The Mighty Christ the Saints Help, Part 8
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 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 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 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.
Ʋſe 5. Of CAUTION.
To the Mighty Ones, yea to the greateſt and mightieſt on the earth, to take heed what they do; for though they be mighty, yet they muſt know Chriſt is mightier; therefore take heed that you oppoſe not this Mighty One, leſt ye periſh. God made David his Mighty One, and you know what became of Saul, Abſolom, Sheba, and others, who lifted up their hands againſt him. Yea, take heed what ye do againſt his ſervants; for the evill which is done againſt them, is done againſt him, and he ſo accounts of it, (Matth. 25.35.—40.45.) what though they be weak, he is mighty to avenge all wrongs done to them.
The Wiſeman ſpeaking of the fatherleſs, cautions others againſt injuring of them, upon this account, Pro: 23.10, 11. Remove not the old Land-mark, and enter not into the Fields of the fatherleſſe; for their Redeemer is mighty, he ſhall plead their cauſe with thee. The Prophet Jeremy alſo ſpeaking of the oppreſſed condition of the children of Iſrael and Judah, ſaith, Their Redeemer is ſtrong, the Lord of Hoſts is his Name; he ſhall throughly plead their cauſe, that he may give reſt to the Land, and diſquiet the Inhabitants of Babylon, Jer. 50.33, 34.
Therefore though you be not affraid of them, yet be affraid of Chriſt their King, who in the midſt of them is Mighty to ſave them, and to deſtroy you. Ye mighty ones of the world, who intend miſchief againſt Chriſts Servants, know, that he will one day ariſe, and ſay, as that Great Prince Ahaſuerus to Queen Eſther, when ſhe had told him of the Deſign of wicked Haman againſt her and her people, Eſther 7.5. Who is he? and where is he that durſt preſume in his heart to do ſo? and then like Haman, you will be affraid before this King and his people, whom now you deſpiſe.
Oh that you would conſider the danger you are in, which you may eaſily apprehend from thoſe precious (though dreadfull) words of Chriſt, Matth. 18.6. Whoſo ſhall offend one of theſe little Ones which beleeve in me, it were better for him that a milſtone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the Sea. Therefore lift not up your horn, lift not up your horn on high (though you be never ſo high and mighty,) Chriſt, this Mighty One is now the Judge, having all power in his hands, he putteth down one, and ſetteth up another, (Pſ. 75.5.—7.) and he avengeth the evil which is done unto his Servants.
Ʋſe 6. Of EXHORTATION.
1. To Chriſts Enemies.
2. To his Servants.
Firſt, To his ENEMIES: Submit & ſubject your ſelves to him; ſtrive not with a Mighty man, ſaith one; ſurely it cannot be ſafe to ſtrive with this Mighty One. Your ſecurity lyes in ſubmiſſion, not in oppoſition; in kiſſing the Son, not in kicking againſt him.
Therefore, O ye ſinners, ye mighty ones, lay down all your weapons and your ſelves at his feet. The men of this world deſire peace with thoſe that are mightier than they, Luke 14.31. Acts 12.20. Learn of them to humble your ſelves under the mighty hand of Chriſt, who is a King againſt whom there is no riſing up, as Prov: 30.31. What the Lord ſpeaks in faithfulneſſe, and with affection to the Kings and Judges of the Earth, I may ſay to them, and all others, … ſtand out againſt this Mighty One, Be wiſe, now therefore O ye Kings; be inſtructed ye Judges of the Earth; ſerve the Lord with feare, and rejoyce with trembling; kiſſe the Son leſt he be angry, and ye periſh from the way; when his wrath is kindled but a little, Bleſſed are all they that put their truſt in him, Pſal. 2.10.11, 12. And if you be in ſuch danger of periſhing when his wrath is kindled but a little, what will ye do when the great day of his wrath is come, (Rev: 6.17.) the day that ſhall burne as an Oven, and all the proud, and all that do wickedly ſhall be ſtubble; and the day that cometh ſhall burne them up, that it ſhall leave them neither root nor branch, Mal. 4.1.
And whoſoever thinkes either to prevaile againſt him, or to eſcape from him, they imagine a vaine thing; For
Firſt, By WISDOME and POLICY ſhall no man prevaile againſt him; God turneth the wiſdome of the wiſe into fooliſhneſs; he leadeth Councellours away ſpoiled, and maketh the Judges fooles, Job 12.17. What Great and deepe policie did Saul uſe againſt David (a Type of Chriſt) to keep him from the Kingdome? he ſet him over the men of Warre; and when he ſaw that all Iſrael loved him, in a way of ſubtilty, he proffered him his Daughter, tha… ſhe might be a ſnare unto him; and he … ſired no dowry, but an hundred foreskins of the Philiſtines; for he thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philiſtines, 1 Sam. 18. and oft-times he ſought to kill him, both by open war and privately; but notwithſtanding all his policy he loſt his kingdome and his life too, and David poſſeſſed the kingdome. What deeper policy could Herod have uſed to deſtroy Chriſt, when he came into the World? or the Jewes to hinder his Reſurrection? yet could not prevaile; verifying the words of Solomon, Pro. 21.30. There is no wiſdome, nor underſtanding, nor counſel againſt the LORD.
Secondly, And by STRENGTH ſhall no man prevaile, 1 Sam: 2.9. He is mighty in ſtrength; who hath hardened himſelfe againſt him, and proſpered? he will lead Princes away ſpoiled, and overthrow the Mighty, yea the Couragious among the Mighty ſhall flee away naked in the day that he ariſeth. You that are ſtrong, have you an Arme like him? or can you thunder with a voice like him? Know, that it is altogether in vaine to ſtrengthen your ſelves againſt Chriſt, for by reaſon of his Highneſs and Mightineſs you ſhall not be able to endure.
