constraint but willingly for as the Apostle Phil. 2. observes he made himselfe so yea when worldly honour was offered him for the people would have made him a King Joh. 6.15 he refused it this was great self-denial to lay aside a crowne when he had it and to refuse it when it was offered speakes him one Mighty in this Grace Fourthly His patience he had greatest patience in greatest sufferings others were not so patient in lesser sufferings as he was in greatest The Prophet Isaiah sets him forth in his great sufferings and withall declares his incomparable patience Isaiah 53. which he ushers in with a yet yet he opened not his mouth he is brought as a Lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so he openeth not his mouth when he was reviled reviled not againe when he suffered he threatned not patience was perfect in him he was strengthened with all might unto All patience and long suffering with joyfulness yea the patience of Christ in his most grievous sufferings was so absolute that in all that his enemies tongues and hands could say or do this Servant of God did not sin so much as in word but offered the sacrifice of prayer and supplications with the sacrifice of himselfe for his persecutors he was Mighty in this Grace Fifthly His zeale he was earnest and fervent in Spirit against all evil and for that which was good he did cry aloud he spared not but lifted up his voice like a Trumpet and shewed the people their transgression he was full of zeale against the sins of the Scribes and Pharisees freely denouncing woes against them Math. 23. He was full of zeale against the prophanation and prophaners of the Temple he overthrew the money-changers and the seats of them that sold doves and would not suffer that any man should carry any vessell thorow the Temple Mark 11.15 16. Yea be made a scourge of small coards and he drove them all out of the Temple and said to them that sold doves take these things hence make not my fathers house an house of Merchandize And his Disciples remembred that it was written The zeale of thine house hath eâ—ten me up Sixthly His wisdome and understanding he was of quick and great understanding when he was but twelve yeares old all that heard him questioning and answering the Doctors were astonished at his understanding and Answers Luk. 2.47 He was wiser than all his Enemies they could never entangle him in his talke when he answered to any thing it was with such wisdome as they durst not ask him any more Questions and no man was able to answer him he was of so great understanding that he knew all mâ—n and needed not that any should testifie of man for he knew what was in man Joh. 2.24 25. Yea he knew their very thoughts Math. 12.25 Luke 6.8 He had as the School-men speak both Cognitionem matutinam verspertinam both a morning and evening knowledge he knew things in their Causes as well as in their natures and effects Seventhly His faithfulness was great without the least leaven of hypocrisie there was no guile found in his mouth neither was there any in his Spirit he was faithfull to his father he did his work and glorified his Name on Earth was faithfull to his Disciples he made knowne unto them all things that he had heard of his father Joh. 15.15 He acquainted them with sufferings as well as the Glory that should follow he reproved them for their evils as well as comforted them in their troubles he was faithfull to all doing good unto all men as he had opportunity Nineteenthly A mighty one in his works he was mighty in deed excellent in working his works as himselfe said did beare witness of him that he was some mighty one sent from God he hath declared his strength among the people His works were of two sorts First Spirituall and heavenly relating to the souls and spirits of men Secondly More externall and visible relating to the bodies of men and others and he was mighty in hoth sorts His works relating to the soules of men were chiefly First His preaching and teaching in which he was mighty even in his first Sermon on the Mount The people were astonished at his doctrine for he taught them as one having Authority and not as the Scribes Math. 7.28 29. Being in Galilee he taught in their Synagogues being Glorified of all He came to Nazareth and taught and all bare him witness and wondered at the Gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth he came downe to Capernaum and taught and they were astonished at his doctrine for his word was with power see Luke 4.14 15 16 22 31 32. To these may be added the Officers answer to the chiefe Priests and Pharisees when they said unto them Why have you not brought him Never man spake like this man Joh. 7.45 46. Neither did the word of Christ returne unto him void but did exceedingly prosper in the thing whereto it was sent many beleeved on him Joh. 4.41 Joh. 7.31 8.30 10.42 12.42 Secondly His Praying having received the spirit of Grace and Supplication without measure he must needs be mighty in prayer and so he was In the dayes of his flesh he offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears Heb 5.7 Sometimes he prayed long Luke 6.12 He continued all night in prayer to God sometimes he prayed more earnestly Luke 22.44 and alwayes successefully For as a Mighty Prince he had power with God and ever prevailed God made him a King then bid him ask Ps 2.6 7 8. and indeed he prayed like a King like a mighty One as one in joynt Commission with his Father as one hath well observed John 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am Thirdly His Baptizing John and Christs Disciples could but Baptize with water in his name he the master only was and is mighty to baptize with the holy Spirit This was that great and wonderfull thing which was made known to John that Christ should do which he was to observe as that wherein Christ excelleth all others as is manifest in the record of John John 1.32 33. John bear record saying I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a Dove and it abode upon him and I knew him not but he that sent me to baptize with water the same said unto me upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on him the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Spirit and upon this account John preferred him before himselfe Mat. 3. 11. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance but he that cometh after me is mightier than I whose shoes I am not worthy to bear he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire He plainly declared him to be a mighty one in this respect This was that which he promised and
