Foure things especially about his Media­tourship in Generall, speak forth the Mightiness of Christ.

First, The singularity, and oneness of the person Mediating, not Many, not a Few, not two, but One Mediator between God, and man, the Man Christ Jesus, 1 Tim. 2.5. There was none with him in his difficult worke of Mediatorship, but he carried it on alone, there was none with him to helpe him, therefore his own Arme brought salvation both unto him, and us, which speaks him to be a Mighty One; Moses was a Mighty one, in that he stood, and that alone be­tween the Lord, and the Children of Israel on the Mountaine, and yet but a shaddow of this One great Mediator, Christ Jesus.

Secondly, The Greatness of the persons between whom he doth Mediate, he is usu­ally a Mighty One that is Mediator between either Mighty Persons or Nations, even the greatest, mightiest, and most excellent One they can finde, then how Mighty must he be that is Mediator between the Almighty, Highest God, and Man the chiefe of the Creatures.

Thirdly, The weightinesse of the Mat­ter it being of greatest concernment, no less than the bringing of souls (which were a­far [Page 21] off) unto God, 1 Pet. 3.18. the making sinners righteous, yea righteousness, 2 Cor. 5.21; the reconciling all things in heaven, and earth unto God, Col. 1.20. the turning a­way Gods wrath from sinners, the destroy­ing of the enmity that is in their minds a­gainst him, and so the salvation of them that are lost.

Fourthly, The exact performance, and accomplishment of the whole business; Ac­cording to what was prophecied of him, Dan. 9.24. He did make reconciliation for ini­quity, and brought in Everlasting Righteousnesse; He did not begin, do something, and then faint, and leave his work imperfect, but he finished it, and that to the Glory of his Fa­ther that sent him; as himselfe testifieth in his prayer to his Father, Joh. 17.4. I have glorified thee on the Earth, I have finished the worke which thou gavest me to do; surely he is a Mighty One.

Demonstrations of the Mightinesse of Christ, the Mediator.

First, He is a Mighty One in his Origi­nall, and rise, from whence he came; him­selfe told the Jews, Joh. 8.23. That he was from above, and not of this World, and that he proceeded forth, and came from God: When John heard he was come, and manifested him­selfe [Page 22] by preaching, and Baptizing, magnifi­ed him upon this account, Joh. 3.31. He that cometh from above is above all; He that cometh from Heaven is above all; And by this the Apostle doth distinguish him from, and ex­alt him above the first Adam, 1 Cor. 15.47. The first man is of the Earth Earthly, the second man is the Lord from Heaven.

Secondly, He is a Mighty One in the first promise of him, the first hint, and report of him is of a Mighty One, a Conquerour of the Devill, In that this blessed seed of the Woman should bruise the Serpents head, according as it is written, Gen. 3.15. I will put Enmity between thee, and the Woman, and be­tween thy seed, and her seed; It shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heele; the first appearance, and coming forth of Christ in the promise, is as of a Mighty one prevai­ling against mans mightiest Enemy, the Devill.

Thirdly, He is a Mighty One in the Types of him:

First, In the multitude of them, every thing almost (which was before him) being a Type, and shaddow of him, as the Passe­over, Rock, Mannah, Brazen-Serpent, 1 Cor. 5.7. Joh. 6.32, 48, 50. 1 Cor. 10.4. Joh. 3.14, 15. The Priests, Tabernacle, Altar, Sanctuary, the Feasts, Sacrifices, and [Page 23] all the Ceremoniall rites, Col. 2.16, 17. Heb. 1. ad 11 verse; Aarons Bells (as one saith) sounded Jesus Christ, and him cru­cified; surely he is some Mighty one indeed that the Lord did fore-signifie by so many things.

Secondly, In the Mightiness of them (I meane the personall Types of him) who were not meane, but mighty ones; As A­dam whom God made so mighty, giving him Lordship over the Creatures, was a type of him that then was to come, Rom. 5.14. Melchisedec that great, and mighty one, of whose greatness the Apostle exhorts the Hebrews to consider, Heb. 7.4. Now consi­der how great this man was, unto whom even the Patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils; was a Type of Christ. Moses, Josuah, David, those Great, and eminent Saviours and Deliverers of the Children of Israel were but types and shaddows of that Great, and mighty Saviour, and Deliverer of his people, Jesus Christ. And if the shad­dows be thus Mighty, the body, and sub­stance must be very Mighty.

Fourthly, He is a Mighty One in the Prophecies of him, I shall not lay any weight upon the predictions of him to the Gentiles by the famous Sybils (to whom much is attributed by some) who are said [Page 24] to Prophecy of him as of a Mighty One, an universall King, that should be Lord over Romanes and all others;

Nor yet upon Diabolicall Oracles men­tioned in History, as the Answer of Apollo from Delphos to Augustus Caesar the Empe­rour (demanding of him, who should reigne after him) after long waiting, That an Hebrew child that ruleth over the blessed Gods, commandeth me to leave this Habi­tation, and out of hand to get me to Hell, but yet do you depart in silence from our Altars; which caused Augustus, after much musing, to returne to Rome, and to build there an Altar in the Capitall, with this Inscription (as Nicephorus affirmeth) Ara primogeniti Dei, The Altar of Gods first be­gotten Son: But I passe by these things, and shall speak of him onely as he is prophecied of in the holy Scriptures, according to which he will appeare to be a very Mighty One.

First, In that he was prophecied of at all, for the Prophets for the most part fore­told of great things to come to passe. Great changes, and alterations in the world, Great deliverances, Great prosperity, Great Judge­ments, and desolations, Great Warres, Fa­mines, Pestilences; as also of Great and Mighty Persons, Families, Cities, Nations, as of the five Mighty Monarchies, the Man [Page 25] of sin, that mighty one, who opposeth, and exalteth himselfe above all that is called God, 2 Thes. 2.4. the Mighty Beast, whom the world worship, saying, Who is like the Beast? who is able to make warre with him? Rev. 13.4. The Great Whore, that sitteth upon many wa­ters, and the false Prophet that worketh Miracles; so that Christ is a Mighty One, being One prophecied of.

Secondly, In that he is prophecied of by all the Prophets in their severall ages, and generations, Gods holy Prophets which have been since the world began, have pro­phecied of him, Luk. 1.70. As Christ was in the way with the two Disciples going to Emaus, beginning at Moses, and All the Prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures, the things concerning him­selfe; there was somthing in Moses, and all the Prophets concerning him; And this doth accord with what he minded his Disciples of, which he had formerly spake to them, That all things must be fulfilled which were writ­ten in the Law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalmes concerning him, Luk. 24, 27, 44. Philip having seene Jesus, speakes of him with Great affection to Nathaniel, as of a Mighty One upon this very account, We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the [Page 26] son of Joseph, Joh. 1.45. And Peter told the Jews, that God shewed by the mouth of All his Prophets, that Christ should suffer, Acts 3.18. And speaking of Christ to Cornelius, and those with him, saith, To him give All the Prophets witness, &c. Acts 10.43. Surely he is a Mighty One of whom all the Pro­phets have spoken.

Thirdly, In that All of Christ is pro­phecied of, not onely his sufferings, and the glory which should follow, in the Generall, but his coming, the time, the Tribe out of which he should spring, his birth, the place thereof, his offices, workes, particular suf­ferings, death, resurrection, Ascention, ses­sion, and coming againe, and whatsoever else was, and is to be fulfilled in him, and by him, is spoken of in the Prophets; And cer­tainly he is no Ordinary Person whom the Spirit of God did so carefully predeclare in all things belonging to him.

Fourthly, In that he is the summe, and All of the Prophecies; for what are they but Christ in his Sufferings, and Glory, they having all some reference, and tenden­cy unto him; yea all the Great things pro­phecied of, as the Conversion of the Jews, the coming in of the fulness of the Gentiles, the pulling downe high, and lofty things, the establishing of Justice and righteousnesse [Page 27] in the Earth, the powring out of more a­bundance of the Spirit, and all other Great things, are in a subserviency unto him, and have a speciall reference to his exaltation, and kingdome.

Fifthly, In the Matter of the prophecies concerning him, which I shall reduce to these three heads.

First, What he shall be, and have; Ba­lam prophecying of Israels happiness, saith, His King shall be higher then Agag, and his kngdome shall he exalted▪ out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, Numb. 24.7, 19. The Psalmist speaking of Christ, saith, That he shall have the Heathen for his Inheri­tance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession, Psal. 2.8. He shall be exalted, ex­tolled, and be very high, Isa. 52.13. He shall have a portion with the Great, and di­vide the spoile with the strong, Isa. 53.12. He shall not onely be Ruler in Israel, but also Great unto the ends of the Earth, Mi­cah 5.2, 4. Yea, he shall be King over all the Earth, Zach. 14.9.

Secondly, What he shall do; He shall judge the poore of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall breake in pieces the Oppressor, Psal. 72.4. He shall rule in the midst of his Enemies, he shall Judge among the Heathen, he shall fill the [Page 28] places with the dead bodies, he shall wound the Heads over many Countreys, Psal. 110.2, 6. 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. He shall reigne and prosper, and shall execute Judgement and Justice in the earth; He shall build the Temple of the Lord, and he shall beare the Glory, and shall sit and rule up­on his Throne, Zach. 6.13. He shall over­come the Beast, and the Kings of the earth, Rev. 17.14. & 19.19, 20. These and other mighty things are spoken of Christ that he should do.

Thirdly, What others shall be, and do towards him. Unto him shall the Gather­ing of the people be, Gen. 49.10. To him shall the Gentil [...]s seeke, Isa. 11.10. The Kings shall shut their mouths at him, they shall be dumb, and not dare to speak in his presence, Isa. 52.15. They that dwell in the Wilderness shall bow before him, and his Enemies shall lick the dust; The Kings of Tarshish, and the Isles shall bring pre­sents; the Kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts; yea all Kings shall fall downe before him, and all Nations shall serve him, Psal. 72.9, 10, 11. At his Name every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth and things under the earth, and every [Page 29] tongue shall confesse that he is Lord, Phil. 2.10, 11. All which speak Christ to be a Mighty One.

Fifthly, He is a Mighty One in the expe­ctation of the people.

First, In the expectation it self; he was one lookt for before his coming, the people were in expectation of him, and the expe­ctation of the people is not ordinarily of mean and ordinary persons, like themselves but of great and mighty ones, of such, as some way or other excell others.

Secondly, In the nature and manner of their expectation, it was not a faint and dull, but a strong and earnest expectation; they did expect him, and expect him much, they did expect him with desire and long­ing, according to his own words to his Dis­ciples, I tell you that many Prophets and Kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and to hear those things which ye hear, Luke 10.24. Therefore when God sent any one into 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 [Page 30] 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 [Page 31] 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: [Page 32] 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 [Page 33] 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. Ʋnto 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 [Page 34] 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, [Page 35] when the world was at the highest and strongest, and then begin to build up a Kingdome.

Thirdly, In the Concomitants of it; divers remarkable things accompanyed his Birth, which speaks forth his Mighti­nesse. As

First, The message of the Angel to the Shepherds, Luke 1.10, 11. Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all People; For unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Secondly, The praisings of the Host, the Shepherds they glorified and praised God for what they had heard and seen; but men of the earth are not sufficient for this thing, and therefore a Quire is sent from Heaven to rejoyce and sing praises to the Most High for this Heavenly and unspeakable gift, Luke 2.13. Suddenly, there was with the An­gel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God. These extraordinary praises speak the person born to be some great and Migh­ty One.

Thirdly, The homage of the Wise men, That they should come to tender their ho­mage and service to this Infant, and not un­to Herod, nor Agustus Caesar, of whose great­nesse no doubt they had heard (but did not esteem nor regard it in comparison of this [Page 36] late born King of the Jews) speaks Christ to be a Mighty One; especially if we consider

First, The quality of their Persons; if because [...], Wise men, is usually taken in the worst sense, for men practising Magi­cal and unlawful Arts, it should be under­stood so in this place; it shews forth the more of the Mightiness and Power of Christ, when men that had been of such a profession become such professors of Christ of any among the Gentiles, as to come and do homage to him: howsoever, forasmuch as they were (as is most likely, not of the meaner sort, nor yet persons of ordinary and common gifts, but men of learning, understanding, wisdome, and of high esteem among the People; it holds forth the greatness and excelleny of Christ, that such should come so early, and submit them­selves to him

Secondly, The greatness of their pains, without doubt it was a long and tedious journey they took, although we cannot tell exactly how far they came, because the par­ticular term from whence (at which divers have diversly conjectured) is not to be found in Scripture, onely it is said (with an [...], Behold, prefixed, as a matter of ad­miration, that they should come, and come so far) They came from the East to Jerusalem, [Page 37] and surely they would not have underta­ken such a journey with regard to an ordi­nary common person.

Thirdly, The reality and fulnesse of their homage; it was not in word, and in tongue onely, but in truth and in deed; we do not read of any thing they said to him, but of what they did, and that was much, they first gave themselves an oblation to this great King, and then made offering of their gifts; For they fell down and worshipped him, and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him Gifts, Gold and Frankin­cense, and myrrhe, Matth. 2.11. They would not have tendered such large homage to a mean one.

Fourthly, The eminent appearing of God for their direction to him, and preser­vation in returning; a Star did lead them to the very place where he was for it is said, Math. 2.9. Lo, the Star which they saw in the East went before them till it came and stood over where the young Child was. And for their preservation, God did warn them in a dream, that they should not return to Herod, and they departed into their own Countrey another way.

Fourthly, The dread of the Mighty, even of King Herod and all Jerusalem with him, for it is said, When Herod the King heard these things (viz: of one born King of the [Page 38] Jews, and of persons come to worship him) he was troubled, terrified, yea, he shaked with fear, (Mat. 2.3.) so that Christ was a Mighty One in his Birth.

Eighthly, Christ is a Mighty One in his Descent, even after the flesh.

First, In respect of his stock in general, for he was descended of the Patriarchs, he was of the stock of Abraham, that Mighty One; the Jews counted it a great priviledge above what the Gentiles had, That they had Abraham to their Father, that they were of his stock, branches of that root, Christ was also a son of Abraham.

Secondly, In respect of his Tribe out of which he sprang, Judah; for it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah, and it is as evident also, that Judah was the mightiest Tribe, both according to Jacobs, and Moses blessing of him, Gen: 49.8. Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise, thine hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies, thy fathers chil­dren shall bow before thee, Judah is a Lyons whelp, &c. Deut. 33.7. Let his hands be suf­ficient for him, and be thou an help to him from his e [...]emies. Judah was Standard-bearer in the foremost Quarter as the children of Israel encamped about the Tabernacle, Numb: 2.3. And Judah's Standard (Lyon-like) mar­ched in the first place, as they marched to­wards [Page 39] the Land of Canaan, Numb: 10.13, 14. and of this mighty Tribe was Christ, yea, he was the Mighty One of this Tribe, The Ly­on of the Tribe of Judah, Rev: 5.5.