Thirdly, Neither will RICHES profit in the day of his wrath, Pro. 11.4. For though the rich mans wealth is his ſtrong City, and as an high wall in his own conceit, Pro. 18.11. yet it cannot preſerve him from periſhing by the hand of this Mighty One; ſo that there is no way to eſcape, but by a hearty ſubmiſſion to the Son of God. Neither let the Greateſt and higheſt of the Earth thinke themſelves too Great and High to ſtoop to him, to whom every knee ſhall bow, (Rom: 14.10, 11.) for it is no weakneſs, nor baſeneſs, but true mightineſs and nobleneſs of ſpirit to be willing to be overcome by, and to him; yea the Greateſt honour attainable here conſiſts in fulleſt ſubjection, and ſerviceableneſs to this Mighty One; The conſideration of which ſhould cauſe ſtrangers and enemies, freely to ſubmit themſelves unto him, (as Pſal. 18.44. Pſal. 66.3.) Beſides he hath power to forgive ſins paſt, and to make Rebels Favourites in the Court of Heaven, (Pſal. 68.18.) and he waites that he may be thus gracious to them, (2 Pet. 3.9.) Yea though he be a Mighty One, the King of Glory (who could deſtroy the ſtrongeſt in a moment,) yet he knocks, yea he condeſcends to ſtand and knock at the doore of their hearts, deſiring to enter in that he might do them good, (Rev: 3.18, 19, 20.) Therefore Open to the King of Glory that he may come in, (Pſal: 24.9, 10.) and rule in you, and over you for ever; And as you have been much in rebellion againſt him be much in ſubjection to him.
Secondly, To CHRISTS SERVANTS. If Chriſt be Mighty,
Firſt, Feare him, O ye his Saints; feare not man, nor any of the ſons of man that ſhall dye, that are as graſſe, but feare this Mighty One, the Lord that liveth for ever, (Iſa. 51.12, 13.) He that hath all power both in Heaven and Earth, (Math. 28.18.) let him be your feare, let him be your dread, (Iſa. 8.13.) and not the Mighty, or rather weak ones of the world, that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do, Luke 12.4. The Prophet Jeremiah advancing the true and living God above all Idols, ſaith to the houſe of Iſrael, Be not afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, neither alſo is it in them to do good, Foraſmuch as there is none like unto thee, O Lord: thou art great, and thy name is great in might, who would not feare thee, O King of Nations? for to thee doth it appertaine, Jer. 10.5, 6, 7. And this is the ſumme of the triumphant Song of them that get victory over the Beaſt, Rev. 15.3, 4. Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty, juſt and true are thy wayes, thou King of Saints; who ſhall not feare thee, O Lord, and glorifie thy Name?
Secondly, Truſt in him; he is a ſure foundation, all the powers of Earth and Hell cannot move it: He is a fit object for your faith, ſeeing he is the LORD, Mighty to ſave, and to ſave to the uttermoſt out of the deepeſt dangers and troubles you can be brought into, (Heb: 7.25.) yea he hath redeemed the ſoules of his ſervants from deceit and violence heretofore, and will for ever ſhew himſelfe ſtrong on the behalfe of thoſe whoſe hearts are ſtay'd on him, (Pſal. 26.3, 4.) And therefore though ignorant worldlings ſlight and reject this Mighty One, and place their confidence in Kings, Princes, Horſes, Chariots, (which do faile them often) yet do you that know his great and glorious Name, put your truſt in him, (Pſal. 20.7, 8.) yea at what time you are afraid, either of ſpirituall or temporall evils, truſt in him, in whom is everlaſting ſtrength, (Pſal. 56.3.) you ſhall finde him ſufficient for you, and faithfull to you; He that beleeveth on him ſhall never be confounded, 1 Pet. 2.6.
Thirdly, Prize him above all; Prize him according to his excellent greatneſs. This was Gods deſigne in making him mighty, Joh. 5.22, 23. Do you further it, what in you lyeth, by honouring the Son, even as you honour the Father: If the people prized David farre above themſelves, ſaying, Thou art worth ten thouſand of us, 2 Sam. 18.3. how ſhould we value Davids Lord, & our Lord, who is the onelyonly Potentate, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, above our ſelves, and all things elſe, (1 Tim: 6.15.)
Fourthly, Stand by him, ſtand by his cauſe and intereſt all your dayes; Worke and love righteouſneſs evermore, though you be perſecuted for its ſake; yea though many ſhould forſake him through the unbeliefe of their hearts, as the Diſciples did of old, yet ſtand by him, and his work of righteouſneſs. For, he is Mighty to ſave you, (Iſa. 63.1.); It was Shammah's commendation, that he ſtood it out, and defended the Field alone, when all the people fled from the Philiſtines, 2 Sam. 23.12. and the Lord wrought a great Victory. Stand by this Mighty One, though alone. Though you that be faithfull, be but few and weake, and ingaged againſt mighty Adverſar…s, The Devil, the World, and the Fleſh; yet be bold and couragious, and go on with confidence in your holy warre: you March under the Banner of a Mighty One, who is the Captaine of ſalvation, (Heb: 2.10.) who hath conquered mighty Enemies, and will not reſt till he hath deſtroyed every evil work, & worker, (2 Tim. 4.16— 18.) Chriſt (ſaith Luther) hath deſtroyed many great Kings, and laid them in the duſt; For my part I will hold with him, and on his ſide, rather than with the Turke, with the Emperour, and the whole univerſall world. Let his Reſolution be yours; its rationall to be on the ſtrongeſt ſide.
Fifthly, Bleſſe God, even the Father of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who of his rich mercy, and by his great power, hath drawne you out of the world, and ſeparated you from your companions and brethren in iniquitie, and brought you from under the Dominion of other Lords, who were not able to ſave you, to be under this great and Mighty One. Pauls heart was wonderfully taken with this grace, as appeares by his words, Col. 1.12, 13. Giving thanks …nto the Father, &c. Who hath delivered …s from the power of darkneſs, and hath tranſlated us into the kingdome of his deare Son. Bleſſe God for this unſpeakable grace.
Yea Bleſſe God for that great grace vouchſafed to thee, that (in thy unregenerate eſtate,) thou wert not confounded, and deſtroyed for, and in thy oppoſition againſt Chriſt; for he is Mighty, and could have done it: Suppoſe a child ſhould take a ſtick in its hand, and go into the Lions den, and there ſtrike the Lion, and the Lions whelpes, the young Lions; and continue beating them for ſome time with all its might, and yet the Lion not teare this child, nor meddle at all with it, but the child returne without any hurt done to it; what will this child ſay, when it comes to mans eſtate? It will be filled with amazement, and aſtoniſhment, when it ſhall be told what it did, and how it eſcaped; ſurely it will cry out with wonder, what a mercy, what a providence paſt finding out, that I was not devoured! I ſtroke the Lion, which was wont to devoure others. You that are Chriſts ſervants, you have been the Enemies of Chriſt, and his people; you have as it were ſtruck at the face of Chriſt by your oppoſition againſt him; yea peradventure you have continued ſome time beating Chriſt and his ſervants, provoking Chriſt (the Lion of the Tribe of Judah) againſt you; and yet he did not teare you in pieces, as he did others, but you are eſcaped; oh ſtudy what rich mercy and grace it is, that ſuch a bold rebellious wretch as you have been, ſhould be ſpared by this Mighty One! Surely you cannot look back upon ſuch delivering grace, without wondring, and being melted by it into love and ſubmiſſion to Chriſt, who hath thus loved and ſaved you from periſhing in, and by your iniquities.
