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 world more excellent than others they thought it might be he The Jews as soon as they heard of John Baptist preaching and baptizing in the wildernesse sent Priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him Who he was suspecting he might be the Christ John 1.19 And when Christ was come they not knowing it was he came round about him as he was in Temple and said unto him How long dost thou make us to doubt or Dost thou kill us 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 If thou be the Christ tell us plainly John 10.24 So great and earnest was their expectation of him and surely he is some mighty excellent one indeed that is the strong and earnest expectation of the people Thirdly In the matter of their expectation as they looked that he should come so they looked that he should be a Mighty One and do great things when he came That he should be a Redeemer of Israel a Restorer of the Kingdome which is evident from the words of the two desponding Disciples to himself We trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel Luke 24.21 And so much may be gathered from the words of the woman of Samaria to him I know that Messias cometh which is called Christ when he is come he will tell us all things Jo. 4.25 Her expectation of him was as of a Mighty One surpassing all the Prophets which were before and such was the expectation of Simeon Luke 2.25 He waited for the consolation of Israel whom when he saw he called Gods salvation vers 30. Fourthly In the continuance of their expectation they waited long in their Generations and though he came not yet they held up their expectation of him and did not faint in their minds but lived and dyed in expectation of him Sixthly A Mighty One in his Fore-runner First In that he had a fore-runner they are Mighty not mean ones that have fore-runners to prepare the way for their coming such an One was Christ Secondly In that he had such a fore-runner a Mighty One for so the Angel described him to his Father Luke 1.15 16 17. He shall be great in the sight of the Lord he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost even from his mothers womb and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God and shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias c. And so his Father being filled with the holy Spirit prophecyed of him vers 76. Thou child shalt be called the Prophet of the highest for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his way Yea he was so mighty as Christ himself testifieth of him That among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John and yet he but Christs fore-runner he that comes after is always mightier than the fore-runner and so John witnessed He that cometh after me is mightier than I Matth. 3.11 Seventhly A Mighty One in his Incarnation That he who is over all God blessed for ever should take our flesh and dwell among us that there should be a conjunction of two so infinitely differing Natures the Divine and Humane in the Unity of one Person remaining uncompounded and unconfounded together that he in whom the fullnesse of the man-hood dwelleth is not One and he in whom the fullnesse of the God-head another but he in whom the fullness of both natures dwelleth is one and the same is very wonderfull and a great Mystery and must needs speak the person to be some mighty and extraordinary One indeed being both perfect God and perfect man and so every way fit for any undertaking to do and suffer any thing for as man he could suffer but not overcome the sharpnesse of death as God he could suffer nothing but overcome any thing and thus incarnate he became a Mighty One in our Nature for us fit to save us The Incarnation of Christ doth especially comprehend his conception and birth in both which he appears to be a Mighty One First In his Conception which was not common nor ordinary for he was not conceived by the power of Nature as all other Mighty Ones are but By the power of the Holy Spirit Matth. 1.18 His Mother Mary was found with Child of the Holy Ghost according to the word of the Angel to her Luke 1.35 The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshaddow thee Nonus modus novi hominis A new way of conceiving this new man for a woman that knew not man to conceive a man in her womb is the new and strange thing which the Lord hath created in the earth A woman shall compasse a man Jer. 31.21 And while Joseph was troubled about this matter an Angel was sent from Heaven to satisfie him which said to him Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost Matth. 