notwithstanding their great watch of Souldiers and great stone which they rolled to the door of the Sepulchre so that by his Resurrection from the dead he is declared to be the Son of God with power Rom. 1.4 And that he hath satisfied the Justice of God and discharged the debt which he undertook to pay to the full being taken from prison the Grave in which the strength of sin and Gods wrath did for a time as Cords hold him and therefore the Apostle proclaims a mighty victory at Christs Resurrection 1 Cor. 15.54 55 56 57. And indeed then Christ appeared victorious his Resurrection being the beginning of his Exaltation Twenty-sixthly He is mighty in his Ascension not onely in that he ascended on high into heaven upon which account the Apostle magnifies him Heb 4.14 Seeing we have a Great High Priest that is passed inro the Heavens Jesus the Son of God but he ascended as a Mighty One Blessing the Disciples as he parted with them and they worshipping him Luke 24.50 51 52. The Angels also apppeared and attended Acts 1.10 Twenty-seventhly He is mighty in his Session he is set down on the right hand of God The Apostle speaks of him as of a Mighty One in this respect Heb 8 1. We have such an High Priest who is set on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens And in this respect he is far above any of the Angels for God never said to any of the Angels Sit on my right hand Heb 1.13 And thus he is far above all Principality and Power and Might and Dominion and every name that is named not onely in this world but also in that which is to come Ephes 1.20 21. To which agreeth the words of Peter 1 Pet 3.22 Who is gone into Heaven and is on the right hand of God Angels and Authorities and Powers being made subject to him Twenty-eightly He is mighty in his coming again and that in three things especially First In the signs of his coming the Lord will give notice to the world of his coming by strange terrible and dreadful signes publick signes such as all shall see and observe for there shall be signs in the Sun and in the Moon and in the Stars and in the Earth and in the Sea The Sun shall be darkened and the Moon shall not give her light the Stars shall fall from heaven and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken the Sea and the waves shall roar the Nations shall be distressed and perplexed mens hearts failing them for fear c. Math. 24.29 with Luke 21.25 26. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory Secondly In the manner of his coming he shall not come then as he did at first not as a sheep to the slaughter as a Sufferer but as a Conquerour and Deliverer from all sin and punishment he shall not come in meannesse and weaknesse but in Majesty and Power triumphing over Sin Death and Devil He shall come in glory in his own glory and in his Fathers and of the holy Angels Luke 9.26 He shall come with all his holy Angeâ—s and Saints attending on him Matth. 25.31 1 Thess 3.13 Thirdly In the end of his coming viz to shew his might and greatnesse more than ever he did to take his kingdome and to reign before his Ancients all others gloriously to judge the quick and the dead 2 Tim. 4.1 Utterly to destroy wicked and ungodly men according to that of Paul 2 Thess 1.7 8. He shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ Fully and eminently to save his faithfull servants For he was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation Heb 9.28 Then shall he sit on his own Throne and all overcomers with him Rev 3.21 Thus have I demonstrated the mightiness of Christ in many particulars I shall add a few more to shew the super-excellency of this Mighty One the Lord Christ First He is mighty and righteous he is no Tyrant shewing forth his mightinesse in barbarous and unjust actions like the worlds Mighty Ones whose course is usually evill and their force not right Jerem 23.10 He doth not by his might overthrow right but he alwayes worketh yea he loveth righteousnesse Psal 45.7 Though he may in some great and strange works go besides the ordinary path and course of providence yet he never goeth out of the way of righteousnesse the most terrible things which he will do shall be in righteousnesse true and righteous are and shall be all his judgements for a Scepter of Righteousnesse is the Scepter of his Kingdom Heb 1.8 And being thus cloathed with righteousnesse he excels the Mighty Ones of the Earth Secondly He is mighty and mercifull The mighty ones of the world are commonly cruel and fierce but for one to be mighty and mercifull is rare such an one is Christ might and mercy dwell together in him he hath a mighty yet a tender heart and though he be well able to cut off his strongest stoutest Adversaries yet he is ready to forgive and receive them graciously It is observable all the mighty works of Christ were merciful works not wrought in malice and revenge but in love and good will to men not for their hurt but for their good and therefore it is said He went about doing good Acts 10.38 Thirdly He is mighty and meek mild and humble not like the Mighty Ones of this world who are for the most part of proud and scornfull spirits and of fierce countenances but he is meek and lowly in heart Math 11.29 Yea though he be very high and mighty yet hath he respect to the lowly and unto that man will this Mighty One look that is poor and of a contrite spirit and trembleth at his word yea with him will he dwell that is of an humble spirit It was the excellency of Moses that he was mighty and yet meek none on earth so meek as he in his day but Christ is both mightier and meeker too I shall conclude this with that rarity and wonder which Zachary mentions Zach. 9.9 Rejoyce greatly O daughter of Zion Shout O Daughter of Jerusalem behold thy King cometh unto thee he is just and having salvation lowly and riding upon an Asse and upon a Colt the Foale of an Asse Fourthly He is mighty and wise some who are great in power are not eminent in wisdome but Christ is great in wisdome as well as in strength and therefore he is said to be by the Apostle The Power of God and the Wisdome of God 1 Cor. 1.24 Fifthly He is mighty and patient long-suffering and slow to anger it is not so much for the mean and weak to be patient as