Sixthly, Laſtly, If Chriſt be Mighty, Labour to get much of Chriſt, to be Chriſtians indeed; not by profeſſion of the Name onelyonly, but by participation of the Spirit of Chriſt; that ſo receiving the Anointing, you may be Mighty alſo. He was full of might, by the Spirit of the Lord, (Iſa. 11.2.) Let us ſeek to be mighty, not by carnal might, nor power, nor ſword, but by the Spirit of the Lord. He was mighty in Faith, let us be ſo, a ſtrong mighty faith in a mighty Chriſt is very ſutable; he was mighty in love to us, let us be ſo to him, let us love him with all the heart, with all the ſoule, with all our ſtrength. He was mighty in patience; Let us get much of that grace alſo, for we have need of patience, that after we have done the will of God, we may inherit the promiſe, (Heb: 10.36.) He was mighty in zeale; let us be ſo, even a peculiar people, zealous of good works, (Tit. 2.14.)
Doctr: 2. God hath appointed This Mighty One, Chriſt, to be an help to his people.
This Doctrine hath two Branches.
1. That Chriſt is an help to his people.
2. That God hath appointed him thereunto.
Firſt, That CHRIST IS AN HELP, appeares;
Firſt, In the TYPES of him, both REALL, as chiefly the Paſſeover, Mannah, the Rock, the Brazen Serpent, which were types of Chriſt, and for the good and help of the people, (1 Cor. 5.7, 8. Ch. 10.3. Joh. 2.14.) and PERSONALL, as a Moſes, b Joſuah, cAct. 2.29, 20. & 13.34, 35.David, dAct. 7.47. with Prov. 9.1—Solomon, and others, who were helps, or helpers of the people, even of Gods people Iſrael, (aHeb: 3.5, 6. bHeb: 4.8.)
Secondly, In the PROPHECIES of him; to inſtance but in a few, Pſal. 72.12, 13. He ſhall deliver the needy when he cryeth; the poore alſo, and him that hath no helper; He ſhall ſpare the poore and needy, and ſhall ſave the ſoules of the needy; He ſhall redeeme their ſoule from deceit and violence. Iſa. 11.4. With righteouſneſſe ſhall he judge the poore, and reprove with equitie for the meek of the Earth. The ſame Prophet, ſpeaking of the Adminiſtration of his Kingly power, ſaith, Iſa: 32.2. And a man ſhall be an hiding place from the winde, and a covert from the Tempeſt: as rivers of water in a dry place, as the ſhaddow of a great rock in a weary Land. And alſo ſaith, Surely he hath borne our griefe, and carried our ſorrows; he was wounded for our tranſgreſſions, he was bruiſed for our iniquities, the chaſtiſement of our peace was upon him, and with his ſtripes we are healed, Iſa: 53.4, 5, 6. Hence ſaith Mary in her ſong of praiſe to the Lord for his goodneſs to her, and his people, in Chriſt who was yet to be borne, Luke 1.54. He hath holpen his ſervant Iſrael in Remembrance of his mercy, as he ſpake to our Fathers, to Abraham, and to his ſeed for ever. And to this agreeeth part of the Propheticall Song of Zachar…a…, Luke 1.68, 69. Bleſſed be the Lord God of Iſrael, for he hath viſited and redeemed his people, and hath raiſed up an Horne of ſalvation for us in the houſe of his ſervant David; even Chriſt an help to his people.
Much need not be added to prove that which the Scriptures do abundantly teſtifie, and the Saints conſtantly experience, yea the whole work of Chriſts Mediatourſhip is a large Demonſtration of this thing; For what is it but his being his peoples help? For, for this he came into the world, for this he lived here, and ſuffered ſuch grievous things; for this he dyed, for this he roſe againe, for this he aſcended, for this he ſits at the right hand of the Father, and for this he will come againe, even unto the perfect redemption and ſalvation of all them that look for, and love his appearing, (Rom: 8.33, 34. Heb: 9.28. 2 Tim: 4.8.) Thus it is manifeſt in the Generall, that Chriſt is his peoples help.
But for the further enlightning of their minds into this truth, and the more affecting their hearts therewith, I ſhall endeavour to hold it forth more particularly, in a THREEFOLD GRADATION.
Firſt, Chriſt is throughly furniſhed with what may fit and enable him to help, as
Firſt, KNOWLEDGE is requiſite to make one fit to help, and with this Chriſt is filled, he knowes the whole ſtate of all his ſervants perfectly; He knows all their conditions, wayes, and frames, and what is good for them; he knoweth all their diſeaſes, troubles, and Temptations, and how to deliver them out of them all; He knows their enemies, and all the things which come into their minds, every one of them; he knows their imaginations, which they go about: It is ſaid of him, Joh. 2.24, 25. He knew all men, he knew what was in man; yea he knows the thoughts of his, and his peoples enemies, Math: 12.25. Luke 6.8. He is omnipreſent, every where; he is among the Great ones of the world; and whatever deſignes they have againſt his ſervants, he takes notice of them, and ſtrikes in, on their behalfe. Not an act, nor word, nor yet imagination can paſſe in any of their Aſſemblies and Councels, againſt any of his, but he knoweth it altogether. Upon this account the Pſalmist exhorts the Judges of the Earth to defend, and deliver the poore, Pſal: 82.1, 3, 4. God ſtandeth in the Congregation of the Mighty; he Judgeth among the Gods. Defend the poore, and fatherleſs; do Juſtice to the poore and needy, deliver the poore and needy, rid them out of the hand of the wicked.