Further, Judah was the Royal Tribe, the Royalty of a Kingdome appertained to it, Gen: 49.10. The Scepter shall not depart from Judah, &c. The Kings and Rulers descen­ded from thence; and this speaks the migh­tinesse and exeellency of Christ, that he was of this Tribe, hence Mr. Perkins saith, That Christ was the most excellent and notable One that ever was, descending of the eternall Father, as he is the Son of God, and as he is man descending of the Patriarchs, and of the renowned Kings of Judah. And it is storied that it remaineth registred in the Jews Talmud it self, That Jesus of Nazareth crucified, was of the blood-royal from Zorobabel of the house of David; so that he is a Mighty One in his Descent.

Ninthly, Mighty in his Name; Isaiah pro­phecying of him, saith, Ch. 9.6. His Name shall be called Wonderful, Councellour, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins, Immanuel, the Word of God; his name speak forth his excellency and might, not that there is any might and virtue in the bare name it selfe, as consisting of so many let­ters, as some have fondly conceited, that [Page 40] the bare name of Christ used, had power to drive away the Devil, and that the name of Christ written and carried about with them, was of efficacy to keep them from danger, but his name declare his nature, for as his name is, so is he; it is not with Christ in this respect as with some who had names contrary to their natures, and dis­positions to hide their weaknesses, and wic­kednesses, as the Impius named Pius; the Coward, Leo; the Cruel, Clemens; the Oppres­sor, Innocentius, the Earthly-minded, Celesti­nus.

Tenthly, Mighty in his Titles, I shall name a few; The Captain of Salvation, Ruler in Israel, The Consolation of Israel, The Horn of Salvation, The Deliverer, The Power and wis­dom of God, 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 [Page 41] 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 [Page 42] 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 [Page 43] 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, Ʋnto 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, [Page 44] 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 2 ^d. and 3 ^d. 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 [Page 45] 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, he shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the [Page 46] throne of his father David, and he shall reigne over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdome there shall be no end.

To the Shepheards, Luke 2.10, 11. The Angel said unto them, feare not; for behold, I bring you good tydings of Great joy which shall be to all people; for unto you is borne this day, in the City of David, A Saviour which is Christ the Lord.

Sixthly, The testimony of Enemies, and the testimony of Adversaries, is of greatest validity.

The Jews themselves testified that he was a Mighty One, Joh. 11.47, 48. The chiefe Priests, and the Pharisees gathered a Councel, and said, What do we? for this man doth many miracles; If we let him thus alone, all men will beleeve on him; so likewise, John 12.19. The Pharisees said among themselves; Perceive ye, how ye prevaile nothing; behold the world is gone after him. Josephus the Jew, who was borne not long after Christ, writeth; There was at this time One Jesus a wise man, if it be lawfull to call him a Man, a worker of most wonderfull mi­racles, and a Master, and Teacher of all such men as are willingly content to embrace the truth. Yea the Jews do grant, and record Christs miracles, and make mention of many won­derfull workes which Jesus did that are not written by our Evangelists; As the Au­thour [Page 47] of the book call'd Proofes of Christia­nity, observeth.

The very Turkes give this testimony of him, That he was a great Prophet, Mighty in word, and deed; and that the Jews did evill in crucifying of him.

Yea the Devils themselves confessed, and acknowledg'd him to be a Mighty One; For they came out of many, crying out, saying, Thou art Christ, the Son of God, Luk. 4.41. So vers. 33, 34. A man which had a spirit of an uncleane Devil, cryed out with a lowd voice, say­ing, Let us alone, what have we to do with thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to de­stroy us? I know thee who thou art, The holy One of God.

Sixteenthly, Mighty in same, he is of Great fame; In the dayes of his flesh as soone as ever he began to preach, and work miracles, his fame went thorowout all Sy­ria; In what Land, or Country soever he was, his fame spread abroad in all that Country; his fame was not onely spread thorowout all the Land of Israel, but also into many other Nations of the world, by the Preaching of the Apostles; for he sent them into all Nations, into all the world, Math. 28.19. Mark 16.15. (Repentance, and remssion of sin being to be preached in his Name among all Nations, beginning at [Page 48] Jerusalem) and they accordingly went, and made him knowne where ever they came, and the word of the Lord mightily prevai­led, and his fame hath spread abroad ever since; It hath of late spread in New-Eng­land, and other parts, so that his Name is Great in the world, his fame is gone into all Lands, even the fame of him as of a Savi­our, a deliverer, a Mighty One.

Seventeenthly, Mighty in his Atten­dance; Not onely men, Disciples, but the Angels also ministred unto him; The An­gels declared his Conception, and birth, and attended him; when borne, an Angel ap­peared to direct Joseph, for his preservation, Math. 2.13. Saying arise, and take the young child, and his mother and flee into Egypt, &c. When he had been tempted of the Devil, Angels came and ministred unto him, Math. 4.11. When he was in his sufferings, there appeared an Angel unto him from heaven strengthening him, Luk. 22.43. At his Re­surrection an Angel from heaven came, and rolled back the stone from the doore of the Sepulchre, and sate upon it, and declared his Resurrection to the Women, Math. 28.2, 5, 6. Yea two Angels in white sate, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had layen, John 20.12. When he ascended two Angels attended [Page 49] him, Act. 1.10. When he shall come a­gaine, he shall come attended with his Mighty Angels, 2 Thes. 1.7. For he shall come in his Glory, and all the holy Angels with him, Math. 25.31. And when he shall sit upon the throne of his glory, thousand thousands shall minister unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands stand before him, Dan. 7.10. Rev. 5.11.

Eighteenthly, A Mighty One in holiness, and righteousness, so holy, as he is called, by way of eminency, The holy One, Act. 3.14. The holy one of God, Luke 4.34. None so holy as he; so righteous, as he is called also the righteous, 1 Joh. 2.1. The just, Act. 3.14. Righteous before God; The Lord calls him his Righteous servant, Isa. 53.11. Righteous also before men, even Ene­mies; Pilate who condemned him, did a little before pronounce him a Just person, Math. 27.24. he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this Just person; And Judas who betrayed him, cleared Christ, and accused himselfe, saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood, Math. 27.4.

His mightiness, and eminency in holiness, and righteousness doth appeare.

First, Generally, in his obedience to the will of God, he said he came downe from heaven, not to do his own will, but the will of him that sent him, Joh. 6.38. and ac­cordingly he made that his great business, and designe, while he was on earth, his mightiness therein may be seene.

First, In the universality of it, he did whatsoever his Father required, and left no­thing of his will undone, he kept the whole Law, and offended not in One point, he did not onely the easiest, and pleasant, but also the hardest, and most grievous part of his fathers will; when his soul was exceeding sorrowfull even unto death, he prayed not so much for the removing of that Cup, as that his fathers will might be done, Math. 26.39, 42. Hence that of the Apostle, Phil. 2.8. He became obedient unto death, even the death of the Crosse.

Secondly, In the exactness, and perfecti­on of it; he kept the whole Law exactly, as he was not wanting in the matter, so he did not faile in the manner of performing his fathers will; there was no defects, no­thing lacking in his obedience, he did all things well; what we are pressing towards, [Page 51] and reaching forth unto, he attained, he was perfect in every good worke, and stood compleate in the whole will of his father, and hence it is that it is recorded of him, that he was without sin, knew no sin, did no sin; which could not be, if he had failed in any thing.

Thirdly, In the Constancy of it; Christ did not obey by fits but constantly; though we cannot, he continued in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them; This righteous one held on his way, he did not faile, nor was he discoura­ged, yea when persecution and tribulation did arise against him because of his doing the will of his father, he was not offended; but did alwayes do the things which plea­sed his father, as he told the Jews, Joh. 8.29. all which speakes forth his might.

Fourthly, In his delight in it, his obedi­ence was without murmuring, or grudging, it was with delight; for the Law of God was within his heart, as he spake, Psal. 40.8. I de­light to do thy will, O my God; his fathers com­mandements were not grievous to him; he professed to his Disciples, That it was his Meat to do the will of him that sent him, and to finish his worke, Joh. 4.34.

Fifthly, In the efficacy, and vertue of it, his Righteousnesse doth not returne to him [Page 52] void, but it doth accomplish that which he please, and prosper in the thing whereto he ordaines it, and that is the making others righteous; according to that of the Apo­stle, Rom. 5.19. For as by one mans disobedi­ence many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one, shall many be made Righteous; God made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him, 2 Cor. 5.21. And accordingly we are; for of God he is made unto us Righte­ousness; Now surely he is Mighty in obe­dience, whose obedience effect the Righte­ousness of others.

Secondly, Particularly in the Graces of the Spirit which were in him.

First, In his Faith; for he, as well as we, had faith, and that a greater, and stronger than ours; for he was so strong, and migh­ty in faith, as that he stagger'd not at any of the promises of his father through unbe­liefe; other mighty ones in faith, sometimes feared, as Jacob, David &c. but Christs faith was perfect, he was never afraid of any ttouble, or any persecutors, he knew on whom he had beleeved, he knew his father would uphold, and reward him; his confi­dence in his father is prophetically spoken of by Isaiah, Chap. 50.6, 7, 8, 9. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheekes to them that [Page 53] pluckt off the haire; I hid not my face from shame, and spitting, for the Lord God will help me, there­fore shall I not be confounded; therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed, &c. And he expressed as much at the raising of Lazarus; Father I thanke thee that thou hast heard me, and I know that thou hearest me alwayes; he was mighty and strong in faith.

Secondly, His love, he was and is migh­ty in that grace, which I shall illustrate in particulars.

First, In the nature of it, it is above or­dinary common love, above the love of one friend to another; of a father to his child, of an husband to his wife, or of a man to his own self; it is such a love wherewith the father hath loved him, Joh. 15.9. He tells his Disciples, As the father hath loved me, so have I loved you; which words do not only hold forth the truth, but the excellency of his love towards them, it being transcen­dent, infinite love, without measure, above Geometrie, above all arts, and parts of men; the Apostle tells the Saints at Ephesus, that it passeth knowledge, Eph. 3.19.

Secondly, In the objects of it, not his friends as loving him any thing, though his friends as loved by him, not Saints, or any excellent lovely ones, but sinners, enemies, [Page 54] and he is a Mighty one that can love Ene­mies; flesh and blood cannot do this; Paul sets forth the greatness of the love of Christ by the objects of it, Rom. 5.6, 7, 8. When we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly, for scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet peradventure for a good man s [...]me would even dare to die; but God commended his love towards us, in that while we were yet sin­ners, Christ died for us; he was so mighty in his love, that he loved his greatest, mightiest enemies, even those that took away his life, yea when they were taking it away, at that instant, when it was doing, when he did hang on the crosse, when they were in the heate of their malice, and hatred against him, he pray'd for the choicest blessing for them, Luke 23.34. Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.

Thirdly, In the vertue, and operation of it, it did produce wonderfull effects, it car­ried him out.

First, To the lowest Condition, love brought him from heaven to earth, from the highest to the lowest estate, from the throne to the dunghil; Though he was Lord over all, yet love made him a servant to all, and that is the lowest condition to be a servant; this the Apostle mentions, as the infinite condescention of Christ, Phil. 2.7. [Page 55] And this himselfe minded his Disciples of, that he the Son of man came not to be ministred unto, but to minister, Math. 20.28. I am among you as he that serveth, Luk. 22.27.

Secondly, To the meanest services, who though he was the most Mighty One, yet so great was his love, as that he did not onely condescend to men of low estate, but to the lowest, meanest services for them, John 13. from the first to the seventeenth verse is a full testimony of his love in this respect; that he, their Lord, and Master, should wash his Disciples feet.

Thirdly, To the Greatest sufferings, both in life, and death; his life was a life of sorrow and trouble, and his death was a a death of great paine, and ignominy, the cursed death of the Crosse.

Fourthly, To the largest communicati­ons, he hath witnessed the greatness of his love by the largeness of his gifts; he hath given himselfe, This the Apostle mentions as the evidence of the Greatness, and excel­lency of his love to the Church, Eph. 5.2, 25. that he loved the Church, and gave himselfe for it, and not only himselfe to die for it, but now that he liveth, he communi­cateth freely to it of all spirituall blessings; for whatsoever he hath heard, or received of his father, that he imparts to his friends.

Fourthly, In the duration of it, it is for ever, he abides in his love towards them, notwithstanding all their unkindnesses, its immutable, no length of time, nor distance of place, can worke any alteration in his love, the injuries that we do to Christ, al­though they have their fruit in discomfort, and occasion the suspension of the manife­station of his love for a season, (which is a burden very grievous to be borne by a gra­cious soule) yet these do not remove his love to his; yea though he visit their transgres­sions with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes, yet his loving kindness shall continue with them; in a word, it is Everlasting love, Jer. 31.3.

Thirdly, His self-deniall, he was migh­ty in that, he was higher, and greater then any, then all, he had more then all others, and yet he forsooke all for others, he emp­tied himselfe of all, never any so high, and never any so low, never any so rich, and never any so poor as he; never any so glo­rious, and never any counted so vile; and this not by 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 [Page 57] 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 [Page 58] 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 e [...]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 m [...]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, [Page 59] & 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, [Page 60] 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 [Page 61] 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. [Page 62] 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 accordingly accomplished to, and upon his Disciples, to the astonish­ment and amazement of all, Acts 1.5. with Acts 2. from 1. to 13. vers.

Fourthly, His conference; he had many conferences with very acute and subtil ad­versaries, and he overcame them all, with the chief Priests and the Elders, Math. 21. They could not answer him, vers. 27. with the Disciples which the Pharisees sent unto him with the Herodians, after they had taken council how they might intangle him in his talk; the issue was, when they had heard his answer to their subtil Question, they marvelled and left him, and went their way, Matth: 22.22. The same day the Sadduces came and put a Question to him, and when the multitude heard his answer, they were astonished at his Doctrine, vers. 33. The Pharisees hearing that he had put the Sadduces to silence, gathered together, and one of them which was a Lawyer, as­ked him a question, which he answered, and when the Pharisees were gathered toge­ther [Page 63] he asked them a question, and no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man (from that day forth) ask him any more questions, vers. 34. to the end of the Chap: The Ruler of the Syna­gogue fell upon him with great indignation because of his healing on the Sabbath day, whom when he had answered, all his ad­versaries were ashamed, and all the people rejoyced for all the glorious things that were done by him, Luke 13, 15, ad 18. And conferring with the Lawyers and Pharisees about his healing on the Sabbath day; it is recorded, They held their peace, they could not answer him again to these things, Luke 14.4, 6. We may see also how mighty he was in his conferences with the Jews, John 8. and 10. Chapters; and also with the Devil, the subtillest enemy, whose several Temptati­ons he answered by Scripture; and the con­clusion of all was, The Devil leaveth him, and behold Angels came and ministred unto him, Mat. 4.1. ad 11. vers. More need not be added to shew that he was mighty in Con­ference.