1.20 Certainly he was some Mighty One who was thus conceived and whose Conception was thus declared and confirmed by Angels Secondly In his Birth he was not only born but born a Mighty One a Saviour according to the word of the Angel to the Shepherds Luke 2.11 Vnto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. A King as the Wise men stiled him in their inquiry after him Math. 2.2 Where is he that is born King of the Jews And he was not only Mighty in his birth because he was born a Mighty One but also in his birth it selfe it being a more than ordinary birth To awake saith one the world to look for strange things in this life to signifie that he should be a Mighty One and do wonderfull things the strange Births of persons did usually speak some Extraordinarines to be in their lives as in Isaac Jacob Samuel Sampson c. The Mightinesse of Christ in his Birth will further appear First In the subject of it not only a Woman but a Virgin so wonderfull a thing that it was given for a sign unto unbelievers divers hundred of years before it was accomplished even a sign of Gods own choosing among all the wonders in the depth and in the height above Isa 7.11.14 The Virgin bearing this Son against the common order of Nature without a man whence he is called The seed of the Woman this Mary thought a thing impossible when it was told her by the Angel and said How shal this be seeing I know not man Luke 1.34 Secondly In the time of it when the three Monarchies of the Assyrians Persians and Grecians were ended and the Romans entred into the fourth which was greater and mightier than the former this Mighty One the Lord Jesus Christ durst shew himself in his lowest and weakest estate when the world was at the highest and strongest and then begin to build up a Kingdome Thirdly In the Concomitants of it divers remarkable things accompanyed
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
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
Disciples Mat. 19.29 My sheep heare my voice saith Christ and follow me and I Give unto them eternall life and they shall never perish Joh. 10.27 28. And for this end his father gave him power over all flesh that he should give eternall life to as many as he hath given him Joh. 17.2 Eternall life is a rich reward but here 's not all the reward of the righteous they might have everlasting life though with trouble and distraction and therefore he gives them together with everlasting life Secondly Everlasting joy and rest for though they have sorrow and trouble here and for a season be in heaviness through manifold Temptations yet their sorrow shall be turned into joy into everlasting joy which none shall take from them Their trouble shall be turned into rest and quietness and assurance for ever for the Lord Christ will recompence Tribulation to them that trouble his servants and to them that are troubled rest when he shall be revealed from Heaven with all his mighty Angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God 2 Thes 1.6 7 8. And that his reward may be full together with everlasting life and rest he gives Thirdly Everlasting honour and glory they shall not have life and peace in a low estate but they shall be exalted to honour they shall not rest upon the Dunghil but upon the Throne for this is his promise Rev 3.21 To him that overcometh will I grant to set with me in my Throne even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his Throne Christ shall be King over Israel and they shall be next unto him at that great day when all Nations shall be gathered before him he shall separate them one from another he shall set the Sheep on his right hand but the Goats on the left Then shall the King say to them on the right hand Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the Kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world Mat. 25.32 33 34. His reward is a Kingdom a Kingdome which cannot be moved and thus Christ is a mighty King in his rule and administration towards his servants Secondly Christ is mighty in his rule and administration towards his enemies which doth principally consist in two things both manifesting his mightinesse First Cohibition and restraint for when his enemies come forth full of fury and rage with full purpose of heart to destroy his people he put his hook in their Nose and his Bridle in their Lips so that they cannot act all the evil that is in their hearts though they do exert and put forth some hatred and wrath yet not all For the remainder of wrath he restraineth So that no more of their malice wrath and cruelty do or shall break forth then what he sees in his wisdom and faithfulness to be expedient and profitable for his servants to endure and this his administration do not extend only to the meaner sort of people but the high and mighty to the Kings of the Earth For he cuts off the Spirit of Princes so that their hands cannot perform their enterprize The Psalmist speaking of the beauty and glory of Sion saith Lo the Kings were assembled they passed by together they saw it and so they marvelled they were troubled and hasted away fear took hold upon them there and pain as of a woman in travel Psal 48.4 5 6. The King of Sion took away their spirit and courage yea this extends to the very Devils whom when he was