Secondly, POWER is requiſite to help; And Chriſt hath enough of that, for he hath all power, as hath been ſhewed at large, (Math. 28.18.) Power containes
Firſt, Authority; and he hath Authority, power of rule and Government over all, both perſons and things; for he is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God, Angels, and Authorities, and Powers being made ſubject to him, 1 Pet: 3.22. With this he encouraged his Diſciples when he ſent them into the world about his work, Math: 28.18, 19, 20. Jeſus came, and ſpake u…to them, ſaying, All power is given unto me in Heaven, and in Earth; Go ye therefore, and teach all Nations, Baptizing them, &c. and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world; as if Chriſt ſhould ſay, I that have received ſuch great Authority from my Father, whereby I am ſufficiently able to help you, will continually ſtand by you, in all the work and dangers whereunto I call you.
Secondly, Strength and ability to performe his purpoſes towards his people; and Chriſt is great in power in this reſpect; he is ſo ſtrong and mighty, that whatſoever things the Father doth, thoſe things he doth likewiſe, for as the Father raiſeth up the dead, and quickneth them, even ſo the Son quickneth whom he will, John 5.19, 21. Yea, all things are poſſible with him; He is the Lord God Omnipotent. The Apoſtle Paul did make ſuch a reckoning of the ſufficiency of Chriſt to help in this particular, as he ſaid, I can do all things through Chriſt which ſtrengthneth me, Phil: 4.13.
Thirdly, WISDOME and COUNCEL is requiſite to help; yea, moſt requiſite. Solomon makes wiſdome more requiſite than ſtrength, for he ſaith, Eccleſ. 7.19. Wiſdome ſtrengthneth the wiſe more than the ten mighty men which are in the City; and wiſdome is better than ſtrength, and better than weapons of warre, Eccleſ. 9.16, 18. Hence it was ſaid of old, One Neſtor will do more ſervice than ten Ajaxes: And Chriſt is rich in this grace alſo, Councel is his, and ſound wiſdom; he is called Councellor, (Iſa. 9 6.) and as his Name is, ſo is he to his Servants; when they are in ſtraits and perplexities, and know not which way to turn them, then doth he guide them with his Counſel, Pſ 32.8. Yea, In him are hid all the treaſures of wiſdome and knowledge, Col: 2.3.
Secondly, Christ is furniſhed with what may incline him to help.
I ſhall inſtance onelyonly in three things.
Firſt, A Participation of the ſame Nature. Even Nature it ſelf teacheth, and promps creatures to help their fellow-creatures, eſpecially thoſe that partake of the ſame nature with them; as beaſts, beaſts; men, men; ſo Christ having aſſumed the Humane Nature, ſo that his people are of his fleſh, and his bone (Epheſ. 5.30.) He is thereby ſtrongly inclined to extend reliefe and help to them in that Nature. The Apoſtle makes uſe of this Argument in his Exhortation to men to love their wives; and ſhews alſo how upon this very account Chriſt loveth and nouriſheth his Church, Epheſ. 5.28, 29, 30. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodyes; he that loveth his wife, loveth himſelfe: For no man ever yet hated his own fleſh, but loveth and cheriſheth it, even as the Lord the Church; For we are members of his body, of his fleſh, and of his Bones.
The Scriptures ſpeaking of Chriſt as Mediator, and Helper of his people, do frequently ſtile him Man, Son of man. A man ſhall be as an hiding place from the wind, &c. There is one Mediator between God and men, the MAN Chriſt Jeſus, as being in the ſame Nature with his people, (1 Tim: 2.5.)
Secondly, A Communication in the ſame conditions and ſufferings of his people in the ſame Nature; and this inclines him to help thoſe that are exerciſed with the ſame afflictions, which he himſelf endured: the Apoſtle doth inſiſt much upon this, Heb: 2.16, 17, 18. Verily, he took not on him the Nature of Angels, but he took on him the ſeed of Abraham; wherefore in all things it beh…ved him to be made like unto his Brethren, that he might be a merciful, and faithful High-Prieſt, &c. For in that he himſelf hath ſuffered being tempted, he is able to ſuccour them that are tempted; Chriſt hath been compaſſed about with troubles, he hath been in all conditions that his ſervants have been, or are in, except ſin; he hath been reproached, hated, perſecuted, tempted, &c. and ſo knows how to have Compaſſion on ſuch as are ſo uſed, (Heb: 4.15, 16.)
Thirdly, Pity and Compaſſion. A ſpirit of compaſſion inclineth thoſe in whom it is, to help ſuch as are in trouble. It is ſaid of the Lord concerning his People, Iſa. 63.9. In his love, and in his pity he redeemed them, and bare them, and carryed them all the dayes of old. Gods pity inclined him to ſuch gracious actings towards them: Chriſts heart being full of pitty and compaſſion, is greatly enlarged towards his ſuffering ſervants; His pity towards them, ſets his power and wiſdom a work for them. It was Chriſts compaſſion towards the multitude which moved him to put forth his power, and work a miracle to feed them, (Mat. 16.32.) And according to this method, the man whoſe ſon had the dumb ſpirit prayed, Mark. 9.22. If thou canſt do any thing, have compaſſion on us, and help us. This is very cleerly ſet forth by Chriſt himſelf in the Parable of the wounded man, whom the Prieſt and Levite paſſed by, and helped not; but the Samaritane when he ſaw him, and had compaſſion on him, Went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in Oyle and Wine, and ſet him on his own beaſt, and brought him to an Inne, and took care on him, Luke 10.30, 31, 32, 33, 34. Compaſſion inclines to Action, and Chriſt being of greateſt Compaſſion towards afflicted ones, is moſt inclined to help them.
Thirdly, Chriſt is greatly engaged to help his Servants.
Several things ingage Chriſt to help; As
Firſt, The intereſt that Chriſt hath in them. They are Chriſts portion and inheritance, yea, his peculiar treaſure, which he moſt loveth and prizeth, & therefore cannot but help them in their difficulties and ſtraits. Upon this account God promiſed to help Jac…b, Iſa: 43.1, 2. Fear not, O Jacob, thou art Mine; God challengeth Jacob to be his, and then he promiſeth his helping preſence, ſaying, When thou paſſeſt through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the Rivers, they ſhall not overflow thee, &c. The Phyſitian peradventure will help a ſtranger, but much more the Patient in whom he hath an intereſt. The choſen ones are Chriſts own, his Father hath given him them; and therefore he careth for them, and keepeth them, John 17.6, 12. Neither are they foreign his goods, but foreign he hath a very neer propriety in them; they are a piece of himſelf, and thereupon he is engaged to help them.
