Thereisnothingmoreincidenttomenthatareawakeintheirsouls，thantohavewrongthoughtsofGod；thoughtsthatarenarrow，andthatpinchandpenuphismercytoscantyandbeggarlyconclusions，andrigidlegalconditions；supposingthatitisrude，andanintrenchinguponhismajesty，tocomeourselves，ortoinviteothers，untilwehavescrapedandwashed，andrubbedoffasmuchofourdirtfromusaswethinkisconvenient，tomakeussomewhatorderlyandhandsomeinhissight。Suchneverknewwhatthesewordsmeant，\"BeginatJerusalem：\"yea，suchintheirheartshavecomparedtheFatherandhisSontoniggardlyrichmen，whosemoneycomesfromthemlikedropsofblood。True，sayssuch，Godhasmercy，butheisloathtopartwithit；youmustpleasehimwell，ifyougetanyfromhim；
heisnotsofreeasmanysuppose，norishesowillingtosaveassomepretendedgospellersimagine。ButIasksuch，iftheFatherandSonbenotunspeakablyfreetoshewmercy，whywasthisclauseputintoourcommissiontopreachthegospel？Yea，whydidhesay，\"BeginatJerusalem：\"forwhenmen，throughtheweaknessoftheirwits，haveattemptedtoshewotherreasonswhytheyshouldhavethefirstprofferofmercy；yetIcanprove（bymanyundeniablereasons）
thattheyofJerusalem（towhomtheapostlesmadethefirstoffer，accordingastheywerecommanded）werethebiggestsinnersthateverdidbreatheuponthefaceofGod’searth，（settheunpardonablesinaside），uponwhichmydoctrinestandslikearock，thatJesustheSonofGodwouldhavemercyinthefirstplaceofferedtothebiggestsinners：andifthisdothnotshewtheheartoftheFatherandtheSontobeinfinitelyfreeinbestowingforgivenessofsins，Iconfessmyselfmistaken。
Neitheristhere，setthisaside，anotherargumentlikeit，toshewusthewillingnessofChristtosavesinners；for，aswassaidbefore，alltherestofthesignsofChrist’smercifulnessmighthavebeenlimitedtosinnersthataresoandsoqualified；butwhenhesays，\"BeginatJerusalem，\"thelineisstretchedouttotheutmost：
nomancanimaginebeyondit；anditisfollyheretopinchandpare，tonarrow，andseektobringitwithinscantybounds；forheplainlysaith，\"BeginatJerusalem，\"thebiggestsinneristhebiggestsinner；thebiggestistheJerusalemsinner。
Itistrue，hesaith，thatrepentanceandremissionofsinsmustgotogether，butyetremissionissenttothechief，theJerusalemsinner；nordothrepentancelessenatalltheJerusalemsinner’scrimes；itdiminishethnoneofhissins，norcausesthatthereshouldbesomuchashalfaonethefewer：itonlyputsastoptotheJerusalemsinner’scourse，andmakeshimwillingtobesavedfreelybygrace；andfortimetocometobegovernedbythatblessedwordthathasbroughtthetidingsofgoodthingstohim。
Besides，nomanshewshimselfwillingtobesavedthatrepentethnotofhisdeeds；forhethatgoesonstillinhistrespasses，declaresthatheisresolvedtopursuehisowndamnationfurther。
LearnthentojudgeofthelargenessofGod’sheart，andoftheheartofhisSonJesusChrist，bytheword；judgenotthereofbyfeeling，norbythereportsofthyconscience；conscienceisoftentimesherebefooledandmadetogoquitebesidetheword。ItwasjudgingwithoutthewordthatmadeDavidsay，IamcastofffromGod’seyes，andshallperishonedaybythehandofSaul；Psalmxxxi。22；1Sam。
xxvii。1。
Thewordhadtoldhimanotherthing；namely，thatheshouldbekinginhisstead。Ourtextsaysalso，thatJesusChristbidspreachers，intheirpreachingrepentanceandremissionofsins，beginfirstatJerusalem，therebydeclaringmosttrulytheinfinitelargenessofthemercifulheartofGodandhisSon，tothesinfulchildrenofmen。
Judgethou，Isay，therefore，ofthegoodnessoftheheartofGodandhisSon，bythistext，andbyothersofthesameimport；soshaltthounotdishonourthegraceofGod，norneedlesslyfrightthyself，norgiveawaythyfaith，norgratifythedevil，norlosethebenefitofhisword。Ispeaknowtoweakbelievers。
