A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

4. To give us a Taste and Pledge both of his Willingness and Ability to do us good: He is a mighty God, and yet a Saviour: Certainly there is a Difference between God and Man. If we pardon and do good, it is out of need, because we dare not do otherwise: but Jesus Christ is the mighty God, strong enough to revenge, yet our Saviour, gracious enough to save and pardon. The coupling of these Words show that Christ is not a Saviour out of Necessity, but good Will. Men forbear their Enemies out of Policy, not Pity; 2 Sam. 3.19. These Men the Sons of Zerviah are too hard for me. Power makes us cruel: Who finds his Enemy, and slays him not? If a Man find his Enemy, will he let him go well away? 1 Sam. 24.19. Among Men observe it, and you will find the weakest are most pitiful and merciful: Why? because they need Pity and Commiseration themselves from others. But now Jesus Christ that hath the greatest Power, hath also the greatest Mercy, and the greatest Love; he is the mighty God, but yet the Prince of Peace: He will be a mighty ⟨p. 149⟩God rather in saving than in destroying: though he hath all Power in his Hands, yet he will exercise it in Acts of Mercy. We abuse our Power to Acts of Oppression and Violence. O when shall we learn of Christ to be mighty, and yet saving? There cannot be a happier Conjunction than when Greatness and Goodness, Power and good Will are met together. Remember, Power is only given us to do good with it; and to do good, is some Resemblance of Christ. What a Comfort is this to the Faithful, that Christ is the great God, and also a Saviour, both able and willing to do them good, and to bestow abundance of Grace upon them!

4. To give us a Taste and Pledg both of his Willingness and Ability to do us good: He is a mighty God, and yet a Saviour: Certainly there is a Difference between God and Man. If we pardon and do good, it is out of need, because we dare not do otherwise: but Jesus Christ is the mighty God, strong enough to revenge, yet our Saviour, gracious enough to save and pardon. The coupling of these Words shew that Christ is not a Saviour out of Necessity, but good Will. Men forbear their Enemies out of Policy, not Pity;