The Evangeliſt John takes notice of the love, and the continuance of the love of Chriſt towards thoſe in whom he had an intereſt, towards his own, Having loved his own which were in the world (he ſpeaks not of things, but of perſons) he loved them unto the end, John 13.1.
Secondly, The Relations that Chriſt ſtands in towards them engage him to help. He is a Friend, and one Friend is engaged to help another; He is a Brother, and Brethren are engaged to help one another, (Prov: 17.17.) He is a Shepherd, and the Shepherd is engaged to help the Flock; He is an Husband, and the Husband is engaged to help the Wife; He is a Father, and the Father is engaged to help the Child, Jer: 31.8, 9. He is a Lord and Maſter, and the Lord and Maſter ſtands engaged to help & ſave his Servants. The Diſciples when they were in danger of being drowned, they beg'd his help upon the account of that Relation he ſtood in towards them, ſaying, Maſter, careſt thou not that we periſh? and like one engaged to help by vertue of that Relation, he preſently aroſe, and rebuked the wind, Mark 4.38, 39.
Thirdly, The Promiſe of Christ is engaging Chriſt to help; and he hath promiſed to be with his people, and to carry them through all ſervices and ſufferings: So much he promiſed to his Diſciples, Mat. 28.19, 20. as alſo Mat. 18.20. Where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midſt of them; and Chriſt will not be idle in the midſt of his people; he will not barely behold them, but graciouſly help and aſſiſt them in their ſeveral conditions: And what a large promiſe of help doth Chriſt make to his Sheep, John 10.28. I give unto them eternal life, and they ſhall never periſh, neither ſhall any man pluck them out of my hand: As if Chriſt ſhould ſay, I will ſtand by them, and lay out my power for their help and preſervation in every duty and danger which they may be called unto. And though men little regard their promiſes; yet Chriſt is faithfull, and will perform every good thing which he hath promiſed unto his Servants to do for them, (1 Theſſ. 5.24.)
Fourthly, The honour that Christ ſhall receive from his Servants whom he ſaves, doth ingage him to help, and ſave them out of their troubles, for he ſhall deliver them, and they ſhall glorifie him, (Pſal. 50.15.) When he hath been their ſtrength and help, he ſhall be their Song; according to that in Iſaiah 12.3. The Lord, (Hebr: JAH) JEHOVAH is my ſtrength and my ſong; when the Lord hath holpen his people, they ſhall praiſe him, and rejoyce in his ſalvation. The Church makes this an Argument to engage God to help her in her low eſtate, Pſal. 85.6, 7. Wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people may rejoyce in thee? Shew us thy mercy O LORD, and grant us thy Salvation. And that Chriſt ſhall be glorified in his Saints, as well as they in him, is a ſtrong engagement upon Chriſt to help them.
For the further opening and clearing of this firſt Branch of the Doctrine, namely, Christ being a Help to his People. I ſhall onelyonly ſet before you
1. WHAT MANNER of Help Christ is.
2. HOW Chriſt doth help his people.
Firſt, What manner of Help is Christ?
Firſt, He is a SUFFICIENT Help; What ever the work, ſtrait, or condition be he can carry through it. Gods children of themſelves are not ſufficient for what they are called to, according to that of Paul, 2 Cor. 3.5. where he ſaith, Not that we (including himſelf with the Saints at Corinth) are ſufficient of our ſelves, to think any thing as of our ſelves; neither yet are others (though willing, and ſufficient in ſome meaſure to help) a ſufficient help for them; but it is Chriſts peculiar to be a ſufficient help; His hand is not onelyonly ſufficient for himſelf, but alſo for the help of all his Servants. Moſes ſeeing and conſidering the vaſt difference between the Enemies, and Iſraels Rock, ſaith triumphantly in his ſong, Deut. 32.31. Their Rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themſelves being Judges. And with this did Hezekiah encourage the people againſt the King of Aſſyria, and all the Multitude that was with him; With him is an arm of fleſh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us, 2 Chron: 32.7, 8. The Unbelievers help is but an Arm of fleſh, which will faile in time of need; but the Believers help is Chriſt Jeſus, the Mighty God, that fainteth not, neither can be weary, who alſo giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might he increaſeth ſtrength, (Iſa. 40. 10, 11, 29.) This Paul experienced in his weakneſſe, and gloryed in his infirmities, that the power of Chriſt might reſt upon him, 2 Cor: 12.9. And of this, viz: The ſufficiency of Chriſts help, he had ſuch a cleer apprehenſion and ſtrong perſwaſion, as that he ſaid, I can do all things through Chriſt which ſtrengthneth me, Phil: 4.13.
Secondly, He is a SEASONABLE help: as he is Mighty, and knows how to help; ſo he is Wiſe, and knows when to help. He that requires that his Servants ſhould bring forth fruit in ſeaſon, doth give forth ſtrength and help to them in ſeaſon alſo, he helps in the needfull time, (Heb: 4.16.) when it makes moſt for his glory to help, and for his peoples good to be holpen. He dyed in ſeaſon, according to that of the Apoſtle, Rom: 5.6. In due time Chriſt dyed for the ungodly. He comforteth them that are caſt down in ſeaſon (2 Cor. 7.6.) He ſuccoureth the tempted in ſeaſon; when the ſoul is ready to faint, and fall by the ſtrength of the temptation, he comes in to its help; He hath the tongue of the Learned, and knows how to ſpeak a word in ſeaſon to him that is weary, (Iſa. 50.4.) All the Miracles and wonders which he wrought, were a ſeaſonable help to them, upon and for whom he wrought them: and in this reſpect he is an excellent help, every thing being beautiful and excellent in its ſeaſon, (Eccleſ: 3.11.)
Thirdly, He is a SUITABLE help; a meet help, ſuitable to the ſeveral eſtates of thoſe whom he is to help.
This appears from thoſe famous prophecies of him, Iſa. 32.2, 3. A man ſhall be as an hiding place from the wind, a covert from the Tempeſt; as Rivers of waters in a dry place, as the ſhaddow of a great Rock in a weary Land. So likewiſe Iſa: 61.1, 3. The LORD hath anointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek, he hath ſent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the Captives, and the opening of the Priſon to them that are bound; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for aſhes, the oyl of joy for mourning; the garment of praiſe for the ſpirit of heavineſſe, &c. He is for a ſpirit of Judgement to him that ſitteth in Judgement, and for ſtrength to them that turn the battel to the gate, (Iſa: 28.6.) Therefore Chriſt is ſet forth under various Titles and Appellations, ſuitable to the various conditions that his people are in, and the ſeveral Relations he ſtands in towards them, as a Father, Husband, Shepherd, King, Prieſt, Prophet, Meat, Drink, Wiſdome, Righteouſneſſe. He gives reſt to the weary, Mat. 11.28. and Water, Wine, Milk to the thirſty, Iſa. 55.1. Revel: 22.17.
