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
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
for the mighty such as are able to revenge all wrongs done unto them Posse et nolle nobile The Mighty Ones of the world are usually hasty soon angry and presently set upon those that offend them but it is the glory and excellency of Christ that he is great in power and yet slow to anger and bears long with sinners and enemies he doth at this very day with much long-suffering endure the manifold indignities contradictions and rebellions of sinners against himself in which respect he excels other Mighty Ones Sixthly He is Mighty and Allmighty He is Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending The Lord which is and which was and which is to come The Allmighty Revel 1.8 Other Mighty Ones can do great things but he can do all things others are potent but he is the Lord God Omnipotent Rev 19.6 and so higher and greater than they Seventhly He is mighty and alwayes mighty Other Mighty Ones they faint and their strength faile them Isa 40.30 they grow weary and weak and cease to be Mighty at least so mighty as they have been I cannot do as I have done is the voice of other Mighty Ones but Christ the Lord the Mighty One fainteth not neither is weary his strength faileth not he is as mighty as he was when God first put his Spirit upon him as his strength was then so it is now and so it ever shall be He is the same yesterday to day and for ever Heb 13.8 His Mediatorship was as powerfull before as after his exhibition in the flesh in which respect he is said to be a Lamb slain from the foundation of the world Rev 13.8 and will be hereafter even at the very last end of all things as effectual as it is now or hath been heretofore Eighthly He is mighty and the onely Mighty One he is mighty and none besides him the Father alwayes excepted who hath put all things under him power is Christs peculiar he is Plenepotentiarius the Proprietary of power and the Distributer of it others who are called mighty are not so compared with him for He is the one Lord over all Zech 14.9 and they his Subjects who must bow down before him either freely or unwillingly and therefore he is called by the Apostle 1 Tim 6.15 The blessed and onely Potentate the King of Kings and Lord of Lords 9. He is the Mighty One that is truly that and doth that which other Mighty Ones are said to be and are not and do not that which is falsely ascribed to others is truly attributed to him for though the worlds mighty ones are accounted mightier than indeed they are this Mighty One cannot be esteemed mightier than indeed he is History tell us that Canutus King of England being flattered by his Subjects and called King of Kings Most mighty c. went and sate down by the Sea-side commanded the floods arising and coming nigh him nor to touch him nor his cloaths but the floods came and made him start back and he said to his Lords Lo ye call me such a mighty King yet I cannot cause this little water to stay at my command but it is ready to drown me but Christ can do this The Sea and the winds obey him and whatsoever any of the mighty ones of the earth undertake to do and cannot accomplish He is not onely called Mighty but he is mighty and acts mightily He is without any flattery or Hyperbole Most High most Mighty most Sacred most Excellent yea He is Excellency Highness Holiness Mightiness and Majesty it selfe Thus Christ doth not onely appear to be mighty but to be mightier and more excellent than all others we have heard and read of many mighty famous Ones both in Sacred and Common writings as Nimrod Pharaoh Moses Joshua Gideon Sampson David Solomon * Alexander the Great Pompey the Great and others who have done great and mighty things but Christ excels them all and is greater than any than all of them indeed he is so mighty that he is above the understanding of men he is great in power and we know him not we cannot find him out great things doth he which we cannot comprehend Quest How came Christ to be such a Mighty One Answ If we consider him in his Eternal Essence and Being abstractively from his Humane Nature as he is one with the Father from Eternity so his mightinesse and dignity is of himself and not from any other but if we consider him as undertaking and carrying on the work of Mediatorship between God and man in the humane Nature which he assumed so he is said to be made Mighty The Apostle Peter speaking of him as such saith Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus whom you have crucified both Lord and Christ Acts 2.36 In which respect God is said to do what he did as appears by the words of Peter in the same speech to the