to be The first-born of every creature the Beginning the first-born from the dead that in all things he might have the preheminence Col. 1.15 18. And by John to be The first begotten of the dead and the Prince of the Kings of the Earth Rev 1.5 And this is he that the Psalmist principally sings of as he doth also in other Psalms who is and shall be so great a blessing to Gods people Secondly The people who partake of this mercy over whom this King this Mighty One was set that he might help them are not all the people of the world not his foes such as hate him not the proud and mighty ones of the earth who despise and oppose him though he be Lord over them also but they are Gods people one Translation addeth I have put help upon a Mighty One for my people They are Gods people Israel the weakest and smallest of all people not onely Israel according to the flesh but also Israel according to the spirit Jer. 23.5 6. Luke 1.32 33. Who by reason of their weaknesse and smallnesse the craftiness mightiness and multitudes of their enemies stand in as much need of the Lord of Christ the son of David That Mighty One to help and save them as ever Israel after the flesh did of David the son of Jesse That Mighty One to deliver them from their Oppressors I have laid or put help upon One that is Mighty A Champion one strong and able to help my people These words may be considered First Generally and largely as they contain the care and goodness of God in General to his people Secondly Specially and strictly as they point out the particular thing wherein God is so good to his people From the General and large Consideration of the words Observe That the condition of the people of God in this life is such as they stand in need of help Though this be not expressed in words yet it is necessarily implyed for help supposeth need and we are sure that the Lord the most wise Agent doth nothing in vain he doth not send help to them that need it not For demonstration of which seeing I intend not to insist long upon it I shall only mention First The many and mighty Persecutors under whom they have lived who have been stronger than they the four great worldly Monarchies viz Babylonian Persian Grecian and Roman set forth by the four terrible Beasts mentioned Dan. 7. whose natures are to tear and devoure of which the last under whose power yet they are is most dreadfull and exceeding strong whereupon they ever did and being not yet delivered out of the hands of all the mighty Ones that hate them do still want the help of some other Secondly The sore bondage and oppression whieh their enemies have and do keep them in for the seed of the Serpent especially being prevalent cannot but persecute the seed of the woman by reason of which they have in their several Generations sighed groaned and howled as they do also to this very day in the Nations of the world do plainly shew that they have and still stand in need of a stronger arm than their own to deliver them Thirdly The strong cryes and earnest prayers heretofore and now also put up to the Lord for help which else were to no purpose except to mock the Almighty do speak aloud the truth of this Assertion That their condition is such as they stand in need of help And it is not the worse but the better for the people of God that their condition is thus for though it be a manifest evidence and demonstration of their own weakness and self-insufficiency yet the great goodness and deep wâ—sdom of God is in it thereby with-holding occasion from them of trusting and glorying in themselves an evil which they are exceedingly prone to and as it were necessitating them of whom otherwise he should too seldome hear to a daily recourse to and continual dependance upon himselfe for help in every time of need by means of which they are safely preserved and their Heavenly Father is daily glorified Secondly Observe The Lord himself doth provide help for his people in their severall conditions I have laid help c. He doth not leave them without help in trouble as the gods of the Heathen do those that serve them neither doth he leave it to others who are unable and cannot or unfaithful and will not do it but that they may not be failed in any time of need they being a peculiar treasure unto him above all people he undertakes it himself for them though he doth oftentimes make the meanest and weakest creatures an help to them so that they may truly say Our help cometh from the Lord which made Heaven and Earth And this is the great priviledge and advantage which the people of God have above others that they are the people whom the Lord careth for according to that of Jacob Deut. 33. ult Happy art thou O Israel who is like unto thee O people saved by the Lord the shield of thy help and who is the sword of thy excellency Thirdly Observe The Lord doth lay in a sufficiency of help for his people in their various conditions What God doth he doth to purpose he dispenceth full mercies and blessings to his people I have laid help upon One that is Mighty The Lord layes in a sufficiency of help for service as also to save and deliver out of trouble Sometimes he layes help upon Angels those Mighty Ones who excell in strength for his people as he did in Hezekiahs time he sent an Angel who smote in one night 185000 in the Camp of the Assyrians Isa 37.36 He sent an Angel to the help of the three children in the exceeding hot furnace who did sufficiently help For the