Fourthly, He is a CONSTANT help; he doth not only help at firſt, but at laſt alſo; he helps his own to the end, he will be with them, and not fail them, nor forſake them, untill they have finiſhed all the work, and paſſed through all the troubles which he ſhall call them to; He is a finiſhing, and perfecting help, as well as a beginning help; he is Alpha and Omega, the Beginning, and the ending, Rev: 1.8, 10. The Authour and Finiſher of Faith, Heb: 12.2.
Fifthly, He is an ONELYONLY help; Chriſt is not a joynt help, or helper, an help in conjunction with others; but he helps and ſaves alone; he is the LORD, and beſides him there is no Saviour, no helper. Indeed none can help but he; if we ſhould go to the mightieſt Creatures they would ſay, help is not in us; the Valiant man would ſay, it is not in me; the Wiſe man would ſay, it is not in me; the Rich man would ſay, it is not in me: Yea all the Creatures muſt ſay to them that come to them for help, as that King of Iſrael to the Woman of Samaria, when ſhe cryed to him, Help my Lord, O King; (he ſaid) If the LORD do not help thee, whence ſhall I help thee? It is Chriſt, and Chriſt alone that helpeth, neither is there any other that can ſave in all the Cityes, nor among all the Judges of the earth; according to the words of Peter, Acts 4.12. Neither is there ſalvation in any other: there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we muſt be ſaved.
Sixthly, He is an Antient, OLD help, and helper; Not to conſider him in reſpect of Gods appointing him, which was from everlaſting; but of mans need of him, which was as ſoon as he had ſinned: for he thereby became liable to the curſe and wrath of God, and man being a guilty, weak creature, could not deliver himſelf out of this danger; neither could any of the Creatures help him, nor yet God himſelf (being juſt as well as merciful) would free this offender from his threatned puniſhment, (any other way:) then Chriſt, who was given forth in the promiſe, became an help to him, and ſaved him out of that deep pit into which he was fallen; and thus Chriſt was an help of old.
Seventhly, Chriſt is a FREE, UNDESERVED HELP. As there was nothing in the children of Iſrael to cauſe God to raiſe them up Saviours and Deliverers, ſuch as Moſes and Joſhua, and others, Types of Chriſt; (for they were a ſtubborn and rebellious people,) ſo there was nothing of good in us, or done by us, to move God to ſend Chriſt to be an help; nor to incline Chriſt to be an help to us, but he was freely ſent, and he freely came to the help of ſinners: Chriſt himſelf gives this account of his Fathers giving him to help and ſave; John 3.16. God ſo loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son; that whoſoever beleeveth in him, ſhould not periſh, but have everlaſting life. It was Gods love, not the worlds, not his peoples deſert, that prevailed with him to give his Son. And the Apoſtle Paul gives the ſame account of Chriſts giving himſelf for his Church, Epheſ. 5.25. Christ alſo loved the Church, and gave himſelf for it; ſo that Chriſt is both in reſpect of his Father, and himſelf alſo, a free help.
Eighthly, He is a TRYED, EXPERIMENTED HELP: There hath been proof made of him, and all the faithful in their ſeveral Generations have found Christ an help to them in their various conditions; ſo that they can ſet to their Seal that he is an Help. And Christ hath abundantly manifeſted himſelf an Helper and Saviour of his people in the time of their trouble; he hath ſaved many a ſinner, he hath ſuccoured many a tempted One, he hath healed many a wounded One, he hath ſet free many a Captive, he hath comforted many a mourner, he hath ſtrengthned many a weak One, he hath given reſt to many a weary ſoul, he hath carryed many through manifold temptations, and preſerved them unto his Heavenly Kingdom. Yea all the Saints in glory can teſtifie, and ſay, we were weake, faint, and inſufficient ones for the worke whereunto we were called; we were tempted, reproached, afflicted, hated, perſecuted; but Christ helped us to do all our work, and he delivered us out of all our troubles
Ninthly, He is a GENERAL, uNIVERSAL HELP, an help in all caſes, in caſes wherein others cannot help; for there is nothing too hard for Chriſt, (Jer. 32.17.27.)
Gods ſervants ſtand in need of help.
Firſt, In reſpect of ſervice, and work which they have to do; Chriſt is an help in that regard; he works all their works in them, and for them; yea, He worketh in them both to will and to do, (Phil: 2.13. John 15.5.) By him it is, not onelyonly in reſpect of Acceptance, but Aſſiſtance alſo, that they offer up their ſpiritual ſacrifices to God. Would any pray? it is not onelyonly through his merit that they have acceſs with confidence, (Eph. 2.13, 18.) but it is his Spirit that helpeth their infirmities, when they know not what they ſhould pray for as they ought, Rom: 8.26. Would any one praiſe the Lord? that ſacrifice alſo is to be offered up by him, Heb: 13.15. By him let us offer the ſacrifice of praiſe to God continually; Yea, whatever the Saints do, muſt be through his help, and ſo they can do all things, Phil. 4.13.
Secondly, In reſpect of trouble and ſufferings; For Gods Servants of themſelves neither know how to ſuffer, nor yet to free themſelves from ſufferings; but Chriſt is an help in both caſes; for though his ſuccouring them in Temptation, his comforting them in Tribulation, and ſupporting them in Affliction, they are able to bear their Burthens; and by, and through him helping them, they know how to be abaſed, how to be hungry, and ſuffer need, how to be perſecuted, and hated of all men for his names ſake, (2 Cor: 4.10, 11.) yea, they can ſuffer, as well as do All things, through Chriſt which ſtrengthneth them, (Phil: 4.12, 13.)