What ever other ends Christ might have in this prohibition it plainly speaks that he was not desirous of vain-glory Secondly In that he sought not his own profit he did none of his mighty workes for money he had no designe to enrich himselfe by his workes he sought not Theirs but them he did not ask them what they would give him and he would heale them he did not say for so much I will heale thee of thy Leprosie for so much I will cast out the uncleane Spirit c. Christ had an heart free from the desire and love of money and we never reade that ever he received any from any man for any thing he did This Mighty One was above gifts and Rewards from men Twentithly Mighty in his Victories he had many Adversaries and met with much opposition yet he overcame All so he saith of himselfe Rev. 3.21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne even as I also Overcame and am set down with my Father on his Throne First Over the World the world was an enemy to him and hated him because he did testifie of it that the workes thereof are evil and did all manner of evil against him they would faine have destroyed him that he might have been no more and to that end they condemned killed and buried him and then they thought they had overcome him but he was not destroyed for he rose againe and now liveth being set downe at the right hand of the throne of God and so he became victorious over all their hatred malice and persecution so much he told his Disciples to comfort them in their Tribulation in the world Joh. 16.33 In the world ye shall have tribulation but be of good chear I have overcome the World Secondly Over sin not his for he was without sin but ours sin was an enemy to him and came against him in its strength viz. the Law for the strength of sin is the Law and did condemne him so that he died for our sins sin did its worst but could not destroy him for he endured and overcame it according to that in 1 Pet. 3.18 For Christ hath once suffered for sins the Just for the unjust that he might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh but Quickned by the Spirit Sin indeed was in the world and reigned like a Mighty King over all unto Death but Christ came and cast downe sin from its Throne and brought it into Captivity yea by his death he overcame it he put away sin by the sacrifice of himselfe Heb. 9.26 And as for sin in respect of himselfe he kept it at a great distance from him and would not let it come neere him he stood like a Mighty One farre above it keeping it under for the Law of his God was in his heart and none of his steps did slide he was holy harmless undefiled and separate from Sinners Heb. 7.26 Thirdly Over Death that Mighty Adversary by death he overcame Death like a Mighty victorious one he brake through Death it being not possible that he should be holden of it Act. 2.24 And being raised from the Dead dieth no more Death hath no more Dominion over him Rom. 6.9 So that according to what is prophecied of him He hath swallowed up Death in Victory so that now we may say O death where is thy sting O grave where is thy victory 1 Cor. 15.54 55. Fourthly Over the Devil that Mighty One whose principall aime and designe was against Christ But he overcame that Wicked one and that through Death Heb. 2.14 For as much as the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himselfe likewise took part of the same that through Death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the Devil yea he triumphed over him according to that of the Apostle Col. 2.15 speaking before of his blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against us and nailing it to his Crosse saith Having spoiled principalities and powers he made a shew of them Openly triumphing over them in it Further Christ is not onely Mighty in the victories which his right hand have gotten over these Mighty Lords who have devoured so many but also in the victories which he will get over them hereafter for these his enemies are up againe against him and he will be victorious over them The Psalmist sings of him prophetically Psal 45.3 4 5. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh O most mighty with thy glory and thy Majesty and in thy Majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the Kings enemies whereby the people fall under thee And in this posture John saw him Rev. 6.2 And I saw and behold a white horse and he that sate on him had a bow and a Crowne was given unto him and he went forth Conquering and to Conquer The world is up and Christ will never leave till he hath overcome it till he hath brought in the Generality of men viz. Jews and Gentiles to be subject to him to be one sheepfold under him the Great Shepheard and Prince whom the Lord hath set over them according to the prophecies of him Ezek 34. 37 Chapters And as for his deadly enemies that will not that he should reigne over them he will slay them with the breath of his lips Rev. 19. from the 11 verse to the end John saw him in a warring posture with the Beast and the Kings of the earth and their Armies which were gathered together to make warre against him and the issue was The Beast was taken and with him the false Prophet that wrought Miracles before him these both were cast alive into a Lake of fire burning with Brimstone and the Remnant were slaine with the sword of him that sate upon the horse which sword proceeded out of his mouth Sin is up against him now he is in heaven Idolatry is up in the Nations of the world Antichristianisme is up prophaness is up ungodliness and unrighteousness is up in the earth and the Lord Christ will not cease working till he hath rooted out sin till he hath destroyed all the workes of the Devil And according to what is prophecied of him Isaiah 42.4 He shall not faile nor be discouraged till he hath set Judgement in the Earth The Devil is up also and hath great wrath against him and all his and however he may for a time prevaile to the deceiving of the Nations yet he shall be overcome in the end Rev. 20.9 10. Fire came downe from God out of heaven and devoured the Nations and the Devil that deceived them was cast into the Lake of fire and brimstone where the Beast and the false Prophet are shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever Secondly Mighty in his Offices which are three King Priest Prophet First He