fire had no power upon their bodyes nor was an hair of their head singed neither were their Coats changed nor the smell of fire had passed on them Dan. 3.27 And also to Daniel when he was in the Lyons Den who did help effectually for he was taken up out of the Den and no manner of hurt was found upon him Dan. 6.23 And likewise to Peter in Prison Acts 12.7 10. Sometimes he layes help upon men who of weak he makes mighty to help he made Moses and Joshua mighty ones and sent them to the help of his people he made Gideon a mighty man of valour and said unto him Go in this thy might and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites he made Ehud a man left-handed as also Deborah a woman mighty for the help and deliverance of his people Jude 3.4 Sometimes he layes help upon other Creatures as upon the Stars Judg. 5.20 The Stars in their courses fought against Sisera upon Hail-stones for with them the Lord holpe Israel against the five Kings of the Amorites and it was help sufficient for they were more which dyed with hail-stones then they whom
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 Lyon of the Tribe of Judah Lord The Lord frequently It is divers hundred times simply and absolutely ascribed unto Christ The Lord of the Harvest The Lord of the Vineyard The Lord of the Sabbath The Lord our Righteousnesse The Lord of Life The Lord of Glory Lord of Lords King of Kings Eleventhly He was a Mighty One in his Presentation which though in it self it was but for his Parents to do for him after the custom of the Law in which respect he was but as others yet that two such eminent persons both of singular sanctity among the Jews should by the special direction of the Spirit come into the Temple at that time when Jesus was there in his mothers arms and acknowledge and declare him publickly with great affection and thanksgiving to be the Messias and Saviour of the world doth speak him to be some Mighty One Luke 2. from the 22. to the 40. vers Twelfthly Mighty in his Baptisme which though in it self it was but ordinary with water by John in Jordan both as and where others were and by him also by whom others were baptized yet it was attended with three wonders For straightway coming up out of the waters the Heavens were opened unto him and the Spirit of God descended like a Dove and lighted upon him and there came a voice from Heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased Matth. 3.16 17. Thirteenthly Mighty in his fasting so mighty that he fasted forty dayes and forty nights Matth. 4.2 And it was not a partial but a total abstinence from natural food for in those dayes he did eat nothing Luke 4.2 Neither was he hungry all that time for so much is necessarily implyed Matt. 4.2 When he had fasted forty dayes and forty nights he was afterward an hungred And Luke having spoken of the forty dayes the time of his fast saith When they were ended he afterward hungred Moses indeed fasted the same space of time but there was this considerable difference between Christ and Moses in this respect Moses fasted on the Mount where he was eminently assisted and satisfied by his best and greatest friend The Lord Exod 34.28 Christ in the Wildernesse where he was violently assaulted and troubled by his worst and mightiest adversary the Devil Matth. 4.1 2. This is enough to manifest his mightinesse in this particular Fourteenthly Mighty in his Transfiguration which was a glimpse of his Glory he was transfigured before the Disciples And his face did shine as the Sun and his rayment was white as the light so exceedingly glorious was he Peter was so affected with it as he desired the continuance of it he said unto Jesus Lord it is good for us to be here if thou wilt let us make here three Tabernacles c. Math. 17.2 3 4 5. Fifteenthly Mighty in the Testimony which is given of him First The Testimony of himself I am one that bear witnesse of my self John 8.18 And he did testifie of himself that he was a mighty One That he was the son of God Greater than the Temple greater than Solomon That he had overcome the world That if a man had kept his saying he should never see death c. and his own testimony is true But forasmuch as Solomon saith Prov 27.2 Let another man praise thee and not thine own mouth a stranger and not thine own lips I shall consider chiefly what others witnesse of him Secondly The Testimony of the Father who sent him bare witnesse of him The Father hath testified from Heaven that he is his beloved Son Matth. 3.17 Lo a voice from Heaven saying this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased The Authour to the Hebrews noteth that when God bringeth in the first begotten into the world he saith And let all the Angels of God worship him Vnto the Son saith he Thy Throne O God is for ever and ever Heb. 1 6 8. The Father testifie of him as of a mighty One Thirdly The Testimony of the Spirit I shall instance only in that to John by Vision Rev 1.12 13 14 15 16. I saw seaven golden Candlesticks and in the midst of the seven Candlesticks one like unto the Son of man cloathed with a Garment down to the foot and girt about the Paps with a Golden Girdle his head and his hairs were white like Wool as white as Snow and his eyes were as a flame of fire and his feet like unto fine brasse as if they burned in a Furnace and his voice as the sound of many waters And he had in his right hand seven Stars and out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword and his Countenance was as the Sun shineth in his strength This was a Vision of the Son of God The mighty One And according to this Vision are those seven Titles of Christ given to him by the Spirit mentioned in the 2d. and 3d. Chapters of the Revelation These things saith he that holdeth the seven Stars in his right hand who walketh in the midst of the seven Golden Candlesticks Rev 2.1 The first and the last which was dead and is alive vers 8. Who hath the sharp Sword with two edges vers 12. The Son of God who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire and his feet are like fine Brasse vers 18. That hath the seven Spirits of God and the seaven Stars Rev. 3.1 That is holy that is true that hath the Key of David he that openeth and no man shutteth and shutteth and no man openeth vers 7. The Amen the faithfull and true Witnesse the Beginning of the Creation of God vers 14. All which speak forth the mightiness of Christ Fourthly The Testimony of faithfull men as the Testimony of the Prophets of John who was a man sent from God on purpose to beare witness of him whose testimony of him is recorded John 1.15.32 33 34. The testimony of the foure Evangelists as also of the Apostles who have all spoken of him as of a Mighty One And it were easie if needfull to add the Testimony of other Ancient Writers of Generall Councels of holy Martyrs and many eminent Confessors of Christ who do agree in their Testimony with those fore-mentioned Fifthly The Testimony of Angels those glorious Creatures did testifie of him as of a Mighty One so they testified of him To Joseph Math. 1.20 21. While he thought on these things the Angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dreame saying Joseph thou son of David feare not to take unto thee Mary thy wife for that which is conceived in her is of the holy Ghost And shee shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his Name Jesus for he shall save his people from their sinnes To Mary Luke 1.30 31 32 33. The Angel said unto her feare not Mary for thou hast found favour with God And behold thou shalt conceive in thy wombe and bring forth a son and shalt call his Name Jesus
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
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
made David Solomon Cyrus and others mighty to do the worke of God in their severall generations and it is that which makes Christ so Mighty for being anointed with the holy Spirit above others he became mightier than all others The Lord anointed him King in which respect he is in a peculiar manner called Gods Anointed Psal 2.2 and thence it is that he is so mighty to rule both able to save and to destroy The Lord anointed him to preach good tidings unto the meeke and sent him to binde up the broken-hearted Isa 61.1 with Luke 4.18 and thence it was that his words were with such power and efficacy And the Lord anointed him Priest and so he was Mighty to offer up himselfe without spot to God and his blood also Mighty and effectuall to purge the Conscience from dead workes according to the words of the Apostle Heb. 9.14 How much more shall the blood of Christ who through the Eternall Spirit offered himselfe without spot to God purge your Conscience from dead workes to serve the living God And Peter in his Sermon Act. 10.38 gives this very account of Christs might and mighty workes viz. That God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the holy Ghost and with power who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the Devil for God was with him And himselfe saith Joh. 8.29 He that sent me is with me the Father hath not left me alone And thus through the Spirit of the Lord resting upon him even the Spirit of might according to what was prophesied of him Isa 11.2 he is Mighty Reasons why Christ is a Mighty One Reas 1. For the Fathers Glory that the Father might be glorified in the Son for as it had been a disparagement and dishonour unto God to have sent a weake insufficient one so it is the Fathers glory that he hath sent a Mighty One one like unto himselfe able to save to the uttermost all them that come unto God by him Heb. 7.25 It is the Fathers glory to have such a Son so Mighty a one and that not onely because he himselfe did glorifie him on earth but because others also did glorifie him because of his Son for when the people even the multitude saw the mighty works and miracles which he did they marvelled and glorified God Math. 9.8 Math. 15.31 Mark 2.12 Luke 5.26 Reas 2. For the Sons glory that Christ might be honoured as well as the Father Christ himselfe gives this reason why the Father made him such a Mighty One Joh. 5.22 23. The Father Judgeth no man but hath committed all Judgement unto the Son That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father and by this the Father drawes the thoughts and hearts of men to the Son so as they receive and entertaine him as the Redeemer of the world For Christ being a Mighty one and sufficiently manifesting and evidencing himselfe to be The Christ the Son of the Blessed by doing the Works which none other man did neither could do many beleeved on him and became followers and honourers of him Reas 3. Because of the worke which God hath sent him to do which was hard worke beyond the skil and strength of men and Angels to performe for it was to redeeme a weake captivated cursed people from the power of Sin World Death and Devil those