THE POWER OF PREACHING OR, THE POWERFUL Effects of the WORD truly Preached, and rightly applied, as it was delivered in one or more SERMONS. By JOHN TRASKE, Preacher of God's Word sometimes at Axmister in Devon: afterwards at the Fleet in London: and now at Tillingham in Dengie hundred in ESSEX. I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his Name: But his word was in my heart, as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay: For I heard the defaming of many. etc. Report say they, and we will report it: all my familiars watched for my halting, jer. 20.9.10. LONDON: Printed by T.S. for Nathaniel Butter, 1623. To the Benevolent READER. REader, I call thee presupposing thou wilt read. And I add benevolent, to difference a holy Reader, from a profane derider. I would be loath to prostitute such Pearls to swine. Public & powerful Preaching is the prevalent means to prepare men for reading: and till that hath made way, reading is no more available, then to the Eunuch, without Philip's guide to the true sense. Such Readers I call upon to read this tractate, that they may see the effects of Preaching, not only in the general separation which it makes between Pagans and Christians: but in that it divides between Idolaters and true worshippers; and between such as have the form, and such as have also the power of godliness: yea, between such as have the power only in Seeking; and such as Walk familiarly with God; and again, between Walkers, in respect of the babish; or stronger estate; yea, of the Fatherhood that is Christ jesus. And between these again and themselves; between the spirit and flesh; the seed of God, and of man; the right and contrary part; the new man and the old; the inward and outward man; the law of the mind, and of the members; Christ in us, and Adam on us; the regenerate, and unregenerate part; yea, which is most of all, between the soul and spirit: If in these any light be yielded, let God have all the praise: and I wish thee this benefit, that it may discover thine election, and make it sure unto thee; either by proving thee to be at least a seeker of God's favour, a labourer for reconciliation with God; one I mean in the throbs and throws of the new birth in that first, general, or universal Repentance that makes way to remission, and prepares for admission, Mar. 1.4. Act. 2.37.38 Act. 26.18. into the inheritance by Faith in Christ jesus. If thou be so wounded, thou mayst learn hence where to be healed. If thou be healed, and at liberty, it will warm, comfort, cleanse, quicken, yea, renew thy strength. If thou know all this already, I shall have thy assent, if more, I expect thy best aid, and humbly, and as heartily desire thee to perfect so weak beginnings. It was at first prepared only for one Congregation; if it become profitable to more, it is that I desire. And above all things, let us now pray that the Gospel so plentifully Preached, may have these powerful effects in these frozen, and benumbed times. That Repentance may be distinctly Preached, and Faith in Christ plainly unfolded. Now is the time to be industrious, especially, for us of the Ministry; to gather those whom Satan hath scattered: and to comfort sad hearts, and confirm weak hands against approaching trials. Oh let us redouble our pains in Preaching, Catechising, and especially to put up fervent prayers, with strong cries and tears, to him that is able to cause our peace to flourish, Christ's Kingdom to spread abroad; Antichrists to decay, and come to nought; to disadvantage Satan; that so God's people may be established to stand fast, fight valiantly, and be more than Conquerors in the evil day. And for me, the least of all God's Ministers; I desire your Prayers, that I may make full proof of my Ministry, in redeeming the time I have lost by Satan's wiles. And so I rest for this time and remain An unfeigned well-willer, to all that desire sincerity from the heart: JOHN TRASKE. Powers of the Word Preached. Considered either 1 Generally, as 1 Spreading. 2 Drawing. 3 Searching. 4 Dividing. 5 Prevailing. 2 More particularly, and that either, 1 Common to Elect, and Reprobate as 1 Convincing. 2 Terrifying. 3 Humbling. 4 Restraining. 5 Reforming. 6 Astonishing. 7 Delighting. 2 Peculiar to 1 Reprobate which are 1 Insencible, as 1 Hardening. 2 Destroying. 2 Sensible 1 Binding. 2 Tormenting. 2 Elect, in 1 Converting 1 Opening. 2 Pricking. 3 Bruising. 4 Turning. 2 Consuming, as 1 Healing. 2 Losing. 3 Heating. 4 Comforting. 5 Killing. 6 Quickening. 7 Renewing. The power of Preaching, OR THE POWERFUL Effects of the WORD truly Preached and rightly applied, as it was delivered in one or more SERMONS. LUKE 4.32. For his word was with power. IN this Chapter observe the preparation to Christ's Ministry; the execution thereof; and the confirmation of the truth taught, by Miracles done, wheresoever he became. The preparation was by a fierce and violent temptation with which he was assaulted, as it may appear to such as read the Chapter to the 14 verse: the execution of his Ministry may be seen from thence to the 33. and the miracles he did in the remainder of this Chapter, to the end thereof. These words of the Evangelist which I have read, do concern the execution of his glorious Ministry; in which consider: 1. The Country where he began to preach, Galilee, his own Country where he had least esteem, Verse 14.24. 2. Next, the places in that Country, the two chief Towns, Nazareth & Capernaum, vers. 16.31. 3. Also in those Cities, what place he made choice of, not private houses, as Conuenticlers, nor the streets, as fanatical persons are accustomed, but the chief place of concourse, to those excellent ends, the Synagogues, Verse 16.28. 4. Add hereunto, the Time when: even that set time which the Law enjoined, on which the people usually met, on the Sabbaoth days, he most usually preached, Verse 16.31. 5. Besides these, we have the manner of his Preaching: He stood up for to read, and having received the Book, and read what he would, he closed it, delivered it to the Minister, and sat down and Preached, Verse 16.17.20. 6. Moreover, the matter of his Sermon was an explication of the Prophecy of Isaiah, with an application to the present times, Verse 18.21. 7. Lastly, the effects that followed upon his Preaching, to take them in the same order (the Evangelist lays them down) are these and such like: 1. Divulgation. There went a fame of him throughout all the region round about, Verse 14. 