the world to come under him so much is hinted Heb. 2.5 8. For unto the Angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come that is Honour peculiar to his Son under whose feet he hath put all things in subjection though now we see not yet all things put under him so much is expressed Eph. 1.20 God hath set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places farre above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named not onely in this world but also in that which is to come Secondly He is Mighty in rule and Authority in regard of the Measure of it he hath not onely power over all but he hath all power over all Math. 28.18 All power is given unto me in Heaven and Earth he hath an Absolute dispose of all things he doth whatsoever he will in the Church in Heaven in Earth in Hell God hath set him up over all and left all things to him Joh. 5.22 The Father judgeth no man but hath committed all Judgement to the Son so that he hath power to set up and pull downe to save and to destroy what and whom he will Thus it appeareth that Christ Jesus is a Mighty one in every sense and acceptation of the word Christ may be Considered First In respect of his Eternall Essence and being as he was one with the Father before the Foundation of the world was laid and so considered he is a Mighty One the onely Mighty One from everlasting the true God blessed for ever the Apostle speaking of him with reference to his eternall essence saith Phil. 2.6 Being in the Forme of God thought it not Robbery to be equall with God thus he is the Mightiest Highest God Secondly In respect of his Mediatourship as he took upon him to come between God and man to transact all matters between them and thus considered he is a Mighty One Foure things especially about his Mediatourship in Generall speak forth the Mightiness of Christ. First The singularity and oneness of the person Mediating not Many not a Few not two but One Mediator between God and man the Man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2.5 There was none with him in his difficult worke of Mediatorship but he carried it on alone there was none with him to helpe him therefore his own Arme brought salvation both unto him and us which speaks him to be a Mighty One Moses was a Mighty one in that he stood and that alone between the Lord and the Children of Israel on the Mountaine and yet but a shaddow of this One great Mediator Christ Jesus Secondly The Greatness of the persons between whom he doth Mediate he is usually a Mighty One that is Mediator between either Mighty Persons or Nations even the greatest mightiest and most excellent One they can finde then how Mighty must he be that is Mediator between the Almighty Highest God and Man the chiefe of the Creatures Thirdly The weightinesse of the Matter it being of greatest concernment no less than the bringing of souls which were afar off unto God 1 Pet. 3.18 the making sinners righteous yea righteousness 2 Cor. 5.21 the reconciling all things in heaven and earth unto God Col. 1.20 the turning away Gods wrath from sinners the destroying of the enmity that is in their minds against him and so the salvation of them that are lost Fourthly The exact performance and accomplishment of the whole business According to what was prophecied of him Dan. 9.24 He did make reconciliation for iniquity and brought in Everlasting Righteousnesse He did not begin do something and then faint and leave his work imperfect but he finished it and that to the Glory of his Father that sent him as himselfe testifieth in his prayer to his Father Joh. 17.4 I have glorified thee on the Earth I have finished the worke which thou gavest me to do surely he is a Mighty One Demonstrations of the Mightinesse of Christ the Mediator First He is a Mighty One in his Originall and rise from whence he came himselfe told the Jews Joh. 8.23 That he was from above and not of this World and that he proceeded forth and came from God When John heard he was come and manifested himselfe by preaching and Baptizing magnified him upon this account Joh. 3.31 He that cometh from above is above all He that cometh from Heaven is above all And by this the Apostle doth distinguish him from and exalt him above the first Adam 1 Cor. 15.47 The first man is of the Earth Earthly the second man is the Lord from Heaven Secondly He is a Mighty One in the first promise of him the first hint and report of him is of a Mighty One a Conquerour of the Devill In that this blessed seed of the Woman should bruise the Serpents head according as it is written Gen. 3.15 I will put Enmity between thee and the Woman and between thy seed and her seed It shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heele the first appearance and coming forth of Christ in the promise is as of a Mighty one prevailing against mans mightiest Enemy the Devill Thirdly He is a Mighty One in the Types of him First In the multitude of them every thing almost which was before him being a Type and shaddow of him as the Passeover Rock Mannah Brazen-Serpent 1 Cor. 5.7 Joh. 6.32 48 50. 