in the flesh he restrained from hurting and tormenting and it is because of this part of the blessed rule and administration of Christ in Heaven that men and Devils whose hearts are fully set in them to do evil have not torn and devoured the whole flock of Christ upon Earth Secondly Destruction for as his hand shall be known towards his servants so his indignation towards his Enemies whom he will destroy though never so many and mighty The Psalmist prophecying of him and his administration towards his enemies saith Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron thou shalt dash them in pieces like a Potters vessel Psal 2.9 And Isaiah saith 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 Paul tells us That he shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God c. Yea the mightiness and severity of Christ in this respect is notably set forth by himself in the close of the Parable of the Noble-man Luke 19.27 But those mine enemies which would not that I should Reâ—gn over them bring hither and slay them before me And the one and greatest part of the Book of the Revelation do but acquaint us with the woes plagues and vials of wrath which he will poure forth upon his enemies the sum of all is Babylon the Great is fallen is fallen and the Beast was taken and with him the false Prophet these both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with Brimstone and the Remnant were slain with the sword of him that sate upon the Horse which sword proceeded out of his mouth and at last the Devil was cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone where the Beast and the false Prophet are and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever Rev 18.2 19 20 21. 20.10 So mighty and terrible will Christ be in the destruction of his enemies and thus he appears to be a mighty King Secondly Christ is a Mighty Priest far above all other Priests his mightinesse is manifest in this respect in several particulars First In the Dignity of his Person which I consider only with relation to his Priesthood for the Apostle being about to treat of Christ as a Priest first sets down the mightinesse and excellency of his person and the manner of his expressing particulars as who being the brightnesse of his glory c. and upholding all things by the word of his power do plainly shew that they have relation to what follow namely his Priest-hood therefore the Apostle to give evidence of his sufficiency for that great function doth first declare his power and greatnesse and speaking of his mightiness afterward as a Priest he layes much of it on the Dignity of his person Heb 4.14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest that is passed into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God he is a mighty Priest in that he is the Son of God The same Apostle magnifies Christ the High Priest above those that the Law made upon this account Heb 7.28 The Law maketh men High Priests which have infirmity but the word of the Oath which was since the Law maketh the Son And he is the more excellent High Priest in that it is the Son who is made Secondly In the peculiarity of his Title he is not
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
THE MIGHTY CHRIST THE Saints Help OR A cleer Discovery of the MIGHTINESSE and Excellency of CHRIST in all things of and concerning him from the first Promise of him to his last Appearing and Kingdome With Application thereof to the severall States and Conditions of Men. BEING The Substance of severall Sermons preached at Northwalsham in Norfolk upon PSAL. 89.19 I have laid Help on One that is MIGHTY By RICHARD BREVITER M. A. a poor Labourer in Christs Vineyard Commended by divers Ministers of Jesus Christ in LONDON Who is this that cometh from Edom with dyed Garments from Bozrah this that is Glorious in his Apparel traveling in the Greatnesse of his strength I that speak in Righteousnesse Mighty to save Isa 63.1 LONDON Printed by M. S. for Henry Cripps at the first Shop in Popes-head-Alley next to Lombard street 1662. TO ALL The FRIENDS and ENEMIES of our LORD JESVS CHRIST especially in England Scotland and Ireland FOR Christs and your sake this plain Treatise which about two years since was composed for a more private use is now by the importunity of divers of the LORDS Servants held forth to publick view And though a sense of my own weaknesse and great unworthinesse might have deterred me from this undertaking yet the excellency weightiness and suitablenesse of the Subject to your present conditions which will I hope make way in your hearts for its entertainment hath encouraged me to present it to your considerations It s chief design and aime is to lift up the SON OF MAN who both in his Person Merit Spirit Ordinances and Servants is by more than ordinary unbelief profanesse superstition persecution and abounding of all sorts of iniquity so greatly despised and rejected of men yea to the great reproach of