men of Israel Jesus of Nazareth a man approved of God among you by miracles wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you Acts 2.22 And thus Christ becomes Mighty through the Father First Through the Fathers mission the Father sent him and that 's his strength and therefore he speaks much of it upon all occasions nigh forty times in John besides several other places he hints that the Father sent him and that he came not of himself but proceeded forth and came from God God cannot say of Christ as of those Prâ—phets mentioned Jer. 14.14 I sent them not neither have I commanded them and as they were weak and could not profit the people being not sent of God Christ being sent of God becomes mighty to accomplish whatever he undertook Had not God sent him he could not have spake with such Power and Authority could not have done such wonderful works nor have undergone and suffered such grievous torments as he did but being sent of the Father and knowing that the Father sent him he was full of might courage and confidence to do and suffer what was the Will of his Father that sent him Gods mission makes mighty it was that which enabled Gideon to be a Saviour to Israel Judges 6.14 The Lord looked upon him and said Go in this thy might and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites have not I sent thee He that is sent with full Authority and Power from some mighty Prince to transact his affairs is thereby mighty coming and acting as one sent by him Christ came and acted as one sent from the absolute Monarch of all the world the most high â—od of Heaven and Earth and he having given all power and authority into his hands he is exceeding mighty to perform the will of him that sent him Secondly Through the Fathers Unction he was full of power and might by the Spirit of the Lord the Anointing of the Lord makes mighty It was that which
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
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
constraint but willingly for as the Apostle Phil. 2. observes he made himselfe so yea when worldly honour was offered him for the people would have made him a King Joh. 6.15 he refused it this was great self-denial to lay aside a crowne when he had it and to refuse it when it was offered speakes him one Mighty in this Grace Fourthly His patience he had greatest patience in greatest sufferings others were not so patient in lesser sufferings as he was in greatest The Prophet Isaiah sets him forth in his great sufferings and withall declares his incomparable patience Isaiah 53. which he ushers in with a yet yet he opened not his mouth he is brought as a Lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb so he openeth not his mouth when he was reviled reviled not againe when he suffered he threatned not patience was perfect in him he was strengthened with all might unto All patience and long suffering with joyfulness yea the patience of Christ in his most grievous sufferings was so absolute that in all that his enemies tongues and hands could say or do this Servant of God did not sin so much as in word but offered the sacrifice of prayer and supplications with the sacrifice of himselfe for his persecutors he was Mighty in this Grace Fifthly His zeale he was earnest and fervent in Spirit against all evil and for that which was good he did cry aloud he spared not but lifted up his voice like a Trumpet and shewed the people their transgression he was full of zeale against the sins of the Scribes and Pharisees freely denouncing woes against them Math. 23. He was full of zeale against the prophanation and prophaners of the Temple he overthrew the money-changers and the seats of them that sold doves and would not suffer that any man should carry any vessell thorow the Temple Mark 11.15 16. Yea be made a scourge of small coards and he drove them all out of the Temple and said to them that sold doves take these things hence make not my fathers house an house of Merchandize And his Disciples remembred that it was written The zeale of thine house hath eâ—ten me up Sixthly His wisdome and understanding he was of quick and great understanding when he was but twelve yeares old all that heard him questioning and answering the Doctors were astonished at his understanding and Answers Luk. 2.47 He was wiser than all his Enemies they could never entangle him in his talke when he answered to any thing it was with such wisdome as they durst not ask him any more Questions and no man was able to answer him he was of so great understanding that he knew all mâ—n and needed not that any should testifie of man for he knew what was in man Joh. 2.24 25. Yea he knew their very thoughts