1 Cor. 10.4 Joh. 3.14 15. The Priests Tabernacle Altar Sanctuary the Feasts Sacrifices and all the Ceremoniall rites Col. 2.16 17. Heb. 1. ad 11 verse Aarons Bells as one saith sounded Jesus Christ and him crucified surely he is some Mighty one indeed that the Lord did fore-signifie by so many things Secondly In the Mightiness of them I meane the personall Types of him who were not meane but mighty ones As Adam whom God made so mighty giving him Lordship over the Creatures was a type of him that then was to come Rom. 5.14 Melchisedec that great and mighty one of whose greatness the Apostle exhorts the Hebrews to consider Heb. 7.4 Now consider how great this man was unto whom even the Patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils was a Type of Christ Moses Josuah David those Great and eminent Saviours and Deliverers of the Children of Israel were but types and shaddows of that Great and mighty Saviour and Deliverer of his people Jesus Christ And if the shaddows be thus Mighty the body and substance must be very Mighty Fourthly He is a Mighty One in the Prophecies of him I shall not lay any weight upon the predictions of him to the Gentiles by the famous Sybils to whom much is attributed by some who are said to Prophecy of him as of a Mighty One an universall King that should be Lord over Romanes and all others Nor yet upon Diabolicall Oracles mentioned in History as the Answer of Apollo from Delphos to Augustus Caesar the Emperour demanding of him who should reigne after him after
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
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
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
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
blood as a mighty Advocate he plead for them in a way of Justice And upon this the servants of God may and do bear themselves in case of sin according to that heart-unholding word 1 John 2.1 My little chilâ—â—â—n these things write I unto you that ye sin not and if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father Jesus Christ the Righteous Upon this did that good woman that we read of in History bear her self who being charged and accused and much put to it by the Devil said Though I cannot answer thee my Advocate can meaning Christ And the Apostle did apprehend so much of the mightinesse of Christ in his performance of this part of his Priestly work as that he layes the stress of his peoples eternal salvation upon it Heb. 7.25 Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Thirdly To offer up the gifts and services of the people Heb 5.1 8.3 And this Christ doth also and that powerfully and effectually for he doth not take the prayers praises and spiritual services of his people and barely offer them up to the Lord but by and through him presenting them they are acceptable to God 1 Pet. 2.5 His very presenting the persons and performances of his people unworthy and imperfect in themselves is sufficient to make them acceptable to God and therefore he is mighty in that part also of the work 〈◊〉 a Priest Fouâ—â—â—ly To blesse the people Numb 6.23 24 25. This also Christ doth and in this he is mighâ—ier than all other Priests which were before him which is evident in that First He blesseth more than they they blessed but a few in comparison of those he blesse they but the Nation of the Jews at the most they but one Nation he all the Nations of the world both the Jews and the Gentiles also according to the promise of God of old to Abraham so often repeated That all the Nations of the Earth should be blessed in him And for this end did God send him according to the words of Peter to the Jewes Acts 3.25.26 Ye are the children of the Prophets and of the Covenant which God made wite our Fathers saying unto Abraham and in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed Vnto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him to blesse you in turning away every one of you from your iniquities And Paul tells the Galatians That Christ hath redeemed them from the curse of the Law being made a curse for them that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ Gal. 3.13 14. Secondly He blesseth with more and more choice blessings than any other Priest he blesseth not onely with bodily but with spiritual and with all spirituall blessings with blessings for this life and all estates and conditions therein and with blessings for the life to come Thirdly He blesseth more eminently than they he doth not only wish blessed but make blessed he doth not only pray for a blessing for his people but he doth authoritatively pronounce them blessed Seventhly In the unchangeableness and everlastingness of his Office when the Lord made him a Priest it was for ever The Lord hath sworn and will not repent thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec And by this also doth the Apostle exalt Christ above all other Priests Heb 7.22 23 24. They truly were many Priests because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death but this man because he continueth ever hath an unchangeable Priest-hood wherefore he is able to save c. Thirdly Christ is a mighty Prophet this plainly appears by the words of the Disciples to himself inquiring about the things which came to passe in those dayes Luâ—e 24.19 which they said to be concerning Jesus of Nazareth which was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people His mightiness in this respect is manifest First In his Original for though all other true Prophets be of Gods raising up and sending yet he more especially it is peculiarly prophecyed of him Deut. 18.15 The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee He is a Prophet of Gods special sending he sent him in a more eminent way than he did others he sent him immediately from himselfe Nicodemus exalting him above others saith John 3.2 We know thou art a teacher come from God He came from God otherwise than other Prophets did it is said of him alone That he came out from God even from the bosome of the Father where he was Secondly In his Qualification he came out from God and he came throughly furnished for the discharge of this Office even with the whole mind of God and with a sufficiency of power to make it known the Lord speaking of him saith Isa 42.1 Behold my servant c. I have put my spirit upon him he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles and himself saith Isa 61.1 2. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me he hath anointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted to proclaim liberty to the captives c. He was full of the Spirit and of power by the Spirit of the Lord. Thirdly In his Commission and his Commission is answerable to his Qualification God gave him largely of his Spirit and he gave him a large Commission abundance of teaching-power and abundance of teaching-work See both his Qualification and his Commission Isa 42.1.6 7. I have put my Spirit upon him I will keep thee and give thee for a Covenant of the people for a Light of the Gentiles to open the blind eyes to bring out the Prisoners from the Prison and them that sit in darknesse out of the prison-house As also Isa 49.6 He is not only Gods servant to raise up the Tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel but saith God I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth He is the great Prophet he hath the grand Commission the whole work of teaching and saving souls is committed unto him alone and he hath undertook it he is the Lord of the Harvest and all other faithfull Teachers they are but his servants and labourers he is the chief Shepherd all others are inferiour to him being appointed by him to feed the Flock of God in a word the Father sent him and gave him all power both in Heaven and Earth and he sendeth others even all that are sent Mat 28.18 19 20. Jesus came and spake unto them saying All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth Go ye therefore and teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father c. Fourthly In his Execution and exercise of this Office
his teaching was and is with power and authority upon the consciences of men wonderfully convincing of sin and righteousnesse he is a teacher that openeth both the Scriptures and understandings too Luke 24.32 45. He doth not only propound truth to men as others do but he makes them stoop to it which none else can do his Ministration is with such power and efficacy as that he puts the Law of God into the minds of his people and write it in their hearts and this is the sole prerogative of him who is both King Priest and Prophet as hath been shewn Fifthly In the Command of God concerning him viz. to heare him God at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets and his Command to the people was to heare them but God hath in these last dayes spoken unto us by his Son that Great Prophet who is greater than all the Prophets which were before him he being the substance of all their Testimony and he hath commanded that we should heare him This the Voice out of the cloud uttered saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased Heare ye him yea this is the speciall and strict command of God Act. 3.22 A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me Him shall ye heare in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you and not onely so but the severity of God is and will be towards all those that reject and despise his words for every soule that will not heare that Prophet shall be destroyed from among the people Act. 3.23 Therefore he saith See that ye refused not him that speaketh for if they escaped not who refused him that spake on Earth much more shall not we escape if we turne away from him that speaketh from heaven Heb. 12.25 This is his commandement that we should beleeve on the Name of his Son Jesus Christ 1 Joh. 3.23 Surely he is a mighty Prophet whom the Lord doth so strictly charge the people to heare I thought to have enlarged upon this subject by inserting some of the speciall predictions precepts ptomises and instructions of this Prophet but what hath been already mentioned is sufficient for the present designe viz. to demonstrate his mightiness in thâ—s office also Twenty-secondly In the Carriage of others towards him First In the carriage of the generality of the people as First Their recourse to him we reade not that any of the Patriarchs Judges Kings Prophets or Apostles were so followed and flockt to as he was As soone as he was borne we reade of wise men who came a great journey from the East to Jerusalem to worship him and as soone as he began to teach and worke miracles such multitudes followed him that he was fain to goe up into a Mountaine to teach his Disciples Math. 5.1 and as soone as he was come downe Great multitudes followed him Math. 8.1 He was seldome without multitudes who attended to see his miracles and to heare his wisdome and the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth sometimes there was such an innumerable multitude of people gathered together that they trod one upon another Luk. 12.1 When he was in Capernaum in Simons house healing all the City was gathered together at the doore And rising up early a great while before day he went into a solitary place Simon having found him said unto him All men seek for thee Mark 1.33 37. Sometimes he was so thong'd that they could not bring the sicke nigh unto him in an ordinary way that neither his mother nor brethren could come at him Luke 8.19 When the Apostles gathered themselves together unto him to give him an account of some matters he called them into a desart place to rest a while for there were many coming and going and they had no leisure so much as to eate And though they departed into a desart place by Ship privately the people saw them departing and many knew him and ran a foot thither out of all Cities and out-went them and came together unto him And when he came into the Land of Genesareth came out of the Ship straightway they knew him and ran through that