to do with thee Thou Jesus of Nazareth art thou come to destroy us I know thee who thou art The holy One of God Sixteenthly Mighty in same he is of Great fame In the dayes of his flesh as soone as ever he began to preach and work miracles his fame went thorowout all Syria In what Land or Country soever he was his fame spread abroad in all that Country his fame was not onely spread thorowout all the Land of Israel but also into many other Nations of the world by the Preaching of the Apostles for he sent them into all Nations into all the world Math. 28.19 Mark 16.15 Repentance and remssion of sin being to be preached in his Name among all Nations beginning at Jerusalem and they accordingly went and made him knowne where ever they came and the word of the Lord mightily prevailed and his fame hath spread abroad ever since It hath of late spread in New-England and other parts so that his Name is Great in the world his fame is gone into all Lands even the fame of him as of a Saviour a deliverer a Mighty One Seventeenthly Mighty in his Attendance Not onely men Disciples but the Angels also ministred unto him The Angels declared his Conception and birth and attended him when borne an Angel appeared to direct Joseph for his preservation Math. 2.13 Saying arise and take the young child and his mother and flee into Egypt c. When he had been tempted of the Devil Angels came and ministred unto him Math. 4.11 When he was in his sufferings there appeared an Angel unto him from heaven strengthening him Luk. 22.43 At his Resurrection an Angel from heaven came and rolled back the stone from the doore of the Sepulchre and sate upon it and declared his Resurrection to the Women Math. 28.2 5 6. Yea two Angels in white sate the one at the head and the other at the feet where the body of Jesus had layen John 20.12 When he ascended two Angels attended him Act. 1.10 When he shall come againe he shall come attended with his Mighty Angels 2 Thes 1.7 For he shall come in his Glory and all the holy Angels with him Math. 25.31 And when he shall sit upon the throne of his glory thousand thousands shall minister unto him and ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands stand before him Dan. 7.10 Rev. 5.11 Eighteenthly A Mighty One in holiness and righteousness so holy as he is called by way of eminency The holy One Act. 3.14 The holy one of God Luke 4.34 None so holy as he so righteous as he is called also the righteous 1 Joh. 2.1 The just Act. 3.14 Righteous before God The Lord calls him his Righteous servant Isa 53.11 Righteous also before men even Enemies Pilate who condemned him did a little before pronounce him a Just person Math. 27.24 he took water and washed his hands before the multitude saying I am innocent of the blood of this Just person And Judas who betrayed him cleared Christ and accused himselfe saying I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood Math. 27.4 His mightiness and eminency in holiness and righteousness doth appeare First Generally in his obedience to the will of God he said he came downe from heaven not to do his own will but the will of him that sent him Joh. 6.38 and accordingly he made that his great business and designe while he was on earth his mightiness therein may be seene First In the universality of it he did whatsoever his Father required and left nothing of his will undone he kept the whole Law and offended not in One point he did not onely the easiest and pleasant but also the hardest and most grievous part of his fathers will when his soul was exceeding sorrowfull even unto death he prayed not so much for the removing of that Cup as that his fathers will might be done Math. 26.39 42. Hence that of the Apostle Phil. 2.8 He became obedient unto death even the death of the Crosse Secondly In the exactness and perfection of it he kept the whole Law exactly as he was not wanting in the matter so he did not faile in the manner of performing his fathers will there was no defects nothing lacking in his obedience he did all things well what we are pressing towards and reaching forth unto he attained he was perfect in every good worke and stood compleate in the whole will of his father and hence it is that it is recorded of him that he was without sin knew no sin did no sin which could not be if he had failed in any thing Thirdly In the Constancy of it Christ did not obey by fits but constantly though we cannot he continued in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them This righteous one held on his way he did not faile nor was he discouraged yea when persecution and tribulation did arise against him because of his doing the will of his father he