Neither is he an help onelyonly in trouble, but alſo a Deliverer out of Trouble; for he takes away reproach from his people, he wipes away tears from their eyes, he breaks yokes from off their necks, he removes burdens from off their ſhoulders, and baniſheth fears from their hearts; in a word, he rebukes Satan, and reproves Kings for their ſakes; (Pſal. 105.14.) and ſets them in ſafety from every one that puffeth at them, (Pſal. 12.5.) They that write the ſtoryes of Egypt, report, that there is no Country in which there are ſo many venemous Creatures, and no Country hath ſo many Antidotes againſt poyſon as are there: there is no people that have ſo many Troubles as faithful Chriſtians; and none have ſo much help, both in, and from trouble, as they have; And that HELP is CHRIST.
Queſt. How is Chriſt an help?
Anſw. Chiefly FIVE Wayes.
Firſt, By the vertue and efficacy of his DEATH. For though the Death of others ſpeak forth their inability, and incapacity to help any longer; yet Chriſts death is ſo far from being his weakneſs, and his ceaſing to help any further, that it is of wonderfull power and efficacy, and a ſtanding abiding help to his weak Servants. The Apoſtle Paul in his Triumphant challenge to the enemies of Gods elect, layes much weight upon the help of Chriſt in this reſpect, Rom: 8.33, 34. Who ſhall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect? it is God that Juſtifieth; who is he that condemneth? it is Chriſt that dyed. Yea, the Death of Chriſt is of ſuch great power and efficacy, as that the Gracious ſoul from thence (as from a Fountain of all good) receiveth daily ſupplyes of ſtrength, and help in every time of need; to the making it victorious over all evils and enemies whatſoever: It is of ſuch vertue, as that it appeaſeth aRom: 3.25.the wrath of God, it weakneth and waſteth the bodybRom: 6.6. of ſin, itc2 Tim: 1.10. aboliſheth death, and deſtroyeth himdHeb: 2.14. that had the power of death, that is, the Devil.
Neither is the death of Chriſt the price onelyonly of our Redemption from manifold deſerved evils; but the purchaſe alſo of our glorious, heavenly inheritance; For hereby he hath procured eternal life for all thoſe, who by patient continuance in well doing, ſeek for glory, and honour, and immortality, (Rom: 2.7.) Hereby alſo he confirms the Teſtament and Covenant of Grace to his people: For where a Teſtament is, there muſt alſo of neceſſity be the death of the Teſtator. For a Teſtament is of force after men are dead; otherwiſe it is of no ſtrength at all, whileſt the Teſtator liveth, Heb: 9.16, 17. And thus Chriſt is an help by the vertue of his Death.
Secondly, By the Excellency of his EXAMPLE. An Example, a Copy, or a Preſident is an help, and for an help, and in that Chriſt hath given us his Example, he thereby helpeth us; the more excellent alſo the Example is, the greater is its help; and there is an excellency in Chriſts example, whereby he helpeth them much that follow him.
It is the Prime, Chief, and abſolute Example; not regulated by any other, but all other to be conformed to it; and therefore we are to be followers of others, onelyonly as they are of him. The Apoſtle Paul would not preſs his own Example upon the Corinthians, but with this limitation, 1 Cor. 11.1. Be ye followers of me, even as I alſo am of Chriſt: But the Example of Chriſt affords a certainty to the ſoul what to follow, and hold to, and ſo becomes a choice help, and furtherance to a Chriſtian in his walk, above the Example of any other, which he is to examine, and try, and follow, and refuſe as it agreeth, or diſagreeth with this.
Beſides, there are no blots, defects, nor imperfections; but contrariwiſe a wonderfull exactneſs, plainneſs, beauty, and glory in the Example of Chriſt, whereby it is of ſingular uſe and advantage to his followers, their way being thereby made plaine before them.
Neither is it a ſcant, but a full, and large Example, both of obedience, (For He that ſaith he abideth in him, ought himſelf alſo ſo to walke, even as he walked, 1 John 2.6.) and the ſeveral parts thereof; he hath given us an example of faith, love, patience, ſelf-denyall, meekneſs, diligence, &c. And of ſuffering alſo, (that he might help in that needfull time;) To encourage us to it, he hath given us an example of readineſs, and willingneſs to ſuffer; he willingly laid downe his life for his ſheepe, (Joh. 10.15.18.) and to guide us in it, he hath given us an example of meekneſs, and patie…ce, for he was led as a ſheep to the ſlaughter, and like a lamb dumb before the ſhearer, ſo opened he not his mouth, Acts 8.32. And when he was reviled, reviled not againe; when he ſuffered, he threatned not, 1 Pet. 2.23. And thus Chriſt is an Help by the excellency of his example.
Thirdly, By the powerfulneſs of his Spirit. The Spirit of Chriſt, is a Spirit of life and power, which he giveth forth into the hearts of his ſervants for their help, in their various ſervices and conditions; and therefore the Spirit is ſaid to help their Infirmities, Rom: 8.26. Yea Chriſt doth ſo uſually help by his Spirit, that moſt acts of help are frequently attributed, in Scripture, to the Spirit; as to Quicken, uphold, ſtrengthen, comfort, teach, lead, beare witneſs, bring to remembrance, give utterance, cauſe to do, John 6.63. Rom. 8.11. Pſal. 51.12. Eph. 3.16. John 14.16. John 14.26. Gal. 5.18. Rom. 8.16. Acts 2.4. Ezek. 36.27. By this did Chriſt eminently help his ſervants in the work whereunto he called them in the primitive times; By this he enabled them to be his witneſſes, not onelyonly in Jeruſalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, but unto the uttermoſt part of the earth, Acts 1.8. By this they evercame the mightieſt Adverſaries of Truth; For they were not able to reſiſt the wiſdome and ſpirit by which they ſpake, (Luke 21.15. Acts 6.10.) And by this he helped them to do many wonderful things, to the great advantage and furtherance of the Goſpel, (Act. 11.19-21.) By the ſame Spirit he hath helped others alſo in later Generations to teſtifie for him againſt Antichriſt, and his Adherents, and by their Teſtimony exceedingly to prevaile; as Wickliffe, Hus, Luther, and others. And this is that which Luther in an Epiſtle to ſome amongſt whom his doctrine was ſucceſsfull, would have them to obſerve; Conſider (ſaith he) with what ſword I have conquered ſin, and overcome Errours, and ſubdued policy; I have never touched you with a finger, but with the Spirit of Chriſts mouth, viz. the Sword of his Goſpel. And ſeverall of the Martyrs, …hough meane, and unlearned, yet by the help of the Spirit of Chriſt, have put to ſilence their learned Adverſaries: Among the reſt, Hiſtory tells us of one Alice Driver, that ſhee non-pluſt the Doctors that Examined her, and then ſaid, God be honoured, you be not able to reſiſt the Spirit of God in a poore woman; And as it was then, even ſo it is now, for Chriſt by the ſame Spirit, helpeth his ſervants both to will, and to do, and to ſuffer, of his good pleaſure, (Phil: 1.29. Phil. 2.13.)