2. Glorification. He was glorified of all, Verse 15. 3. Attention. The eyes of all were fastened upon him, Verse 20. 4. Approbation. All bore him witness that his words were gracious, Verse 22. 5. Admiration. They all wondered, at his so gracious words, Verse 22. 6. Indignation. There were of the chief of them filled with wrath, and rose up and thrust him out of the City, and bringing him to the brow of the hill whereon the City was built, they would have cast him down headlong, but that passing through the midst of them, he went his way, Verse 28.29.30. 7. Stupefaction. They were astonished at his doctrine. The reason of all these is contained in the words which I have chosen for my Text; For his Word was with power. As if the Evangelist should say in more words: you may think it strange that Preaching should produce such effects; but if you consider the cause, you may be easily satisfied: Seeing so great was the difference between his Preaching and others of that time, that whereas they moved nothing at all, got no fame, won no glory to their Ministry, procured neither approbation, admiration, nor so much as attention to the Word by their Preaching: seeing their Preaching was cold, without any life, as if one told a dream: He became famous, glorious, and most admirable; he spoke with authority, & his Preaching was so lively, and became so effectual to all, in one kind or other, that he vexed the very souls of wicked men that heard him; and astonished all that attended his Ministry. For his Word was with power. In these words there may be observed 1. The Connexion. 2. The Proposition. The Connexion in the Causal (For,) which showeth it to be the reason which the Evangelist gives of the manifold effects which Christ's Preaching produced: The Proposition itself is affirmative, in which may be considered, 1. The Subject: His Word. 2. The Predicate: was with power. To set upon the Connexion or the Causal, and to consider these words with their relation to the former part of the Chapter: this Doctrine will thence arise. Doct. Where the word is powerfully Preached, it is effectual in one kind or other, to such as do hear it. or, The word powerfully Preached, is effectual to the hearers in one kind or other. This truth needs no other footing then this of our Evangelist: He tells us that the true cause of the spreading of Christ's fame, and the high esteem he procured in the hearts of some hearers, as also of the wrath and rage of others was this, he Preached with authority: His word was with power. So we may see also when the Lord jesus had ended that Sermon on the Mount, the people were astonished at his Doctrine, Mat. 7.28.29. for his word was with power, and not as the Scribes. This may be seen in the Preaching of all the Prophets, and Apostles; to instance in a few of them: Eliah, jam. 5.17. a man subject to the like passions as we are, what powerful effects attended his Preaching? Witness his prevailing so fare to the conviction of his hearers, 1 King. 19.40. as that they obeyed his word in the slaughter of all the Prophets of Baal. 2 King. And Elizeus or Elisha became as it were guide of Kingdoms, by the power of this Word, jon. 3. as his History shows: yea, jonas himself prevailed with great Niniveh, so fare as to bring the King, his Nobles, and all the City to true repentance. That Voice of a Crier in the Wilderness, Mat. 3. drew all to his Baptism; yea, convicted Soldiers, Luke 3. Publicans, and People, in great multitudes. The Apostle Peter drew three thousand to the Church at one Sermon; and five thousand at another; Acts 1.41. & 4.3. and at another Sermon of his, Acts 5.21.35. the Senate were cut at the heart, by the power of his Word. And Paul subdued whole Regions to the Faith, Acts 13. & 14, etc. by his powerful Preaching; and convinced Gainsayers of all sorts, to the enraging of some against his person. Reason. 1 The reason is, because otherwise it could not appear to be as it is, a powerful Word; Rom. 1.16. it must lose its denomination, and cease to be a word of power: 1 Cor. 1.18. whereas it is the power of God, to the salvation of the believers, and the condemnation of unbelievers. Reason. 2 Add this also, that it should else return in vain, and void of the chief end for which it was sent. Whereas we know, that as the rain cometh down, and the snow from Heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud; that it may give seed to the Sour, and bread to the Eater: so saith the Lord, shall my Word be, Isai. 55.10.11. that goeth forth out of my mouth, it shall not return unto me void; but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereunto I sent it. And the holy Apostle Paul, tells us plainly in the person of all holy Ministers: 2 Cor. 2.15.16. We are unto God a sweet savour in Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other, the savour of life unto life. Reason. 3 Besides these, Antichrists ministry produceth powerful effects: therefore Christ's Ministry must be fare more powerfu l, 2 Thes 2.8.9. and produce more manifest effects where it is exercised. Reason. 4 Lastly, the main or chief practice of preaching, is to wrestle and fight-with, yea, to overcome all opposition, as it is expressed in the mission of jeremy, that powerful Prophet, where God saith to him: See, jer. 1.10. I have set thee over the Nations, and over the Kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and throw down, to build, and to plant. Object. But some objecting against this, may say: True it is, that all these may serve to prove that Preaching was powerful in the days of the Prophets, Christ, and his Apostles, but what is that to our days? We may not look for such power in Preaching. Answer. And why not at this day, the like power in Preaching? Isa. 59.1. Is God's hand shortened? or his power weakened? Is not jesus Christ the same yesterday, Heb. 13. ●. to day, and for ever? Hath he not promised to be with his Servants in preaching to the end of the World? Mat. 28.20. and that with the assistance of all power in Heaven and in Earth? Is not the Holy Ghost the power of God, Luke 1.35. in Christ's Ministers at this day? Doth not the Evangelist john record a promise that is lasting, joh. 14.12. where it is written; Whosoever believeth on Christ jesus, the works that Christ did, shall such a believer do: yea, greater works than those he did in the days of his flesh? Is there not as much need of like power in the preaching of the Word now, as there was then? yea, and more, seeing