Secondly, He was mighty in his works respecting the bodies of men, and others which will appear in severall particulars.

First, In the nature and kind of them his works were not common, and ordina­ry, [Page 64] but special and extraordinary; and therefore it is said, He did mighty works, wrought miracles and wonders among the people, works above, and beyond the con­stituted order of Nature, and he wrought not only mighty works as they are distin­guished from the common works of others, but as they are distinguished from the mighty works and miracles of others, therefore the people astonished, cryed out, What wisdome is this that is given him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Mark. 6.2. He cast out Devils; we never read of any before Christ, that cast out De­vils, (though some other miracles they did) therefore when he cast out a Devil, the mul­titudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel, Matth. 9.33. He opened the eyes of one born blind, and (as the man said) Since the world began it was not heard, that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind, John 9.32. He healed such diseases as other Physitians could not, the woman that had the issue of blood twelve years, after she had suffered many things of many Physiti­ans, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse; she did but come behind Jesus and touch him, and straightway the fountain of her blood was dryed up, and she felt in her bo­dy [Page 65] that she was healed of that plague, Mark 5.25, 26, 27, 28. When the Luna­tick child, whom the Disciples could not cure, was brought to Christ, he rebuked the Devil, and he departed out of him, and the child was cured from that very hour, Mat. 17, 15, 16, 18. He did among the people the works which none other did, John 15. 24. and he is a mighty One that can do that which others of great skill and power can­not do.

Secondly, In the multitude of them, he did many mighty works, many miracles, others before wrought a few, Moses a few, Elijah and Elisha a few by anothers power, but Christ wrought many, healed multi­tudes of sick persons, all manner of sicknes­ses and diseases among the people. If I should enumerate the miracles written which Jesus did, they would appear to be many, and yet he did many more than are written, it is said John 21.25. at the close of the history of the life of Christ, There are also many other things which Jesus did, the which if they should be written, every one, I suppose that even the world it self could not contain the Books that should be written. Of those things which are written that he did, most of them are wonders, or else have wonders in them (as I have in part, and shall further make to [Page 66] appear) Now if we count him a mighty one, that doth a few great things in his life time, now and then a wonder, how mighty must he needs be, whose miracles are more than all the other actions of his life? the multi­tude of his miracles speak him to be a migh­ty One, according to that of the people, re­corded concerning him, John 7.31. Many of the people believed on him, and said; When Christ c [...]meth, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?

Thirdly, In the variety of them, not a multitude of miracles of one kind, as to heal multitudes of one disease only, but he healed all manner of sickness and all manner of dis­ease among the people.

[...], Diseases, as blindness, withered­ness, lameness, fevers, dropsies.

[...], Languishings, weaknesses, consumptions, diseases which are not so painful, as wasteful of the body.

[...], Tortures, wracks, aches, con­vulsions, palsies, lunacy, painful diseases; and he did not onely heal all diseases, but he also raised the dead, cast out Devils gave sight to the blind, rebuked and stilled the winds, turned water into wine, walked on the Sea, fed thousands with a few Loaves, and it cannot be said of Christ, he was only exc [...]llent and eminent in some one thing, [Page 67] but he was mighty in every thing; the va­riety of his miracles is a very cleer demon­stration of his mightinesse.

Fourthly, In the celerity and speediness of them; he did them swiftly, suddenly, he healed diseases immediately, when he bad them arise, they arose presently; the Evan­gelists have observed and recorded it, as that which adds glory to Christs miracles of healing, and other works, that he did them so quickly; many being healed the same Hour that he undertook their cure in, as is evident, Math. 8.13. Math. 9.22. Math. 17.18. The blind immediately received sight, the lame immediately rose up and walked, the crooked were immedately made straight, Devils came immediately out of those that were pos­sessed, he stilled the winds on a sudden, he cursed the fig-tree, and it presently withered away; yea, it is said, In the same Hour he cured many of their infirmities, plagues, and of evil spirits, and unto many that were blind, he gave sight, Luke 7.21. Christ did not take a week, month, or half a years time to heal in, (as others do and yet famous) but what he did, he did quickly, and how mighty an One must he needs be, who works miracles so speedily?

Fifthly, In the facility of them, they were easie.

First, In respect of the Agent, Christ himself, his mighty works were not hard nor grievous, but easie to him, he did them without pain, or toyl to himself, for he did ordinarily heal and work other miracles by speaking a word or two, by touching of persons, difficulties were not difficulties to him, but were his pastime and pleasure; for it was his delight, and his meat to do the will of him that sent him; he is a migh­ty One who doth such mighty things so easi­ly.

Thirdly, In respect of the subject upon whom he wrought any wonderfull works, when he healed others, he did not (as the manner of other eminent ones is) put them to great, nor yet to any pain in order to their cure, but forthwith freed them from their present pains, yea, their very healing was without pain, which sets up his migh­tinesse above mans.

Sixthly, In his constant fitnesse and readinesse to do them, when ever he had any call, however he did seem to be distra­cted with much businesse, he was alwayes ready and prepared for the work he was called to; he never sent any away uncured, unhealed, never excused himself, saying, I am now busie, come some other time; he did not so much as make any delay to do for them, [Page 69] according to their desire (only he some­times took occasion to try, and commend the faith of some) no time was untimous to him, when people came to him. After he had been teaching his Disciples upon the Mount (without question some considera­ble space of time) when he was come down great multitudes followed him, & he healed the Leper, the Centurians servant, and Peters wives mother, and having spent the day in working, when the Evening was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with Devils, and he did not so much as de­fer it till the morning, but he then cast out the spirits with his Word, and healed all that were sick, Matth. 8.16.

Seventhly, In the visibility and publick­nesse of them, many of his works being wrought before multitudes, he was not of a cowardly and fearfull spirit, he did not choose to work them in a corner, or in some private place (though he wrought some privately as he had occasion) but openly in the chief publick places, in Cityes, as Corazin, Bethsaida, yea in Jerusalem, that great and famous City, in the Synagogues, and in the Temple, whether the Jews al­wayes resorted, see Matth. 21.14. In the presence of the Scribes and Pharisees, Luke 5.21, 25. Even when the Scribes and Pha­risees [Page 70] were watching him, Looking round about them all, he said unto the man which had the withered hand, Stretch out thy hand, and he did so, and his hand was restored whole as the other, Luke 6.6, 10. He oft healed and cast out Devils in the presence of the multitude, he turned water into wine publickly at a marriage feast in Cana of Galilee. And to this agreeth Peters description of him to the Jews in his exhor­tation to them, Acts 2.22. Ye men of Isra­el hear these words, Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by Miracles, wonders, and signes, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye your selves also know.

Eighthly, In the opportuneness and seasonableness of them, being alwaies sui­table to occasions offered, as may be seen in some instances; in the miracle of feeding five thousand and more with five loaves and two fishes, it was when they were hun­gry, for they had continued with Christ three dayes, when they had nothing to eat, and when they were in the Wildernesse, and could not tell how to get any, and it was when it was evening, and the time to return past, then Christ works a miracle, Math. 14.15, 16, &c. Math. 15.32, 33. He rebuked the winds and the sea, it was when there was a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with waves, yea, the waves [Page 71] did beat into the ship, so that it was now full, and the Disciples were in jeopardy, Math. 8.24. Mark 4.37. Luke 8.23. He raised Lazarus, it was when some of the Jews said, Could not this man which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have dyed? and after Lazarus had been dead four dayes he turned water into wine, it was when they wanted wine, when the mother of Jesus said unto him, They have no wine, John 2.3.

Ninthly, In the subjects of them.

First, In the largeness & unlimittedness of them; he wrought his miracles almost upon all sorts and kinds of Creatures, as Devils, Men, Beasts, Fishes, Sun, Earth, Aire, Water, Stones, Trees, as might be shewed, which plainly manifest that all Creatures were in his power. And Christ Jesus was (if I may so say) indifferent upon what Crea­ture he wrought his miracles, whether up­on Man, Beast, or Devil, Sea, or Land, strongest or weakest, it was all one to Christ, his power was not bound to this or that particular subject, but did extend it self to all the Creatures, to the living as well as the dead; to the mightiest, resisting, ra­ging Devils, as well as to the most feeble, fearful, and submitting men and women.

Secondly, In their unrulinesse in them­selves, and towards others, as the Winds, [Page 72] the Seas yeelded to him, which made the men marvel, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the Wind and Sea obey him? Math. 8.27. Yea, Legions, many fierce unruly Devils submitted themselves to him, such as no man could bind, no not with Chains, neither could any man tame; though they were unruly in r [...]spect of others, yet not unruly when Christ came to deal with them, which shews Christ to be a Mighty One.

Thirdly, In their utter indisposition un­to his works; he wrought his miracles of healing upon pe [...]sons that had their disea­ses a long time; he healed a woman that had an issue of blood twelve years; he healed another woman that had a spirit of infirmity eighteeen years; as also a man that had an infirmity thirty eight years; these by the long continuance of their disea­ses were the more unfitted for healing; he gave sight to a man that was born blind, greatly ind [...]sposed to the receiving of fight; he cured a man that had Devils a long time, Luke 8.27. He raised Lazarus when he had been dead four dayes, altogether indisposed to live again; and the greater indisposition is in the subject unto the work, the greater is the power of the Agent that performeth it.

Tenthly, In the perfection and com­pleatnesse of them, what he did, he did per­fectly; The man sick of the Palsie, arose, took up his Bed and went before them all, insomuch that they were all amazed, Mark 2.12. As many as touched the hem of his garment were made per­fectly whole, Math. 14.36. He rebuked the Winds and the Sea, and there was a great calm, Matth. 8.26. He restored the mans withered hand whole as the other, Matth. 12.13. He filled five thousand men, besides women and chil­dren, with five Loaves and two Fishes, and they took up of the fragments that remained, twelve Baskets full, Matth. 14.19, 20, 21. He healed the man that had an impediment in his speech, and he spake plain, Mark 7.35. The woman that was bowed together was made straight, Luke 13.13. He turned water not only into wine, but into good wine, John 2.10. The perfection of the work speaks forth the might and excel­ency of the Agent.

Eleventhly, In the constancy of success; he ever brought to pass what he under­took, he was no foolish builder who began, and was not able to finish: The hands of other m [...]ghty ones have not been able som­times to perform their enterprize; the Dis­ciples sometimes could not cure the disea­sed, but Christ healed all that were brought; we never heard of any thing too [Page 74] hard for him, but whatsoever he did, pro­spered; and indeed Christ never doubted of success in his undertakings; he saith to the Leper crying to him, Lord, if thou wilt thou canst make me clean, I will, be thou clean. Christ did not tell them that came to him, That he would do the best he could, or the like, but he forthwith healed them all; surely he is a Mighty One who is constantly successeful in great undertakings.

Twelfthly, In the faith of those upon whom, and for whose sake he wrought his works, they did beleeve that he was able to do them for them, and so they magnified him by believing. If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean, saith the Leper, Matth. 8.2. But speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed, saith the Centurion, at which Christ marvelled, saying, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel, Matth. 8.10. The wo­man with the issue of blood said within her self, If I may but touch the hem of his garment, I shall be whole, Math. 9.21. The men of Genesaret besought him, That their disea­sed might only touch the hem of his Gar­ment. Christ saith to the wom [...]n of Ca­naan, O woman, Great is thy faith. They had such faith as put them upon the use of any means to bring their sick to him; some­times that unusall way of coming in at the [Page 75] top of the house, so they brought the man sick of the Palsie, Luke 5.18, 19, 20. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto him, Man thy sins are forgiven thee.

Thirteenthly, In the time of their per­formance, it was the time of his humilia­tion, when he was in his lowest estate, when he was (if I may so say) at the weakest; before he was glorified, he wrought Mira­cles, some when he was apprehended, some when he was on the Crosse, some when he died: when he was weake he was strong, and if he were so Mighty in his a­basement, in the day of small Things? how mighty is he now he is in glory?

Fourteenthly, In his soleness, and help­lesness in the effecting of them, he did them by his own hand, and power, he did them alone, and of the people there was none with him to help him, and indeed he need­ed not the help of any man, for though they were great, and mighty works which he undertooke, yet his own Arme was suf­ficient for the performance of them; so mighty was he as to effect that alone, and of himselfe, which others with all their helpers could not.

Fifteenthly, In the meaneness of the meanes by which he wrought them, as by a word of his mouth, as God did his works [Page 76] in the beginning so Christ did his; God said, Let there be light, and there was light; let there be a Firmament in the midst of the waters, and there was so; so Christ to the sicke, Take up thy bed, and walke, and he did so; he said to the Seas be still, and they were so: to the Devils, come out, and they came out; to the dead, come forth, and they came forth; some­times by a touch of his hand, sometime by the patients touching but the Hem of his Garment; he made the blind man to see by anointing his eyes with clay, Joh. 9. And with such like inconsiderable meanes he wrought wonders. The meanness of the meanes speak forth the mightiness of the Agent.

Sixteenthly, In the Effects, in Generall, the good of them upon whom they were wrought; the miracles of some tended to the hurt of others, as those of Moses upon the Egyptians; Elijahs, 2 Kings 1. Peters, Acts 5. It is a very considerable difference between the miracles wrought by Christ, and those wrought by others, that Christ never hurted, nor destroyed others by his workes; he came not to destroy mens lives, but to save them; And it is a greater thing to save than to destroy.

More particularly; we finde that many marvelled; Many beleeved on him when they [Page 77] saw the miracles which he did, Joh. 2.23. When he had raised Lazarus, many of the Jews which had seene the things which Jesus did, Beleeved on him, Joh. 11.45. When Christ came into the Ship, and the winde ceased, they that were in the Ship, came and wor­shipped him, saying, Of a Truth, thou art the Son of God, Math. 14.32, 33. So when the Centurion, and those that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the Earth-quake and those things that were done, said, Truly this was the Son of God, Math, 27.54. In a word, God was glorified, Math. 9.8. Math. 15.31. Luke 7.16. Luke 23.47. And Christ was glorified of all, Luke 4.15. And this was the End of God in sending his Son to worke miracles, that his Son might be glorified; ac­cording to the words of Christ, when he heard that Lazarus was sicke, Joh. 11.4. This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God: That the Son of God might be glo­rified thereby.