persecution famine nakedness peril sword but in all these things they are more than Conquerours through him that loved them Rom. 8 33 34 35 37. And of this priviledge of the Lords people the Prophets have spoken eminently to be enjoyed in the Reigne of this Mighty One. David Psal 72.7 saith In his dayes shall the righteous flourish and abundance of peace so long as the Moone endureth Isaiah saith Behold a King shall reigne in righteousnesse and Princes shall rule in Judgement and a man shall be an hiding place from the winde and a covert from the Tempest c. Isa 32.1 2. Jeremy saith Behold the dayes come saith the Lord that I will raise unto David a righteous branch and a King shall reigne and prosper In his dayes Judah shall be saved and Israel shall dwell safely and this is the name whereby he shall be called The LORD our Righteousnesse Jer. 23.5 6. And to this agreeth also the Prophesie of Ezekiel which saith I will make with them a Covenant of peace and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the Land and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness and sleepe in the woods They shall be safe in their Land and shall know that I am the Lord when I have broken the bands of their yoke and delivered them out of the hands of those that served themselves of them and they shall no more be a prey to the Heathen neither shall the beasts of the Land devoure them but they shall dwell safely and none shall make them afraid Ezek 34.25 27 28. Thirdly It shewes us the aggravation of the evâ—l of unbeliefe were Christ a meane weak one there might be some plea for unbeliefe the unbeleever might excuse himselfe saying I was afraid to trust him I durst not commit my soule body name estate and concernments into his hand but when a soul refuseth to beleeve on him who is declared and manifested as well by work as word to be so mâ—â—hty in every respect it is inexcusable The men of Nineveh who repented at the preaching of Jonas and the Queene of the South who came from the uttermost parts of the Earth to heare the wisdome of Solomon shall rise up in the Judgement with such and condemne them seeing a Greater than Jonah and Solomon is with them The Evangelist John mentioneth the wonderfull workes which Christ did among the Jewes as the Aggravation of their unbeliefe Joh. 12.37 Though he had done so many miracles before them yet they beleeved not on him Thence Christ is said to Vpbraid the Cities wherein most of his mighty workes were done because they repented not it being a greater evil in them not to repent than in others amongst whom Christ did not shew himselfe so mighty To heare and not to beleeve on Christ the Mighty Lord who speakes from heaven is that which makes unbeliefe to be such a mighty sinne Heb. 12.25 Fourthly It discovers a ground for the Saints Expectation of great things The Saints are in expectation of perfect Redemption and most glorious salvation to be wrought for them by Christ and there is good ground for it for besides the promise of God who is faithfull here is the Ability of Christ who is Mighty to performe the Fathers will Great ones use to be active The Mighty Kings and Princes of the Earth do not alwayes sit still only waite for opportunities for great and weighty undertakings This Mighty One the Lord Christ though he hath done great and marvellous things will shew himselfe yet more glorious than ever for he hath yet but begun to shew his servants his Greatness and his Mighty hand onely he waites till the set time be come and then he will arise and redeeme Israel from all his iniquities and troubles Psal 130.8 The Disciples of Christ who saw his might and power in the dayes of his flesh became expectants of great things to be done by him We trusted said the two Disciples speaking of Jesus of Nazareth a Prophet mighty in deed and word that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel Luke 24.19.21 The Apostles when Christ was assembled together with them asked of him saying Lord wilt thou at this time restore againe the kingdome to Israel Acts 1.4 6. His Answer was no check to their expectation but a reprehension of their over-curious affectation to acquaint themselves with the particular time in which they should behold the glorious accomplishment of so certaine a blessing And seeing this Mighty One is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the Heavens Heb 8.1 his servants may expect that he will appeare in the presence of God for them yea that he shall appeare the second time without sin unto their evident and everlasting salvation Heb 9.28 Paul speaking of himselfe and other faithfull followers of Christ saith Phil. 3.20 21. Our conversation is in heaven from whence also we looke for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ who shall change our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himselfe Fifthly For the discovery of false Christs The true Lord Christ hath told us that in the last dayes there shall arise false Christs as well as false Prophets Math. 24.24 And this doctrine doth informe us how to know them from the true The true Christ is thus mighty and it follows that others who are not so mighty whatsoever they may pretend are not the true Christ Therefore when false Christs shall arise and shall come and say I am Christ beleeve them not neither go after them but labour to know their power and not their speech onely 1 Cor. 4.19 for the kingdome of God is not in word but in power vers 20 whether they be mighty as the true Christ is And though they should shew signes and wonders to deceive you try whether they be equall with this Mighty One who thought it no robbery to be equall with God For though some may boast themselves and their mouths speak great swelling words of vanity yet their deficiency and insufficiency for such things as he did speak them to be false Christs and deceivers As there never did heretofore so there never will any one arise in every respect so mighty as Christ by which he may be knowne to be the true Christ from all others Vse 2. Of conviction to false worshippers who neglect and slight this Mighty One. First To the Jews who do not beleeve that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ the Messiah that was promised and the main plea which they have for their unbelief is because he did not appear to be so mighty as become the Saviour of the world he came not in worldly glory he had no stately Palace was not cloathed in Purple did not fare deliciously he was not in form and fashion like the mighty ones of the earth and therefore they expect and look