Christianity of those that in words professe to magnifie him above all How it will be accepted and of what benefit it will be to you who as yet are his ENEMIES in your minds by wicked works Col. 1.21 I know not This I can say in all the Reproofs Cautions Counsels and Exhortations I have had it in my heart earnestly to desire to be instrumentall to deliver some of your souls at least from perishing in your disobedience and rebellion against CHRIST For though you say peace and safety while you walk in the imaginations of your own hearts yet great is the danger that you are in through your provoking this MIGHTY ONE against you How easily and suddenly can He break you with his rod of Iron and dash you in pieces like a Potters Vessel as Psalm 2. And what though through his patience and long-suffering you should walk many years in the wayes of your hearts and in the sight of your eyes yet know you must at last and how soon you cannot tell appear before the Judgement Seat of this Mighty One that you may receive the things done in your bodies according to what you have done whether it be good or bad 2 Cor. 5.10 And what account will you then be able to give to him of all your pride covetousness and some of you of your cursing swearing deceit drunkenness malitiousnesse uncleannesse contempt of his Ordinances persecution of his Servants and other high and horrid wickednesses scarce to be paralelled among the worst of Heathens O fear and tremble before the true and living GOD against whom you have sinned trust not in your power policy friends honours estates and such like worldly enjoyments which will not profit nor help at all in the great day of the wrath of the Lamb Prov 11.4 I shall leave with you Luthers Caution to some in his dayes viz Take heed you be not found among those roaring haughty Gentlemen and Heaven-breakers who do resist the Holy Ghost and Gods Word and boast of their own strength and ability And further in the spirit of meeknesse love and pity I beseech you so to consider and lay to heart the things that are here following written touching the GREAT KING OF THE WHOLE EARTH as to humble your selves under his Mighty hand to trust in his mighty name and to be obedient to his holy will that your sins and transgressions being blotted out you may in the end be made partakers of his Heavenly Kingdome and Glory AMEN And You the FAITHFVL and precious servants of the LORD especially the least and weakest of the flock who are fearing and ready to faint under the weight of present pressures and apprehension of future troubles For your furtherance and joy of faith in this Wilderness I have set my selfe to demonstrate the MIGHTINES and ENGAGEMENT of CHRIST to HELP you in all Conditions And though I may truly say I have not told you one halfe of the Greatness of his power and wisdome yet I hope what is here in much weakness displayed before you shall become mighty through God in some measure to support and comfort you in your several solitudes and sufferings here below such being the portion here of all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus 2 Tim 3.11 Acts 14.22 Which that it may be I entreat you not cursorily to reade as the manner of most is but seriously to weigh and carefully to hide in your hearts the words of truth contained in this Book And because I would not detaine you from the perusal of what followeth I onely yet earnestly beseech you by all the help you have received from Christ by all the consolation you have in him and by all the hope you have of future Glory through him that you give all diligence to walk more worthy of that grace wherein you stand by being more serious spiritual humble and holy in all manner of conversation especially now when you are made to eate the bitter fruits of former wantonness Oh sin no more lest worse things come unto you O love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ not in word and in tongue the common and onely sacrifice of most that are called Christians but in deed and in truth In a word be very faithfull to him make his work your business his commandements your Rule his life your example his SPIRIT your HELP his name your refuge and his glory your end And if you do these things you shall never fall Now what is here humbly offered for common good may by a blessing from on high be of some use for the turning of the feet of some sinners from the wayes of wickedness and for the strengthening the weak hands of some Saints in the work of righteousness to continue therein unto the end to the Glory and praise of this MIGHTY ONE the LORD JESUS CHRIST is the prayer of Your souls friend and servant RICHARD BREVITER From my Study in Norwich this 2d of the 4th Moneth June 1662. WE who desire the Exalting of our LORD JESVS CHRIST that MIGHTY ONE on whom the LORD GOD his father and ours in him hath laid HELP having observed the holy end and scope of these Sermons on Psal 89.19 Blessing