Math. 12.25 Luke 6.8 He had as the School-men speak both Cognitionem matutinam verspertinam both a morning and evening knowledge he knew things in their Causes as well as in their natures and effects Seventhly His faithfulness was great without the least leaven of hypocrisie there was no guile found in his mouth neither was there any in his Spirit he was faithfull to his father he did his work and glorified his Name on Earth was faithfull to his Disciples he made knowne unto them all things that he had heard of his father Joh. 15.15 He acquainted them with sufferings as well as the Glory that should follow he reproved them for their evils as well as comforted them in their troubles he was faithfull to all doing good unto all men as he had opportunity Nineteenthly A mighty one in his works he was mighty in deed excellent in working his works as himselfe said did beare witness of him that he was some mighty one sent from God he hath declared his strength among the people His works were of two sorts First Spirituall and heavenly relating to the souls and spirits of men Secondly More externall and visible relating to the bodies of men and others and he was mighty in hoth sorts His works relating to the soules of men were chiefly First His preaching and teaching in which he was mighty even in his first Sermon on the Mount The people were astonished at his doctrine for he taught them as one having Authority and not as the Scribes Math. 7.28 29. Being in Galilee he taught in their Synagogues being Glorified of all He came to Nazareth and taught and all bare him witness and wondered at the Gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth he came downe to Capernaum and taught and they were astonished at his doctrine for his word was with power see Luke 4.14 15 16 22 31 32. To these may be added the Officers answer to the chiefe Priests and Pharisees when they said unto them Why have you not brought him Never man spake like this man Joh. 7.45 46. Neither did the word of Christ returne unto him void but did exceedingly prosper in the thing whereto it was sent many beleeved on him Joh. 4.41 Joh. 7.31 8.30 10.42 12.42 Secondly His Praying having received the spirit of Grace and Supplication without measure he must needs be mighty in prayer and so he was In the dayes of his flesh he offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears Heb 5.7 Sometimes he prayed long Luke 6.12 He continued all night in prayer to God sometimes he prayed more earnestly Luke 22.44 and alwayes successefully For as a Mighty Prince he had power with God and ever prevailed God made him a King then bid him ask Ps 2.6 7 8. and indeed he prayed like a King like a mighty One as one in joynt Commission with his Father as one hath well observed John 17.24 Father I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am Thirdly His Baptizing John and Christs Disciples could but Baptize with water in his name he the master only was and is mighty to baptize with the holy Spirit This was that great and wonderfull thing which was made known to John that Christ should do which he was to observe as that wherein Christ excelleth all others as is manifest in the record of John John 1.32 33. John bear record saying I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a Dove and it abode upon him and I knew him not but he that sent me to baptize with water the same said unto me upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining on him the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Spirit and upon this account John preferred him before himselfe Mat. 3. 11. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance but he that cometh after me is mightier than I whose shoes I am not worthy to bear he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire He plainly declared him to be a mighty one in this respect This was that which he promised and
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
as Idle taleâ— and they beleeve them not and then no wonder they despise and reject him They do not beleeve his Omnisciencie but say concerning their actions How doth he know can he judge through the darke cloud Job 22.13 and so they become bold to speak and act against this Mighty One like those whom the Prophet complained of to the Lord Psal 94.5 6 7. They breake in pieces thy people O Lord and afflict thy heritage they slay the widdow and the stranger and murther the Fatherless yet they say The Lord shall not see neither shall the God of Jacob regard it Or if they do beleeve that he is Mighty yet they do not beleeve that he will be so severe and terrible to his enemies as many conceive and speake giving no heed to what is