The advocateship of Jesus Christ clearly explained, and largely improved, for the benefit of…

And will not this, when they know it yield them Comfort? Doubtless it will, yea more, and of a better kind than that which flows from the Knowledge that one is born to Crowns and Kingdoms.

Again, As he is an Advocate for the Children, so he is also, as afore was hinted, for the strong and experienced. For no Strength, in this World, secureth from the Rage of Hell; nor can any Experience while we are here fortify us against his Assaults. There is also an Incidency in the best to sin, and the bigger Man the bigger Fall; for, the more hurt, and the greater Damage. Wherefore, it is of as absolute Necessity that an Advocate be provided for the strong, as for the weak. Any Man: He that is most holy, most reformed, most refined, and most purified, may as soon be in the Dirt as the weakest Christian. And, so far as I can see, Satan's Design is against them most. I am sure the greatest Sins have been committed by the biggest Saints. This way-faring Man came to David's House, and when he stood up against Israel he provoked David to number the People 2 Sam. 12.4, 7. 1 Chr. 21.1. wherefore they have as much need of an Advocate, as have ⟨p. 75⟩the youngest, and most feeble of the Flock. What a Mind had he to try a Fall with Peter? and how quickly did he break the Neck of Judas? The like, without Doubt, he had done to Peter, had not Jesus, by stepping in, prevented. As long as Sin is in our Flesh, there is danger. Indeed he saith of the young Men that they are strong, and that they have overcome the wicked one; but he doth not say, they have killed him; as long as the Devil is alive there is Danger; and though a strong Christian may be too hard for, and may overcome him in one thing, he may be too hard for, yea and may overcome him, two for one afterwards. Thus he served David, and thus he served Peter; and thus he, in our Day, has served many more. The strongest are weak, the wisest are Fools, when suffered to be sifted as Wheat, in Satan's Sieve: Yea and have often times been so proved to the wounding of their great Hearts, and the Dishonour of Religion.