mighty Adversaries and to raise them up unto a participation of his holiness and glory It is Requisite there should be a proportion of strength in every Agent to the work which he hath to do that if the worke be difficult the Agent should be strong And it hath been the usuall way of the most wise God to suite persons to things who though he hath and doth sometimes make use of weak ones for Great and weighty and difficult services yet doth alwayes make them mighty and sufficient for the work whereunto he calls them he did so with Gideon David and others And thus it was and is with Christ for being sent to save he was and is therefore mighty to save being sent to redeeme he is a strong Redeemer that he may thoughly plead his peoples Cause and disquiet and confound all their enemies The Spirit of God in the Prophets speaking of the great work of Christ in the execution of his Regal and Prophetical Offices makes mention of his mightiness and ability thereunto Isa 42.1 4. Behold my servant whom I uphold I have put my Spirit upon him he shall bring forth Judgement to the Gentiles He shall not faile nor be discouraged till he hath set Judgement in the Earth Micah speaking of him as the Ruler in Israel saith He shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord in the Majesty of the Name of the Lord his God and they shall abide for now he shall be great unto the ends of the Earth Mic. 5.4 The Apostle also treating of his Priestly Office saith That he through the Eternal Spirit offered himselfe without spot to God Heb. 9.14 Quest Whence is it that men despise and oppose this Mighty One Ans 1. It is through that Enmity which is in their hearts against him God hath according to his word Gen. 3.15 put Enmity between the Serpent and the Woman and their seed and from this Enmity as from a cursed root proceeds that evil fruit of opposition against Christ which will not cease till the Enmity be abolished This very account doth Christ himselfe give of his enemies opposition against him in one of his parables Luke 19.14 His Citizens hated him and sent a Message after him saying we will not have this man to reigne over us Secondly It is through the ignorance that is in them not knowing him whom they persecute It was so with Paul when Christ spake to him saying Saul Saul why persecutest thou me He said who art thou Lord and the Lord said I am Jesus he knew not Christ Act. 9.4 5. And thence it is that he saith speaking of his being a persecuter and injurious I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbeliefe 1 Tim. 1.13 From hence it was even from their ignorance that the Princes of this World did so oppose and persecute him in his Person they knew not the wisdome of God for had they knowne it they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory 1 Cor. 2.7 8. And himselfe gives the same reason of his suffering and persecution in his Members Joh. 16.2 3. He saith to his Disciples They shall put you out of the Synagogues yea the time cometh that whosoever killeth you will thinke he doth God service and these things will they do unto you because they have not knowne the Father nor me Thirdly Through unbeliefe for though they heare of his Mightiness and power yet they do not beleeve the report thereof though not one halfe of the greatness and power of Christ have been told them but the words of them that declare it seeme to them
very account Christ loveth and nourisheth his Church Ephes 5.28 29 30. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodyes he that loveth his wife loveth himselfe For no man ever yet hated his own flesh but loveth and cherisheth it even as the Lord the Church For we are members of his body of his flesh and of his Bones The Scriptures speaking of Christ as Mediator and Helper of his people do frequently stile him Man Son of man A man shall be as an hiding place from the wind c. There is one Mediator between God and men the MAN Christ Jesus as being in the same Nature with his people 1 Tim 2.5 Secondly A Communication in the same conditions and sufferings of his people in the same Nature and this inclines him to help those that are exercised with the same afflictions which he himself endured the Apostle doth insist much upon this Heb 2.16 17 18. Verily he took not on him the Nature of Angels but he took on him the seed of Abraham wherefore in all things it behâ—ved him to be made like unto his Brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful High-Priest c. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted he is able to succour them that are tempted Christ hath been compassed about with troubles he hath been in all conditions that his servants have been or are in except sin he hath been reproached hated persecuted tempted c. and so knows how to have Compassion on such as are so used Heb 4.15 16. Thirdly Pity and Compassion A spirit of compassion inclineth those in whom it is to help such as are in trouble It is said of the Lord concerning his People Isa 63.9 In his love and in his pity he redeemed them and bare them and carryed them all the dayes of old Gods pity inclined him to such gracious actings towards them Christs heart being full of pitty and compassion is greatly enlarged towards his suffering servants His pity towards them sets his power and wisdom a work for them It was Christs compassion towards the multitude which moved him to put forth his power and work a miracle to feed them Mat. 16.32 