Secondly，WouldJesusChristhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners，totheJerusalemsinners？then，bythisalso，youmustlearntojudgeofthesufficiencyofthemeritsofChrist；
notthatthemeritsofChristcanbecomprehended，forthattheyarebeyondtheconceptionsofthewholeworld，beingcalledtheunsearchablerichesofChrist；butyettheymaybeapprehendedtoaconsiderabledegree。Now，thewaytoapprehendthemmost，is，toconsiderwhatoffers，afterhisresurrection，hemakesofhisgracetosinners；fortobesurehewillnotofferbeyondthevirtueofhismerits；because，asgraceisthecauseofhismerits，sohismeritsarethebasisandboundsuponandbywhichhisgracestandsgood，andisletouttosinners。
Dothhethencommandthathismercyshouldbeofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners？Itdeclares，thatthereissufficiencyinhisbloodtosavethebiggestsinners。ThebloodofJesusChristcleansethfromallsin。Andagain，\"Beitknownuntoyoutherefore，menandbrethren，thatthroughthisman（thisman’smerits）ispreacheduntoyoutheforgivenessofsins：andbyhimallthatbelievearejustifiedfromallthings，fromwhichyecouldnotbejustifiedbythelawofMoses；\"Actsxiii。38。
ObservethenthyruletomakejudgmentofthesufficiencyoftheblessedmeritsofthySaviour。IfhehadnotbeenabletohavereconciledthebiggestsinnerstohisFatherbyhisblood，hewouldnothavesenttothem，havesenttotheminthefirstplace，thedoctrineofremissionofsins；forremissionofsinsisthroughfaithinhisblood。WearejustifiedfreelybythegraceofGod，throughtheredemptionthatisinthebloodofChrist。Uponthesquare，asI
maycallit，oftheworthinessofthebloodofChrist，graceacts，andoffersforgivenessofsintomen；Eph。i。7；chap。ii。13，14；
Col。i。20—22。
Hence，therefore，wemustgather，thatthebloodofChristisofinfinitevalue，forthatheofferethmercytothebiggestofsinners。
Nay，further，sinceheofferethmercyinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners，consideringalso，thatthisfirstactofhisisthatwhichtheworldwilltakenoticeofandexpectitshouldbecontinueduntotheeend。Alsoitisadisparagementtoamanthatseekshisowngloryinwhatheundertakes，todothatforasport，whichhecannotcontinueandholdoutin。ThisisourLord’sownargument，\"Hebegantobuild，\"saithhe，\"butwasnotabletofinish；\"Lukexiv。28。
Shouldstthouhearamansay，Iamresolvedtobekindtothepoor，andshouldbeginwithgivinghandfulsofguineas，youwouldconclude，thateitherheiswonderfulrich，ormuststraitenhishand，orwillsoonbeatthebottomofhisriches。Why，thisisthecase：Christ，athisresurrection，gaveitoutthathewouldbegoodtotheworld；
andfirstsendstothebiggestsinners，withanintenttohavemercyonthem。Now，thebiggestsinnerscannotbesavedbutbyabundanceofgrace；itisnotalittlethatwillsavegreatsinners；Rom。v。
17。AndIsayagain，sincetheLordJesusmountsthushighatthefirst，andsendstotheJerusalemsinners，thattheymaycomefirsttopartakeofhismercy，itfollows，thateitherhehasunsearchablerichesofgraceandworthinhimself，orelsehemuststraitenhishand，orhisgraceandmeritswillbespentbeforetheworldisatanend。Butletitbebelieved，assurelyasspoken，heisstillasfullasever。Heisnotajotthepoorerforalltheforgivenessesthathehasgivenawaytogreatsinners。Alsoheisstillasfreeasatfirst；forheneveryetcalledbackthisword，BeginattheJerusalemsinners。And，asIsaidbefore，sincehisgraceisextendedaccordingtotheworthofhismerits，Iconclude，thatthereisthesamevirtueinhismeritstosavenow，astherewasattheverybeginning。
Oh!therichesofthegraceofChrist!Oh!therichesofthebloodofChrist!