was not offended but did alwayes do the things which pleased his father as he told the Jews Joh. 8.29 all which speakes forth his might Fourthly In his delight in it his obedience was without murmuring or grudging it was with delight for the Law of God was within his heart as he spake Psal 40.8 I delight to do thy will O my God his fathers commandements were not grievous to him he professed to his Disciples That it was his Meat to do the will of him that sent him and to finish his worke Joh. 4.34 Fifthly In the efficacy and vertue of it his Righteousnesse doth not returne to him void but it doth accomplish that which he please and prosper in the thing whereto he ordaines it and that is the making others righteous according to that of the Apostle Rom. 5.19 For as by one mans disobedience many were made sinners so by the obedience of one shall many be made Righteous God made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 And accordingly we are for of God he is made unto us Righteousness Now surely he is Mighty in obedience whose obedience effect the Righteousness of others Secondly Particularly in the Graces of the Spirit which were in him First In his Faith for he as well as we had faith and that a greater and stronger than ours for he was so strong and mighty in faith as that he stagger'd not at any of the promises of his father through unbeliefe other mighty ones in faith sometimes feared as Jacob David c. but Christs faith was perfect he was never afraid of any ttouble or any persecutors he knew on whom he had beleeved he knew his father would uphold and reward him his confidence in his father is prophetically spoken of by Isaiah Chap. 50.6 7 8 9. I gave my back to the smiters and my cheekes to them that pluckt off the haire I hid not my face from shame and spitting for the Lord God will help me therefore shall I not be confounded therefore have I set my face like a flint and I know that I shall not be ashamed c. And he expressed as much at the raising of Lazarus Father I thanke thee that thou hast heard me and I know that thou hearest me alwayes he was mighty and strong in faith Secondly His love he was and is mighty in that grace which I shall illustrate in particulars First In the nature of it it is above ordinary common love above the love of one friend to another of a father to his child of an husband to his wife or of a man to his own self it is such a love wherewith the father hath loved him Joh. 15.9 He tells his Disciples As the father hath loved me so have I loved you which words do not only hold forth the truth but the excellency of his love towards them it being transcendent infinite love without measure above Geometrie above all arts and parts of men the Apostle tells the Saints at Ephesus that it passeth knowledge Eph. 3.19 Secondly In the objects of it not his friends as loving him any thing though his friends as loved by him not Saints or any excellent lovely ones but sinners enemies and he is a Mighty one that can love Enemies flesh and blood cannot do this Paul sets forth the greatness of the love of Christ by the objects of it Rom. 5.6 7 8. When we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly for scarcely for a righteous man will one die yet peradventure for a good man sâ—me would even dare to die but God commended his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us he was so mighty in his love that he loved his greatest mightiest enemies even those that took away his life yea when they were taking it away at that instant when it was doing when he did hang on the crosse when they were in the heate of their malice and hatred against him he pray'd for the choicest blessing for them Luke 23.34 Father forgive them for they know not what they do Thirdly In the vertue and operation of it it did produce wonderfull effects it carried him out First To the lowest Condition love brought him from heaven to earth from the highest to the lowest estate from the throne to the dunghil Though he was Lord over all yet love made him a servant to all and that is the lowest condition to be a servant this the Apostle mentions as the infinite condescention of Christ Phil. 2.7 And this himselfe minded his Disciples of that he the Son of man came not to be ministred unto but to minister Math. 20.28 I am among you as he that serveth Luk. 22.27 Secondly To the meanest services who though he was the most Mighty One yet so great was his love as that he did not onely condescend to men of low estate but to the lowest meanest services for them John 13. from the first to the seventeenth verse is a full testimony of his love in this respect that he their Lord and Master should wash his Disciples feet Thirdly To the Greatest sufferings both in life and death his life was a life of sorrow and trouble and his death was a a death of great paine and ignominy the cursed death of the Crosse Fourthly To the largest communications he hath witnessed the greatness of his love by the largeness of his gifts he hath given himselfe This the Apostle mentions as the evidence of the Greatness and excellency of his love to the Church Eph. 5.2 25. that he loved the Church and gave himselfe for it and not only himselfe to die for it but now that he liveth he communicateth freely to it of all spirituall blessings for whatsoever he hath heard or received of his father that he imparts to his friends Fourthly In the duration of it it is for ever he abides in his love towards them notwithstanding all their unkindnesses its immutable no length of time nor distance of place can worke any alteration in his love the injuries that we do to Christ although they have their fruit in discomfort and occasion the suspension of the manifestation of his love for a season which is a burden very grievous to be borne by a gracious soule yet these do not remove his love to his yea though he visit their transgressions with the rod and their iniquity with stripes yet his loving kindness shall continue with them in a word it is Everlasting love Jer. 31.3 Thirdly His self-deniall he was mighty in that he was higher and greater then any then all he had more then all others and yet he forsooke all for others he emptied himselfe of all never any so high and never any so low never any so rich and never any so poor as he never any so glorious and never any counted so vile and this not by
