Precious Treasure in Earthen Vessels, Doctrine 2
DOCT. II. One great Reaſon of this Diſpenſation is, That the Excellent Power which doth accompany the Goſpel in the Salvation of Sinners, may appear to be Divine, and that the Glory of it may be aſcribed to GOD, and not to Men.
There is an Excellent Power which doth accompany the diſpenſation of the Goſpel, in the Salvation of Sinners. Rom. 1.16. I am not aſhamed of the Goſpel of Chriſt, for it is the Power of God to Salvation to every one that believeth. By the Preaching of the Goſpel, Satan was thrown down from his Uſurped Throne, And Chriſts Kingdom was ſet up in the World.
Thoſe that Sat in darkneſs, and were Spiritually blind, have been enlighten'd: the dead have been made to hear the Voice of the Son of God and live. The Word of God is quick and powerful and ſharper than any two edged Sword piercing even to the dividing aſunder of the Soul and Spirit, Heb. 4.12. Now God hath put this Treaſure into Earthen, Veſſels, committed the diſpenſation of his word to weak, frail, mortal Men, for this End, that the Excellency of the power might appear to be of God, and not of Men. That we might aſcribe the glory of this power unto Him to whom it doth appertain. The glorious Power of God doth appear and ſhine forth.
1. In Strengthening them to hold and diſpenſe the Goſpel Treaſure, notwithſtanding the great Oppoſition they meet with in the World. God's Power is ſeen in qualifying and furniſhing them for their work, and in upholding them in it. We may well cry out with the Apoſtle, Who is ſufficient for theſe things? 2 Cor. 2.16. The power of God doth appear in making his Strength perfect in their weakneſs, and His Grace Sufficient for them. The difficulties and hardſhips they encounter, are very great. Satan riſeth up as an Adverſary againſt them. And they meet with great Oppoſition from the Luſts and carnal Intereſts of Men. Many heavy Weights and Burdens ly upon them. They are Perſecuted for their work Sake many times, and that even to death. Now the glorious Power of Chriſt doth appear in ſuſtaining them under theſe Preſſures. Chriſt ordains to Himſelf Praiſe out of their Mouths, when He gives them a Mouth and Wiſdom which all their Adverſaries are not able to gainſay and reſiſt. The Power of Chriſt is ſeen when He makes theſe Earthen Veſſels as an Iron Pillar, and braſen Walls, againſt which the Powers of Darkneſs do ſight; but can't prevail. The Power of Chriſt is ſeen in Strengthening them to all Patience and Long-ſuffering under their heavy Trials.
2. In making ſuch weak Instruments Succeſsful in erecting and eſtabliſhing Chriſts Kingdom in the Hearts of Men. The Arm of the Lord is plainly Reveal'd when Men believe their Report. We read, 2 Cor. 10.4, 5. For the weapons of our Warfare are not carnal, but mighty brough God to the pulling down of ſtrong holds: Caſting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth it ſelf againſt the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. The glory of Chriſts Power is very conſpicuous in producing ſuch wonderful Effects by ſuch weak Inſtruments. When the Goſpel runs and is glorified in the Salvation of Sinners; It is apparent that our Mighty Redeemer girds his Sword upon his thigh, with his Glory and his Majeſty. It appears to be the Day of His Power, when thoſe that were Enemies in their hearts, are made a willing People, and ſubdued to an Obedience to the Faith. It is evident that the Power whereby theſe wonderful and miraculous Works are wrought in the Kingdom of Grace, is not Humane, but Divine. And they that behold it muſt ſay, This is the Finger of God.
3. The Power of God appears, in that this Treaſure is not loſt, though the Veſſels wherein it is contain'd are ſo often broken. It is kept by the Almighty Power of God from Age to Age. Tho' One Generation paſſeth away, and another comes; yet this Treaſure conſtantly abides. Here then we ſee why God hath put this Treaſure in Earthen Veſſels, it is that the Glory may be aſcribed unto God; and that His Name alone may be Exalted; That we may Sing His Praiſes when we ſee the wonderful Effects of the Goſpel-Diſpenſation, and ſay, Thine is the Power and the Glory. Not unto us O Lord, not unto us; but to thy Name be the Glory. God hath choſen theſe weak and feeble Inſtruments to Diſpenſe His Word, that no Fleſh ſhould glory in his Preſence; but that he who glorieth ſhould glory in the Lord.