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
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
onely called an High Priest frequently and once Heb 10.21 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A Great Priest but he is also stiled A Great High Priest Heb 4.14 Though under the Law there was an High Priest yet never was any called Great High Priest but Christ and though the Pope assume to himselfe the Title of Pontifex Maximus the greatest High Priest yet it doth of right belong to Christ Thirdly In the perfection of his Nature an High Priest without sin without infirmity whereby he is by the Apostle distinguished from and exalted above all other Priests Heb 7.26 27 28. Such an High Priest became us who is holy harmlesse undefiled separate from sinners and made higher than the Heavens who needeth not daily as those High Priests to offer up sacrifice first for his own sins then for the peoples the Law maketh men High Priests which have infirmity but the word of the Oath which was made since the Law the Son who is consecrated for evermore He is a merciful faithful tender sympathizing High Priest Who can have compassion on the ignorant and on them that are out of the way and is able to succour them that are tempted Heb 2.17 18. Fourthly In the eminency of his order he is a Priest not after that common way that others were the order of Aaron and so but such an one as they but after a special and more excellent order peculiar to him alone the order of Melchisedec that great and mighty man King of Salem unto whom even the Patriarch Abraham that Mighty One gave the tenth of the spoil even he that met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the Kings and blessed him which speaks him greater than our father Abraham for as it is said Heb. 7.7 Without all contradiction the lesse is blessed of the better or more excâ—llent this the Spirit of God advancing Christ above all others mentioneth both in that famous prophecy of his Kingdome and Power Psal 110.4 saying The Lord hath sworn and will not repent Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec As also six several times in the 5 6 7. Chapters of the Epistle to the Hebrews as it were delighting it self in the rehearsal of the exaltation and excellency of Christ in this respect Fifthly In the solemnity of his Ordination different from the Ordination of other Priests which was without so much ado for they were made without an Oath but he with an Oath and that of God himself according to that of the Psalmist Psal 110 4. Minded also by the Apostle Heb 7.21 The Lord sware and will not repent Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melcbisedec and surely it is some great and weighty matter which causeth the Most High to swear Sixthly In the performance of his work which did consist chiefly in four things First To make satisfaction and reconciliation for the sins of the people and this Christ did and he so did this marvellous work as shewed his mightinesse therein First He did it to the uttermost and that in respect First Of the nature and measure of it in it selfe it was a full perfect satisfaction wanting nothing Heb. 10.14 By one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified So that there needs none of the works nor sufferings of any other to contribute any thing to it and if God at any time Visit the transgression of his children with the rod and their iniquity with stripes It is not in reference to any further satisfaction of his justice but in order to their Sanctification Secondly Of the extent and largeness of it as to the subjects that partake of this grace and they are not a few but many For he gave his life a Ransome for many Math. 20.28 Mark 10.45 Not the Jews only but the Gentiles also he reconciled both unto God in one body by the Cross and came and preached peace to them that were afar off and to them that were nigh Ephes 2.16 17. And thus the world partake of it according to that of Paul 2 Cor. 5.19 That God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himselfe yea The whole world 1 John 2.2 He is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world yea it extends unto All things for so it is written Col. 1.20 And having made peace through the blood of his Crosse by him to reconcile all things unto himself By him I say whether they be things in Earth or things in Heaven Secondly He did at once not by many but by one offering and this speaks him a Mighty One upon this very account the Apostle prefers him and his sacrifice before all the Levitical Priests and their sacrifices of their sacrifices he saith The Law can never with those sacrifices which they offered yeer by yeer continually make the comers thereunto perfect but in those sacrifices there is a Remembrance again made of sins every yeer for it is not possible that the blood of Bulls and Goats should take away sin Heb. 10.1 3 4. And again vers 11. Every Priest standeth daily ministring and offeâ—ing