the death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his life and indeed it is now sufficient for salvation and therefore Christ is said to be able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Heb 7.25 And as the Intercession of Christ is of great use and help to a Christian in all cases so especially in these THREE CASES First In case of sin to that purpose are the words of John 1 Joh. 2.1 If any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous Secondly In case of Satans Temptations and designes against his servants so much may be gathered from the words of Christ Luke â—2 31 32. The Lord said Simon Simon behoâ—â— Satan hath desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat but I have prayed for thee that thy faith faile not Thirdly In case of sufferings It is through the help of Christ by his Intercession that the Elect are made Conquerours and more 〈◊〉 Conquerours in all their afflictions Faith felcheth its chiefe matter of Triumph over Tribulation distresse persecution famine nakedness peril sword c. from the Intercession of Christ Rom 8.34 c. 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 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ shall tribulation c. And thus Christ helpes by the prevalency of his Intercession Branch 2. God hath Appointed Christ this Mighty One to be an help to his people God not man nor yet Christ He hath laid in Zion this usefull Corner Stone Isa 28.16 Behold I lay in Zion for a Foundation a Stone a tried Stone a precious corner Stone a sure foundation God hath laid him and laid him for an help so that he that beleeveth on him shall not be confounded 1 Pet. 2.6 The Lord hath given him to be an help to the people so much the Lord saith by his Prophet Isa 42.6 7. I the LORD have called thee in Righteousnesse and will hold thy hand and 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 darkness out of the Prison-house Yea he was fore-ordained before the Foundation of the world to be an help to Gods people though manifested in the last dayes for them 1 Pet. 1.21 2 Tim. 1.9 10. Reasons why God hath appointed Christ this Mighty One to be an help to his people Reas 1. Because the Lord saw there would be need of a Mighty One and that in severall regards as First The weakness of his people they being a feeble flock of a very little strength and the Lord loves to strengthen the weake hands Feare not thou Worme Jacob saith God I will help thee Isa 41.10 14. Chap. 35.3 Secondly The Difficulty of their worke It is not onely hard but impossible to flesh and blood to performe Every part of it is hard it is hard to beleeve hard to pray hard to deny a mans selfe hard to forsake father and mother wife children brethren and sisters houses and lands and a mans life too for Christs sake Luke 9.23 24. Luke 14.26 It is hard to keep the Commandements of God and the Faith of Jesus Rev 12.11 17. 14.12 And therefore God sent a Mighty One from heaven even his own Son to help his weak servants in all their difficult services Thirdly The Mightiness of their Adversaries who daily seek to hinder and trouble them in their work The Jewes that built the Temple at Jerusalem had mighty Adversaries who hindred them all that ever they could and the Lord put it into the hearts of Darius and Artaxerxes to help thâ—â— Ezra 6.1 7. Ezra 7.12 13. All the people of God may complaine with David That their persecutors are too strong for them neither do they wrestle onely against flesh and blood but against Principalities against powers against the Rulers of the darkness of this world against spiritual wickedness in high places Ephe 6.12 And therefore the Lord sees it needfull to send them a Saviour and a Great one and he shall help and deliver them Fourthly Also the promised exaltation and establishment of his people For God hath promised that in the last dayes the Mountaine of the Lords house shall be established in the Top of the Mountaines and shall be exalted above the hils and all Nations shall flow unto it Isa 2.2 Mic. 4.1 That Jerusalem shall be a quiet habitation a Tabernacle that shall not be taken downe not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed neither shall any of the Cords thereof be broken Isa 33.20 Yea the Lord hath said of Zion I will make thee an eternal excellency a joy of many Generations Isa 60.15 But as yet the people of God are low Zion sits in the dust and is afflicted and tossed with Tempest as yet she is a Reproach and a taunt and a by-word among the Nations so that great things are yet to be done before she be clothed with her promisâ—â— glory But seeing the Lord hath loved her and purposed and promised that she shall be exalted and established for ever therefore hath he laid help upon one that is Mighty to do it for her even Christ Reas 2. For the honour and exaltation of Christ That he who hath borne so much shame and endured such contradiction of