whole Region round about and began to carry about in beds those that were sick where they heard he was and whither soever he entred into Villages or Cities or Countries they laid the sick in the streets and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment Mark 6.30 31 32 33 53 54 55 56. This carriage of the people speak him forth to be oâ—e from whom they expected great things Secondly Their marvelling and wondring at his Doctrine and Workes and that not seldome once or twice onely but often they often marvelled they often wondred they were often amazed they were often astonished as might be shewne and as it was often in respect of time so it was much and great in respect of measure It is said Mark 6.51 when Christ went up unto his Disciples into the Ship the winde ceased and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure and wondred when the Damsel which was dead arose and walked they which beheld it were astonished with a great astonishment Mark 5.42 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they were in an extasie in a great extasie they were not themselves for the time so when he healed the man which was deafe and dumbe they that saw it were beyond measure astonished Thirdly Their Rejoycings and Acclamations As he did ride into Jerusalem a very great multitude spread their garments in the way others cut downe branches from the trees and strawed them in the way and the multitudes that went before and that followed cryed saying Hosanna to the Son of David blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest Math. 21.8 9. So likewise when he had answered the Ruler of the Synagogue cavilling at him for healing on the Sabbath day it is said All the people Rejoyced for all the Glorious things that were done by him Luke 13.17 Fourthly Their beseechings the great and mighty ones besought him Jairus one of the Rulers of the Synagogue fell at his feet and besought him greatly to come and lay his hands on his little daughter Mark 5.22 23. The Centurion came beseeching him on behalfe of his servant Math. 8.5 6. Yea a certaine Noble man 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Joh. 4.46 47. Some Princely mighty one went unto him and besought him that he would heale his Son for he was at the point of death yea this was the carriage of the very Devils towards him Math. 8.31 Mark 5.12 Fifthly Their worshipping Many of those that came to him fell downe at his feet and worshipped him the Ruler of the Synagogue and others both good and bad worshipped him all along In his Infancy Math. 2.11 In his Man-age oft After his Resurtection Math. 28.9
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
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
helped us often we have wearied him he will help no more Answ It proves oft so in respect of men but in respect of Christ it is not so He is an helper that fainteth not neither can he be weary Isa 40.28 And though men think when they have done a little for their followers that they have done enough and they must not trouble them too often yet the Servants of Christ may go as often as they will to him for help and be alwayes welcome so they do not abuse his grace towards them Besides Christs former frequent helping of his People in their several straits is so far from containing any thing against his helping them for the future that it is an Argument to prove that he will continue his help to them and according to this David argued 1 Sam 17.37 The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the Lyon and out of the paw of the Bear he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistim He did not say God hath dâ—livered me several times he will deliver me no more but the contrary he will deliver me The Apostle Paul useth the same Argument 2 Cor. 1.10 2 Tim 4.17 Fourthly Some That Christ indeed did help when on earth but he is NOW IN HEAVEN HE WILL HELP NO MORE Answ Though Christ be in Heaven yet he is as neer to help his Servants as when he was on Earth there is nothing in his being in Heaven whereby they should fear he will not help For by HIS BEING in Heaven consider First He is not disenabled to help for there Angels Authorities are made subject unto him 1 Pet. 3.22 If Christ were so mighty to help when in a state of Humiliation how mighty to help and save must he needs be now he is set on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens Heb 8.1 He can help them against all enemies he can rain down fire and brimstone storm and tempest upon them he can help them against all outward wants for from on high he can send down showres of blessings as rain upon his Inheritance he can help them also against all spirituall wants he can send the Comforter the Spirit of Truth which shall guide them into all Truth Secondly By his Being in Heaven He is not disaffected towards them his heart turned not from them by his going to Heaven but though he be cloathed with glory yet he is full of bowels the same Spirit that acted him here below rests upon him and abides with him for ever Though there be a great alteration in his condition being passed from Earth to Heaven from shame to glory yet there is no change in his disposition he is as pitiful and merciful to his People as ever Heb 2.17 18 4.15 with 5.2 and therefore his Servants may now as well as heretofore expect help from him in time of need Thirdly By his being in Heaven He is not disengaged from helping them The Lord God appointed him to be an help to his People now he is in Heaven as well as when he was on Earth And as Christ did on Earth what was to be done for them here so now he is in Heaven he is there to do what is yet to be done for them what he begun to work here he is to finish there John 14.2 John 16.7 15. God made him a Priest for ever and that for the help of his People and therefore it is said He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Heb 7.25 The same Apostle tells us That