we have no miracles to confirm the Word? Have we not Devils, and damned Atheists to oppose, and contemn the Word at this day? Are there not such of whom it may be said, as of Elimas the Sorcerer; That they are full of all subtlety, Act. 13.10. and all mischief, children of the Devil, enemies of all righteousness, which cease not to pervert the right ways of God? Are not Ministers at this day as Fathers to beget? Mothers to travaile-with, and bring forth? Nurse's to nourish? Watchmen to warn? Soldiers to fight for? and Stewards to give every man his portion of meat in due season? Yea, is not one Minister sometimes a Father, a Mother, a Nurse, a Watchman, a Soldier, and a Steward at one and the same instant; and doth not all this require great power? Are there not blind men at this day that want sight? lame that want strength? Lepers that need cleansing? sick that want health? strayers that must be sought out? such as are fallen, to be raised up? dumb, deaf, and dead men, to be made to speak, hear, and come out of their graves? And do not such works require great power? If it were but to make a man that is dumb, deaf, and blind, to understand, it were a matter of great difficulty, and requires great power; but to raise up a dead man, that hath long slept the sleep of death, will any cold dreamer awake such a sleeper? No verily: It must be such whose Ministry is attended with power. And that there is required wonderful power at this day, consider further, that we have not only dead men to raise, blind men to make to see, wounded to heal, sick to recover, imprisoned to set free, strayers to seek out, lambs to tender, sheep to feed, babes to whom we give milk, and stronger to whom strong meat is belonging: but we have Sorcerers to withstand, Bears and Lions to combat with; Philistines to whom we must go, sons of Anake to conquer: yea, moreover we may have Ahabs' to speak unto: Nebuchadnezzars to resist: Hamans' to contend with: Herod's to reprove. We may have Pharaohs to march after us: Zedekiahs' to disgrace us publicly: Sanballats' to oppose, and mock us: judasses to betray us: Demasses to forsake us: Halting people to cumber us: Alexander's to withstand our words: Corahs' to raise forces against us: Scribes and Pharises to entrap us: High Priests to scorn us: pilate's to condemn us: Multitudes to slander us, and the truth we teach: And if it should so come to pass, as it hath befallen our * Wicliffe. hus. Luther. brethren, is not here still a work of great power? should we shrink in such straits? Add hereunto that the Word is the same for ever: yea, the words of God are as nails, Eccles. 12.11. which being well driven, do hold with power; as goads to provoke and stir up: Hosea 6.5. axes to hue and square; as fire to burn and torment: jer. 23.29. as an hammer to break the rocks; as arrows that wound; a sword that divides: Psal. 45.5. yea, a sharp sword with two edges, Heb. 4.12. to divide between the soul and the spirit, the joints and the marrow: And so the Word is at this day, quick and powerful. So that you now see that objection answered: namely, it is affirmed; That Preaching is always powerful, whether we respect God's power, unchangeable: Christ's promise, of the assistance of all power in heaven and in earth; the powerful work of the Ministry, in respect of their charge, of the power of the word itself, that cannot be abated: yea, that by how much the elder the world waxeth, and the riper in sin, and by how much the more all miracles are granted to be now ceased, by so much the more power must of necessity appear, 2 Cor. 12. seeing God's power is manifest in the greatest weakness: And where sin most abounds, God's grace in powerful Preaching, aboundeth much more in such as are called. Quest. Now some may demand what are the effects of powerful Preaching, and how may they be discerned? Answer. For answer hereunto: know, that the powerful effects of Preaching are manifold: and they may be considered, 1. Either Generally: 2. Or Particularly. If we consider them Generally, they may be these, or such like: 1 Spreading. 1. First, a growing or spreading power: as may appear by some similitudes to which it is compared, as that of Ezechiel, Ezech. 17. ●2. 23. where he expresseth it by a tender twig, cut off from the high Cedar, and planted on an high and eminent mountain, which bringeth forth boughs, and bears fruit, and becomes a goodly Cedar, that under it may dwell all fowl of every wing, even in the shadow of it. Mat. 13.30 31. Or that where the Lord jesus compares it to a grain of Mustardseed, which is the least of all seeds, and yet being sown, groweth up, and becometh a tree. Act. 19.10. And it is expressly said of the Word, that it grew powerfully in the Apostles days: Verse 14. So in this Chapter, the same of Christ's Preaching was spread abroad, throughout all the Region round about. Col. 1.6. And the Apostle Paul tells us, that it was in his time spread over all the world, and so you have the growing, increasing, or spreading power of the word. Secondly, 2 Drawing. the word powerfully Preached hath a drawing power. And it may be well said of powerful Preachers, they draw more after them with their tongues, than Hercules could drive before him with his club: It will draw all men to it, we may see it, in the power and efficacy of john Baptists word: Mat. 3.5.7. who knew nothing, but the Doctrine, and Baptism of Repentance: Yet all the Regions flocked after him, and came to his Preaching. And when his Disciples told him that all men came to Christ, as they had formerly to him: he answereth, that a man can receive nothing except it be given him from above: joh. 3.26. As if he should have said: Christ hath this power of drawing men after him, joh. 12.32. from above: and saith further, that the power of Christ in that thing must increase, and his power decrease: and addeth yet further, that therein is his joy fulfilled. Verse 42. And in this Chapter is this confirmed by that, when Christ went into a desert place, all the people were drawn thither also: yea, his word was so powerful, that it drew them by multitudes, joh. 6.14 22.24.25. over Sea, unto him: so that they would have made him a King, for the word hath a drawing power. 