sinners against himselfe might be seene and knowne to be the Help Deliverer and Saviour of his people And therefore the Father is said to exalt him in this respect Him hath God exalted with his Right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins Acts 5.31 And by this Christ shall have First The HONOVR of the Saints faith and confidence For in him they shall trust for help in their several conditions According to what was prophesied of him Isa 11.10 To him shall the Gentiles seek or in him shall the Gentiles trust as the Apostle explaines it Rom 15.12 It s honour to Christ that the Saints are looking to him for deliverance and salvation in their straits and Troubles Secondly The HONOVR of the Saints praises When they have found him to be their strength and help they will make him their Song and exalt him in their praises Isa 2.3 4. Their soules will be joyfull in him and rejoyce iâ—â—â—s salvation All their bones shall say LORD who is like unto thee which deliverest the poore from him that is too strong for him yea the poore and the needy from him that spoileth him All Christs saved and delivered ones will cry with a loud voice Worthy is the Lamb that was slaine and hath holpen us and Redeemed us to God by his blood out of every kindred
death Rom 7.19 23 24. Commit this condition to Christ also who is able to subdue your corruptions and to set your souls above your lusts and to make you as he did Paul victorious over all evil so that you shall say with him in the like condition We thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ Rom 7.25 1 Cor 15.57 USE Put your selves into Christs service There are TWO THINGS usually discourage souls from Christs worke the Mightinesse of Christ to help doth encourage against both First DIFFICVLTY Christs service is apprehended to be hard and difficult and the soul that is sometimes somewhat inclined to it doth ordinarily put it off with these or the like arguings I cannot perform it if I should undertake it if I should profess Christ I shall not hold fast my profession but dishonour him by apostacy if I should name his Name and not depart from iniquity I had better make no mention of him I know I shall never be able to pray as others do nor so to learn nor understand the Mysteries of the Kingdome nor to deny my self and forsake all for Christ and therefore I had as good abide aâ— I am and not mind things that are TOO high and HARD for me You know what Answer Christ made to his Disciples in the like case Math. 19.26 With men this is impossible but with God all things are possible And though of your selves as of your selves you are not sufficient for the least of those things 2 Cor. 3.6 yet through the help of Christ you may perform them all he can make the dullest to understand and the weakest mighty to do his will and it is his work to strengthen the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees and to make them that are of a fearfull heart bold and strong yea he performeth all things for his Servants And thus through Christ strengthning of them they experience his burthen to be light and his yoke easie Mat. 11.29 Therefore let not the thoughts nor fears of difficulty hold any off from Christs service seeing he is so able to help Secondly The other Discouragement DANGER He that engageth in Christs work heartily and throughly exposeth himself to danger as some men count danger his Name Liberty Estate and Life it self is in danger of being lost and the consideration of these things keeps off many from professing and serving Christ according to his pure and glorious Gospel But to Answer But what though dangers be many and great it is enough to encourage to his work that Jesus Christ is a Great One and a Saviour mighty to help and deliver in and out of dangers it was dangerous in the eyes of men for Shadrach Meshach and Abednego not to worshâ—p the Golden Image which Nebuchadnezzar the King sat up as the generality of the people did for they were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace and yet they were safe there having the Son of God with them who did so keep them that they had no hurt Dan 3. It was dangerous for Daniel contrary to the Kings Decree to pray three times a day his Windows being open in his Chamber towards Jerusalem for he was cast into the Lions den and yet he was safe there God sent his Angel and shut the Lions mouths so that no manner of hurt was found upon him Dan 6.10 It was dangerous also for Esther to go in to the King contrary to Law And yet it made way both for her own and her peoples preservation and safety It was dangerous likewise for the Apostles and primitive Saints to preach and practise contrary to the commands of the Rulers and customes of the people And yet Jesus Christ being with them according to his