written concerning him especially Psal 2.9 12. Psal 72.4 Psal 110.6 Isa 11.4 2 Thes 1.7 8 9. Thus falsely concluding in their own spirits that there is no great danger in opposing him they readily venture thereupon to their own destruction Fourthly Through confidence in their own strength thinking of themselves more highly than they ought to thinke they are carried forth to undertake more than they are able to performe The Mighty Ones of the Earth do conceit conclude within themselves that they have a sufficiency of counsel and strength to eâ—â—â—â—nter with this Mighty One. Pharaoh that mighty one was so confident in his own strength that he scorn'd and opposed the Almighty for he said Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice to let Israel go I know not the Lord neither will I let Israel go Exod. 5.2 Likewise Sennacherib King of Assyria trusting to the multitudes of his Chariots c. sent a challenge to the living God exalted and lifted up himselfe on high even against the holy One of Israel Isa 36.18 19 20. Chap. 37.23 When men are confident to overcome they are bold to oppose Fifthly Through their putting afarre off the day of his wrath and vengeance they take boldness to rebell against him And though they heare of his Indignation and furious rebukes to be poured out upon them yet they see that through his patience long-suffering there is respite and so like Pharaoh they harden their hearts against him they say as they Ezek. 12.22 The dayes are prolonged and every vision faileth and because sentence against themselves and other evil workers is not executed speedily in stead of submitting unto him against whom they have sinned theâ—r hearts are fully set in them to do more evil Eccl 8.11 and at length become mockers and scoffers at him and his word saying Where is this Mighty one where is the promise of his coming where is his kingdome and power and glory and thus become abusers and persecutors of his servants upon the Earth Sixthly Because they are afraid he will take away their deare enjoyments from them their power pompe pleasures profits If Christ would be with them as a sojourner and stranger and not meddle with their matters they would let him alone but they feare he will be a Prince a Judge amongst them and drive them from their stations and pull them downe from their state Isa 22.19 and therefore they thinke it wisdome to oppose him betimes When Tiberius the Emperour of Rome sent to the Senate and required that the Image of Christ might be set up in the Capitol They returned Answer that if that were set up all the other Images of their Gods must downe Potestas Christi non est privativa sed cumulativa The power of Christ doth not deprive men of any good but conferrs and multiplies blessings upon the heads of all those that submit to it It being the readiest way for Kings Princes and Potentates of the world to reigne long and safe to set their Thrones beneath the Throne of this Mighty One whom God hath made and exalted Lord over all But for as much as the high and honourable ones of the earth are afraid he should bring them into contempt and shame they desperately oppose this Mighty One. Seventhly Because of the present seeming meanness contemptibleness of this Mighty One. The Prophet Isaiah speakes of him as one despised and rejected upon this account Isa 53.2 3. He hath no forme nor comeliness and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him he is despised and rejected of men Though Christ's doctrine and works among his own Countrymen were even to astonishment yet because he had such a meane outside a meane trade and kindred he was without honour among them Mark 6.3 4. Christ is without outward splendor and worldly glory and therefore he is both lightly esteemed by the worlds Mighty Ones and greatly opposed Vse 1. Of Information First It informes Gods people what manner of Saviour they have some yea many who call Christ Lord know not how great he is I may say to such in honour to Christ what Pilate said in contempt of him to the Jews John 19.14 Behold your King behold your Saviour what a great and a Mighty One he is your Saviour is more than another Saviour he is the chiefe of ten thousand farre excelling all the worlds Saviours Among all the Gods of the Heathen and among all the wise and mighty Ones of the Nations and in all their Kingdomes there is none like unto him Secondly It informes us of the safe and happy condition of those that are Christ's they do indeed dwell on high being built upon the rock which is higher than they and all their enemies so that we may say to the righteous that it shall be well with him in the most perilous times Isa 3.10 11. and though they