3 Searching. Thirdly, the Word powerfully preached, hath a searching power: it can enter into the discerning of the inward parts. Heb. 4.12.13. It discerneth the secret thoughts, and intents of the heart; All things are open and naked to the eyes of it. 1 Cor. 14.25. It finds out men's purposes, lays open their most secret intents, yea, reveals the very depths of Satan: It can go into heaven, and show us what treasures are therein store, it can dig into hell, and discover the torments, prepared for impenitent and rebellious persons; and so you have the searching power. Fourthly, 4 Deuiding it hath a deuiding power: by which it severs one thing from another. It pierceth even to the deuiding asunder of the soul, Heb. 4.12. and the spirit, and the joints, and the marrow. See this also where the Lord saith in this regard: I am not come to send peace but a sword. Mat. 10.34 35. I am come to divide between the Father, and the Son, the Daughter, and the Mother: the Daughter in law, and the Mother in law. As it is expressed in so many words, by another Evangelist thus. Suppose ye that I am come to send peace on the earth. I tell you nay, but rather division: Luke 12.35 for from henceforth there shall be five, in one house, divided, three against two, and two against three. The Father shall be divided against the Son, and the Son against the Father, the Mother against the Daughter, and the Daughter against the Mother, the Mother in law, against her Daughter in law, and the Daughter in law against her Mother in law. Yea, this word divides between clean and unclean; holy and profane; such as swear, and such as fear an oath; between righteousness, and unrighteousness; light, and darkness: true worship and Idolatry; between Christ and Antichrist. So that the word hath a deuiding power. To these may be added, the prevailing power of the word, 5 Prevailing. in that it beareth down all opposition. It will root out, and throw down; destroy and consume: it will build, and plant. It will cast out foul spirits, and convict Conjurers, and make them bring forth their Books of curious arts, and burn them even to the value of many thousand pieces of silver. Act. 19.19.20. So mightily will it grow, and prevail where it is truly taught. Use. 1 By these then, before we go further, even by these general powers or effects of the word, may Ministers examine the truth of their Ministry; even at this day: Doth the word in thy mouth spread itself into all the borders of the congregation? doth it enforce people, at least to talk of thee by the walls? doth it draw them to Church, and gain attention from them? Dost thou perceive that it searcheth their hearts, and layeth open their secret practices, or doth it set them at odds, and make a separation between the godly, and ; the righteous, and the wicked; the religious, and profane? and doth it prevail mightily, in the restraining of the rebellious, and reforming the disorderly? Dost thou find all these, or any of these? then mayst thou conclude with comfort, that God's power doth attend thy preaching: and such people as see these effects, may say that God is present in such Preachers, of a truth. Use. 2 By this such are justly reprehended, as do stumble at these, and such like of all other Preaching, they like that worst, which spreads itself abroad; draws people after it, gains attention, searcheth out the very secret thoughts of the heart, and makes a separation where it comes; prevailing mightily in the convicting of some, the converting of others, the comforting of the godly, the discovery of the hypocrite, and profane person. They cry down such Preachers, and set themselves against such Preaching with all their power: but this will appear more plainly, when we come to the particular powers of the Word. Use. 3 Let this then stir up all God's people to thankfulness, where such a powerful Ministry is enjoyed. Do you perceive that your Ministers same is spread fare and near? do the people of his Parish come to him, and flock to his Ministry? Do you find that his word comes home, and entereth into your bosoms, diveth into your hearts and consciences, discovereth all your secret practices, and prevaileth more and more in these things? break forth into the praises of God, and return due thankes to his Majesty, for his great mercy, in affording such a Ministry, as hath so powerful effects: Such a Ministry is undoubtedly of God. For Christ's Word is with power. To come more particularly to show the powers of the Word; we may consider it, as it is common both to the Elect and reprobate, and as it may be peculiar to either of them. The common powers which work both in the Elect, and reprobate, are these: 1 Convincing. First, a convincing power; when men are not only made to see a difference between truth and error: but also convicted in their consciences, that truth is truth, and error is error. This power in preaching, hath footing on a direct promise, to all such as preach by the holy Spirit. joh. 16.8. They shall convince the World of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement. Acts 18.28 So Apollo's a man mighty in the holy Scriptures, did powerfully prevail to the conviction of the gainsaying jews; and that publicly showing them that jesus was Christ. So it is written; 1 Cor. 14.24. That if all Prophecy, that is, speak the Word plainly with power: If an unlearned man, or an unbeliever be present, he is convinced by such powerful preaching. Secondly, powerful preaching, 2 Terrifying. hath a terrifying power. As when Herod heard only of the birth of Christ, he was terrified, Mat. 2.1.2. and all Jerusalem with him. Acts 24.25 And wicked Foelix hearing a powerful Preacher only reason in his presence of righteousness, temperance, and judgement to come; he trembled. And to such hath God respect, Isai 66.1. especially as tremble at his Word: so that the word powerfully preached, works trembling in both Elect, and reprobate. Hab. 3.16. For so Habacuck saith; I heard, and my belly trembled, my lips quivered at the voice, and yet he was an holy Prophet: and Moses himself at the promulgation of the Law, Heb. 11.21. was constrained to say; I exceedingly fear, and quake. 