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
clearing of this first Branch of the Doctrine namely Christ being a Help to his People I shall onely set before you 1. WHAT MANNER of Help Christ is 2. HOW Christ doth help his people First What manner of Help is Christ First He is a SUFFICIENT Help What ever the work strait or condition be he can carry through it Gods children of themselves are not sufficient for what they are called to according to that of Paul 2 Cor. 3.5 where he saith Not that we including himself with the Saints at Corinth are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves neither yet are others though willing and sufficient in some measure to help a sufficient help for them but it is Christs peculiar to be a sufficient help His hand is not onely sufficient for himself but also for the help of all his Servants Moses seeing and considering the vast difference between the Enemies and Israels Rock saith triumphantly in his song Deut. 32.31 Their Rock is not as our Rock even our enemies themselves being Judges And with this did Hezekiah encourage the people against the King of Assyria and all the Multitude that was with him With him is an arm of flesh but with us is the LORD our God to help us 2 Chron 32.7 8. The Unbelievers help is but an Arm of flesh which will faile in time of need but the Believers help is Christ Jesus the Mighty God that fainteth not neither can be weary who also giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might he increaseth strength Isa 40. 10 11 29. This Paul experienced in his weaknesse and gloryed in his infirmities that the power of Christ might rest upon him 2 Cor 12.9 And of this viz The sufficiency of Christs help he had such a cleer apprehension and strong perswasion as that he said I can do all things through Christ which strengthneth me Phil 4.13 Secondly He is a SEASONABLE help as he is Mighty and knows how to help so he is Wise and knows when to help He that requires that his Servants should bring forth fruit in season doth give forth strength and help to them in season also he helps in the needfull time Heb 4.16 when it makes most for his glory to help and for his peoples good to be holpen He dyed in season according to that of the Apostle Rom 5.6 In due time Christ dyed for the ungodly He comforteth them that are cast down in season 2 Cor. 7.6 He succoureth the tempted in season when the soul is ready to faint and fall by the strength of the temptation he comes in to its help He hath the tongue of the Learned and knows how to speak a word in season to him that is weary Isa 50.4 All the Miracles and wonders which he wrought were a seasonable help to them upon and for whom he wrought them and in this respect he is an excellent help every thing being beautiful and excellent in its season Eccles 3.11 Thirdly He is a SUITABLE help a meet help suitable to the several estates of those whom he is to help This appears from those famous prophecies of him Isa 32.2 3. A man shall be as an hiding place from the wind a covert from the Tempest as Rivers of waters in a dry place as the shaddow of a great Rock in a weary Land So likewise Isa 61.1 3. The LORD hath anointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted to proclaim liberty to the Captives and the opening of the Prison to them that are bound to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion to give unto them beauty for ashes the oyl of joy for mourning the garment of praise for the spirit of heavinesse c. He is for a spirit of Judgement to him that sitteth in Judgement and for strength to them that turn the battel to the gate Isa 28.6 Therefore Christ is set forth under various Titles and Appellations suitable to the various conditions that his people are in and the several Relations he stands in towards them as a Father Husband Shepherd King Priest Prophet Meat Drink Wisdome Righteousnesse He gives rest to the weary Mat. 11.28 and Water Wine Milk to the thirsty Isa 55.1 Revel 22.17 Fourthly He is a CONSTANT help he doth not only help at first but at last also he helps his own to the end he will be with them and not fail them nor forsake them untill they have finished all the work and passed through all the troubles which he shall call them to He is a finishing and perfecting help as well as a beginning help he is Alpha and Omega the Beginning and the ending Rev 1.8 10. The Authour and Finisher of Faith Heb 12.2 Fifthly He is an ONELY help Christ is not a joynt help or helper an help in conjunction with others but he helps and saves alone he is the LORD and besides him there is no Saviour no helper Indeed none can help but he if we should go to the mightiest Creatures they would say help is not in us the Valiant man would say it is not in me the Wise man would say it is not in me the Rich man would say it is not in me Yea all the Creatures must say to them that come to them for help as that King of Israel to the Woman of Samaria when she cryed to him Help my Lord O King he said If the LORD do not help thee whence shall I help thee It is Christ and Christ alone that helpeth neither is there any other that can save in all the Cityes nor among all the Judges of the earth according to the words of Peter Acts 4.12 Neither is there salvation in any other there is none other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Sixthly He is an Antient OLD help and helper Not to consider him in respect of Gods appointing him which was from everlasting but of mans need of him which was as soon as he had sinned for he thereby became liable to the curse and wrath of God and man being a guilty weak creature could not deliver himself out of this danger neither could any of the Creatures help him nor yet God himself being just as well as merciful would free this offender from his threatned punishment any other way then Christ who was given forth in the promise became an help to him and saved him out of that deep pit into which he was fallen and thus Christ was an help of old Seventhly Christ is a FREE UNDESERVED HELP As there was nothing in the children of Israel to cause God to raise them up Saviours and Deliverers such as Moses and Joshua and others Types of Christ for they were a stubborn and rebellious people so there was nothing of good in us or done by us to move God to send Christ to be an help nor to incline Christ to be an help to us but he was