be as sheepe in the midst of wolves yet being in the hands of their great Shepheard this Mighty One they are safe yea so safe that none can harme them For saith Christ I give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand my father which gave them me is greater than all and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand I and my Father are one Joh. 10.28 29 30. Paul also speaking of their safe and blessed estate saith Rom. 8.1 There is therefore now no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit Though there be many indictments and accusations brought in against them yet no condemnation but being in him and walking in him they are free and safe and feare no evil Hence the blessed Apostle sends a challenge to all the enemies of Gods Elect saying Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods elect it is God that justifieth Who is he that condemneth It is Christ that died yea rather that is risen againe who is even at the right hand of God who also maketh intercession for us Nay they are not onely safe in tribulation distresse
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
death Rom 7.19 23 24. Commit this condition to Christ also who is able to subdue your corruptions and to set your souls above your lusts and to make you as he did Paul victorious over all evil so that you shall say with him in the like condition We thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ Rom 7.25 1 Cor 15.57 USE Put your selves into Christs service There are TWO THINGS usually discourage souls from Christs worke the Mightinesse of Christ to help doth encourage against both First DIFFICVLTY Christs service is apprehended to be hard and difficult and the soul that is sometimes somewhat inclined to it doth ordinarily put it off with these or the like arguings I cannot perform it if I should undertake it if I should profess Christ I shall not hold fast my profession but dishonour him by apostacy if I should name his Name and not depart from iniquity I had better make no mention of him I know I shall never be able to pray as others do nor so to learn nor understand the Mysteries of the Kingdome nor to deny my self and forsake all for Christ and therefore I had as good abide aâ— I am and not mind things that are TOO high and HARD for me You know what Answer Christ made to his Disciples in the like case Math. 19.26 With men this is impossible but with God all things are possible And though of your selves as of your selves you are not sufficient for the least of those things 2 Cor. 3.6 yet through the help of Christ you may perform them all he can make the dullest to understand and the weakest mighty to do his will and it is his work to strengthen the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees and to make them that are of a fearfull heart bold and strong yea he performeth all things for his Servants And thus through Christ strengthning of them they experience his burthen to be light and his yoke easie Mat. 11.29 Therefore let not the thoughts nor fears of difficulty hold any off from Christs service seeing he is so able to help Secondly The other Discouragement DANGER He that engageth in Christs work heartily and throughly exposeth himself to danger as some men count danger his Name Liberty Estate and Life it self is in danger of being lost and the consideration of these things keeps off many from professing and serving Christ according to his pure and glorious Gospel But to Answer But what though dangers be many and great it is enough to encourage to his work that Jesus Christ is a Great One and a Saviour mighty to help and deliver in and out of dangers it was dangerous in the eyes of men for Shadrach Meshach and Abednego not to worshâ—p the Golden Image which Nebuchadnezzar the King sat up as the generality of the people did for they were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace and yet they were safe there having the Son of God with them who did so keep them that they had no hurt Dan 3. It was dangerous for Daniel contrary to the Kings Decree to pray three times a day his Windows being open in his Chamber towards Jerusalem for he was cast into the Lions den and yet he was safe there God sent his Angel and shut the Lions mouths so that no manner of hurt was found upon him Dan 6.10 It was dangerous also for Esther to go in to the King contrary to Law And yet it made way both for her own and her peoples preservation and safety It was dangerous likewise for the Apostles and primitive Saints to preach and practise contrary to the commands of the Rulers and customes of the people And yet Jesus Christ being with them according to his promise to help and strengthen