Seventeenthly, In his self-deniall, and humility in his mightiest workes; for the weake to be humble is not much as for the mighty to be humble, such as heale all disea­ses, cast out Devils, and do many wonderfull workes; to be humble in these things is to be mighty, such are mightier in this, then in all the rest of their mighty acts; some who [Page 78] have been mighty to worke miracles, have not attained to be humble, and self-denying in their greatest performances; And herein was the excellency, and mightines of Christ to be seene, that he did more, and greater works than any, and yet was more hum­ble, and self denying than any; which doth further appeare.

First, In that he did not seek his own honour and Glory, Joh. 8.50. When he had wrought a miracle, and the people would have taken him by force to have made him a King, he departed into a Mountaine himselfe alone, Joh. 6.15. Yea he did rather obscure, than seek his own Glory, in that he charged divers whom he healed, that they should tell no man, Math. 8.4. Mark 7.36. Mark. 8.26. Luke 8.56. What ever other ends Christ might have in this prohibition, it plainly speaks that he was not desirous of vain­glory.

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 [Page 79] 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 [Page 80] 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 [Page 81] 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 [Page 82] 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 is a King, and that is an office which speaks might and power; a King notes Supremacie in respect of others, 1 Pet. 2.13. but Christ is not onely a King, and mighty in that regard, but also a Mighty King, a King above all other Kings, he is a King higher than the Kings of the earth, Psal. [Page 84] 89.27. The Prince of the Kings of the Earth, Rev. 1.5. Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, Rev. 17.14. He is a mighty King.

First, In himselfe, and that especially in two things.

First, In majesty, and glory, excellent majesty is upon him; The Psalmist singing of him, and his kingdome, saith, Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory, and thy majesty, and in thy majesty ride prosperously, &c. Psal▪ 45.3, 4. See a [...]lymspe of his glory in his Type So [...]mon. The Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel▪ and bestowed upon him such Royall majesty, as had not been on any King before him in Israel; yet behold a Grea­ter than Solomon is here; for Solomon in all his Glory was not arrayed like unto Christ; of this Glory the Apostles had a sight, ac­cording to the words of Peter, We were eye­witnesses of his Majesty, for he received from God the Father, honour, and Glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent Glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well plea­sed, and this voice which came from Heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy Mount, 2 Pet. 1.16, 17, 18. And Paul stiles him, even him that was crucified, The Lord of Glo­ry, 1 Cor. 2.8.

Secondly, In wisdome, and understand­ing, [Page 85] he was and is greater, and above all o­thers, both men, and Angels in understand­ing; There was excellent Wisdome found in Daniel, but there was more, and more ex­cellent in Christ. God gave Solomon wisdome and understanding, exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the Sea-shore; and Solomons wisdome excelled the wisdome of all the children of the East Country, and all the wisdome of Egypt; for he was wiser than all men, and all the Earth sought to him to heare his wisdome which God had put in his heart, 1 Kings 4.29, 30, 31. & 1 Kings 10.33. But behold a Greater than Solomon is here in this respect, Math. 12.42. Even he in whom are hid all the Treasures of wisdome, and knowledge, Col. 2.3. The very wisdome of God, 1 Cor. 1.24.

Secondly, He is Mighty in his Subjects; two things considerable in his Subjects which speak forth his Mightiness.

First, Their Mightiness, his Subjects are Saints, and Nations, and both sorts are mighty, his Saints are excellent ones, Sub­jects of the highest ranke, they are Kings, and Priests, (being advanc'd to that Digni­ty by himselfe) Rev. 1.6. Men of other spirits, redeemed from among men, who have all Earthly things under their feet, such as regard not Silver, nor yet delight in Gold, (The Law of the mouth [Page 86] of their King being better to them than thousands of Gold, and Silver; as also men of valiant and couragious spirits for the honour of their King up­on Earth, not loving their lives unto the Death, Rev. 12.11.

The Nations of the Earth also are full of Mighty Ones, men of high degree, and all the Kings, Princes, Potentates, Rulers, chiefe Captaines, Great Lords, all the Mighty men of Valour, all the Worthies, and men of Renowne, and all the wise and Honourable ones of the Earth are his Subjects; the ex­cellency, and mightiness of the Subjects speak forth the mightiness of the King, how mighty must he needs be, who have all the mighty Kings and Princes of the world under him?

Secondly, Their multitude, he hath more Subjects than any, if Solomons Subjects were so great a people that could not be numbred, nor counted for multitude, how great and numerous, or rather innumerable are Christs Subjects, who are all people, Nations, and Languages, Dan. 7.14. And these are not onely his Subjects in respect of the Right, and extent of his Dominion, but also in respect of their submission and obedience to him, for all Dominions shall serve, and obey him, Dan. 7.14, 27. Yea all kingdomes shall resolve into his king­dome: [Page 87] The joyfull sound of the Seaventh Angel, and the great voices in Heaven, which John heard, proclaimed the largeness and amplitude of the kingdome of this King, saying, The kingdomes of this World are become the kingdomes of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reigne for ever, and ever; and if in the multitude of people is the Kings Ho­nour, Pro. 14.28. then surely he is a migh­ty and honourable one that hath such mul­titudes under him.

Thirdly, He is mighty in his Rule, and Administration, both towards his loyall Subjects, and desperate Enemies; The Ad­ministration of Christ towards his faithfull ones is chiefly in two things, in both which he appeares to be Mighty.

First, Preservation; for he preserveth the faithfull, even all them that love him: he is mighty to save, and defend them against all the mighty ones that rise up against them, he hath been, and is a strength to the poore, a strength to the needy in distresse, a refuge from the storme, a shaddow from the heate, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storme against the wall. The Psalmist sing­ing of him, and his kingdome, saith, He shall deliver the needy when he cryeth, the poore also, and him that hath no helper; he shall save the soules of the needy, he shall redeeme their soules [Page 88] from deceit and violence, Psal. 72.12, 13, 14. And for this reason the Prophet Zephany calls upon Zion to sing and rejoyce; The King of Israel even the Lord, is in the midst of thee, thou shalt not see evil any more; The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is Mighty, he will save, Zeph. 3.14, 15, 17. And this is the confidence of his Subjects, The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Law-giver, the Lord is our King, he will save us, Isa. 33.22. And he is not onely mighty to save their bodies from destruction, but to save their soules from sin, and death; for that was the rea­son which the Angel gave Joseph before Christ was borne, why he should be called Jesus, Math. 1.21. Thou shalt call his Name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins: And in this he is mightier than all other Kings, who cannot deliver any of their Subjects soules, none of them can by any meanes redeem their Subjects, nor yet their own soules, but stand in need of this Mighty One to save them.

Secondly, Remuneration; he is not un­righteous to forget the worke, and labour of love, which any of his Subjects do shew towards his Name, but will give reward unto his servants the Prophets, and to the S [...]ints, and them that feare his Name, small and great; and his Reward is great, [Page 89] becoming such a Mighty King to bestow, he will plentifully reward all his faithfull constant Followers, and his reward is.

First, Everlasting life; This Christ pro­mised to his self-denying 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 heres 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, [Page 90] 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 [Page 91] 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 [Page 92] 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 Re [...]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, [Page 93] 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 [Page 94] a great High Priest that is passed into the Hea­vens, Jesus the Son of God; he is a mighty Priest, in that he is the Son of God: The same Apostle magnifies Christ the High Priest above those that the Law made, upon this account, Heb: 7.28. The Law maketh men High Priests which have infirmity, but the word of the Oath which was since the Law, maketh the Son. And he is the more excellent High Priest, in that it is the Son who is made.

Secondly, In the peculiarity of his Title; he is not onely called an High Priest fre­quently, and once Heb: 10.21. [...], A Great Priest, but he is also stiled A Great High Priest, Heb: 4.14. Though under the Law there was an High Priest, yet never was any called Great High Priest, but Christ, and though the Pope assume to himselfe the Title of Pontifex Maximus, the greatest High Priest, yet it doth of right belong to Christ.

Thirdly, In the perfection of his Nature, an High Priest without sin, without infir­mity, whereby he is by the Apostle distin­guished from, and exalted above all other Priests, Heb: 7.26, 27, 28. Such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmlesse, undefi­led, separate from sinners, and made higher than the Heavens, who needeth not daily, as those High [Page 95] 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 exc [...]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, & [Page 96] 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 [Page 97] 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 [Page 98] 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 offe­ [...]ing oftentimes the same sacrifices which can never take away sin; but of Christ he speaks other­wise, not as of one weak, but mighty, a sufficient Priest and Sacrifice; For by one Offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. He offered but one offering, and that was enough.

Thirdly, He did it in no ordinary way; not by killing of others, but by dying himself, by making and offering himself a sacrifice for sin, according to that in Heb: 9.26. Now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself? Other Priests to make attonement for sins, offered other things in sacrifice, he himself, he was the Priest and sacrifice too; he the just, suf­fered for the unjust, that he might bring us to God; this is wonderful, no more need to be added to manifest Christs mightiness in the performance of this part of his Priestly work.

Secondly, To pray and intercede for the people, and this Christ doth, for he being come an High Priest of good things to come by a greater and more perfect Taber­nacle, did not by the blood of Bulls and Goats, and Calves (as other Priests did but by his own blood) he entred in once into the holy place, into Heaven it self, now to appear in the presence of God for us, Heb: 9.11, 12, 24. And this he doth to purpose, and with eminent successe, obtaining eternal redemption for his faithful ones; for his blood being of such great merit and vertue, and he having such great interest and favour in Heaven, his prayers and intercessions are very prevalent, as a Prince he hath power with God, (his Father always hearing him, John 11.42.) Neither is he so much a Pe­titioner to beg blessings for Believers upon the account of meer mercy, but (having merited and purchased them by his blood) as a mighty Advocate he plead for them in a way of Justice. And upon this, the servants of God may, and do bear themselves in case of sin, according to that heart-unholding word, 1 John 2.1. My little chil [...]n, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not, and if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. Upon this did that good woman (that we read of in Hi­story) [Page 100] bear her self, who (being charged and accused, and much put to it by the Devil) said, Though I cannot answer thee, my Advocate can: meaning Christ. And the Apostle did apprehend so much of the mightinesse of Christ in his performance of this part of his Priestly work, as that he layes the stress of his peoples eternal salvation upon it, Heb. 7.25. Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Thirdly, To offer up the gifts and ser­vices of the people, Heb: 5.1. & 8.3. And this Christ doth also, and that powerfully and effectually, for he doth not take the prayers, praises, and spiritual services of his people, and barely offer them up to the Lord, but by and through him presenting them, they are acceptable to God, 1 Pet. 2.5. His very presenting the persons and performances of his people (unworthy and imperfect in themselves) is sufficient to make them acceptable to God; and there­fore he is mighty in that part also of the work [...] a Priest.

Fou [...]ly, To blesse the people, Numb: 6.23, 24, 25. This also Christ doth, and in this he is migh [...]ier than all other Priests which were before him, which is evident in that

First, He blesseth more than they; they blessed but a few in comparison of those he blesse, they but the Nation of the Jews at the most, they but one Nation, he all the Nations of the world, both the Jews and the Gentiles also, according to the promise of God of old to Abraham so often repeated, That all the Nations of the Earth should be blessed in him. And for this end did God send him according to the words of Peter to the Jewes Acts 3.25.26. Ye are the children of the Prophets, and of the Covenant which God made wite our Fathers, saying unto Abraham, and in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed: Ʋnto you first, God having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to blesse you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities. And Paul tells the Galatians, That Christ hath redeem­ed them from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for them, that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, Gal. 3.13, 14.

Secondly, He blesseth with more and more choice blessings than any other Priest; he blesseth not onely with bodily, but with spiritual, and with all spirituall blessings, with blessings for this life, and all estates and conditions therein, and with blessings for the life to come.

Thirdly, He blesseth more eminently than they; he doth not only wish blessed, but make blessed; he doth not only pray for a blessing for his people, but he doth authoritatively pronounce them blessed.

Seventhly, In the unchangeableness and everlastingness of his Office, when the Lord made him a Priest, it was for ever; The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent; thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchise­dec. And by this also doth the Apostle ex­alt Christ above all other Priests, Heb: 7.22, 23, 24. They truly were many Priests because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death, but this man because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable Priest-hood, wherefore he is able to save, &c.

Thirdly, Christ is a mighty Prophet; this plainly appears by the words of the Disciples to himself, inquiring about the things which came to passe in those dayes, Lu [...]e 24.19. which they said to be, concer­ning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people. His mightiness in this respect is ma­nifest.

First, In his Original; for though all other true Prophets be of Gods raising up, and sending, yet he more especially; it is peculiarly prophecyed of him, Deut. 18.15. [Page 103] The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Pro­phet from the midst of thee. He is a Prophet of Gods special sending, he sent him in a more eminent way than he did others, he sent him immediately from himselfe; Nicode­mus exalting him above others, saith, John 3.2. We know thou art a teacher come from God. He came from God otherwise than other Prophets did; it is said of him alone, That he came out from God, even from the bosome of the Father, where he was.

Secondly, In his Qualification; he came out from God, and he came through­ly furnished for the discharge of this Office, even with the whole mind of God, and with a sufficiency of power to make it known; the Lord speaking of him saith, Isa: 42.1. Be­hold my servant, &c. I have put my spirit upon him, he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles; and himself saith. Isa. 61.1, 2. The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, he hath anointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim li­berty to the captives, &c. He was full of the Spirit, and of power by the Spirit of the Lord.

Thirdly, In his Commission, and his Commission is answerable to his Qualifi­cation, God gave him largely of his Spirit, and he gave him a large Commission, a­bundance [Page 104] of teaching-power, and abun­dance of teaching-work; See both his Qua­lification and his Commission, Isa. 42.1.6, 7. I have put my Spirit upon him, —I will keep thee, and give thee for a Covenant of the people, for a Light of the Gentiles, to open the blind eyes, to bring out the Prisoners from the Pri­son, and them that sit in darknesse out of the pri­son-house. As also Isa. 49.6. He is not only Gods servant to raise up the Tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel, but saith God, I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. He is the great Prophet, he hath the grand Commission, the whole work of teaching and saving souls is com­mitted unto him alone, and he hath under­took it; he is the Lord of the Harvest, and all other faithfull Teachers they are but his servants and labourers; he is the chief Shep­herd, all others are inferiour to him, being appointed by him to feed the Flock of God; in a word, the Father sent him, and gave him all power both in Heaven and Earth; and he sendeth others, even all that are sent; Mat: 28.18, 19, 20. Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in Heaven, and in Earth, Go ye therefore and teach all Nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, &c.

Fourthly, In his Execution and exer­cise of this Office; his teaching was, and is with power and authority upon the consci­ences of men wonderfully convincing of sin and righteousnesse, he is a teacher that openeth both the Scriptures and understan­dings too, Luke 24.32, 45. He doth not only propound truth to men as others do, but he makes them stoop to it, which none else can do: his Ministration is with such power and efficacy as that he puts the Law of God into the minds of his people, and write it in their hearts, and this is the sole prerogative of him who is both King, Priest, and Prophet as hath been shewn.