3 Humbling. Thirdly, the Word powerfully preached, hath an humbling power, both in elect and reprobate: as we perceive in that place before alleged, for the convicting power, that such unlearned and unbelieving as hear such preaching, fall down on their faces, and worship God, and acknowledge that God is present in such Preachers of a truth. And such power was in Christ's preaching in days of his flesh, Mat. 8.29. Mat. 1.24. that it humbled many, even Devils, and wicked persons, as well as others: that they came running, and kneeling down, Mar. 10.17.18. yea, falling down and confessing, that he was the Son of God, and a good man. 1 King. 21.24. Ahab also humbled himself for a little season: And Cain was humbled by the power of this word, though Ahab too little, Gen. 4.14. and Cain overmuch. Fourthly, 4 Restraining. the word powerfully Preached, hath a restraining power. It keeps the reprobate as the elect from breaking out into foul enormities, & doth restrain them from gross sins, as in the presence of Moses, Exo. 32.1.2.3 the people were restrained from Idolatry: which in his absence, they committed with an high hand. And we read of a King of judah, even joash, 2 Chro. 24.2. whole heart was not right, yet did he that which was right in God's fight, all the days of jehoiada the Priest. And experience doth teach us, that where the word is most zealously pressed, and powerfully urged, such places are fare more free from open impieties, than other places where it is not so. 5 Reforming. joh. 6.66. Furthermore, the word hath a reforming power; in both elect, and reprobates. As may appear in those believers, that went back from Christ: and especially of Herod, that wicked man, of whom we read, that he feared john the Baptist, Mar. 6.20. knowing that he was a just, and an holy man, and observed him, and when he heard, he did many things, and heard him gladly. 6 Astonishing. Add to these, that the word hath an astonishing power: by which it stupifies, and doth amaze, as well the reprobate, as the elect: as we see in Simon Magus, Act. 13.8. of whom we read that he believed, and when he was baptised, continued with Philip, and wondered. And we read also of the Preaching of Christ, that the hearers were astonished at his doctrine, Mark. 2.21 22. for he taught as one that had power, and not as the Scribes. Also the word powerfully Preached, is delightful, 7 Delighting. as well to the wicked, as the godly: that it is delightful to the godly, is without question, it is the very joy and rejoicing of their hearts: jer. 15.16. Psal. 19.10. Ezech. 33.32. sweeter to them then honey, and the honeycomb; but to the very wicked, Ezechiel tells us, that such whose hearts do still go after their covetousness, yet his word was as pleasant to them as a lovely song, of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument. Mar. 6.20. And of Herod we read that he heard john gladly: Mat. 13.10.21. Also we see it in that Parable of the stony ground; the application whereof is to reprobate hearers, that yet receive the word with joy. Use. By these common powers of the word, we may perceive how fare reprobates may go in hearing, and what effects it worketh, even in the damned, as in the saved: they may be convicted, terrified, humbled in some measure, restrained, reformed, and delighted by the power of the word: so that such as can go no further, have not set one foot in conversion beyond a very reprobate: How manifestly wretched then are all such as never yet felt these powers in themselves, but that these may also be seen, let us come to the peculiar powers of the word, in elect and reprobate. And first of the powers of the word Preached in the reprobate hearer, and they are either sensible, Insencible or insensible: The insensible powers of the word Preached, in reprobates, is: 1 Hardening that hardening power of the word, whereby their hearts are hardened, and their very consciences seared, 1 Tim. 4.2. as with an hot Iron: that whereas they had at first hearing, some sense, they become by often conviction, altogether senseless: Of this power, Isa. 6.9.10. God speaketh to Isaiah, whose mission seemeth to be chief to that end, as it appeareth where we read it written, that God saith unto him, go tell this people, hear ye indeed, but understand not: and see ye indeed, but perceive not? Make the heart of this people fat; and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes. This the holy Apostle Paul applieth to the unbelieving jews, where he saith; Well spoke the holy Ghost, Act. 28.25: 26.27. by Esayas the Prophet, unto our Fathers, saying, Go unto this people and say; hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing, you shall see; and shall not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross. Eph. 4.19. And the same Paul tells us of some that are past feeling. 2 Destroying. Another power of the word, which is also insensible, may be that destroying power: whereby the wicked are not only more and more hardened, but have all the faculties of the soul perverted, and by degrees destroyed. 2 Cor. 2.16 And that the word hath such a destroying power, appeareth where it is called, the savour of death unto death. jer. 1.10. And jeremies' mission gave him power to destroy and throw down, as well as to build and plant. And the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians, 2 Cor. 10.8 & 13.10. or the elect at Corinth, that he used his power toward them to edification, and not to destruction: so that the word Preached, hath a destroying power. The sensible powers of the word, Sensible. in the very reprobate are either that tormenting power, or else that binding power. And that such a scorching or tormenting, 1 Scorching. or cutting power of the word, is sensibly apprehended by reprobates, we may perceive in Ahab, who in that respect, 1 King. 18.17. & 21.20. & 22.8. called Eliah the troubler of Israel, and hated Micaiah, another powerful Preacher, for that he vexed or tormented him, never Preaching good unto him, but evil. And in Foelix, who was so vexed by Paul's reasoning, Act. 24.25. that he sent him away And the jews who being convicted, Act. 7.54.57. were cut at the heart by the Preaching of Steven, and gnashed upon him with their teeth: and stopping their ears, ran upon him, as they did on his Master, as hath been showed out of this Chapter: Verse 28.29. And therefore it is compared to fire which scorcheth men with great heat, and causeth them to discover themselves by blasphemies. Reu. 16.8.9. 