oftentimes the same sacrifices which can never take away sin but of Christ he speaks otherwise not as of one weak but mighty a sufficient Priest and Sacrifice For by one Offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified He offered but one offering and that was enough Thirdly He did it in no ordinary way not by killing of others but by dying himself by making and offering himself a sacrifice for sin according to that in Heb 9.26 Now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself Other Priests to make attonement for sins offered other things in sacrifice he himself he was the Priest and sacrifice too he the just suffered for the unjust that he might bring us to God this is wonderful no more need to be added to manifest Christs mightiness in the performance of this part of his Priestly work Secondly To pray and intercede for the people and this Christ doth for he being come an High Priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle did not by the blood of Bulls and Goats and Calves as other Priests did but by his own blood he entred in once into the holy place into Heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us Heb 9.11 12 24. And this he doth to purpose and with eminent successe obtaining eternal redemption for his faithful ones for his blood being of such great merit and vertue and he having such great interest and favour in Heaven his prayers and intercessions are very prevalent as a Prince he hath power with God his Father always hearing him John 11.42 Neither is he so much a Petitioner to beg blessings for Believers upon the account of meer mercy but having merited and purchased them by his
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
First His Apprehension and taking they came forth as to a Mighty One that would not have been apprehended Judas came and with him a great multitude with swords and staves from the chief Priests and the Scribes and the Elders Mark 14.43 And at that time the mightiness of Christ was seen for when one that was about him smote the servant of the High Priest and cut off his right ear he did but touch his ear and healed him Luke 22.50 51. And which is more they that went about to take him were smitten down with one soft word of his mouth for as soon as he had said unto them I am he they went backward and fell to the ground John 18.6 Secondly His Tryal his Accusation and charge was That he was a perverter of the Nation and forbad to give Tribute to Caesar saying That he himself is Christ a King Luke 23.2 And the questions which the Governour and others put to him were according to it Art thou the Son of God Art thou the King of thâ— Jews Art thou a King his Charge was as of a Mighty One and his Answer was as of a Mighty One For when the High Priest asked him and said unto him Art thou the Christ the Son of the blessed he said I am that is the Son of God not by Adoption as others but by Nature for unlesse this had been the meaning of his answer they could not have condemned him of blasphemy but they took it as granted nor did he deny it that he made himself such a Son of God as was equall with God so there was God standing in the Congregation of the Mighty those earthly gods did judge him and he which sheweth that he was a Mighty One judgeth them or at least declareth himself to be that Judge which was to judge them and all men too for to that purpose was his Answer Jesus said I am and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power and coming in the Clouds of Heaven Mark 14.62 And when he was asked Whether he was a King he denyed it not but confessed it in these words My Kingdome is not of this world John 18.36 Thirdly His Condemnation he was condemned as a Mighty One his Accusation and the cause of his Condemnation was set up over his head written This is Jesus the King of the Jews Math. 27.37 Mark saith The King of the Jews Mark 15.26 Luke This is the Kiâ—g of the Jews Luke 22.38 John Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews John 19.19 The main thing regarded was That he took upon him to be King of the Jews And it is to be observed that God did so over-rule the heart and hand of Pilate that instead of noting some Crime he sets down a most glorious and worthy Title and this Superscription was wrought in three Languages viz Hebrew Greek and Latine The end of which was as Mr. Perkâ—ns noteth that the Passion of Christ and also the publishing of his Kingdome and Gospel might spread all over the world and Pilate would not be prevailed with by the chief Priests to change the Title to that he said I am King of the Jews but said What I have written I have written John 19.21 22. Fourthly His Death in which his mightinesse shines forth First In the Concomitants of it as the conversion of the Thief the darkning of the Sun over all the Land from the sixt to the ninth hour the rending of the Vail of the Temple in twain the Earth-quake the rending of the Rocks the opening