Fifthly, In the Command of God con­cerning him, viz. to heare him; God at sun­dry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets, and his Command to the people was to heare them, but God hath in these last dayes spoken unto us by his Son, that Great Pro­phet, who is greater than all the Prophets which were before him (he being the sub­stance of all their Testimony) and he hath commanded, that we should heare him. This the Voice out of the cloud uttered, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well plea­sed; Heare ye him; yea, this is the speciall and strict command of God, Act. 3.22. [Page 106] A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, Him shall ye heare in all things, whatsoever he shall say unto you; and not onely so, but the severity of God is, and will be towards all those that reject, and despise his words; for every soule that will not heare that Prophet shall be destroyed from among the people, Act. 3.23. Therefore he saith, See that ye refused not him that speaketh; for if they escaped not, who refused him that spake on Earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turne away from him that speaketh from heaven, Heb. 12.25. This is his commandement, that we should beleeve on the Name of his Son Jesus Christ, 1 Joh. 3.23. Surely he is a mighty Prophet, whom the Lord doth so strictly charge the people to heare. I thought to have enlarged upon this subject, by insert­ing some of the speciall predictions, pre­cepts, ptomises, and instructions of this Pro­phet, but what hath been already mentio­ned is sufficient for the present designe, viz. to demonstrate his mightiness in th [...]s office also.

Twenty-secondly, In the Carriage of others towards him.

First, In the carriage of the generality of the people as

First, Their recourse to him; we reade not that any of the Patriarchs, Judges, [Page 107] Kings, Prophets, or Apostles were so fol­lowed, and flockt to as he was; As soone as he was borne, we reade of wise men who came a great journey, from the East to Je­rusalem to worship him; and as soone as he began to teach, and worke miracles, such multitudes followed him, that he was fain to goe up into a Mountaine to teach his Dis­ciples, Math. 5.1. and as soone as he was come downe Great multitudes followed him, Math. 8.1. He was seldome without multitudes who attended to see his mira­cles, and to heare his wisdome, and the gra­cious words which proceeded out of his mouth; sometimes there was such an in­numerable multitude of people gathered to­gether, that they trod one upon another, Luk. 12.1. When he was in Capernaum, in Simons house healing, all the City was ga­thered together at the doore; And rising up early a great while before day, he went into a solitary place, & Simon having found him, said unto him, All men seek for thee, Mark. 1.33, 37. Sometimes he was so thong'd, that they could not bring the sicke nigh unto him in an ordinary way, that nei­ther his mother, nor brethren could come at him, Luke 8.19. When the Apostles ga­thered themselves together unto him, to give him an account of some matters, he [Page 108] called them into a desart place to rest a while, for there were many coming, and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eate; And though they departed into a desart place by Ship privately, the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran a foot thither out of all Cities, and out-went them, and came together unto him; And when he came into the Land of Genesareth, & came out of the Ship, straight­way they knew him, and ran through that whole Region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was, and whither soe­ver he entred, into Villages, or Cities, or Countries, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch, if it were but the border of his garment, Mark 6.30, 31, 32, 33, 53, 54, 55, 56. This carriage of the people speak him forth to be o [...]e from whom they expected great things.

Secondly, Their marvelling, and won­dring at his Doctrine, and Workes, and that not seldome, once or twice onely but often, they often marvelled, they often wondred, they were often amazed, they were often astonished, as might be shewne, and as it was often in respect of time, so it was much, and great in respect of measure. [Page 109] It is said, Mark 6.51. when Christ went up unto his Disciples into the Ship, the winde ceased, and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondred; when the Dam­sel which was dead arose and walked, they which beheld it were astonished with a great astonishment, Mark 5.42. [...], they were in an extasie, in a great extasie, they were not themselves for the time; so when he healed the man which was deafe and dumbe, they that saw it were beyond measure astonished.

Thirdly, Their Rejoycings, and Accla­mations; As he did ride into Jerusalem, a ve­ry great multitude spread their garments in the way, others cut downe branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way, and the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cryed, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David, blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest, Math. 21.8, 9. So likewise when he had answered the Ruler of the Syna­gogue, cavilling at him for healing on the Sabbath day, it is said, All the people Rejoyced for all the Glorious things that were done by him, Luke 13.17.

Fourthly, Their beseechings, the great and mighty ones besought him, Jairus one of the Rulers of the Synagogue, fell at his feet, and besought him greatly to come and lay his [Page 110] hands on his little daughter, Mark 5.22, 23. The Centurion came beseeching him on behalfe of his servant, Math. 8.5, 6. Yea a certaine No­ble man, [...], Joh. 4.46, 47. Some Prince­ly mighty one went unto him, and besought him that he would heale his Son, for he was at the point of death; yea this was the carriage of the ve­ry Devils towards him, Math. 8.31. Mark 5.12.

Fifthly, Their worshipping; Many of those that came to him, fell downe at his feet, and worshipped him, the Ruler of the Synagogue, and others, both good and bad worshipped him all along, In his Infancy, Math. 2.11. In his Man-age oft, After his Resurtection, Math. 28.9. In the time of his Ascension, Luke 24.52. These carriages of the Genera­lity of the people declare his mightiness.

Secondly, In the carriage of his Enemies, even in their worst carriages, viz.

First, Their persecutions; for that he was so persecuted of the Mighty Ones of the world, was because they lookt upon him, as a Mighty One, and were afraid of him, lest he should become mightier then they, and indeed persecution of any person or party, do usually arise from feare in the persecutors, lest such a person or party should prevaile against them; It was evi­dently so in the persecutions of Christ, as [Page 111] soone as he was borne, he was persecuted by Herod that Mighty One, he sought to destroy him, and it was from feare, for hear­ing of one born King of the Jewe [...], and some coming from farr to worship him, (being led to him in an extraordinary way) he was troubled [...], very much terrified, and all Jerusalem with him. It is also said, Mark 11.18. The Scribes and the chiefe Priests sought how they might destroy him, For they feared him, because all the people were astonished at his do­ctrine. And when some told the Pharisees what things Jesus had done, Then gathered the chiefe Priests and the Pharisees a Councel, and said, what do we? for this man doth miracles; if we let him thus alone, all men will beleeve on him, and the Romanes shall come, and take away both our place, and Nation; and from that day forth they took councel together for to put him to death, Joh. 11.46, 47, 48, 53. And History tells us of some Emperours, who have been so troubled with the Feare of one King Jesus taking away their Crownes, as they have sought the destruction of the whole lineage of David; so that it is apparent that the ve­ry persecutions of his enemies spake him to be a Mighty One, one whom they durst not let live.

Secondly, Their Combinations and con­federacies against him, there were, and are [Page 112] combinations of the mighty against him, yea strong Combinations against him.

First, A Combination of all Interests, both civil, eccl [...]siasticall, and military, as is evident in the words of Peter and John, re­corded Acts 4.25, 26, 27. Lord thou art God which hast made Heave and Earth, &c. who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the Heathen rage, and the people imagine vaine things; The Kings of the Earth stood up, and the Rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel were gathered together; with Luke 19.47. The chiefe Priests, and the Scribes, and the chiefe of the people sought to destroy him; thus all sorts of Interests were ingaged a­gainst Christ.

Secondly, A Combination of all they have, which may be reduced to three heads.

First, A Combination of powers, and strength; For both Herod, and Pontius Pi­late, and the chiefe Priests, and others joy­ned their severall powers, and Authorities against him; and as it was then, so it was to be afterwards, as is manifest by the An­gels explanation of Johns Vision to him, Rev. 17.12, 13, 14. The ten Hornes which [Page 113] thou sawest are ten Kings which have received no kingdome as yet, but receive power as Kings one houre with the Beast; These have one minde, and shall give their power and strength unto the Beast; These shall make warre with the Lambe: And this John saw yet more fully, Rev. 19.19. I saw the Beast, and the Kings of the Earth, and their Armies gathered together to make warre a­gainst him that sate on the Horse, and against his Army; Thus the powers and forces of the world combine against Christ.

Secondly, A Combination of policy, and Councel; The Enemies of Christ consulted together with one Consent, and were confederate against him; They consulted together how to intangle him in his talke, how to appre­hend him, how to put him to death, how to conceale his Resurrection, Math. 22.15. Math. 26.3, 4. Math. 27.1. Math. 28.12. Of this the Psalmist speaks, The Kings of the Earth set themselves, and the Rulers take Coun­cel together against the Lord, and against his A­nointed, Psal. 2.2.

Thirdly, A Combination of purses, they had all one purse against him; this is evi­dent in his Apprehension, for the chiefe Priests and Captaines covenanted to give Judas money, Luke 22, 4, 5. As also in his Resurrection (being apparent to the Soul­diers, who also declared it to the chiefe [Page 114] Priests) they spared no cost to prevaile with the Souldiers to conceale the same; They gave large money to them to stop their mouths from publishing the Truth, and to open them to tell a lie, Math. 28.11, 12, 13.

Thirdly, A Combination against him, and all of him; They combined against his person to put him to death as a Malefactor; against his Doctrine, to keep, or cast it out as error; against his servants to root them out of the Earth, as evil doers; against his Kingdome, to suppresse that as some hurt­full, dangerous thing; As their hatred was of the whole kind, viz. Christ, and those that were Christs, so they combined against him, and all of him, both persons, and things, that the name of Christ might be no more in Remembrance. And that they durst not deale with him singly, but thus combi­ned together against him, is a plaine demon­stration of his mightiness.

Thirdly, In the carriage of his servants towards him, as

First, Their confidence in him; In all their difficulties, dangers, and distresses, re­lating both to soule and body, he is their confidence for supplyes, succours, and sal­vation; neither is he the confidence of some onely, but of all his servants, not of the Jews onely (for many, yea many thousands of [Page 115] them have beleeved on him, Acts 20.21.) but also, and especially of the Gentiles; ac­cording to the prophecy of him, Isa. 11.10. He shall stand for an Ensigne of the people, to it shall the Gentiles seeke; which the Apostle ex­plaines, and calls a Trusting in him, Rom. 15.12. In him shall the Gentiles trust; and thus he is the Confidence of all the ends of the Earth, and of them that are a far off upon the Sea, and how mighty must he needs be that is the sole trust, and confidence of all the truely wise, holy, and faithfull ones a­mong men?

Secondly, Their Confession of him; As the Lord requireth confession with the mouth, as well as faith in the heart, Rom. 10.9, 10. so the servants of Christ are not satisfied that they beleeve on him onely (in secret) as their Prince, and Saviour, but by their profession proclaime him to be so on the house-top (being neither ashamed, nor afraid to confesse him before men) that others might also know, and acknow­ledge him with them. And as Confession of him is (as Luther saith) Virtus virtutum, et summum, ac difficillium opus, the most excel­lent, and difficult worke, and that which some beleeevers have not been able to do, Joh. 12.42. So it attributes power to Christ, and speakes him forth to be a Saviour, and a great One.

Thirdly, Their sufferings for him, which follow their confession of him; how have they been reproached, persecuted, and hated of all men for his Name sake, They have had trials of cruel mockings, scourgings, of bonds, imprisonments, have been stoned, sawen asunder, slaine with the sword, have wandred about in sheep-skins, and goat-skins, in desarts, mountaines, and in dens, and caves of the earth, Heb. 11.36, 38, 38. And not onely those that first tru­sted in Christ, but all the faithfull in their severall Generations have been ready to be bound and to dye, yea many have died for Jesus sake: we reade not of such sufferers for any cause, either for number, constancy or cheerfulness, as the Martyrs of Jesus, nor yet of any sufferings greater than what they endured for Jesus sake; Surely he is some Mighty One for whose sake such an innu­merable company of Saints have suffered such grievous things with joyfulness.

Twenty-thirdly, He is Mighty in his own sufferings, that he who was God should suffer at all, was a marvellous thing, and a wonder, which was and could be one­ly by assuming a nature to whom it was possible to suffer; his Mightiness in his suf­ferings is manifest.

F [...]rst, In the kinds of his sufferings, his sufferings were of all sorts, the Cup which [Page 117] he dranke of had all kind of bitterness in it, disgrace, poverty, paine, temptations, and whatsoever is hard to be endured.

Secondly, In the subject of his sufferings, he suffered in every part.

First, In his soule, as himselfe said, Math. 26.38. My soule is exceeding sorrowfull, even unto death.

Secondly, In his body, in every part thereof, in all the senses thereof.

In his hearing, by their reproaches, and crying, crucifie him.

In his sight, by their scoffing, and scorn­ing gestures.

In his smell, by his being in that noysome place Golgotha, Math. 27.33.

In his tast, by his tasting of vinegar min­gled with gall, which they gave him to drinke, Math. 27.34.

In his feeling, by the thornes on his head, blows on his cheekes, spittle on his face, the speare in his side, and the nailes in his hands.

Thirdly, In his Name, by reproach, and ignominy.

Fourthly, In his estate, and goods, they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots, Math. 27.35.

Thirdly, In the measure of his suffer­ings, it was good measure, heaped up, pres­sed [Page 118] downe, and running over, he suffered a great deale of every kind.

Much disgrace, and shame; when he was teaching the Pharisees derided him, when he was discoursing the people said, thou hast a Devil.

When they apprehended him, it was with disgrace, they came with swords, and staves, as against a thiefe.

When they did condemne him, it was to be crucified, a shamefull death; and they preferred a murderer before him, when they had condemned him, they stripped him, and put on him a Scarlet robe, they put a Crowne of thornes upon his head, and a reed in his right hand, and they bowed the knee bef [...]re him, and mocked him, saying, Haile King of the Jewes, Math. 27.28, 29.

When they crucified him, it was between two theeves, esteeming him the chiefe, and worst of malefactors. And when he was on the Crosse, they that passed by, reviled him, wagging their heads, saying, thou that destroyest the Tem­ple, and buildest it in three dayes, save thy selfe. Likewise the chiefe Priests mocking him, with the Scribes, and Elders, said, he saved others, himselfe he cannot save, &c. Math. 27.39, 40, 41, 42.

And when he was dead, they called him, that Deceiver.

Great poverty, as soone as he was borne, [Page 119] he was laid in a Manger, Luke 2.7. Him­selfe said, Math. 8.20. The Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Great paine; It is said, Being in an Agony, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was as it were Great Drops of blood falling downe to the Ground, Luke 22.44. And himselfe saith, My soule is exceeding sorrowfull, even unto death; he was scourged, smitten, buffetted, and at last crucified, (that lingring, painfull death) the large measure of his sufferings, as well as the severall kinds, are mentioned, Isa. 53.