in the earth so that when a Mâ—ghty Spirit of Prayer goes forth to engage Christ to help he is not far from the help of his People Fourthly When they beleeve on him strongly when Gods servants have reacht out an hand of faith towards him he hath lifted up his hand to help them Abraham beleeved strongly and the Lord did help him greatly Jehoshaphat Asa David and others relyed on the Lord and were holpen in the time of their troubles the three servants of God mentioned Dan 3. were of great faith and Christ helped them so that the fire burnt them not neither could the flame kindle upâ—n them yea as many as ever came to Christ for help either for body or soul especially all such as were of great faith received it and surely when the People of God stagger not at the Promise of help but are strong in faith notwithstanding many difficulties and natural impossibilities before them the Performance thereof is at hand Rom. 4.20 Fifthly When they walk before him faâ—thfully nor doing their own nor others but his will When the Servants of God of old did walk in their integrity serving their Generations according to the will of God he helped them and made their wayes prosperous but when they did put forth their hands unto iniquity the LORD was not with them There is none can expect that God should meet them in a way of mercy and help but such as work righteousnesse and all such may Isa 64.5 they can confidently pray for help in time of need as David did Psal 119.173 Let thine hand help me for I have chosen thy precepts Christ promised and gave forth his help to his servants when they were working his work in the simplicity and sincerity of their souls see his promise Math. 28.19 20. Go ye teach all Nations baptâ—zing them in or unto the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you And lo I am with you alway even unto the end of the world So also Luke 21.12 13 14 15. See likewise his performance of his good word to them in their Preaching Disputing Writing Gal 2.8 Acts 6.10 Acts 11.21 2 Cor. 10.10 And certainly as many as shall be faithfull to him in the work whereunto he calls them shall receive a sufficiency of help to carry them through it Sixthly When they use appointed means dil gently doing neither more nor lesse nor any other thing than what God requireth of them When the Lord of old had a urpose to help and save his People in an eminent way he was wont to set them about doing something and sometimes that which was very unlikely as to outward appearance to further his intended work yet when they were diligent in it they were wonderfully helped as might be shewn at large so when Christ is in the way of the help and salvation of his people he requireth something that might seem a weak foolish thing for them to do which may seem in their eyes to be rather to their hurt than help yet they ought to be found using of it and therein may expect Assistance from him When there was want of wine at the Marriage in Cana of Galilee the Mother of Jesus said unto the servants Whatsoever he saith unto you do it which then they did they were helped by him John 2. When the Disciples despairing of success having toiled all the night and taken nothing had given over fishing for that time and were washing their Nets he said to Simon Lanch out into the deep and let down your Nets for a draught at his word they did so and when they had this done they inclosed a great multitude of fishes Luke 5.4 5. Seventhly When enemies speak proudly act highly and seem to bear down all before them being most secure and confident in their wayes then Christ is not far from the help of his People The Lord hath said by the mouth of his Prophet Isa 59.19 When the enemy shall come in like a flood the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a Standard against him It was so of old when Pharaoh was most proud and confident and said I will pursue I will overtake I will divide the spoil my lust shall be satisfied upon them I will draw the sword my hand shall destroy them then the Lord appeared for the help of his People against Pharaoh and all his Host Exod. 15.8 as he did in Jehoshaphats time when multitudes came against them 2 Chron 20. as also in Nehemiah's dayes when the Adversaries said They shall not know neither see till we come in the midst among them and slay them and cause the work to cease Neh 4.11 12 15. And as it was heretofore so it shall be hereafter For when Babylon saith in her heart I sit a Queen and am no widdow and shall see no sorrow Then shall Christ the King of Sion throw her down with violence like a great Milstone into the Sea never to rise again destroying her in a day Rev 18.7 8.21 and so free his Servants from all their oppressions when men and Devils are raging Christ will be helping Thus I have answered the Question by these seaven Particulars which I desire may be considered joyntly for when these things concurre when both the case and carriage of Gods People as also of their Enemies is or shall be as hath been mentioned help is at hand they may then look up and Lift up their heads for their Redemption draweth nigh as Luke 21.28 Quest. What VSE should we make of this Answ I. It is for Our INSTRVCTION in Four Things First It shews the Original and first cause of Gods Servants help namely the LORD For as their affliction so their help cometh not forth out of the dust but from above from the most High God And as it is the choice priviledge of Gods People to find help in time of need so it is their duty and great advantage to know and consider from whence it cometh And this Doctrine is an help to them therein this did David Psal 121.1 2. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help My help cometh from the Lord which made Heaven and Earth whosoever be the Instruments whatsoever be the means help is from God alone all Saviours and Salvations are from him To this agreeth part of the Levites confession of Gods goodnesse to Israel Nehem 9.27 According to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them Saviours who saved them out of the hand of their Enemies Secondly It shews a sufficient ground and reason of the faith and hope that is in the Saints for help from Christ in time of need He is mighty to help but that is not all it is the will and ordination of God that he should help He was both anointed and appointed thereunto Isa 42.1 6 7. 61.1 2 3. Not onely anointed and enabled but appointed also