promise to help and strengthen them in their work they did wonderfully prevaile and prosper as in Acts 4.18 19 20 29. Acts 5.17 18 19 20-28 29-38 40 41 42. Therefore let not feare of danger hinder any from yeelding up themselves to the service of Christ And you that are so carefull to avoyd danger consider that you bring your selves into the greatest danger by declining his work While you seek to save your selves you loose your souls and selves While you study to escape the danger of mans hatred and wrath you fall into danger of the displeasure of the most high God yea into danger of eternal Damnation Math 16.25 26. Mark 8 34-38 VSE of CAVTION Take heed you do not abuse this Doctrine of the help of Christ. First That you be not idle and negligent It was never the purpose of the Father in his Appointment of Christ to help nor yet of Christ in his willingness and readiness thereunto to exempt his people from any duty but to strengthen and encourage them against every difficulty therein Christs help is not to indulge the flesh but to quicken the dull spirits of his servants Yea the Doctrine of the help of Christ is so farre from being a principle of loosness and slothfulness as that it engageth and worketh up the soules of those that do understand it aright unto a faithfull vigorous and cheerfull performance of the will of God And indeed Christs help doth suppose as his peoples weakness so their willingness and diligence The help of another doth imply that he that is holpen is exercised and doing what he can in his businesse And therefore when Christ is helping be you a working lest you provoke him to anger through your slothfulness for the same Lord Jesus Christ who helpeth the weak and willing will condemne the slothfull servant Math 25.26 This is not spoken to deject those that are grieved and would grieve more for their own slothfulness Secondly That you do not lâ—mit Christ It was the Jewes fault of old for which God was so angry with them They limited the holy one of Israel Psal 78. therefore do not limit this Mighty one and his help at all First Not to MEANS that either he must help by this or that means by this or that person or persons or else not at all This is too usuall among men Naaman will prescribe meanes and limit Elisha to them to accomplish the cure of his Leprosie He was wroth and said Behold I thought he will surely come out to me and stand and call upon the Name of the Lord his God and stroke his hand over the place and recover the Leper Are not Abana and Pharpar rivers of Damascus better than all the Rivers of Israel may I not wash in them and be clean 2 Kings 5.11 12. This was also Moses's fault God bade him speak to the Rock and he neglected that and instead thereof he smote it twice Numb 20.8 11. And surely iâ— is very dishonourable to Christ and unbecoming Saints to limit him to means that can help by what he pleaseth and hath usually holpen and saved his people by weak and foolish things and things
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
The Lyon of the Tribe of Judah Lord The Lord frequently It is divers hundred times simply and absolutely ascribed unto Christ The Lord of the Harvest The Lord of the Vineyard The Lord of the Sabbath The Lord our Righteousnesse The Lord of Life The Lord of Glory Lord of Lords King of Kings Eleventhly He was a Mighty One in his Presentation which though in it self it was but for his Parents to do for him after the custom of the Law in which respect he was but as others yet that two such eminent persons both of singular sanctity among the Jews should by the special direction of the Spirit come into the Temple at that time when Jesus was there in his mothers arms and acknowledge and declare him publickly with great affection and thanksgiving to be the Messias and Saviour of the world doth speak him to be some Mighty One Luke 2. from the 22. to the 40. vers Twelfthly Mighty in his Baptisme which though in it self it was but ordinary with water by John in Jordan both as and where others were and by him also by whom others were baptized yet it was attended with three wonders For straightway coming up out of the waters the Heavens were opened unto him and the Spirit of God descended like a Dove and lighted upon him and there came a voice from Heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased Matth. 3.16 17. Thirteenthly Mighty in his fasting so mighty that he fasted forty dayes and forty nights Matth. 