Fourthly, In the efficient Causes of his sufferings, both principall, and Instrumen­tall, he suffered from the Mighty.

First, From his Father, the Almighty God, he spared him not, it pleased the Lord to bruise him, he hath put him to griefe, Isaiah 53.10.

Secondly, From his foes, and they are Mighty Ones; he suffered from the Devil that Mighty One.

From men, and that of all sorts and ranks, both people, and Rulers, both meane, and mighty, especially the Mighty Ones of the Earth; from Pontius Pilate the Gover­nour, that Mighty One; from Herod, that Great one, Tetrarch of Galilee, and his men of warre, & from the chiefe Priests, Scribes, and Pharisees, and all the Elders of the [Page 120] people, as well as from the people them­s [...]lves, see Acts 4.26, 27.

Thirdly, From his Friends, from his own Countrymen, the Jewes, they would have him crucified, therefore saith Pilate to him, Joh. 18.35. Thine own Nation, and the chiefe Priests have delivered thee unto me; yea from his neerest friends, Peter shameful­ly denyed him; Judas his own servant, one of the Twelve, a Disciple in Ordinary, be­trayed him, and all his Disciples forsooke him, and fled, Math. 26.56.

Fifthly, In the persons for whom he suffered, Messiah was wounded, bruised, and cut off, but not for himself, it was for others, and they strangers, sinners, enemies, Christ said when he was taken of the Souldiers, If ye seek me, let these go their way. Christ was willing that the hurt which sinners had done to God, and the debt which they owed to him should be set upon his score, and put upon his account, and [...]he Apostle m [...]ntions it as a remarkable thing, That Christ dyed for the ungodly, Rom: 5.6. The just for the unjust, 1 Pet. 3.18.

Sixthly, In his willingnesse and readi­nesse to suffer; he was free and willing to undertake th [...] wo [...]k of mans Redemption; when he cometh into the world he saith, Sacrifice and Offerings thou wouldst not, but a body [Page 121] hast thou prepared me; then said I, Lo, I come to do thy will O God, Heb: 20.5, 7. Its the ex­pression of one breaking out with joy to do the thing; he was free also in the carrying of it on, as appears by his own words, Luke 12.50. I have a B [...]ptisme to be baptized with, and how am I straitned till it be accomplished. The Cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? John 18.11.

Seventhly, In the end of his suffering; which was matter of greatest weight and concernment, as the averting of Gods wrath the procuring of his favour, the freeing from all evil, and bringing souls to God for life and salvation; now how mighty an One must he needs be that endured such a large measure of all kinds of sufferings in all parts, from all sorts of persons? and that freely and willingly to procure mercy and favour for sinners, and enemies to him­self.

Particular sufferings wherein Christs Migh­tinesse is to be seen.

First, His Apprehension and taking, they came forth as to a Mighty One that would not have been apprehended; Judas came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief Priests, and the Scribes, and the Elders, Mark 14.43. And at that time [Page 122] the mightiness of Christ was seen, for when one that was about him smote the servant of the High Priest, and cut off his right ear, he did but touch his ear and healed him, Luke 22.50, 51. And which is more they that went about to take him, were smitten down with one soft word of his mouth; for as soon as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward and fell to the ground, John 18.6.

Secondly, His Tryal; his Accusation and charge was, That he was a perverter of the Nation, and forbad to give Tribute to Caesar, say­ing, That he himself is Christ, a King, Luke 23.2. And the questions which the Governour and others put to him were according to it, Art thou the Son of God? Art thou the King of th [...] Jews? Art thou a King? his Charge was as of a Mighty One, and his Answer was as of a Mighty One: For when the High Priest asked him, and said unto him; Art thou the Christ, the Son of the blessed? he said, I am; that is, the Son of God, not by Adoption as others, but by Nature; for unlesse this had been the meaning of his answer, they could not have condemned him of blasphemy, but they took it as granted, nor did he deny it, that he made himself such a Son of God, as was equall with God; so there was God standing in the Congregation of the Migh­ty, [Page 123] those earthly gods did judge him, and he (which sheweth that he was a Mighty One) judgeth them, or at least declareth himself to be that Judge which was to judge them and all men too; for to that purpose was his Answer, Jesus said, I am, and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the Clouds of Heaven, Mark 14.62. And when he was asked, Whether he was a King, he denyed it not, but confes­sed it in these words, My Kingdome is not of this world, John 18.36,

Thirdly, His Condemnation; he was condemned as a Mighty One, his Accusa­tion, and the cause of his Condemnation was set up over his head, written, This is Jesus the King of the Jews, Math. 27.37. Mark saith, The King of the Jews, Mark 15.26. Luke, This is the Ki [...]g of the Jews, Luke 22.38. John, Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews, John 19.19. The main thing regar­ded was, That he took upon him to be King of the Jews: And it is to be observed, that God did so over-rule the heart and hand of Pilate, that instead of noting some Crime, he sets down a most glorious and worthy Title; and this Superscription was wrought in three Languages, viz: Hebrew, Greek and Latine, The end of which was, (as Mr. Per­k [...]ns noteth) that the Passion of Christ, and [Page 124] also the publishing of his Kingdome and Gospel might spread all over the world, and Pilate would not be prevailed with by the chief Priests, to change the Title to that he said, I am King of the Jews, but said, What I have written, I have written, John 19.21, 22.

Fourthly, His Death, in which his migh­tinesse shines forth.

First, In the Concomitants of it; as the conversion of the Thief, the darkning of the Sun over all the Land, from the sixt, to the ninth hour, the rending of the Vail of the Temple in twain, the Earth-quake, the rending of the Rocks, the opening of the Graves, the rising of many bodyes of Saints which slept, the conviction and con­fession of the Centurion with his Souldiers, That he was the Son of God, some great and migh­ty One that fell that day, Math: 27.51, 52, 54. Mark 15.33.

Secondly, In the vertue and efficacy of it; which I shall briefly hint in three parti­culars,

First, It is of a purchasing vertue; for by and through it he purchased a p [...]ople, Acts 20.28. And an inheritance for them, Ephes. 1.7, 11. Which no cerruptible thing as Silver and Gold could obtain, 1 Pet. 1.18.

Secondly, It is of a pacifying vertue; For by it he hath made an Attonement, and Re­conciliation for sin, Rom: 5.10. Heb. 2.17. Which the blood of Bulls and Goats could never do, Heb: 10.4, 11.

Thirdly, It is of a purifying vertue; It purgeth the Conscience from dead works to serve the living God, Heb: 9.14. Yea, It cleanseth from all sin, 1 John 1.7. which no Sope nor Nitre can effect, Jer. 2.22.

Twenty-fourthly, He is mighty in his Burial; some degree of glory did break forth in Christs Burial, he had an ho­nourable Burial; He made his Grave with the rich in his death, Isa: 53.9. Joseph of Arima­thea, not onely a good man and a just, but also an honourable Councellour, together with Nicodemus a Ruler of the Jews, who brought a mixture of Myrrh and Aloes, about an hundred pound weight, took the body of Jesus and wound it in Linnen Cloaths with the Spices and laid it in a Se­pulchre hewen out of the Rock, a new Se­pulchre where never man was laid before; that which was wonderful in his Burial was, that they who were fearful to confesse him when living, were bold to own him when dead, and to be buried; for Joseph of Arimathea, who was a Disciple, but secretly for fear of the Jews, John 19.38. yet went [Page 126] in boldly unto Pilate and craved the body of Jesus, Mark 15.43. And Nicodemus which at the first came to him by night, had cour­age to appear at his Burial, though he was condemned and crucified as a great Male­factor; this the Evangelist John noteth, John 19.39.

Twenty-fifthly, He is mighty in his Re­surrection; which doth appear in that

First, He rose at all, and it is a wonder­ful thing for the dead to rise.

Secondly, He rose soon, he did not lye many yeers in the Grave, he did not as Mahomet, who promised the Sarazins after eight hundred years to re-visit them, but within three dayes, for he said unto the Jews, Destroy this Temple (speaking of the Temple of his body) and in three dayes I will raise it up, and accordingly he rose the third day, which was as short a time as might be, for had he not been dead some such like di­stance of time, some would not have belie­ved that he was dead at all.

Thirdly, He rose against utmost humane opposition, though his enemies did what­ever they could to hinder it; the chief Priests and the Pharisees make an Address to Pilate about this, saying, Sir, We remem­ber that that Deceiver said while he was yet alive After three dayes I will rise again; command [Page 127] therefore that the Sepulchre be made sure untill the third day: And Pilate answered their de­sire, for he said unto them, ye have a watch, go your way, make it as sure as you can; so they went and made the Sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch, Math. 27.62, 63, 64, 65.66. Yet Christ rose 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 [Page 128] 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 [Page 129] 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 An­ge [...]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 [Page 130] 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 [Page 132] 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, long­suffering, and slow to anger; it is not so much for the mean and weak to be patient, as 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 long­suffering 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, [Page 135] 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 Pr [...]phets mentioned Jer. 14.14. I sent them [Page 137] 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 [...]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 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, [Page 139] 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 [Page 141] 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 [Page 143] 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 as Idle tale [...] 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, [Page 144] 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 e [...]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 [Page 145] 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, the [...]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 [Page 146] 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 [Page 147] 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.

Christ doth not presently destroy wicked men.

Reas. 1. That he might magnifie his Justice and righteousnesse in their destruction. The Judge of all the Earth will do no iniquity to the worst of men: It shall be said of him, when he hath executed his fiercest vengeance upon rebellious Ones, he hath not done without cause all that he hath done to his enemies; though he doth ter­rible things, yet in righteousnesse; (Psal. 65.5.) Therefore he doth not cut off his enemies at first, but stayes his hand till they have vented all their malice, and acted rebellion to the height, (not that Christ desireth the increase of their sin, for he calls upon them to repent,) but that he will proportion his judgements to their iniquities.

He will not bring great destruction upon men for a little wickedness, and therefore he deferrs it till their transgressions be mul­tiplyed; he will not destroy men for a word, or a blow or two against his servants; but when they have a long time reproa­ched, scorned, abused, troubled, and perse­cuted his faithful ones, then it will appear to be a righteous thing with Christ to recompence tribulation to them that trouble them. (2 Thess: 1.6.) Christ doth not at first judge the whore, but lets her alone till she hath brought forth her Abominations, till the Kings of the Earth have committed fornication [Page 166] with her, and the Inhabiters of the Earth have been made drunk with the Wine of her Fornicati­on, till she hath made her self drunken with the blood of the Saints, and with the blood of the Mar­tyrs of Jesus, Rev: 17.2, 4, 6. yea, till she saith in her heart, I sit a Queen, and am no widdow, and shall see no sorrow; and when she hath done thus wickedly, then shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine, and she shall be utterly burnt with fire, for strong is the Lord God, who judgeth her, Rev: 18.7, 8. And after these things a great voice of much people was heard in Heaven, saying, Alleluja, Salvation, and Glory, and Honour, and Power un­to the Lord our God; for true and righteous are his Judgements: for he hath judged the Great Whore which did corrupt the Earth with her for­nication, and hath avenged the blood of his ser­vants at her hand, Rev: 19.1, 2.

Reas. 2. That he might magnifie his pati­ence and long-suffering towards them; that it might appear, that he who is so great in power, is also slow to anger, and doth en­dure with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath, fitted to destruction. There is not an enemy that the Lord Christ shall destroy, but shall be forced to confess, that Christ the Great Lord, hath had patience with him.

Reas. 3. Because there are some among his Enemies which are to be brought in, some in re­bellion against him, who will submit to him; and therefore he gives a space to them to re­pent, in which he waits for their return to himself. Peter tells us that there shall come in the last dayes scoffers, walking after their own lusts, saying, Where is the promise of his coming? &c. 2 Pet. [...].3, 4. They are answered in the 9. vers. It is not his slacknesse, but his long-suf­fering; it is not his unmindfullness of his pro­mise to his people, nor yet of his threatnings against his Enemies; but his abounding goodness to impenitent ones, being not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Yea, there are some of his people among his Enemies, whom he will call, and draw out from amongst them; and because of his favour to them, his judge­ments upon his enemies are deferred; for the righteous God will not destroy the righteous with the wicked. God did not destroy the old world with water, till he had provided for the security of his righteous Servant Noah; he did not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, before he had brought forth Lot, and set him without the City, Gen: 19. And we finde, before the Lord bring his plagues upon Babylon, he calls his people to come out of her, Rev: 18.4. Babylons Judgements are [Page 168] deferred, that Gods people may depart out of her.

Reas. 4. That he might Exercise the Faith and Patience of his Saints; while wicked men live, and are spared, they will be persecu­ting of Gods servants; as was manifest in Pharaoh, and others; and that the Lords people may live in the exercise of their Graces, especially their Faith and Patience, he lets the wicked live, become old, and migh­ty. The Romans could have destroyed Car­thage when they pleased, but for the Exercise of their Souldiers they let it stand; Christ, this Mighty One, could soon bring down, and cut off all the wicked of the Earth, but for the Exercise of his Servants Graces he let them stand a while. John mentions the Faith and Patience of the Saints as most conspicuous in their soarest persecution under the Beasts Reigne, Rev: 13.10. Rev: 14.12. saying, Here is the Patience and Faith of the Saints.

Reas. 5. That he may shew forth the great­nesse of his power in their destruction. He let them continue to plot and design and to get as high a head against him as may be, that so his might may be the more visible in their Overthrow; that it may be known he can destroy them when they are at the strongest, and bring them down when they are at the highest; according to the word of the [Page 169] Lord to Edom, Obad 4. Though thou exalt thy self as the Eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the Stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord.

Reasons why God hath appointed Christ, this Mighty One, to be an help to his people.

Reas. 1. Because the Lord saw there would be need of a Mighty One; and that in severall regards; as

First, The weakness of his people; they being a feeble flock, of a very little strength, and the Lord loves to strengthen the weake hands; Feare not thou Worme Jacob (saith God) I will help thee, Isa: 41.10, 14. Chap. 35.3.)

Secondly, The Difficulty of their worke; It is not onely hard, but impossible to flesh and blood to performe; Every part of it is hard; it is hard to beleeve, hard to pray, hard to deny a mans selfe, hard to forsake fa­ther and mother, wife, children, brethren and sisters, houses and lands, and a mans life too for Christs sake ( Luke 9.23, 24. Luke 14.26.) It is hard to keep the Commande­ments of God, and the Faith of Jesus, ( Rev: 12.11, 17. & 14.12.) And therefore God sent a Mighty One from heaven, even his own Son to help his weak servants in all their difficult services.