2 Binding. Another sensible power of the Word, is that binding power, by which wicked reprobates do see themselves bound hand and foot, Mat. 22.13. and cast out of the Church, and God's protection; that is, do perceive that they are severed from the godly, and shut out of the inheritance of the Saints in light: and do also perceive that they have no power any more to move a foot towards that way, or an hand to that excellent work. And this is done by the power of the holy spirit in joh. 20.23. the word Preached. Use. By this we learn, not to think it strange though some hearers wax worse & worse, & become more hardhearted, and less sensible, either of mercies or judgements, even where the word is powerfully Preached; 2 Thes. 2.8. yea, become not only benumbed, that they even fall asleep ordinarily at the Preaching of the same; but also (to such as understand) become apparently more ignorant and sottish, more perverse, and peevish: yea, are even consumed as it were to nothing by the Preaching thereof; that whereas they have seemed to be pleased with a Sermon, and have done some things gladly, and sorborne other things which the word forbids: yea, been much humbled with a kind of trembling, and astonishment at the conviction of their consciences, now they are not stirred at all, nor delighted, nor yet at all do admire it, but count it as a common thing, and by how much the more powerful it is, by so much less do they regard it: yea, by so much more neglect it, & contemn it. Nor yet may we wonder that they are filled with wrath, and rage at the Preachers of it: seeing they do plainly see themselves sensibly bound, as it were hand and foot, and cast out amongst dogs, and swine: and also continually scorched, and vexed by the heat, and fervency of such powerful preaching. No wonder then if they cry down such Preaching, and get to themselves heaps of teachers, 2 Tim. 4.3.4. that if one prick, another may please: You have seen clearly, such are the powers of the word truly taught, that it tormenteth, bindeth, hardeneth; yea, destroyeth and consumeth the very reprobates: and there is no other effect to be looked for in any such, but these, to be trembled at in the naming of them. Come we now to the powers of the word Preached, in the very Elect, those that are peculiar to them in a special manner; and let us take them either as they are manifested in their conversion, or confirmation. And first in their converting: Converting power. and they are either that opening, pricking, bruising, or that turning power of the word: and first of that opening power. First, 1 Opening. the word hath an opening power, whereby it doth not only open the eyes of the Elect, as it may of the reprobate, Numb. 24.16. as Balaams' eyes were opened: but in a more clear manner, Reuel. 3.18. are they made to see the mysteries of godliness, than any reprobate, and to this end their hearts are opened with Lydia, Act. 16.14. that they not only understand, but affect what they understand: and in this sense it may be called the key of David, Reu. 3.7. that openeth, and no man shutteth: that is, that so openeth that it can never be shut or closed any more; Mat. 13.11. and this is proper to the Elect. 2 Pricking. Secondly, the word Preached, hath a pricking power: by which it doth not only somewhat trouble, but throughly wound the very heart of God's people, Act. 1.37. as were those Converts to whom Peter Preached, they were pricked in their hearts: therefore is it in this respect, compared even to sharp arrows, Psal. 45.5. as hath been showed; it pierceth into the very souls of poor sinners, and makes them sensible of their transgression, Heb. 4.12. and this is also proper to the Elect. Thirdly, 3 Bruising. the Word powerfully preached, hath the power of bruising, yea, of breaking to pieces the very Elect, as jeremiah tells us, jer. 23.29. where he compares it to an hammer, that breaketh rocks. So it breaketh their hard and stony hearts, and maketh them not only seem nothing in their own eyes, but also maketh them the more capable of the new work of regeneration, Ezech. 11.19. as Ezechiel speaks, where God saith by him; I will take out your stony hearts, and give you hearts of flesh. This is that renting of the heart, which God requireth: joel 2.13. and that broken heart, that he will not despise. Psal. 51.17 Lastly, the Word preached, 1 Turning. hath also a turning power, by which it changeth men's minds, and also altereth their affections. So it was said of john the Baptist, that he should go before Christ, Luke 1.17. in the Spirit, and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the Fathers to the Children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. Psal. 19.7.1 So we read, that it is one property of the Doctrine of God, to convert the soul. And this power, the holy Apostle Paul speaks of to the Thessalonians, where he saith; 1 Thes. 1.5.9. Our Gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power: in that it turned them from Idols to serve the living and true God. And this was the end of his sending, Acts 26.18 not only to open men's eyes, but to turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God: And so you have the opening, pricking, bruising, and turning power of the Word, which appertain to the converting of the Elect, and so may be said to be proper to them only. Use. 1 If this be so, that such powers of the Word are in the Elect only, then hereby such as are desirous to know their election to be of God, may try themselves by these: Hath the Word preached opened thine eyes? yea, thine heart? and hast thou felt a pricking power in thy soul, for sin? hath thine heart been, not only pricked, but bruised? yea, broken so, that thou art come to a selfe-deniall? yea, to find thyself nothing? and art thou turned, and altogether changed, by the power of Preaching? Canst thou truly say; thou seest, and understandest the misery of thy sinful nature? and art grieved at the heart for sin? and dost find, that by sin thou art even become of no account, and that deservedly with God? and dost thou find thy heart quite turned, by a detestation of thy former evil way, and a vehement care of drawing near to God, and being reconciled to his Majesty? by these thou mayest be able to conclude with comfort, that thou art in the true way to eternal life, and without doubt ordained to everlasting happiness. And that thou mayest be yet further assured, we will proceed to the power of the Word, in confirming such as are thus turned to God. Confirming power. The same Word that thus converteth, doth also confirm the converted; and that by these powerful effects which follow. 