that are not that no flesh might glory in his presence 1 Cor 1.26 27-29 31. Secondly Limit not the Lord Jesus to time your own time Christ must help now or never say some If not now we are undone as if Christ knew not when to help or could not help at one time as well as at another Indeed there is a set and appointed time when Christ will more eminently appeare for the deliverance and salvation of Zion yet he is an help to her at all times Thirdly Limit him not to particular straits and conditions As if Christ could help in some cases and conditions onely thence saith some Christian in his heart somtimes Christ helped delivered me out of such and such a temptation but he cannot deliver me out of my present strong temptation He hath mortified such and such a lust but he cannot subdue this unruly lust he hath wiped away my reproach but he cannot break my bonds he hath provided for me in such and such a condition but he cannot furnish a Table for me in the Wilderness as those said Psal 78.19 What is this but to Eclipse the glory of this Mighty One who is an help in all cases and conditions as hath been shewed Fourthly Limit him not to particular persons to some of Israel Let none say as some even of Israel have sometimes spoken there is help in Christ for such and such but not for me I am excluded and cut off from partaking of it But soule take heed thou dost not exclude thy selfe from a participation of Christs help which extends to all Zion to the whole flock to the weak and sick as well as to the strong and sound yea especially to the weak according to that good word of the Lord Ezek 34.15 16. I will feed my flock and I will cause them to lie downe saith the Lord God I will seek that which was lost and bring againe that which was driven away and will bind up that which was broken and will strengthen that which was sick yea it is said of him He shall gather the lambs with his Arm and carry them in his bosom and shall gently lead those that are with young Isa 40.11 Therefore do not limit this holy One in any wise Use Seek to Christ for help in every time of need whilst others are looking and seeking to Creatures like to themselves for help and can finde none their eyes failing for their vaine help do you look to him who is both Mighty and ordained of God to help and then you shall be sure to finde when you seek with your whole heart Jer 29.13 Psal 20.7 8. He is the great helper and Saviour and there is none can help like him None so Authoritatively he having all power both in heaven and earth he commandeth deliverances for Jacob Psal 44.4 None so tenderly and compassionately In his love and in his pity he redeemeth and saveth his people Isa 63.9 None so seasonably he is a very present help in time of trouble Psal 46.5 None so constantly he is an help for ever Psal 12.7 therefore seek to him above all others And having found help from him in time of need be sure you carry it well towards him let your Conversation to him-ward be as becometh this grace be especially carefull First To SERVE HIM THE MORE FREELY he both deserves and expects it at your hands had you found him either unwilling or unable to ayd you you might have had some plea for your backwardness to serve him but seeing he hath been ready to assist you in every business how ought you to be ready to answer when he calls to go when he bids you go and to do what he bids you do and that with a willing and cheerfull spirit Let your experience of his help make you forward to his work so shall you finde that he that hath holpen will help and he that hath saved is still mighty to save Secondly To CLEAVE TO HIM CONSTANTLY It will be your wisdome and greatest safety to stick to him whom you know to be both mighty and faithfull oh forsake not him in any condition whom you have found an help in every condition Thirdly To PRAISE HIM CONTINVALLY make him evermore your song who hath been alwayes your strength Isa 12.3 Isa 38.20 This did David as appeares Psal 71.6 By thee have I been holden up from the womb thou art he that took me out of my mothers bowels my praise shall be continually of thee Yea give him all the glory of all your works which are indeed rather his than yours being wrought by his strength and help The Apostles carriage as in other things so in this is worthy of imitation who when they had wrought miracles by Christs power were carefull to give all the glory to his Name as Acts 3.12 13. Acts 14.13 14-18 c. The like we reade of Charles the fifth who after he had obtained a great Victory said I have Conquered in the Name of Christ Jesus I shall onely say Go you and do likewise for Worthy is the Lamb that was slaine to receive power and riches and wisdome and strength and honour and Glory and blessing for ever and ever AMEN PSAL. 35.10 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He Jehovah quis sicut tu eripiens afflictū à forti prae ill◠APOCAL 15.3 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Contant Magna et mirabilia illa opera tui 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Domine qui Deus omnipotens justae et verae 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Illae viae tua O Rex Sanctorum 4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 4 Quis non timebit te Domino THE END THE CONTENTS OF SERMONS On PSAL. 89.19 I. THE Scope of the Psalm and Coherence of vers 19. Page 1. 7. I. Observ from vers 19. I. In General 1. The condition of Gods people here needs help Page 8. 2. The Lord himself provides help therein Page 10. 3. He layes in sufficiency of help several wayes Three Reasons of this Page 11 12. II. In Particular Two Observations I. That Jesus Christ is a Mighty One. Page 14 I. Explaining the word Mighty Page 15. 1. In General 2. In Particular it s put for 1. Rich 2. Powerful Page 16. 3. Valiant 4. One that Ruleth Page 17. So Jesus Christ considered 1. In his Essence Page 19. II. In his Mediatorship wherein four things speak Christs Mightinesse Page 20. Demonstrations of his Mightinesse 1. In his Original 2. In the first promise of him Page 21. 3. In the Types in the multitude mightinesse Page 23. 4. In Prophesies of him Page 24. 5. In the expectation of his people Page 29. 6. In his Fore-runner Page 31. 7. Incarnation where 1. Conception 2. Birth Further in Page 32. It s 1. Subject 2. Time 3. Concomitants Page 34. As 1. Angels Message 2. Host prising 3. Homage of the Wise men 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Page 35. Of whose persons pains direction Page 36. 4. The dread of