of the Graves the rising of many bodyes of Saints which slept the conviction and confession of the Centurion with his Souldiers That he was the Son of God some great and mighty One that fell that day Math 27.51 52 54. Mark 15.33 Secondly In the vertue and efficacy of it which I shall briefly hint in three particulars First It is of a purchasing vertue for by and through it he purchased a pâ—ople Acts 20.28 And an inheritance for them Ephes 1.7 11. Which no cerruptible thing as Silver and Gold could obtain 1 Pet. 1.18 Secondly It is of a pacifying vertue For by it he hath made an Attonement and Reconciliation for sin Rom 5.10 Heb. 2.17 Which the blood of Bulls and Goats could never do Heb 10.4 11. Thirdly It is of a purifying vertue It purgeth the Conscience from dead works to serve the living God Heb 9.14 Yea It cleanseth from all sin 1 John 1.7 which no Sope nor Nitre can effect Jer. 2.22 Twenty-fourthly He is mighty in his Burial some degree of glory did break forth in Christs Burial he had an honourable Burial He made his Grave with the rich in his death Isa 53.9 Joseph of Arimathea not onely a good man and a just but also an honourable Councellour together with Nicodemus a Ruler of the Jews who brought a mixture of Myrrh and Aloes about an hundred pound weight took the body of Jesus and wound it in Linnen Cloaths with the Spices and laid it in a Sepulchre hewen out of the Rock a new Sepulchre where never man was laid before that which was wonderful in his Burial was that they who were fearful to confesse him when living were bold to own him when dead and to be buried for Joseph of Arimathea who was a Disciple but secretly for fear of the Jews John 19.38 yet went in boldly unto Pilate and craved the body of Jesus Mark 15.43 And Nicodemus which at the first came to him by night had courage to appear at his Burial though he was condemned and crucified as a great Malefactor this the Evangelist John noteth John 19.39 Twenty-fifthly He is mighty in his Resurrection which doth appear in that First He rose at all and it is a wonderful thing for the dead to rise Secondly He rose soon he did not lye many yeers in the Grave he did not as Mahomet who promised the Sarazins after eight hundred years to re-visit them but within three dayes for he said unto the Jews Destroy this Temple speaking of the Temple of his body and in three dayes I will raise it up and accordingly he rose the third day which was as short a time as might be for had he not been dead some such like distance of time some would not have believed that he was dead at all Thirdly He rose against utmost humane opposition though his enemies did whatever they could to hinder it the chief Priests and the Pharisees make an Address to Pilate about this saying Sir We remember that that Deceiver said while he was yet alive After three dayes I will rise again command therefore that the Sepulchre be made sure untill the third day And Pilate answered their desire for he said unto them ye have a watch go your way make it as sure as you can so they went and made the Sepulchre sure sealing the stone and setting a watch Math. 27.62 63 64 65.66 Yet Christ rose
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
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
of any other which he is to examine and try and follow and refuse as it agreeth or disagreeth with this Besides there are no blots defects nor imperfections but contrariwise a wonderfull exactness plainness beauty and glory in the Example of Christ whereby it is of singular use and advantage to his followers their way being thereby made plaine before them Neither is it a scant but a full and large Example both of obedience For He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walke even as he walked 1 John 2.6 and the several parts thereof he hath given us an example of faith love patience self-denyall meekness diligence c. And of suffering also that he might help in that needfull time To encourage us to it he hath given us an example of readiness and willingness to suffer he willingly laid downe his life for his sheepe Joh. 10.15.18 and to guide us in it he hath given us an example of meekness and patieâ—ce for he was led as a sheep to the slaughter and like a lamb dumb before the shearer so opened he not his mouth Acts 8.32 And when he was reviled reviled not againe when he suffered he threatned not 1 Pet. 2.23 And thus Christ is an Help by the excellency of his example Thirdly By the powerfulness of his Spirit The Spirit of Christ is a Spirit of life and power which he giveth forth into the hearts of his servants for their help in their various services and conditions and therefore the Spirit is said to help their Infirmities Rom 8.26 Yea Christ doth so usually help by his Spirit that most acts of help are frequently attributed in Scripture to the Spirit as to Quicken uphold strengthen comfort teach lead beare witness bring to remembrance give utterance