them in their work they did wonderfully prevaile and prosper as in Acts 4.18 19 20 29. Acts 5.17 18 19 20-28 29-38 40 41 42. Therefore let not feare of danger hinder any from yeelding up themselves to the service of Christ And you that are so carefull to avoyd danger consider that you bring your selves into the greatest danger by declining his work While you seek to save your selves you loose your souls and selves While you study to escape the danger of mans hatred and wrath you fall into danger of the displeasure of the most high God yea into danger of eternal Damnation Math 16.25 26. Mark 8 34-38 VSE of CAVTION Take heed you do not abuse this Doctrine of the help of Christ. First That you be not idle and negligent It was never the purpose of the Father in his Appointment of Christ to help nor yet of Christ in his willingness and readiness thereunto to exempt his people from any duty but to strengthen and encourage them against every difficulty therein Christs help is not to indulge the flesh but to quicken the dull spirits of his servants Yea the Doctrine of the help of Christ is so farre from being a principle of loosness and slothfulness as that it engageth and worketh up the soules of those that do understand it aright unto a faithfull vigorous and cheerfull performance of the will of God And indeed Christs help doth suppose as his peoples weakness so their willingness and diligence The help of another doth imply that he that is holpen is exercised and doing what he can in his businesse And therefore when Christ is helping be you a working lest you provoke him to anger through your slothfulness for the same Lord Jesus Christ who helpeth the weak and willing will condemne the slothfull servant Math 25.26 This is not spoken to deject those that are grieved and would grieve more for their own slothfulness Secondly That you do not lâ—mit Christ It was the Jewes fault of old for which God was so angry with them They limited the holy one of Israel Psal 78. therefore do not limit this Mighty one and his help at all First Not to MEANS that either he must help by this or that means by this or that person or persons or else not at all This is too usuall among men Naaman will prescribe meanes and limit Elisha to them to accomplish the cure of his Leprosie He was wroth and said Behold I thought he will surely come out to me and stand and call upon the Name of the Lord his God and stroke his hand over the place and recover the Leper Are not Abana and Pharpar rivers of Damascus better than all the Rivers of Israel may I not wash in them and be clean 2 Kings 5.11 12. This was also Moses's fault God bade him speak to the Rock and he neglected that and instead thereof he smote it twice Numb 20.8 11. And surely iâ— is very dishonourable to Christ and unbecoming Saints to limit him to means that can help by what he pleaseth and hath usually holpen and saved his people by weak and foolish things and things
the Mighty Herod c. Page 37. 8. In his Descent in respect of 1. his stock in General Page 38. 2. His Tribe Judah 9. Christ is Mighty in his Name Page 39. 10. Titles 11. Presentation Page 40. 12. Baptisme 13. Fasting Page 41. 14. Transfiguration Page 42. 15. In the testimony given of Christ 1. Of himself 2. Of the Father Page 43. 3. Of the Spirit 4. Of faithfull men Page 44. 5. Of Angels 6. Of Enemies Page 45. 16. In his Fame 17. His Attendants Page 47. 18. In Holinesse and Righteousnesse Page 49. Which appears Generally 1. In his Obedience to Gods will so 2. Particularly In the graces of the Spirit that were in him Faith Love c. Page 52. 19. In Christs Works of two sorts Page 59. 1. Spiritual and Heavenly preaching praying baptizing conference Page 60. 2. Respecting mens bodyes Page 63. 1. Wrought Miracles 2. Many Page 64. 3. Various 4. Speedily 5. Easily 6. Readily Page 66. 7. Visibly 8. Seasonably Page 70. 9. The subjects on whom Where 1. The largenesse on all sorts 2. Vnruliness in themselves Page 71. 3. Indisposition to his works 10. The perfection of Christs works Page 73. 11. Constancy of the successe Page 74. 12. In the faith of those on whom and for whose sake he wrought them Page 74. 13. In the time of their performance Page 75. 14. In his effecting all alone without others help 15. In the meannesse of the means to work them 16. In the effects Generall and Particular Page 76. 17. In his self-denyal and humility Page 77. 1. Not seeking his own honour 2. profit Page 78. 20. Mighty in Victories over 1. the World Page 79. 2. Sin 3. Death 4. Satan Page 81. II. Christ is Mighty in his Offices Page 83. I. A Mighty King 1. In himself Page 84. 1. In Maiesty 2. Wisdome 2. In his Subjects Two things shew Christs Mightinesse 1. Their Mightinesse Page 85. 