he is entred into Heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us Heb 9.24 Fourthly He is not thereby dis-interested in them nor they in him Christs being in Heaven doth not destroy those neer Relations that are between Christ and his People he is still a Shepherd and they his sheep still an Husband and they his Spouse he is still their Head and they his Members he is still their Brother Friend Father neither are these Relations onely abiding but are in their full vigour and glory in Heaven he being a more glorious Head Husband Friend than when on earth the abiding of these Relations speak forth his helping of his People Fifthly He is not disregardful of them by his being in Heaven Some may be ready to say he is at Gods right hand he is in glory and though he be not disaffected towards us yet he being so far above us may forget and disregard us in our low estate but it is not with Christ as with corrupt man his honour and advancement doth not puff him nor make him proud but though he be in his high estate at the right hand of God Angels and Authorities and Powers being made subject unto him yet he doth regard and help his Servants in their low estate All things are delivered unto me of my Father saith Christ yet he was then mindful and careful of weak helplesse souls earnestly inviting them to himselfe saying Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest Math. 11.27 28. with 28.18 19 20. Sixthly He is not disswaded from helping them being in Heaven There is none there against his Servants that should seek to take him off from helping them the Father who hath committed all things into his hands is well pleased with it being also full of compassion towards those that are in distress The Angels also those ministring Spirits rejoyce at it and are ready at his word to go forth to minister for the Heirs of salvation Heb. 1.14 Seventhly Neither is he being in Heaven any way damnified nor disadvantaged by helping his Servants on Earth he hath not the lesse by what he giveth to them he is not the weaker by what he doth for them but he gaineth by his layings out upon them the more he soweth the more he reapeth the more he gives forth of grace and help to them the more he receives of love and honour from them Thus it appears that there is no cause why the Saints should doubt of the help of Christ because he is in Heaven but that they should the more confidently expect it because he liveth there to help them IV. Vse EXHORTATION Commit all to him When others are committing themselves and their concernments to the wise and mighty and honourable ones of the earth to be kept ordered and disposed of by them do you commit your selves and things into the hands of Christ unto whom the Father hath committed all Judgement and made mighty to help and keep whatsoever is committed to him He is in Heaven and what Treasures you lay up for your selves there are safe there neither Moth not Rust doth corrupt and there Thieves do not break through nor steal Mat. 6.20 He is the strong man stronger than all others into whose house none can enter
VI. Of Exhortation I. To Christs Enemies submit to him Page 171 There being no prevailing against him 1. Not by Wisdome 2. Nor strength Page 173 3. Nor Riches II. To Christs servants 1. Fear him Page 175. 2. Trust in him 3. Prize him highly Page 176 4. Stand by him and his interest Page 177 5. Bless God that drew you out of the world Page 178 6. Labour to get much of Christ. Page 179 II. Doctrine God hath appointed this Mighty One Christ to be a help to his people here Page 180 1. Christ is an Help to his people appeares 1. By Types of him Passeover Manna Moses David Solomon c. Page 180 2. By the Prophesies of him Ps 72. Is 11. Page 181 In a threefold Gradation Page 182 1. Christ is furnished with ability to help 1. Knowledge 2. power where 3. things Page 184 2. With what may incline him to help Page 185 As 1. Participating of our Nature 2. Participating of his peoples sufferings Page 186 3. Pity and Compassion Page 187 3. Christ is engaged to help them Page 188 1. By his interest in them 2. By his Relations to them Page 189 3. By his Promise to help them Page 190 4. The honour he Receives from helped ones Page 191 For further opening the first Branch shew I. What Manner of help Christ is Page 191 1. Sufficient help Page 192 2. A seasonable help 3. Suitable Page 193 4. Constant 5. Onely help Page 195 6. Old help 7. Free undeserved Page 196 8. A tryed experimentall help Page 197 9. Vniversal help Page 198 GODS servants need help 1. In regard of service they must do 2. In regard of sufferings Page 199 II. How is Christ an help Page 200 Ans Chiefly five wayes 1. By efficacy of his death 2. By excellency of his example Page 201 3. By powerfulnes of his Spirit Page 203 4. By the admirableness of his Rule Page 205 5. By the prevalency of his Intercession Page 207 Especially in three Cases Page 208 1. Of sin 2. Of Satans Temptings 3. Of sufferings II Branch God hath appointed Christ this Mighty One to be a help to his people Page 209 I Reasons 1. In their regard he saw there would be need of such 2. The difficulty of their work Page 210 3. The Mightiness of their Enemies 4. The promised exalting of his people Page 211 For the Honour of Christ in 1. the Saints Faith 2. Honour of their Praises Page 212 Obj. Why then are his people in so much distress Page 213 Ans I. As the Lord appointed their help so a time to suffer Page 213 2. The Lord hath several wayes of helping them Page 214 3. Yet he sees good to help sometimes but a little Page 215 4. Their salvations are oft carried on in a Mystery Page 216 5. Some things in them may delay present help Page 217 1. When they beleeve not 2. When they act without his call Page 218 3. When they act in their own strength Page 219 4. When they eye some other besides him 5. When they have sinister ends in actings 6. When they refuse to be helped by him Page 220 Qu 1. What