cause to do John 6.63 Rom. 8.11 Psal 51.12 Eph. 3.16 John 14.16 John 14.26 Gal. 5.18 Rom. 8.16 Acts 2.4 Ezek. 36.27 By this did Christ eminently help his servants in the work whereunto he called them in the primitive times By this he enabled them to be his witnesses not onely in Jerusalem and in all Judea and in Samaria but unto the uttermost part of the earth Acts 1.8 By this they evercame the mightiest Adversaries of Truth For they were not able to resist the wisdome and spirit by which they spake Luke 21.15 Acts 6.10 And by this he helped them to do many wonderful things to the great advantage and furtherance of the Gospel Act. 11 19-21 By the same Spirit he hath helped others also in later Generations to testifie for him against Antichrist and his Adherents and by their Testimony exceedingly to prevaile as Wickliffe Hus Luther and others And this is that which Luther in an Epistle to some amongst whom his doctrine was successfull would have them to observe Consider saith he with what sword I have conquered sin and overcome Errours and subdued policy I have never touched you with a finger but with the Spirit of Christs mouth viz. the Sword of his Gospel And severall of the Martyrs â—hough meane and unlearned yet by the help of the Spirit of Christ have put to silence their learned Adversaries Among the rest History tells us of one Alice Driver that shee non-plust the Doctors that Examined her and then said God be honoured you be not able to resist the Spirit of God in a poore woman And as it was then even so it is now for Christ by the same Spirit helpeth his servants both to will and to do and to suffer of his good pleasure Phil 1.29 Phil. 2.13 Fourthly By the Admirableness of his RVLE and Administration For he so ordereth and disposeth of all things that they work together for good to them that love God Rom. 8.28 so that those things which men contrive and designe to be most hurtfull through his power and wisdome become helpfull to his servants yea he sometimes makes his Enemies intended Destruction his peoples glorious salvation And indeed the Rule and Reigne of Christ doth much consist in his helping and relieving his oppressed servants in his pleading their cause and executing judgement for them in his breaking the bands of their yoke and delivering them out of the hand of those that serve themselves of them that they may be no more a prey to the Heathen yea the maine designe of Christ next to his own Glory is the salvation and safety of his flock Jer. 23.5 6. Ezek. 37. And he doth many admirable things in order to this end as he maketh the weak to conquer and the mighty to be overthrowne he maketh the Counsel of the simple to stand and the devices of the crafty to be disappointed he doth that marvellous work and a wonder spoken of Isa 29.14 He causeth the wisdome of wise men to perish and the understanding of the prudent to be hid And he judgeth the poore of the people and saveth the children of the needy and breaketh in pieces the Oppressor Psal 72.4 Sometimes he sets enemies one against another The Mighty against the Mighty Ruler against Ruler Jer 46.12 Jer. 51.46 so that they fight Brother against Brother Neighbour against Neighbour City against City Kingdome against Kingdome and so help to destroy one another Isa 19.2 2 Chron 20.23 Sometimes he wonderfully restraines the rage of Enemies so that they do not hurt nor destroy in his holy Mountaine but the Wolfe dwelleth with the Lamb and the Leopard lies downe with the Kid and the Calfe and the young Lion and the fatling together and a little child shall lead them according to that famous prophesie of his Kingdome Isa 11.6 7 8 9. Sometimes he causeth them to favour his people Psal 106.46 and sometimes he maketh them helpfull and serviceable to them according to that precious promise of God to his Church Isa 60.10 The sons of strangers shall build up thy walls and their Kings shall minister unto thee Thus God turned the heart of the King of Persia that was now over Assyria unto his people to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God of the God of Israel Ezra 6.22 And put it also into the heart of Artaxerxes to help Ezra to beautifie the house of the Lord which was at Jerusalem Ezra 7.27 And thus Christ helpeth by the Admirableness of his RVLE and Administration Fifthly By the prevalency of his Intercession by this he helpeth them much who beleeve through grace Christ perfecteth by his Intercession that good worke of the salvation of his people which he begun by his Passion for though Christ help exceedingly by the vertue and efficacy of his death as hath been shewne yet there is need of his Intercession also and therefore he is entred into heaven to appeare in the presence of God for us Heb 9.24 And this is of such great benefit and advantage to the Saints that the Apostle layes the weight of their salvation upon it Rom 5.10 If when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by