28.29 This did David Psal 74.22 saying Arise O God plead thy own cause As also Luther who was wont to say when the Cause of God was low in his hand It is Gods Cause let him look to it Sixthly Commit YOUR OWN CAUSE to him Other Mighty ones may be neglect and condemn your Righteous Cause this Mighty One the Lord Christ who is higher than the highest regardeth and pleadeth the Cause of his People yea he will throughly plead their cause In confidence of this grace of God the Church of old resolving to be quiet under the present dispensation committed her cause to the Lord as appears from those words recorded Micah 7.8 9. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him untill he plead my Cause and execute judgement for me he will bring me forth to the light and I shall behold his righteousnesse then she that is mine enemy shall see it and shame shall cover her which said unto me Where is the Lord thy God When Davids enemies digged pits for his soul and rejoyced over him wrongfully and devised deceitfull matters against them that were quiet in the Land and opened their mouth wide against him saying Aha aha our eye hath seen it He committed his cause to the Lord Psal 35.22 23. This thou hast seen O Lord keep not silence O Lord be not far from me stir up thy selfe and awake to my judgement even unto my cause my God and my Lord. Thus did Jeremy also when his enemies devised devices against him Jeremy 11.20 20.10 11 12. Let then the upright Ones of the earth when they are oppressed and wronged by the wicked of the world be of good cheer and not faint in their minds but commit all to the Lord Jesus Christ who is Mighty to clear and justifie them and to take vengeance for them Seventhly Commit your WORK to him All your work and way especially your difficult work wherein you most need his help look for it God hath appointed him to be an help and he is free to help yea to work all your works in you and FOR you Isa 26.12 Eighthly Commit your CONDITIONS to him Yea let all both the Wicked and the Righteous both Sinners and Saints commit their conditions to him I. SINNERS Commit your Conditions to him that you may not perish in your iniquities he onely can help you First There is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby you can be saved Acts 4.12 Neither is there need of any other forasmuch as he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him Heb. 6.7 And therefore hasten away from the Devil world and your own selves and all vanities lest they be your ruine and commit your Conditions to him and you shall find help and healing of all your wounds and in the end everlasting life Acts 13.38 39. Secondly Are you laden with sin so that you cannot look up with any confidence or cheerfulnesse of spirit Psal 40.12 Despair not do not say There is hope as Jer 2.25 Christ hath both power to forgive and destroy sin his blood can cleanse from all sin Mat. 11.28 1 John 1.7 9. His Spirit can crucifie the flesh with the affections and lusts Rom. 8.11 13. Thirdly Are you ignorant of the way of salvation Do you sit in great darkness God hath given him to be a Light to the Gentiles to open the blind eyes Isa 42.6 7. and he can make you that are darknesse light in the Lord as those in Eph 5.8 him self hath said That he is the light of the world and he that followeth him shall not walk in darknesse but shall have the light of Life John 8.12 Fourthly Are you the Devils Captives and Slaves to do his will Jesus Christ can deliver you from that servitude also he can turn you as he hath others from the power of Satan unto God Acts 26.18 to be his Servants and Sons blessed for ever Yea however it is with you he can help you therefore to day while it is called to day while he tenders his help and salvation do not neglect it lest hereafter when you call and cry to him for it he refuse to hear you at all Heb 2.3 3.7 11. Prov 1.22 23 24. II. SAINTS Commit your Conditions to him also your most afflictive Conditions Cast all your burthens upon him according to that word Psal 5.22 Cast thy burthen upon the Lord and he shall sustain thee I. Commit your OVTWARD CONDITIONS to him all your bodily concernments and troubles As First Your Reproach he is mighty to roll it away Jos 5.9 And he will assuredly bring forth the righteousnesse of his people as the light and their judgement as the noon day Psal 37.6 Secondly Your Poverty and low estate as it is said Psal 10.14 The poor committeth himself to thee thou art the helper of the fatherlesse It is the work of this Mighty One to deliver the needy when he cryeth the poor also and him that hath no helper Psal 72.12 Thirdly Your oppressions and persecutions he can deliver from them he can and will burst every band and take off every yoke and also break in pieces the oppressor Psal 72.4 II. Commit your INWARD SPIRITVAL Conditions to him First All the troubles and burthens of your spirits which are most heavy and hard to bear as it is written A wounded spirit who can bear Prov 18.14 Make use of the arm of Christ which he stretcheth out for your help your souls support and salvation and come to him according to his gracious invitation all you that are weary and heavy laden and he will give you rest Mat. 11. at the end and you shall find help in every time of need Heb 4. Secondly Are you such as the Devil tempteth and thrusts sore against that you might fall Commit that condition to Christ that he may be your helper therein forasmuch as he is appointed of God and in that himself hath suffered being tempted is able to succour them that are tempted Heb 2.18 And to keep you from falling Jude 24. Thirdly Have you been overcome by the Tempter Still look unto Christ who is mighty to recover you out of the snare of the Devil to raise you up again 1 Joh. 3.8 Fourthly Are you men and women of sorrowfull spirits and full of heavinesse Lye at the feet of him whom God hath sent to comfort all that mourn to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion to give unto them beauty for ashes the oyl of joy for mourning the garment of praise for the spirit of heavinesse Isa 61.2 3. Fifthly Do you find a Combate within you the flesh lusting against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh so that you are hindred from doing the good you would Gal. 5.17 and sometimes brought into captivity to the Law of sin that you even cry out like wretched undone men Who shall deliver us from the body of this
