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
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
and what God hath anointed and appointed Christ to do the Saints may beleeve and hope for Thirdly It shews the righteousnesse faithfullnesse and goodnesse of God in his commands to and dealings with his people He is no hard Master looking to reap where he hath not sown nor to gather where he hath not strawed but as he hath appointed work for his people to do and afflictions for them to endure so he hath appointed and provided help for every imployment and condition Fourthly It shews whence it is that the people of God have been and are able to do such great things it is not of nor from themselves but from Christ their helper and help It was the Lords bâ—ing with and helping his Servants of old which made them do so valiantly and worthily It was not by the Apostles own power and holiness but by the name of the Holy Child Jesus Gods appointed help and helper that so many signes and wonders were done by them Acts 3.12 4.30 Hence saith Paul Phil 4.13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me I laboured more abundantly then they all yet not I but the grace of God which was with me 1 Cor 15.10 II. VSE of REPROOFE First To the prophane ones of the world who insult and triumph over Gods people as if they were altogether helpless and utterly forsaken yea they say concerning the Righteous There is no help in God for him Psal 3.2 God hath forsaken him persecute and take him for there is none to deliver him Psal 71.11 This Doctrine tells such that they lie and speak not the truth and which is worse they make God a liar for God hath sworn it by his holiness that he will not lie herein Psal 89.35 19. and saith I have laid help and help enough help upon one that is mighty and they say there is no help for him And thus do many contradict the Lord himselfe but they shall one day finde that God is true and they are liars Jer 44.28 for God will performe every Good word which he hath spoken concerning the help deliverance and salvation of his people as Jos 21.45 Jos 23. 14. I shall onely say to such speak no more so foolishly Secondly To the proud ones of the earth who trust in themselves and in their own works for salvation saying in their hearts though not with their tongues that there is no need of the help of Christ no need of his being made to them Wisdome Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor 1.30 hereby frustrating the grace of God and making the death of Christ of none effect Gal 2.21 Such will one day finde though now they say they are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing that they are wretched and miserable and poore and blind and naked and stand in need of his gold that they may be rich and of his white rayment that they may be clothed that the shame of their nakedness may not appeare Rev. 3.17 8. Let such heare and consider what God speaks to them Isa 50.11 Behold all ye that kindle a fire that compass your selves about with sparks walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks that ye have kindled this shall ye have of mine hand ye shall lie downe in sorrow As also what Christ saith in his parable Luke 18.9 10 11 12 13 14. Two men went up into the Temple to pray the one a Pharisee and the other a Publican The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himselfe God I thanke thee that I am not as other men are extortioners unjust Adulterers or even as this Publican I fast twice in the week I give tithes of all that I possesse And the Publican standing a farre off would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven but smote upon his breast saying God be mercifull to me a sinner I tell you this man went downe to his house justified rather than the other Thirdly This also reproves those that trust in their own strength for preservation and deliverance from danger that say in their hearts We will deliver our selves our own swords shall save us as also those that conceit their own hands sufficient for their designes How proudly did Pharaoh speak Exod 15.9 I will pursue I will overtake I will divide the spoil my lust shall be satisfied upon them my hand shall destroy them And yet he was so far from being able to performe his enterprise that he and all his host miserably perished in the mighty waters Sennacherib likewise was so confident of prevailing against Jerusalem that he made a scorne at all opposition which should be made against him And yet was not able so much as to come before it with Shields nor to cast a bank against it And the Angel of the Lord smote in his Camp an hundred and fourscore and five thousand in one night Isa 37. Neither have they onely been frustrated in and punished for their confident boasting in themselves but other Mighty Ones also and as many as shall yet glory in their might shall faint and be weary and utterly fall in the end Isa 40.30 31. Fourthly This also reproves DESPAIRING ONES First Those that despaire of eternal salvation and they are Either GREAT SINNERS such as have sinned so long so much and so grievously that they conclude their iniquitie is greater than can be forgiveâ— and their filthiness is such as cannot be washed away and that there is no hope that ever they should be saved To such I say though you have exceedingly provoked the Lord by your Rebelling against him Why should you further dishonour him and endanger your selves by distrusting and despairing of that help which God hath laid upon Christ for you And know if you have abundantly sinned he can AND WILL abundantly pardon the Returning sinner Isa 55.7 Jer 3.1 12 13. Hos 14.1 2 3. Why should any despaire of help from him who is not onely able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him Heb 7.25 but is also appointed of God thereunto John 3.16 17. Or WEAK SAINTS such have sometimes said that there is no help in Christ for them but that they shall perish in their Transgressions and fall at last by the hand of some Temptation or other But how injurious are such to the grace of God and their own soules not considering that God laid help upon his servant David for all Israel especially for the weak of the flock yea because his people are weak and that they might not trust in themselves but in Christ he hath appointed him to be an help for them 1 Tim 1.15 Rom 4.5 Secondly Those that despaire of deliverance or any promised prosperous condition And this is when Gods people have prayed much and waited long in a low and suffering estate and the mercy seemes as far off at last as it was at first and the providence of God seemes to run crosse to his promise