And according to this method the man whose son had the dumb spirit prayed Mark 9.22 If thou canst do any thing have compassion on us and help us This is very cleerly set forth by Christ himself in the Parable of the wounded man whom the Priest and Levite passed by and helped not but the Samaritane when he saw him and had compassion on him Went to him and bound up his wounds pouring in Oyle and Wine and set him on his own beast and brought him to an Inne and took care on him Luke 10.30 31 32 33 34. Compassion inclines to Action and Christ being of greatest Compassion towards afflicted ones is most inclined to help them Thirdly Christ is greatly engaged to help his Servants Several things ingage Christ to help As First The interest that Christ hath in them They are Christs portion and inheritance yea his peculiar treasure which he most loveth and prizeth therefore cannot but help them in their difficulties and straits Upon this account God promised to help Jacâ—b Isa 43.1 2. Fear not O Jacob thou art Mine God challengeth Jacob to be his and then he promiseth his helping presence saying When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee and through the Rivers they shall not overflow thee c. The Physitian peradventure will help a stranger but much more the Patient in whom he hath an interest The chosen ones are Christs own his Father hath given him them and therefore he careth for them and keepeth them John 17.6 12. Neither are they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his goods but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he hath a very neer propriety in them they are a piece of himself and thereupon he is engaged to help them The Evangelist John takes notice of the love and the continuance of the love of Christ towards those in whom he had an interest towards his own Having loved his own which were in the world he speaks not of things but of persons he loved them unto the end John 13.1 Secondly The Relations that Christ stands in towards them engage him to help He is a Friend and one Friend is engaged to help another He is a Brother and Brethren are engaged to help one another Prov 17.17 He is a Shepherd and the Shepherd is engaged to help the Flock He is an Husband and the Husband is engaged to help the Wife He is a Father and the Father is engaged to help the Child Jer 31.8 9. He is a Lord and Master and the Lord and Master stands engaged to help save his Servants The Disciples when they were in danger of being drowned they beg'd his help upon the account of that Relation he stood in towards them saying Master carest thou not that we perish and like one engaged to help by vertue of that Relation he presently arose and rebuked the wind Mark 4.38 39. Thirdly The Promise of Christ is engaging Christ to help and he hath promised to be with his people and to carry them through all services and sufferings So much he promised to his Disciples Mat. 28.19 20. as also Mat. 18.20 Where two or three are gathered together in my Name there am I in the midst of them and Christ will not be idle in the midst of his people he will not barely behold them but graciously help and assist them in their several conditions And what a large promise of help doth Christ make to his Sheep John 10.28 I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand As if Christ should say I will stand by them and lay out my power for their help and preservation in every duty and danger which they may be called unto And though men little regard their promises yet Christ is faithfull and will perform every good thing which he hath promised unto his Servants to do for them 1 Thess 5.24 Fourthly The honour that Christ shall receive from his Servants whom he saves doth ingage him to help and save them out of their troubles for he shall deliver them and they shall glorifie him Psal 50.15 When he hath been their strength and help he shall be their Song according to that in Isaiah 12.3 The Lord Hebr JAH JEHOVAH is my strength and my song when the Lord hath holpen his people they shall praise him and rejoyce in his salvation The Church makes this an Argument to engage God to help her in her low estate Psal 85.6 7. Wilt thou not revive us again that thy people may rejoyce in thee Shew us thy mercy O LORD and grant us thy Salvation And that Christ shall be glorified in his Saints as well as they in him is a strong engagement upon Christ to help them For the further opening and
28.29 This did David Psal 74.22 saying Arise O God plead thy own cause As also Luther who was wont to say when the Cause of God was low in his hand It is Gods Cause let him look to it Sixthly Commit YOUR OWN CAUSE to him Other Mighty ones may be neglect and condemn your Righteous Cause this Mighty One the Lord Christ who is higher than the highest regardeth and pleadeth the Cause of his People yea he will throughly plead their cause In confidence of this grace of God the Church of old resolving to be quiet under the present dispensation committed her cause to the Lord as appears from those words recorded Micah 7.8 9. I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against him untill he plead my Cause and execute judgement for me he will bring me forth to the light and I shall behold his righteousnesse then she that is mine enemy shall see it and shame shall cover her which said unto me Where is the Lord thy God When Davids enemies digged pits for his soul and rejoyced over him