2. Their Multitude 3. In his Rule towards both 1. His Friends 1. Preserving 2. Remunerating everlasting Life Joy Honour Page 88 2. Enemies in 1. Restraint 2. Destruction Page 90. II. A Mighty Priest in Dignity Page 93. 1. Of his Person 2. Title 3. Nature 4. Order 5. In solemnity of his being ordained a Priest by an Oath Page 96. 6. Performance of his work consisting 1. In making Satisfaction for sin 1. To the uttermost 2. At once 3. By his Dying Page 97. 2. In his Intercession 3. Offering up the Peoples services Page 100. 4. Blessing the People better than other Priests 1. More than they 2. With choicer blessings 3. More eminently Page 102. 7. In the unchangeablenesse of Christs Office Page 102. III. Christ is a Mighty Prophet 1. In his Original 2. Qualifications Page 103. 3. Commission 4. It s Execution Page 105. 5. In Gods command concerning him 22. In the carriage of others towards Christ Page 106. I. Of the Generality of the People As 1. Their recourse to him 2. Their Marvelling at his Doctrine and Works Page 108. 3. Their rejoycings acclamations Page 109. 4. Their beseechings their worshippings Page 110. II. In regard of his Enemies carriage 1. Their Persecutions 2. Confederacies Page 111. 1. Of all interests 2. Of all they have Page 113. III. In the carriage of Christs Servants to him Page 114. 1. Their confidence in him 2. Confession of him 3. Suffering for Page 116. 23. Christ is Mighty in his own sufferings Page 116. Manifested 1. In the kinds of them Page 2. Subject of them 1. In his soul Page 117. 2. In his body in all parts c. 3. In his Name by Reproach 4. In his Estate and Goods 3. In the Measure of his sufferings 4. In Efficient Cause of them Page 119. 1. From his Father 2. From his Foes 3. From his Friends Page 120. 5. In the Persons for whom he suffered 6. In his willingnesse to suffer 7. In the End of his suffering Page 121. II. Christs mightiness seen in his PARTICULAR sufferings 1. In his apprehension 2. his tryal Page 122 3. His Condemnation 4. his Death Page 124 His mightiness shewed in his Death 1. Concomitants 2. its vertue 24. Mighty in his Burial Page 125 In his Resurrection Page 126 25. Which appears 1. In that he rose at all 2. That he rose seen 3. Against utmost humane Opposition 26. In his Ascention Page 127 27. In his Session on Gods right hand Page 128 29. In his Coming againe in three things 1. In the signes thereof 2. In the manner of it Page 129 3. In the end of it Somewhat more to shew the Superexcellencie of this Mighty One. Page 130 1. He is Mighty and Righteous Page 130 2. And Merciful 3. And Meek Page 131 4. And Wise 5. And Patient 6. And Almighty Page 132 7. And alwayes Mighty 8. And onely Mighty Page 134 9. Really so and not so appearing onely Page 134 Qu How came Christ to be so Mighty Page 135 Ans 1. In his Essence 2. As Mediator Page 136 And thus Christ is Mighty by the Fathers 1. Mission 2. his Vnction Page 138 Reasons why Christ is a Mighty One. Page 139 1. For the Fathers Glory 2. For his own Glory Page 140 3. Because his Work was Difficult Qu Whence is it that men despise him Page 142 Ans 1. Through natural enmity 2. By Ignorance 3. Vnbeliefe Page 143 4. Confidence in their own strength Page 144 5. Putting far off the day of his Wrath. 6. By fear he 'l deprive of what 's dear Page 145 7. By his present seeming meanness Page 146 USE I. Of Information to Gods People 1. What manner of Saviour they have Page 147 2. Of their safe Condition Page 148 3. It aggravates the sin of Vnbeliefe Page 149 4. Ground of expecting great things Page 150 5. For Discovery of False Christs Page 152 II. Of Conviction to false Worshippers that slight him Page 153 1. To Jewes that beleeve not Jesus is the Christ Page 153 2. To Turks that Worship Mahomet Page 155 3. To Pagans and Heathens III. Of Reproofe 1. To all Usurpers of his Power Authority 2. To all Resisters of his Power Page 156 3. To all pretended assisters of him Page 157 4. To all despisers of Christ. Page 159 IV. Of Terror to the Wicked in Generall Page 160. 1. To Refusers of his Grace 2. Opposers of his Reigne 3. Servants Page 161 4. Scoffers at his coming Page 162 II. More especially to the Great ones in Earth R. 1. Because its just Christ should terrifie them Page 163 2. It s to his Honour Qu Why do the Wicked prosper Page 164 Ans They are reserved to destruction 1. To magnifie his Justice therein Page 165 2. To magnifie his patience toward them Page 166 3. Because some of them must be brought in Page 167 4. To exercise his Saints faith and patience Page 168 5. To magnifie his Power in their Destruction Page 168 V. Of Caution to the Mighty Ones to take heed what they do Page 169