death Rom 7.19 23 24. Commit this condition to Christ also who is able to subdue your corruptions and to set your souls above your lusts and to make you as he did Paul victorious over all evil so that you shall say with him in the like condition We thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ Rom 7.25 1 Cor 15.57 USE Put your selves into Christs service There are TWO THINGS usually discourage souls from Christs worke the Mightinesse of Christ to help doth encourage against both First DIFFICVLTY Christs service is apprehended to be hard and difficult and the soul that is sometimes somewhat inclined to it doth ordinarily put it off with these or the like arguings I cannot perform it if I should undertake it if I should profess Christ I shall not hold fast my profession but dishonour him by apostacy if I should name his Name and not depart from iniquity I had better make no mention of him I know I shall never be able to pray as others do nor so to learn nor understand the Mysteries of the Kingdome nor to deny my self and forsake all for Christ and therefore I had as good abide aâ— I am and not mind things that are TOO high and HARD for me You know what Answer Christ made to his Disciples in the like case Math. 19.26 With men this is impossible but with God all things are possible And though of your selves as of your selves you are not sufficient for the least of those things 2 Cor. 3.6 yet through the help of Christ you may perform them all he can make the dullest to understand and the weakest mighty to do his will and it is his work to strengthen the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees and to make them that are of a fearfull heart bold and strong yea he performeth all things for his Servants And thus through Christ strengthning of them they experience his burthen to be light and his yoke easie Mat. 11.29 Therefore let not the thoughts nor fears of difficulty hold any off from Christs service seeing he is so able to help Secondly The other Discouragement DANGER He that engageth in Christs work heartily and throughly exposeth himself to danger as some men count danger his Name Liberty Estate and Life it self is in danger of being lost and the consideration of these things keeps off many from professing and serving Christ according to his pure and glorious Gospel But to Answer But what though dangers be many and great it is enough to encourage to his work that Jesus Christ is a Great One and a Saviour mighty to help and deliver in and out of dangers it was dangerous in the eyes of men for Shadrach Meshach and Abednego not to worshâ—p the Golden Image which Nebuchadnezzar the King sat up as the generality of the people did for they were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace and yet they were safe there having the Son of God with them who did so keep them that they had no hurt Dan 3. It was dangerous for Daniel contrary to the Kings Decree to pray three times a day his Windows being open in his Chamber towards Jerusalem for he was cast into the Lions den and yet he was safe there God sent his Angel and shut the Lions mouths so that no manner of hurt was found upon him Dan 6.10 It was dangerous also for Esther to go in to the King contrary to Law And yet it made way both for her own and her peoples preservation and safety It was dangerous likewise for the Apostles and primitive Saints to preach and practise contrary to the commands of the Rulers and customes of the people And yet Jesus Christ being with them according to his promise to help and strengthen them in their work they did wonderfully prevaile and prosper as in Acts 4.18 19 20 29. Acts 5.17 18 19 20-28 29-38 40 41 42. Therefore let not feare of danger hinder any from yeelding up themselves to the service of Christ And you that are so carefull to avoyd danger consider that you bring your selves into the greatest danger by declining his work While you seek to save your selves you loose your souls and selves While you study to escape the danger of mans hatred and wrath you fall into danger of the displeasure of the most high God yea into danger of eternal Damnation Math 16.25 26. Mark 8 34-38 VSE of CAVTION Take heed you do not abuse this Doctrine of the help of Christ. First That you be not idle and negligent It was never the purpose of the Father in his Appointment of Christ to help nor yet of Christ in his willingness and readiness thereunto to exempt his people from any duty but to strengthen and encourage them against every difficulty therein Christs help is not to indulge the flesh but to quicken the dull spirits of his servants Yea the Doctrine of the help of Christ is so farre from being a principle of loosness and slothfulness as that it engageth and worketh up the soules of those that do understand it aright unto a faithfull vigorous and cheerfull performance of the will of God And indeed Christs help doth suppose as his peoples weakness so their willingness and diligence The help of another doth imply that he that is holpen is exercised and doing what he can in his businesse And therefore when Christ is helping be you a working lest you provoke him to anger through your slothfulness for the same Lord Jesus Christ who helpeth the weak and willing will condemne the slothfull servant Math 25.26 This is not spoken to deject those that are grieved and would grieve more for their own slothfulness Secondly That you do not lâ—mit Christ It was the Jewes fault of old for which God was so angry with them They limited the holy one of Israel Psal 78. therefore do not limit this Mighty one and his help at all First Not to MEANS that either he must help by this or that means by this or that person or persons or else not at all This is too usuall among men Naaman will prescribe meanes and limit Elisha to them to accomplish the cure of his Leprosie He was wroth and said Behold I thought he will surely come out to me and stand and call upon the Name of the Lord his God and stroke his hand over the place and recover the Leper Are not Abana and Pharpar rivers of Damascus better than all the Rivers of Israel may I not wash in them and be clean 2 Kings 5.11 12. This was also Moses's fault God bade him speak to the Rock and he neglected that and instead thereof he smote it twice Numb 20.8 11. And surely iâ— is very dishonourable to Christ and unbecoming Saints to limit him to means that can help by what he pleaseth and hath usually holpen and saved his people by weak and foolish things and things