wrongfully and devised deceitfull matters against them that were quiet in the Land and opened their mouth wide against him saying Aha aha our eye hath seen it He committed his cause to the Lord Psal 35.22 23. This thou hast seen O Lord keep not silence O Lord be not far from me stir up thy selfe and awake to my judgement even unto my cause my God and my Lord. Thus did Jeremy also when his enemies devised devices against him Jeremy 11.20 20.10 11 12. Let then the upright Ones of the earth when they are oppressed and wronged by the wicked of the world be of good cheer and not faint in their minds but commit all to the Lord Jesus Christ who is Mighty to clear and justifie them and to take vengeance for them Seventhly Commit your WORK to him All your work and way especially your difficult work wherein you most need his help look for it God hath appointed him to be an help and he is free to help yea to work all your works in you and FOR you Isa 26.12 Eighthly Commit your CONDITIONS to him Yea let all both the Wicked and the Righteous both Sinners and Saints commit their conditions to him I. SINNERS Commit your Conditions to him that you may not perish in your iniquities he onely can help you First There is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby you can be saved Acts 4.12 Neither is there need of any other forasmuch as he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him Heb. 6.7 And therefore hasten away from the Devil world and your own selves and all vanities lest they be your ruine and commit your Conditions to him and you shall find help and healing of all your wounds and in the end everlasting life Acts 13.38 39. Secondly Are you laden with sin so that you cannot look up with any confidence or cheerfulnesse of spirit Psal 40.12 Despair not do not say There is hope as Jer 2.25 Christ hath both power to forgive and destroy sin his blood can cleanse from all sin Mat. 11.28 1 John 1.7 9. His Spirit can crucifie the flesh with the affections and lusts Rom. 8.11 13. Thirdly Are you ignorant of the way of salvation Do you sit in great darkness God hath given him to be a Light to the Gentiles to open the blind eyes Isa 42.6 7. and he can make you that are darknesse light in the Lord as those in Eph 5.8 him self hath said That he is the light of the world and he that followeth him shall not walk in darknesse but shall have the light of Life John 8.12 Fourthly Are you the Devils Captives and Slaves to do his will Jesus Christ can deliver you from that servitude also he can turn you as he hath others from the power of Satan unto God Acts 26.18 to be his Servants and Sons blessed for ever Yea however it is with you he can help you therefore to day while it is called to day while he tenders his help and salvation do not neglect it lest hereafter when you call and cry to him for it he refuse to hear you at all Heb 2.3 3.7 11. Prov 1.22 23 24. II. SAINTS Commit your Conditions to him also your most afflictive Conditions Cast all your burthens upon him according to that word Psal 5.22 Cast thy burthen upon the Lord and he shall sustain thee I. Commit your OVTWARD CONDITIONS to him all your bodily concernments and troubles As First Your Reproach he is mighty to roll it away Jos 5.9 And he will assuredly bring forth the righteousnesse of his people as the light and their judgement as the noon day Psal 37.6 Secondly Your Poverty and low estate as it is said Psal 10.14 The poor committeth himself to thee thou art the helper of the fatherlesse It is the work of this Mighty One to deliver the needy when he cryeth the poor also and him that hath no helper Psal 72.12 Thirdly Your oppressions and persecutions he can deliver from them he can and will burst every band and take off every yoke and also break in pieces the oppressor Psal 72.4 II. Commit your INWARD SPIRITVAL Conditions to him First All the troubles and burthens of your spirits which are most heavy and hard to bear as it is written A wounded spirit who can bear Prov 18.14 Make use of the arm of Christ which he stretcheth out for your help your souls support and salvation and come to him according to his gracious invitation all you that are weary and heavy laden and he will give you rest Mat. 11. at the end and you shall find help in every time of need Heb 4. Secondly Are you such as the Devil tempteth and thrusts sore against that you might fall Commit that condition to Christ that he may be your helper therein forasmuch as he is appointed of God and in that himself hath suffered being tempted is able to succour them that are tempted Heb 2.18 And to keep you from falling Jude 24. Thirdly Have you been overcome by the Tempter Still look unto Christ who is mighty to recover you out of the snare of the Devil to raise you up again 1 Joh. 3.8 Fourthly Are you men and women of sorrowfull spirits and full of heavinesse Lye at the feet of him whom God hath sent to comfort all that mourn to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion to give unto them beauty for ashes the oyl of joy for mourning the garment of praise for the spirit of heavinesse Isa 61.2 3. Fifthly Do you find a Combate within you the flesh lusting against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh so that you are hindred from doing the good you would Gal. 5.17 and sometimes brought into captivity to the Law of sin that you even cry out like wretched undone men Who shall deliver us from the body of this