4.2 And it was not a partial but a total abstinence from natural food for in those dayes he did eat nothing Luke 4.2 Neither was he hungry all that time for so much is necessarily implyed Matt. 4.2 When he had fasted forty dayes and forty nights he was afterward an hungred And Luke having spoken of the forty dayes the time of his fast saith When they were ended he afterward hungred Moses indeed fasted the same space of time but there was this considerable difference between Christ and Moses in this respect Moses fasted on the Mount where he was eminently assisted and satisfied by his best and greatest friend The Lord Exod 34.28 Christ in the Wildernesse where he was violently assaulted and troubled by his worst and mightiest adversary the Devil Matth. 4.1 2. This is enough to manifest his mightinesse in this particular Fourteenthly Mighty in his Transfiguration which was a glimpse of his Glory he was transfigured before the Disciples And his face did shine as the Sun and his rayment was white as the light so exceedingly glorious was he Peter was so affected with it as he desired the continuance of it he said unto Jesus Lord it is good for us to be here if thou wilt let us make here three Tabernacles c. Math. 17.2 3 4 5. Fifteenthly Mighty in the Testimony which is given of him First The Testimony of himself I am one that bear witnesse of my self John 8.18 And he did testifie of himself that he was a mighty One That he was the son of God Greater than the Temple greater than Solomon That he had overcome the world That if a man had kept his saying he should never see death c. and his own testimony is true But forasmuch as Solomon saith Prov 27.2 Let another man praise thee and not thine own mouth a stranger and not thine own lips I shall consider chiefly what others witnesse of him Secondly The Testimony of the Father who sent him bare witnesse of him The Father hath testified from Heaven that he is his beloved Son Matth. 3.17 Lo a voice from Heaven saying this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased The Authour to the Hebrews noteth that when God bringeth in the first begotten into the world he saith And let all the Angels of God worship him Vnto the Son saith he Thy Throne O God is for ever and ever Heb. 1 6 8. The Father testifie of him as of a mighty One Thirdly The Testimony of the Spirit I shall instance only in that to John by Vision Rev 1.12 13 14 15 16. I saw seaven golden Candlesticks and in the midst of the seven Candlesticks one like unto the Son of man cloathed with a Garment down to the foot and girt about the Paps with a Golden Girdle his head and his hairs were white like Wool as white as Snow and his eyes were as a flame of fire and his feet like unto fine brasse as if they burned in a Furnace and his voice as the sound of many waters And he had in his right hand seven Stars and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword and his Countenance was as the Sun shineth in his strength This was a Vision of the Son of God The mighty One And according to this Vision are those seven Titles of Christ given to him by the Spirit mentioned in the 2d. and 3d. Chapters of the Revelation These things saith he that holdeth the seven Stars in his right hand who walketh in the midst of the seven Golden Candlesticks Rev 2.1 The first and the last which was dead and is alive vers 8. Who hath the sharp Sword with two edges vers 12. The Son of God who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire and his feet are like fine Brasse vers 18. That hath the seven Spirits of God and the seaven Stars Rev. 3.1 That is holy that is true that hath the Key of David he that openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth vers 7. The Amen the faithfull and true Witnesse the Beginning of the Creation of God vers 14. All which speak forth the mightiness of Christ Fourthly The Testimony of faithfull men as the Testimony of the Prophets of John who was a man sent from God on purpose to beare witness of him whose testimony of him is recorded John 1.15.32 33 34. The testimony of the foure Evangelists as also of the Apostles who have all spoken of him as of a Mighty One And it were easie if needfull to add the Testimony of other Ancient Writers of Generall Councels of holy Martyrs and many eminent Confessors of Christ who do agree in their Testimony with those fore-mentioned Fifthly The Testimony of Angels those glorious Creatures did testifie of him as of a Mighty One so they testified of him To Joseph Math. 1.20 21. While he thought on these things the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dreame saying Joseph thou son of David feare not to take unto thee Mary thy wife for that which is conceived in her is of the holy Ghost And shee shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his Name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sinnes To Mary Luke 1.30 31 32 33. The Angel said unto her feare not Mary for thou hast found favour with God And behold thou shalt conceive in thy wombe and bring forth a son and shalt call his Name Jesus
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