Thirdly, The Mightiness of their Adver­saries, who daily seek to hinder, and trouble them in their work. The Jewes that built the Temple at Jerusalem, had mighty Adver­saries, who hindred them all that ever they could; and the Lord put it into the hearts of Darius and Artaxerxes to help th [...] (Ez­ra [Page 211] 6.1, 7. Ezra 7.12, 13.) All the people of God may complaine with David; That their persecutors are too strong for them, neither do they wrestle onely against flesh and blood, but against Principalities, against powers, against the Rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places, Ephe: 6.12. And therefore the Lord sees it needfull to send them a Saviour, and a Great one, and he shall help and deliver them.

Fourthly, Also the promised exaltation, and establishment of his people; For God hath pro­mised that in the last dayes, the Mountaine of the Lords house shall be established in the Top of the Mountaines, and shall be exalted above the hils, and all Nations shall flow unto it, Isa. 2.2. Mic. 4.1. That Jerusalem shall be a quiet ha­bitation, a Tabernacle that shall not be taken downe, not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the Cords thereof be broken, Isa. 33.20. Yea the Lord hath said of Zion, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many Generations, Isa. 60.15. But as yet the people of God are low, Zion sits in the dust, and is afflicted, and tossed with Tem­pest, as yet she is a Reproach, and a taunt and a by-word among the Nations; so that great things are yet to be done before she be clo­thed with her promis [...] glory. But seeing the Lord hath loved her, and purposed, and promi­sed [Page 212] that she shall be exalted, and established for ever; therefore hath he laid help upon one that is Mighty to do it for her, even Christ.

Reas. 2. For the honour and exaltation of Christ; That he who hath borne so much shame, and endured such contradiction of sinners against himselfe, might be seene and knowne to be the Help, Deliverer, and Saviour of his people: And therefore the Father is said to exalt him in this respect; Him hath God ex­alted with his Right hand, to be a Prince, and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins, Acts 5.31. And by this Christ shall have,

First, The HONOƲR of the Saints faith, and confidence; For in him they shall trust for help in their several conditions; Accord­ing to what was prophesied of him, Isa. 11.10. To him shall the Gentiles seek; or in him shall the Gentiles trust, as the Apostle explaines it, Rom: 15.12. Its honour to Christ that the Saints are looking to him for deliverance and salvation, in their straits and Troubles.

Secondly, The HONOƲR of the Saints praises; When they have found him to be their strength, and help, they will make him their Song, and exalt him in their praises, (Isa. 2.3, 4.) Their soules will be joyfull in him, and rejoyce i [...] [...]s salvation: All their bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, [Page 213] which deliverest the poore from him that is too strong for him; yea the poore and the needy from him that spoileth him? All Christs saved and delivered ones, will cry with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slaine, and hath holpen us, and Redeemed us to God by his blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and Nation, to receive power, and riches, and wis­dome, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing, Rev: 5.9-12.

Object. Some may say, as Gideon to the Angel, Judg. 6.13. Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? If God hath appointed Christ, That Mighty One, to be a [...] help to his people, why are they in so much trou­ble and distresse?

Answ. 1. As the Lord hath appointed Christ to be an help, so he hath also appointed a time for his people to suffer in; For as Christ, this Mighty One, had a suffering time in respect of HIS PERSON, in which he was set at nought, and derided, and persecuted both by people, and Rulers, (before he entred into his Glory, Luke 24.26.) so he shall have in respect of his mysticall body the Saints, before they enter into the promised rest and Glory. Thus much God told Abraham, when he appeared to him, Gen. 15.13, 14. saying, Know of a surety, that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; [Page 214] and they shall afflict them foure hundred yeares; And also that Nation whom they shall serve, will I Judge; and afterward shall they come out with Great substance. So likewise there was a time when the Lord said to Zedekiah King of Ju­dah; Bring your necks under the yoke of the King of Babylon, and serve him, and his people, Jer: 27.12. And they were to be quiet in that estate till seventy yeares were accomplished. And there was a time wherein God would break his yoke from off his peoples neck, and burst their bonds, that strangers might no more serve themselves of them, Jer: 30.8, There is a day of Jacobs trouble, and there is a time, when he shall be saved out of it, (vers. 7.) And when the time to favour Zion, yea the set time be come, God will arise and have mercy upon her, Psal: 102.13. But the day of the Lords patience, and his peoples sufferings, must precede the day of his vengeance, and his peoples salvation. The servant, as well as his Lord, must suffer, before he enter into Glory, ( Rom: 8.17.)

Secondly, The Lord hath several wayes of helping his servants; his help doth not consist onely in freeing them from sufferings, but also in upholding, and supporting them under sufferings, so that they faint not in the evil day. Thus the Lord promised to help Ja­cob, Isa: 41.10. Feare thou not, For I am with [Page 215] thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will up­hold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. With this way of help from the Lord, the Apostle labours to encourage the Saints at Corinth in their Temptations, 1 Cor: 10.13. God is faithfull, who will not suffer you to be Temp­ted above that you are able; but will with the Temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to beare it. Christ doth as well help his servants by keeping them from falling by Temptation, as by delivering them out of temptation; Thus Christ hath been, is, and will be the help of his people in their suffering day.

Thirdly, Though Christ be Mighty to help, and save to the uttermost all his [...]r­vants out of all their Troubles; yet he seeth it meet in his infinite wisdome to help them some­times but with a LITTLE help. God gran­ted Rehoboam, and the Princes of Israel some Deliverance, but not a full Deliverance; a Deliverance from destruction, but not from servitude and spoile, 2 Chron: 12.7, 8, 9. And thus God helped his people Isra­el in Ezra's dayes, which he thankfully took notice of in his Confession and Prayer, Ezra 9.7, 8, 9. For our iniquities have we, our Kings, and our Priests been delivered into the hand of the Kings of the Lands, to the sword, to [Page 216] captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day; and now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a Remnant to escape, and to give us a Nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bon­dage; For we were bond men, yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the Kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, &c. It was the gracious Promise of God to his People, whom he cast far off among the Heathen, and scat­tered among the Countries, That he would be to them as a little Sanctuary in the Countryes where they should come, Ezek: 11.16. It is al­so said of those persecuted, oppressed ones b [...] [...]hose Mighty Kings mentioned Dan: 11.34. They shall be holpen with a little help. And therefore though Christ doth not help so eminently and fully, as he will hereafter; yet let us not undervalue his present help; let us not say he helps not at all, because he helps us but with a little help, in comparison of what he will do: He sees a little help is best for us at present, and it is more than we deserve at his hands.

Fourthly, The Deliverances and Salvation of Gods people are commonly carryed on in a Miste­ry; Not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God. Gods Providence towards his Ser­vants, [Page 217] is as a Wheel in the midst of a Wheel, (as Ezek: [...].16.) whose motion and work, and end in working, is not discerned by a com­mon eye. Christ doth sometimes walk in the dark, when he is helping his People, as the loving father is contriving good for his child, though the child perceiveth it not; to this agreeth that of the Prophet Isaiah, Ch: 45. vers. 15. Verily, thou art a God that hidest thy self, O God of Israel, the Saviour: Yea, God is sometimes in a way of deliverance with his People, and their deliverance neer, when he seems to ingage them to greater sufferings. There is so much contained in that promise of God to Zion, Micah 4.10. Be in pain, and labour to bring forth O Daughter of Zion, like a woman in travel; for now shalt thou go forth out of the City, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall re­deem thee from the hand of thine enemies. We must not conclude that Christ doth not help us, because we see not his hand lifted up.

Fifthly, There is SOMETHING IN CHRISTS SERVANTS because of which he doth not sometimes help them; as sometimes CHRIST DOTH NOT HELP: sometimes

First, When his people do not beleeve, do not trust nor stay upon him for help; for he is [Page 218] an help to all them that trust in him; for any one to distrust the Power and Faithfull­nesse of Christ, is to exclude himself from partaking of the benefit thereof. When the children of Israel beleeved not the word of God, the Lord did not help them, but lifted up his hand against them to overthrow them in the wildernesse, Psa. 106.24, 26. Christ did not many mighty works in his own Countrey, be­cause of their unbelief, Math. 13.58. If thou dost not beleeve that he can, and will help, thou canst not expect he should help.

Secondly, When they set about any work without his call; The Lord hath been wont to help in those things he hath called his Servants to, as might easily be made mani­fest in Moses, Josuah, Gideon, David, and others; but when his People have run, and he sent them not, they have been without his help in such undertakings. When the children of Israel would invade the Land of Canaan without Gods call, they were smitten, and discomfited, Numb: 14.44, 45. And though Josiah was a good man, yet going to fight against Pharaoh Necho, contrary to the mind of God, he dyed for it, 2 Chron 35.20, 21, 22, 23. They that act without Christs call, are like to act without his help.

Thirdly, When they undertake any work, though never so good and excellent in at [Page 219] self, in their own strength, without engaging him to their help, he helps them not; as in the case of Peter, it was a good work, and much conducing to the honour of Christ, which Peter undertook; but trusting to his own strength, Christ left him to miscarry in it (John 13.37, 38.)

Fourthly, When the eyes of his people are up­on some other besides him, or when they joyn some other with him to help, then he usually leaveth both him that helpeth, and him that is holpen to fall together, Isa. 31.3. The Lord was Israels help when he was their God alone, and none other with him, Deut: 32.12. The LORD alone did lead them, and there was no strange God with him. When the Spouse shall lean upon Christ her Beloved, and upon other Lovers also, then Christ with­holdeth his help from her.

Fifthly, When they have any sinister ends and aims in what they do; for though the work be good, yet if a mans end be bad, Christ doth not usually further him in it; as when a man in Preaching, Praying, or any part of Religion, seeks not so much Christs honour, as his own praise and profit, he cannot expect, neither doth he ordinarily receive such help from the Spirit of Christ therein; They that seek not Christs things, but their own, [Page 220] shall not prosper, Jer: 10.21. Haggai 1.4, 6, 9.

Sixthly, When they refuse to be holpen by him; Christs Servants are sometimes more espe­cially in great dangers and straits, and stand in need of his help: and though Christ shew himself willing and ready to save, and deliver them, yet such is the folly and un­towardnesse of their spirits, that they will none of his help, but rather chuse to suffer through walking in the wayes and imagi­nations of their own hearts, than to be de­livered in their hearkning to his counsel, and submitting to his will; and then no wonder Christ helps not; this was the frame of spirit, and sad condition of Jerusalem, which Christ lamented over, Jerusalem was in danger, Christ would have holpen her, but she would not, Christ lets her alone, and the issue is sad, Matth. 23.37, 38. O Jeru­salem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the Prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee, how of­ten would I have gathered thy children together, even as an Hen gathereth her Chickens under her wings, and ye would not? behold your house is left unto you desolate.

Quest. What shall Gods people do when Christ helps not?

First, Seriously consider, and lay it to heart, as a matter of greatest concernment, and trouble to us. So did Joshua when the Lord with­held his help from Israel, Joshua 7.6, 8. Josuah rent his cloathes, and fell to the earth upon his face, before the Ark of the LORD, untill the even-tide, he and the Elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads; and Joshua said, Alas, O Lord God, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to destroy us? would to God, (Hebr: O that) we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan. Oh LORD, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies? We should look upon it as that wherein both God and his People suffer. God suffers in his name, when he doth not help his people; His, and their enemies blas­pheme his name. Sometimes they cast dirt upon his power, saying, The Lord cannot help, nor save; sometimes upon his goodnesse, and mercy, The Lord will not help; some­times upon his Truth and Faithfulnesse, The Lord hath forgotten his people: Hence saith Joshua, What wilt thou do for thy great name? And his people they must needs suffer when he with-draws his hand; they are endan­gered, and trampled upon by their enemies: and the suffering of Gods Name, and the distresses of his Servants, must not seem a [Page 222] light thing in our eyes. Nehemiah's frame and carriage under such a dispensation, is worthy of imitation. When he heard that the Remnant that were left of the Captivity were in great affliction, and reproach, that the wall of Je­rusalem was broken down, and the gates thereof burnt with fire, he sat down and wept, and mourn­ed certain dayes, and fasted, and prayed before the God of Heaven, Neh: 1.3, 4. And this is that which Jerusalem lamented with much bitterness of spirit, Lament: 1.15, 16. The Lord hath troden under foot all my mighty men, in the midst of me; he hath called an Assembly against me to crush my young men, the Lord hath troden the Virgin, the Daughter of Judah, as a Wine-presse; For these things I weep, mine eye, mine eye runneth down with water, because the Comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me. It's just matter of mourning and lamen­tation when the appointed helper and Saviour doth not help nor save.

Secondly, They should diligently search out the cause and reason why Christ helps not: For if the Lord cease to help his People, there is some cause for such a dealing, as there is for what evil soever the Lord bring upon them, Ezek. 14.23. And when the Lord slacks his hand concerning the help of his Servants, its their present work and duty to look nar­rowly about them, and in them, to find out [Page 223] the cause thereof. When the Lord denyed Israel his help against the men of Ai, he told them the cause of it, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel; and comman­ded, and directed them to seek, and they found it out, Achan was taken, and the Silver, and the Garment, and the wedge of Gold, his Sons, Daughters, Asses, Sheep, Tent, and all that he had, and they stoned him, and burned them with fire, Joshua 7. This was part of Jobs work in his affliction, to find out the cause of it, and that he might know it, he begs of God to shew him wherefore he contended with him, Job 10.2. Thus did David also in his distresse, Psa. 22.1. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me: And we find the Faithful in their low and helplesse estate calling upon one another to this very thing, Lament: 3.40. Let us search, and try our wayes, and turn again to the Lord.

Thirdly, They should humbly acknowledge, and really forsake those evils wherewith they have provoked Christ to with-hold his help from them in time of need. The Faithful do not onely complain of their misery and troubles, but they confesse, and forsake their iniquities; when Nehemiah considered the afflicted condition of the People, he doth not onely put them upon fasting and confession, but [Page 224] upon reformation also, Neh: 13. This is that which the Lord so frequently calls for at the hands of his people, Turn, turn your selves from all your transgressions; And they also call upon God for this, Lam: 5.21. Turn thou us unto thee, O Lord.

Fourthly, They should earnestly cry to the Lord for help; This hath been the course of the servants of God of old, whereby they have prevailed with God to lift up his hand to their help in time of trouble. The Church lifted up her voice in affliction, say­ing, Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? Arise, cast us not off for ever (Psal. 44.23.) Where­fore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our af­fliction and oppression? For our soul is bowed down to the dust, our belly cleaveth to the earth; arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercy sake, This is a tryed means; saith David, This poor man cryed, and the Lord heard him, and saved him ou [...] [...]f all his troubles, Psal. 34.6. When the men of Gibeon were in great di­stresse and danger by reason of five Kings coming against them, and needed help, they sent to Joshua, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants, come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us, Joshua 10.6. So should all the servants of the Lord cry to their Joshua, the Lord Christ, whom God hath made so strong for them, to come and help, and save them [Page 225] out of all their troubles When the Dis­ciples were in danger on the Sea, and want­ed help, they cryed to Christ to save them, they awaked him, and said unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? and he arose, and rebuked the wind, Mark 4.38, 39. O ye Saints, cry to Christ; and the more he seems to neglect you, cry so much the more earnestly and constantly, and give him no rest till he hear and help, and redeem you from all evils.