shall they do when he helps not Ans 1. Seriously lay it to heart as a trouble Page 221 2. Search diligently the cause of it Page 222 3. Forsake those evils that so provoke him Page 223 4. Earnestly cry to him for his help Page 224 5. Patiently wait on Christ for help Page 225 Qu 2. When may Gods people expect his helping them Page 226 Ans 1. When they are afflicted greatly 2. When they are forsaken utterly Page 227 3. When they cry mightily for Gods help Page 228 4. When they beleeve on him strongly Page 229 5. When they walk before him faithfully 6. When they use appointed meanes diligently Page 230 7. When enemies speak proudly act highly most secure Page 231 Qu 3. WhatVse should we make of this Ans I. It s for our Instruction in 4. things Page 233 1. It shews the first Cause of Gods peoples help the Lord. 2. A sufficient Reason of the Saints hope of help in need Page 234 3. The righteousnesse of God in his dealings with his Page 234 4. Whence Gods People can do so great things Page 234 II. USE of Reproof 1. To profane ones that insult against Gods People as helplesse Page 235 2. To proud ones that trust to their works for salvation Page 236 3. To trusters in their strength for help in danger Page 237 4. To despairing ones 1. Of Eternal Salvation Page 238 1. Great Sinners 2. Weak Saints 2. Of deliverance or promised help Page 239 5. To seekers for other help in trouble 1. As being in vain help is not there Page 240 2. It s dangerous to the hurt of the seekers Page 241 3. It s sinfull Chiefly in three things Page 242 1. It s a despising the riches of Gods goodnesse Page 243 2. It s a slighting of Christ 3. It s a walking contrary to profession Page 244 III. USE Streams of COMFORT to Gods people Page 244 1. Against mighty adversaries Page 245 2. Against greatest difficulties Page 246 3. Against deepest troubles 4. Against weakest instruments of help Page 247 Object 1. We are not worthy Christ should help Page 248 Answ Christ is a free undeserved help Page 249 Object 2. We are froward under troubles Answ Though this provokes yet God helps such Page 249 Object 3. We have wearied Christ hee 'l help no more Page 250 Answ Though so with men he is not weary Object 4. Christ helped on earth but will not now Page 251 Answ Christ is as neer to help in Heaven 1. Not thereby disenabled to help 2. Not disaffected towards them Page 252 3. Not disengaged from helping them Page 252 4. Not disinterested in them nor they in him 5. Not disregardful of them thereby Page 253 6. Not disswaded from helping them Page 254 7. Not disadvantaged by helping them IV. USE of Exhortation Commit all to him Page 255 1. Your Souls 2. Bodyes Page 256 1. In case of service Page 256 2. In case of sicknesse Page 257 3. In case of sufferings 3. Commit your Estates to him Page 258 4. Your Names 5. His Cause Page 260 6. Your own Cause 7. Your Work Page 261 8. Your Conditions 1. Ye Sinners Page 262 1. There 's help in no other 2. Are you laden with sin 3. ignorant Page 263 2. Ye Saints 1. Your outward State Page 264 Reproach Poverty Oppressions 2. Your inward in Spirit tempted flesh lusting Page 265 USE Serve Christ Page 266 Here Helps against two Lets 1. Difficulty Page 267 2. Danger Page 268 USE of CAUTION Abuse not this Doctrine Page 270 1. Be not idle or negligent Page 271 2. Limit not Christ to your Time Page 272 3. Not to particular straits 4. Nor to particular Persons Page 272 USE of EXHORTATION 1. Seek to Christ for help in every time of need Page 273 2. Having found help in need carry it well 1. Serve him more freely Page 274 2. Cleave to him constantly 3. Praise him continually Page 275 ERRATA The Author being distant from the Presse PAge 1. Line 8. read contains Page 83. Secondly read XXI ly II ly Books printed and are to be sold by Henry Cripps at the first shop in Popes-head-Alley next Lombard-street DR Sibbs Saints Cordials being severall Sermons on divers subjects Mr. Burroughs Exposition on the three first Chapters of Hosea Mr. Cradocks Gospel-holinesse His Gospel-liberty Mr. John Goodwin his Treatise of the Divine Authority of the Scriptures Bishop Reynolds his Exposition on the 4. Chapter of Hosea Mr. Cotton on the seven Vials being an Exposition of some part of the Revelations Mr. Norton his Orthodox Evangelist Mr. Brooks his Crown of Christianity or Holinesse the way of Happinesse Mr. Lye his Sermon at the Funeral of Mris. Nichols Mr. Douglasses Mystery of Godliness in several Sermons Mr. Armitages Son of God walking in the fire with the servants of God in several Sermons on the 3. of Daniel His Tryall of Faith or the Woman of Canaan in severall Sermons Mr. Baxters three Treatises Viz 1. A Sermon of Judgement 2. Danger of slighting Christ 3. True Christianity or Christs absolute Dominion and mans necessary self-resignation to him Mr. Eaton on the God-head of Christ Mris. Sarah Wight or Grace advanced in a nothing creature Mr. Dingley's Vox Coeli or a Discourse of Thunder His Divine Opticks or a Treatise of the Eye Mr. Trenchfields Christian Chymistry or History improved Mr. Hubberts Pill to purge Formallity Mr. Brooks his Ark for all Gods Noahs in a stormy day Mr. Lyes method of using the Assemblies Catechisme Mr. Cottons Milk for Babes in Christ A Catechisme An Epitomie of History containing the lives of the Roman Emperours wherein is also contained an Epitomie of English Chronicle Mr. Wards Nature and Grace Mr. Byfields Signes of a Godly man His Touch-stone of Assurance The Mirrour of Martyrs Mr. Wells Anchor of hope Mr. Warner Gain of Loss or temporal losses spiritually improved Mr. Huits Anatomy of Conscience Dr. Sibbs Bruised Reed Mr. Sarrocolds Supplications of Saints a Book of Prayers and Praises Mr. Hookers Souls preparation for Christ Mr. Dikes right receiving Christ Mr. Sam Clarks Saints Nosegay or 741 Scripture Flowers or Meditations Mr. Powels Experiences An Answer to Fiat Lux a Popish Authour To be sold by Henry Cripps in Popes-head-Alley FINIS