1 Healing. First, the Word as it woundeth, so it healeth; it hath an healing power, Psal. 107.20. as the Psalmist witnesseth, where we read of such as are spiritually sick with the conscience of sin; God sent his Word, and healed them. And Christ proclaimeth it in this Chapter, that his Word hath an healing power; where applying the Prophecy of Esayas to himself, he saith; Ver. 18.23. Isa 61.6. He is sent to heal the broken in heart: which the Prophet calls bind up. So that the Word powerfully preached, is that good Samaritan, Luke 10. ● 30. which binds up the wounds of that sinwounded Traveller; and the only Balm of Gilead, that healing medicine, whereby health is restored to the sick soul. Use. 1 Let God's people learn hence, where to have recourse for health: The Word is only able to wound and heal; here are the leaves of that Tree to be gathered, which serve for the healing of the Nations. Reu. 12.2. If any be then wounded by the Word, let not that drive them from it, but rather draw them to it; if ever they will have health, here, and no where else may they expect it; and it may be an argument of the truth of election, if the Word have healed, as well as wounded thee: or if at least thou seek health at the Word preached. 2 Losing. Secondly, the Word hath also the power of losing, or setting free, such as are turned to God; that whereas before they have lived in thraldom and bondage, now are they partakers of the glorious liberty of the sons of God: Luke 13.12.16. yea, never did Christ's words more manifestly free that daughter of Abraham, (whom Satan had bound eighteen years, that she could not lift up herself) from that devilish bond; then such as are Gods, are free, and set at liberty by the word preached, to run the ways of God's Commandments. Isa 61.1. We may see it in that Prophecy of Esayas, which our Saviour applieth to this end, Verse 18. in this Chapter; where we read, that he is sent to preach deliverance to the captives, and to set at liberty such as are bruised: yea, to preach the year of jubilee, Verse 19 or the acceptable year of the Lord. So is this power promised to all faithful Preachers, in these words; Mat. 16.19 & 18.18. Whatsoever you lose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven: And whosoever sins you remit, joh. 20.23. they are remitted. This our Lord also at another time affirmed, where he saith; If you continue in my Word, then are you my Disciples indeed: joh 8.31.32. and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. Use. By this all may be able further to be confirmed in the truth of their election; if they having been by Nature sins vassals, joh. 8.33.34. and in bondage thereunto, led captive by the Devil at his own will, and by the virtue and powerful efficacy of the Word, are now loosed, and set at liberty, not only to stand upright, but to walk, and to run the ways of God's Commandments. Try thyself then, 2 Cor. 3.17. art thou such a free man? Where the Spirit is, there is this liberty, saith the Apostle Paul. Art thou then set at liberty? by what public Sermon, or Sermons? or by what private application of the promises to thy soul? when, or since what time hast thou perceived the striking off of thy chains, the opening of the prison door, and iron gate of thy sins, that thou mightest be admitted to the fellowship of the Saints? The Word powerfully preached, doth heal, as well as wound; and lose the Elect, as bind the reprobate. And so much also for the power of losing, which is also proper to God's chosen people. Thirdly, 3 Heating. the word powerfully Preached doth warm, yea, heat the cold hearts of poor humbled sinners, and in this sense it is compared to fire, as David speaks of it, Psal. 39.3. where he saith, His heart was hot within him, and while he was musing how to be silent (in the presence of the wicked) the fire burned. jer. ●0. 9. And jeremy resolving also upon silence, tells us that this word was in his heart as a burning fire, shut up in his bones: insomuch that he was weary with forbearing, and could not stay: And the Disciples that had Christ's company in their way to Emaus, say of his conference: Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us by the way? Luke 24.32. and this is that which the spirit findeth absent in that Church of Laodicea. Revel. 3.15.19 Where it wisheth that they were either hot or cold: and commands them to be zealous, that is, to be hot and fervent. Use. By this also may we be further confirmed in the truth of our Election; if the word hath warmed, or doth heat us: Eph. 2.1. We are cold all by nature, as being dead in sins and trespasses: and so benumbed with cold, and even frozen in the dirt of wickedness, if this word have thawed us, and so also warmed our hearts, and doth still heat us, that we can feelingly say, we are heated; yea, our hearts burn within us, in prayer, holy conference, and in the Preaching of the word: and that the heat of it is so great, that it even wasteth us in the love of God, zeal for his glory, and the love of God's Church, and of all men; yea, so great is this heat, that the many waters of discouragements, Cant. 8.6.7 nor floods of opposition; yea, our own rash resolutions cannot quench it. but it flasheth out now and then, and will not be extinguished: this is a notable confirmation of the excellency of our estate, and that we are undoubtedly God's Elect and chosen ones, seeing this is a power peculiar and properly belonging unto them. Fourthly, 4 Comforting. the word powerfully Preached, hath a comforting power, in Gods Elect. It is their comforter in all their troubles: this is that which wipeth all tears from their eyes: and by which they are dandled upon the knees of God's love. Isai. 66.11.12. Psal. 19.8. So we read, that the Statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; yea, this word to jeremy, jer. 15.16. Psal. 119.14. ●0 was his only joy. It was David's comfort in affliction: yea, he rejoiced as much in God's word, as in all manner of riches: It was sweeter to his mouth then honey, and the honeycomb. Use. This comfort of the word may be also a notable means of confirmation to such as are turned to God. Let me say unto such, what is it that delights you? Is it the free promises of the Gospel? doth the word not only joy you in the hearing, and in time of prosperity? but also cheer you in suffering, and in the greatest trouble and adversity? Is it the word which as a Mother doth dandle thee, as a child on the knees of sound comfort, and wipe away all tears from thine eyes? be assured that thou art also one of God's Elect, a redeemed one: If his powerful word that hath made thee truly sorrowful, doth also restore sound comforts unto thee. Besides these, the powerful word doth also discover its power in God's Elect by killing them; 5 Killing. yea, striking them under the fifth rib of their sins. The word will strike the man of sin through the forehead, as David smote Goliath with a stone from his sling: yea, it will make sin fall grovelling to the earth, and cut off the very head of it. It will cut it at the heart, and nail it to the very Cross of Christ: Gal. 5.24. as it is written; They that are Christ's, have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Col. 3.3.4. It mortifies such as are God's Elect in that manner, that they can say, They are dead, Gal. 2.19.20 and, I live no more. They that were dead in sin, are dead to sin by the power of this word where it is effectually Preached to the Elect. Use. Try we ourselves also by this, do we find the word so powerfully prevailing, that it hath slain us, and crucified our flesh with the affections and lusts? 