Fifthly, They should patiently wait upon Christ for help; Though Christ do not help presently, yet wait upon him, for he will help in due time; Do as Beggars that have but one doore to go to for bread, if none hear, nor help them presently, they lay them down at the door, saying within themselves, we will wait here, may be their compassions will move them as they passe by to help us: God forbid that any of Christs Servants should say, either with heart or mouth, as that person, 2 Kings 6.33. What should I wait for the Lord any longer? but rather to follow the counsel of the man after Gods own heart, mentioned Psal. 37.7. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him, and for his help; though it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come, it will not tarry; and in the mean time know, It is a good thing that a man [Page 226] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD, Lament: 3.26. Such only shall say, and sing in the day that the Lord arise for the help of his people, Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us; This is the LORD, we have waited for him; we will be glad, and rejoyce in his salvation, Isa. 25.9.

Quest. When may Gods people groundedly expect that Christ will help them?

Answ.

First, When they are afflicted greatly; when their burthens are so heavy, that they know not how to bear them, then the Lord hath been wont to help them. The Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with ri­gor, so that they sighed and groaned by rea­son of their bondage; and the LORD saw the affliction of his people, and delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians, Exod. 1.13. & 2.23. & 3.—7,—8. And at another time, when God saw the affliction of the children of Israel that it was bitter, he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam, 2 Kings 14.26, 27. This David experienced, and acknowledgeth to the praise of God, Psal. 116.6.—10.—16. [Page 227] saying, I was brought low, and he helped me; I was greatly afflicted, O LORD, thou hast loosed my bonds: And he professeth faith in God for the same towards others, Psal. 18.27. Psal. 140.12. Thou wilt save the afflicted soul: I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor. The Church in her complaint and prayer to God for help, spreads the greatnesse of her affliction before him, Lament: per totum, (throughout the Book) and concludes say­ing, Remember, O Lord, what is come upon us; consider, and behold our reproach, Lament: 5.1.

Secondly, When they are forsaken utterly, when all creature help failes and ceases. The LORD will judge his people, and repent him­self for his servants, when he seeth that their pow­er is gone, and there is none shut up, nor left, Deut: 32.36. And according to this word did the Lord do for Israel; for when there was not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel, he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam, the son of Joash, 2 Kings 14.26, 27. And the efore God is said to be the helper of the Fatherlesse, Psal. 10.14. And to regard the prayer of the destitute, Psal. 102.17. Jehoshaphat seeking help of God, urgeth him with their weak and destitute condition, 2 Chron: 20.12. saying, O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company [Page 228] that cometh against us; neither know we what to do, but our eyes are upon thee. And to raise Gods Servants expectation of help from Christ in their lowest estate, it is prophesied of him, Psal. 72.4.12, 13. That he shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the chil­dren of the needy; he shall deliver the needy when he cryeth, the poor also, and him that hath no helper.

Thirdly, When they cry mightily to the LORD for help. When Israel was oppres­sed time after time, they cryed to the Lord, and he delivered them; when the Lord hath a purpose to help his servants, he usually poures forth a Spirit of Prayer upon them. When the Decree of release from Babylon was ready to issue forth, God put a mighty Spirit of Prayer upon Daniel, Chap: 9. And immediately, before God will work, delive­rance and salvation for Jerusalem, he will spirit his servants to cry mightily unto him to do it for them, Isa: 62.6, 7. I have set Watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace, day, nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and g [...]ve him no rest till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth; so that when a M [...]ghty Spirit of Prayer goes forth to engage Christ to help, he is not far from the help of his People.

Fourthly, When they beleeve on him strongly: when Gods servants have reacht out an hand of faith towards him, he hath lifted up his hand to help them. Abraham belee­ved strongly, and the Lord did help him greatly; Jehoshaphat, Asa, David, and others, relyed on the Lord, and were holpen in the time of their troubles; the three servants of God, mentioned Dan: 3. were of great faith, and Christ helped them, so that the fire burnt them not, neither could the flame kindle up [...]n them; yea, as many as ever came to Christ for help, either for body or soul, (especi­ally all such, as were of great faith) received it: and surely when the People of God stagger not at the Promise of help, but are strong in faith, notwithstanding many diffi­culties, and natural impossibilities before them, the Performance thereof is at hand. (Rom. 4.20.)

Fifthly, When they walk before him fa [...]th­fully; nor doing their own, nor others, but his will. When the Servants of God of old did walk in their integrity, serving their Generations according to the will of God, he helped them and made their wayes pro­sperous; but when they did put forth their hands unto iniquity, the LORD was not with them: There is none can expect that God should meet them in a way of mercy and help, [Page 230] but such as work righteousnesse, and all such may, Isa. 64.5. they can confidently pray for help in time of need, as David did, Psal. 119.173. Let thine hand help me, for I have chosen thy precepts. Christ promised and gave forth his help to his servants, when they were working his work in the simplicity and sincerity of their souls; see his pro­mise, Math. 28.19, 20. Go ye, teach all Nations, bapt [...]zing them in (or unto) the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things, what­soever I have commanded you; And lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. So also Luke 21.12, 13, 14, 15. See like­wise his performance of his good word to them in their Preaching, Disputing, Writing, Gal: 2.8. Acts 6.10. Acts 11.21. 2 Cor. 10.10. And certainly, as many as shall be faithfull to him in the work whereunto he calls them, shall receive a sufficiency of help to carry them through it.

Sixthly, When they use appointed means di­l gently; doing neither more, nor lesse, nor any other thing than what God requi­reth of them. When the Lord of old had a urpose to help and save his People in an eminent way, he was wont to set them about doing something; and sometimes that which was very unlikely (as to out­ward [Page 231] appearance) to further his intended work; yet when they were diligent in it, they were wonderfully helped, as might be shewn at large; so when Christ is in the way of the help and salvation of his people, he requireth something that might seem a weak, foolish thing for them to do, which may seem in their eyes to be rather to their hurt, than help; yet they ought to be found using of it, and therein may expect Assi­stance from him. When there was want of wine at the Marriage in Cana of Galilee, the Mother of Jesus said unto the servants, What­soever he saith unto you, do it; which then they did, they were helped by him. (John 2.) When the Disciples despairing of success (having toiled all the night, and taken nothing) had given over fishing for that time, and were washing their Nets; he said to Simon, Lanch out into the deep, and let down your Nets for a draught; at his word they did so; and when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes. (Luke 5.4, 5.)

Seventhly, When enemies speak proudly, act highly, and seem to bear down all before them, be­ing most secure and confident in their wayes; then Christ is not far from the help of his People. The Lord hath said by the mouth of his Prophet, Isa: 59.19, When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the [Page 232] LORD shall lift up a Standard against him. It was so of old, when Pharaoh was most proud and confident, and said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil, my lust shall be satisfied upon them, I will draw the sword, my hand shall destroy them; then the Lord appea­red for the help of his People against Phara­oh, and all his Host, (Exod. 15.8.) as he did in Jehoshaphats time, when multitudes came against them, 2 Chron: 20. as also in Nehe­miah's dayes, when the Adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease, Neh: 4.11, 12, 15. And as it was heretofore, so it shall be hereafter; For when Babylon saith in her heart, I sit a Queen, and am no widdow, and shall see no sorrow, Then shall Christ the King of Sion, throw her down with violence, like a great Milstone in­to the Sea, never to rise again, (destroying her in a day, Rev: 18.7, 8.21.) and so free his Servants from all their oppressions; when men and Devils are raging, Christ will be helping.

Thus I have answered the Question by these seaven Particulars, which I desire may be considered joyntly; for when these things concurre, when both the case and car­riage of Gods People, as also of their Ene­mies, is or shall be as hath been mentioned, [Page 233] help is at hand; they may then look up, and Lift up their heads, for their Redemption draweth nigh. (as Luke 21.28.)

Quest. What ƲSE should we make of this?

Answ: I. It is for Our INSTRƲCTION, in Four Things.

First, It shews the Original, and first cause of Gods Servants help, namely, the LORD: For as their affliction, so their help cometh not forth out of the dust, but from above, from the most High God: And as it is the choice priviledge of Gods People to find help in time of need; so it is their duty, and great advantage to know, and consider from whence it cometh: And this Doctrine is an help to them therein; this did David, Psal. 121.1, 2. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord which made Heaven and Earth; whosoever be the Instruments, whatsoever be the means, help is from God alone; all Saviours and Salvations are from him. To this agreeth part of the Levites confession of Gods goodnesse to Israel, Nehem: 9.27. According to thy manifold mercies thou gavest [Page 234] them Saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their Enemies.

Secondly, It shews a sufficient ground and reason of the faith and hope that is in the Saints for help from Christ in time of need; He is mighty to help; but that is not all, it is the will and ordination of God that he should help, He was both anointed and appointed thereunto, Isa: 42.1, 6, 7. & 61.1, 2, 3. Not onely anointed and enabled, but appointed also; and what God hath anointed and appointed Christ to do, the Saints may beleeve, and hope for.

Thirdly, It shews the righteousnesse, faith­fullnesse, and goodnesse of God in his commands to, and dealings with his people: He is no hard Master, looking to reap where he hath not sown, nor to gather where he hath not strawed; but as he hath appointed work for his people to do, and afflictions for them to endure, so he hath appointed and provided help for every imployment and condition.

Fourthly, It shews whence it is that the peo­ple of God have been, and are able to do such great things; it is not of, nor from themselves, but from Christ their helper and help. It was the Lords b [...]ing with, and helping his Ser­vants of old, which made them do so va­liantly and worthily; It was not by the Apostles own power and holiness, but by the name of the Holy Child Jesus (Gods appointed help [Page 235] and helper) that so many signes and wonders were done by them, Acts 3.12. & 4.30. Hence saith Paul, Phil: 4.13. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. I labou­red more abundantly then they all; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me, 1 Cor: 15.10.

ƲSE of CAƲTION. 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 [Page 271] to deject those that are grieved, and would grieve more for their own slothful­ness.)

Secondly, That you do not l [...]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 i [...] 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 that are not; that no flesh might glory in [Page 272] his presence, 1 Cor: 1.26, 27-29, 31.

Secondly, (Limit not the Lord Jesus) to time, your own time; Christ must help now, or never, (say some,) If not now, we are undone; as if Christ knew not when to help, or could not help at one time, as well as at another. Indeed there is a set and appointed time when Christ will more eminently appeare for the deliverance and salvation of Zion, yet he is an help to her at all times.

Thirdly, Limit him not to particular straits and conditions; As if Christ could help in some cases and conditions onely; thence saith some Christian in his heart somtimes; Christ helped, & delivered me out of such, and such a temptation; but he cannot deliver me out of my present strong temptation; He hath mortified such and such a lust, but he cannot subdue this unruly lust; he hath wiped away my reproach, but he cannot break my bonds; he hath provided for me in such and such a condition, but he cannot furnish a Table for me in the Wilderness (as those said, Psal: 78.19.) What is this but to Eclipse the glo­ry of this Mighty One, who is an help in all cases, and conditions, as hath been shewed?

Fourthly, Limit him not to particular per­sons, to some of Israel; Let none say, as some (even of Israel) have sometimes spoken, there is help in Christ for such, and such; [Page 273] but not for me; I am excluded, and cut off from partaking of it. But soule, take heed thou dost not exclude thy selfe from a par­ticipation of Christs help, which extends to all Zion, to the whole flock, to the weak and sick, as well as to the strong, and sound; yea especially to the weak; according to that good word of the Lord, Ezek: 34.15, 16. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie downe, saith the Lord God, I will seek that which was lost, and bring againe that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick; yea, it is said of him, He shall gather the lambs with his Arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gent­ly lead those that are with young, Isa: 40.11. Therefore do not limit this holy One in any wise.

Use. Seek to Christ for help in every time of need; whilst others are looking and seeking to Creatures like to themselves, for help, and can finde none, their eyes failing for their vaine help; do you look to him who is both Mighty, and ordained of God to help, and then you shall be sure to finde; when you seek with your whole heart, (Jer: 29.13. Psal: 20.7, 8.) He is the great helper, and Saviour, and there is none can help like him.

None so Authoritatively, he, having all [Page 274] power both in heaven and earth, he com­mandeth deliverances for Jacob, Psal: 44.4.)

None so tenderly, and compassionately; In his love, and in his pity, he redeemeth, and saveth his people, ( Isa: 63.9.)

None so seasonably; he is a very present help in time of trouble, ( Psal. 46.5.)

None so constantly; he is an help for ever, ( Psal: 12.7.) therefore seek to him above all others.

And having found help from him in time of need, be sure you carry it well towards him, let your Conversation to him-ward be as becometh this grace; be especially carefull,

First, To SERVE HIM THE MORE FREELY; he both deserves, and expects it at your hands; had you found him, either unwilling, or unable to ayd you, you might have had some plea for your backwardness to serve him, but seeing he hath been rea­dy to assist you in every business, how ought you to be ready to answer when he calls, to go when he bids you go, and to do what he bids you do, and that with a willing, and cheerfull spirit? Let your ex­perience of his help, make you forward to his work, so shall you finde, that he that [Page 275] hath holpen, will help, and he that hath saved, is still mighty to save.

Secondly, To CLEAVE TO HIM CONSTANTLY; It will be your wis­dome, and greatest safety to stick to him whom you know to be both mighty, and faithfull; oh, forsake not him in any condition, whom you have found an help in every condi­tion.

Thirdly, To PRAISE HIM CON­TINƲALLY; make him evermore your song, who hath been alwayes your strength, ( Isa: 12.3. Isa: 38.20.) This did David, as appeares, Psal: 71.6. By thee have I been holden up from the womb, thou art he that took me out of my mothers bowels; my praise shall be continually of thee: Yea, give him all the glory of all your works, which are indeed rather his than yours, being wrought by his strength and help. The Apostles carriage, as in other things, so in this, is worthy of imitation, who when they had wrought miracles by Christs power, were carefull to give all the glory to his Name, (as Acts 3.12, 13. Acts 14.13, 14-18, &c.) The like we reade of Charles the fifth, who after he had obtained a great Victory, said, I have Conquered in the Name of Christ Jesus; I shall onely say, Go you, and do likewise; for Worthy is the Lamb that was slaine, to receive power, [Page 276] and riches, and wisdome, and strength, and ho­nour, and Glory, and blessing, for ever, and ever. AMEN.