Fourthly, By the Admirableneſs of his RƲLE, and Adminiſtration; For he ſo ordereth, and diſpoſeth of all things, that they work together for good, to them that love God, Rom. 8.28. ſo that thoſe things which men contrive, and deſigne to be moſt hurtfull, (through his power and wiſdome) become helpfull to his ſervants, yea he ſometimes makes his Enemies intended Deſtruction, his peoples glorious ſalvation. And indeed the Rule and Reigne of Chriſt, doth much conſiſt in his helping and relieving his oppreſſed ſervants, in his pleading their cauſe, and executing judgement for them; in his breaking the bands of their yoke, and delivering them out of the hand of thoſe that ſerve themſelves of them, that they may be no more a prey to the Heathen; yea the maine deſigne of Chriſt, next to his own Glory, is the ſalvation, and ſafety of his flock, Jer. 23.5, 6. Ezek. 37. And he doth many admirable things in order to this end; as he maketh the weak to conquer, and the mighty to be overthrowne; he maketh the Counſel of the ſimple to ſtand, and the devices of the crafty to be diſappointed; he doth that marvellous work, and a wonder, ſpoken of Iſa. 29.14. He cauſeth the wiſdome of wiſe men to periſh, and the underſtanding of the prudent to be hid: And he judgeth the poore of the people, and ſaveth the children of the needy; and breaketh in pieces the Oppreſſor, Pſal. 72.4.
Sometimes he ſets enemies one againſt another; The Mighty againſt the Mighty, Ruler againſt Ruler, Jer: 46.12. Jer. 51.46. ſo that they fight, Brother againſt Brother, Neighbour againſt Neighbour, City againſt City, Kingdome againſt Kingdome, and ſo help to deſtroy one another, Iſa: 19.2. 2 Chron: 20.23. Sometimes he wonderfully reſtraines the rage of Enemies, ſo that they do not hurt, nor deſtroy in his holy Mountaine, but the Wolfe dwelleth with the Lamb, and the Leopard lies downe with the Kid; and the Calfe, and the young Lion, and the fatling together, and a little child ſhall lead them; according to that famous propheſie of his Kingdome, Iſa. 11.6, 7, 8, 9.
Sometimes he cauſeth them to favour his people, Pſal. 106.46. and ſometimes he maketh them helpfull and ſerviceable to them; according to that precious promiſe of God to his Church, Iſa. 60.10. The ſons of ſtrangers ſhall build up thy walls, and their Kings ſhall miniſter unto thee. Thus God turned the heart of the King of (Perſia that was now over) Aſſyria unto his people, to ſtrengthen their hands in the work of the houſe of God, of the God of Iſrael, Ezra 6.22. And put it alſo into the heart of Artaxerxes to help Ezra to beautifie the houſe of the Lord which was at Jeruſalem, Ezra 7.27. And thus Chriſt helpeth by the Admirableneſs of his RƲLE and Adminiſtration.
Fifthly, By the prevalency of his Interceſſion; by this he helpeth them much who beleeve through grace. Chriſt perfecteth by his Interceſſion that good worke of the ſalvation of his people which he begun by his Paſſion; for though Chriſt help exceedingly by the vertue and efficacy of his death, as hath been ſhewne, yet there is need of his Interceſſion alſo, and therefore he is entred into heaven to appeare in the preſence of God for us, Heb: 9.24. And this is of ſuch great benefit, and advantage to the Saints, that the Apoſtle layes the weight of their ſalvation upon it, Rom: 5.10. If when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more being reconciled, we ſhall be ſaved by his life; and indeed, it is now ſufficient for ſalvation; and therefore Chriſt is ſaid to be able to ſave them to the uttermoſt that come unto God by him, ſeeing he ever liveth to make interceſſion for them, Heb: 7.25. And as the Interceſſion of Chriſt is of great uſe and help to a Chriſtian in all caſes, ſo eſpecially in theſe THREE CASES.
Firſt, In caſe of ſin; to that purpoſe are the words of John, 1 Joh. 2.1. If any man ſin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jeſus Chriſt the Righteous.
Secondly, In caſe of Satans Temptations and deſignes againſt his ſervants; ſo much may be gathered from the words of Chriſt, Luke …2.31, 32. The Lord ſaid, Simon, Simon, beho…, Satan hath deſired to have you, that he may ſift you as wheat; but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith faile not.
Thirdly, In caſe of ſufferings; It is through the help of Chriſt by his Interceſſion, that the Elect are made Conquerours, and more … Conquerours in all their afflictions. Faith felcheth its chiefe matter of Triumph over Tribulation, diſtreſſe, perſecution, famine, nakedneſs, peril, ſword, &c. from the Interceſſion of Chriſt, Rom: 8.34. &c. Who is he that condemneth? it is Chriſt that died, yea rather that is riſen againe, who is even at the right hand of God, who alſo maketh Interceſſion for us; Who ſhall ſeparate us from the love of Chriſt? ſhall tribulation? &c. And thus Chriſt helpes by the prevalency of his Interceſſion.
Branch 2. God hath Appointed Chriſt, this Mighty One, to be an help to his people.
God, not man, nor yet Chriſt, He hath laid in Zion this uſefull Corner Stone, Iſa. 28.16. Behold, I lay in Zion for a Foundation, a Stone, a tried Stone, a precious corner Stone, a ſure foundation. God hath laid him, and laid him for an help, ſo that he that beleeveth on him ſhall not be confounded, 1 Pet. 2.6. The Lord hath given him to be an help to the people: ſo much the Lord ſaith by his Prophet, Iſa. 42.6, 7. I the LORD have called thee in Righteouſneſſe, and will hold thy hand, and 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 darkneſs out of the Priſon-houſe. Yea he was fore-ordained before the Foundation of the world, to be an help to Gods people, though manifeſted in the laſt dayes for them, (1 Pet. 1.21. 2 Tim. 1.9, 10.)