1 joh. 3.8. hath it destroyed the strong holds of sin, and all the works of the Devil in us? hath it bound the strong man and cast him out? and doth it daily, and every time we hear, Luke 11. mortify the deeds of the flesh, our earthly members? Col. 3.4. by this we may also conclude, that it is profitable to us; and that we are God's Elect, by this power which is peculiar to God's people. 6 Quickening. Add to these, that quickening power of the word Preached, whereby it doth revive, and put not only heat, joh. 5.24.25. but life into such as hear it. Of this speaketh the Lord of life, where he saith; Isai. 55.3. The dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and such as hear shall live. And the Prophet Esayas, Hear, and your souls shall live. And how were the Ephesians quickened? Eph. 2.1. & 1.13. who before were dead in trespasses and sins: but by the Preaching of the Gospel, this powerful word? Use. How fare off then are such from any assurance of their election to be of God, who know not what belongs to this life? They are sensible of the life of the body, but this life, it is to them a strange thing, this word, The just shall live by faith; is a Mystery of Mysteries, a dark and obscure riddle: and therefore it may much confirm, and add to the comfort of God's people, when they can truly say, that they now live; it is by the faith of the Son of God, who loved them, and gave himself for them. Art thou now quickened? since when hast thou felt this reviving? Thou wert once dead▪ If thou be'st now alive, thou mayst be bold to conclude, that thou art ordained to life; seeing thou hast the beginnings of it already; and so much also for the power of quickening. 7 Renewing Last of all, the Word hath a renewing power: It doth not only heal, lose, revive, heat, and comfort the souls of the Elect, but they are renewed by it; their health, freedom, life, heat, and comforts, are increased daily more and more, they go on from strength to strength, Psal. ●4. 7. and are daily renewed in the image of their minds: they renew their strength, Isa 40.31. as the Eagles; they are daily edified, 2 Cor. 13.10. and built up in their most holy faith. And this is done by their purging, jude verse 20 through the washing of water by the Word, and by the wholesome clothing, 1 Pet. ●. ●. and feeding, the word affords. What shall I more say? the time would fail me, to speak of all the powers of the word. Use. If the Word hath this renewing power? by this also may God's people try, and examine themselves; doth the Word preached renew thy strength? is it by that thou increasest in holiness and righteousness? dost thou find a growth, and going on? yea, an ability to run without weariness, and to walk without fainting? This may be to thy soul an evident sign, that thou art ordained to eternal life. Application. You see that the Word powerfully preached, is effectual in one kind or other, to such as bear it; and you have also heard the powerful effects of the same, of both kinds, in the Elect and reprobate. Know then for conclusion, that if we that are Preachers, perceive not the manifest effects of the powerful Word in your conversion, and confirmation; you are in danger to feel its power, to your destruction and condemnation: It will be either the savour of life, or of death, to all that hear it. Labour then to let it have its effect, in the saving of your souls: suffer the words of exhortation, though they prick, and wound, and kill, and work sorrow in your souls; yet they will heal, and revive, and glad the hearts of all that submit thereunto: yea, this is that means which God hath left, as the chief means, for the saving of such as are ordained to life, the word shall be powerful to convert, and establish, and build them all up in their most holy Faith; yea, to present them blameless before the presence of God's glory with exceeding joy. Beware then of contending against it: It is hard kicking against the pricks, dangerous stumbling at this stone, fearful falling on this rock; Men may rage's at, and persecute such powerful Preachers, Reu. 11. 5● but the word in their mouths, is like fire, jer. 5.14. to consume all that dare touch them for hurt. Now therefore contemn it not, lest your hearts be hardened, and your consciences seared, by the power thereof; lest you be more & more tormented by it, and at length bound hand and foot, and delivered over to Satan: yea, cast into utter darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. I desire to use that power I have received to your conversion, and edification, and not to destruction. Let the Word then prick you, that it may promote you; let it lance you, that it may lose you; let it kill you, that it may quicken you; let it bruise you, that it may bind you up; let it terrify you, that it may turn you from all impiety; let it work sensibly upon you for your saving, that it work not insensibly for your damning. Which GOD grant, and for which I will bow my knees, unto that most powerful God, that he will grant you according to the riches of his grace, the power of turning from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to himself, that you may receive the forgiveness of sins, and inheritance amongst them that are sanctified, by faith in Christ jesus; and that all such as are already translated from death to life, and from the power of darkness, into the Kingdom of Christ jesus, may be daily built up, and be more and more renewed, in the image of their minds, and become more conformable to Christ their glory: and that even for jesus Christ's sake. Amen. Let us now return thankes to our God, and pray for a blessing upon what we have heard, etc. FINIS.