Thirdly，WouldJesusChristhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners，thenhereisencouragementforyouthatthink，forwickedheartsandlives，youhavenotyourfellowsintheworld，yettocometohim。
ThereisapeoplethatthereforefearlesttheyshouldberejectedofJesusChrist，becauseofthegreatnessoftheirsins；when，asyouseehere，sucharesentto，senttobyJesusChristtocometohimformercy，\"BeginatJerusalem。\"Neverdidonethingansweranothermorefitlyinthisworld，thanthistextfittethsuchkindofsinners。Asfaceanswerethfaceinaglass，sothistextanswereththenecessitiesofsuchsinners。Whatcanamansaymore，butthathestandsintherankofthebiggestsinners？lethimstretchhimselfwhitherhecan，andthinkofhimselftotheutmost，hecanbutconcludehimselftobeoneofthebiggestsinners。Andwhatthen？
Whythetextmeetshimintheveryface，andsaith，Christofferethmercytothebiggestsinners，totheveryJerusalemsinners。Whatmorecanbeobjected？Nay，hedothnotonlyoffertosuchhismercy，buttothemitiscommandedtobeofferedinthefirstplace；\"BeginatJerusalem。\"Preachrepentanceandremissionofsinsamongallnations。\"BeginatJerusalem。\"Isnothereencouragementforthosethatthink，forwickedheartsandlives，theyhavenottheirfellowsintheworld？
Object。ButIhaveaheartashardasarock。
Answ。Well，butthisdothbutprovetheeabiggersinner。
Object。ButmyheartcontinuallyfretsagainsttheLord。
Answ。Well，thisdothbutprovetheeabiggersinner。
Object。ButIhavebeendesperateinsinfulcourses。
Answ。Well，standthouwiththenumberofthebiggestsinners。
Object。Butmygreyheadisfoundinthewayofwickedness。
Answ。Well，thouartintherankofthebiggestsinners。
Object。ButIhavenotonlyabaseheart，butIhavelivedadebauchedlife。
Answ。Standthoualsoamongthosethatarecalledthebiggestsinners。Andwhatthen？Whythetextswoopsyouall；youcannotobjectyourselvesbeyondthetext。Ithasaparticularmessagetothebiggestsinners。Isay，itswoopsyouall。
Object。ButIamareprobate。
Answ。Nowthoutalkestlikeafool，andofthatthouunderstandestnot：nosin，butthesinoffinalimpenitence，canproveamanareprobate；andIamsurethouhastnotarrivedasyetuntothat；
thereforethouunderstandestnotwhatthousayest，andmakestgroundlessconclusionsagainstthyself。Saythouartasinner，andI
willholdwiththee；saythouartagreatsinner，andIwillsaysotoo；yea，saythouartoneofthebiggestsinners，andsparenot；forthetextyetisbeyondthee，isyetbetwixtheandthee；\"BeginatJerusalem，\"hasyetasmileuponthee；andthoutalkestasifthouwastareprobate，andthatthegreatnessofthysinsdoprovetheesotobe，whenyettheyofJerusalemwerenotsuch，whosesins，Idaresay，weresuch，bothforbignessandheineousness，asthouartincapableofcommittingbeyondthem；unlessnow，afterthouhastreceivedconvictionthattheLordJesusistheonlySaviouroftheworld，thoushouldstwickedlyanddespitefullyturnthyselffromhim，andconcludeheisnottobetrustedtoforlife，andsocrucifyhimforacheatafresh。This，Imustconfess，willbringamanundertheblackrod，andsethimindangerofeternaldamnation；Heb。vi。6：
chap。x。29。ThisistramplingunderfoottheSonofGod，andcountinghisbloodanunholything。ThisdidtheyofJerusalem；buttheydiditignorantlyinunbelief；andsowereyetcapableofmercy：
buttodothisagainstprofessedlight，andtostandtoit，putsamanbeyondthetextindeed；Actsiii。14—17；1Tim。i。13。
ButIsay，whatisthistohimthatwouldfainbesavedbyChrist？
Hissinsdid，astogreatness，neveryetreachtothenatureofthesinsthatthesinnersintendedbythetext，hadmadethemselvesguiltyof。HethatwouldbesavedbyChrist，hasanhonourableesteemofhim；buttheyofJerusalempreferredamurdererbeforehim；
butasforhim，theycried，Away，awaywithhim，itisnotfitthatheshouldlive。Perhapsthouwiltobject，Thatthyselfhastathousandtimespreferredastinkinglustbeforehim：Ianswer，Beitso；itisbutwhatiscommontomentodo；nordoththeLordJesusmakesuchafoolishlifeabartothee，toforbidthycomingtohim，orabondtohisgrace，thatitmightbekeptfromthee；butadmitsofthyrepentance，andofferethhimselfuntotheefreely，asthoustandestamongtheJerusalemsinners。
Takethereforeencouragement，man，mercyis，bythetext，heldforthtothebiggestsinners；yea，putthyselfintothenumberoftheworst，byreckoningthatthoumaystbeoneofthefirst，andmaystnotbeputofftillthebiggestsinnersareserved；forthebiggestsinnersarefirstinvited；consequently，iftheycome，theyareliketobethefirstthatshallbeserved。ItwassowithJerusalem；
Jerusalemsinnersweretheythatwerefirstinvited，andthoseofthemthatcamefirst（andtherecamethreethousandofthemthefirstdaytheywereinvited；howmanycameafterwardsnonecantell），theywerefirstserved。
Putinthyname，man，amongthebiggest，lestthouartmadetowaittilltheyareserved。Youhavesomementhatthinkthemselvesverycunning，becausetheyputuptheirnamesintheirprayersamongthemthatfeignit，saying，God，IthanktheeIamnotsobadastheworst。Butbelieveit，iftheybesavedatall，theyshallbesavedinthelastplace。Thefirstintheirowneyesshallbeservedlast；
andthelastorworstshallbefirst。Thetextinsinuatesit，\"BeginatJerusalem；\"andreasonbacksit，fortheyhavemostneed。Beholdye，therefore，howGod’swaysareaboveours；weareforservingtheworstlast，Godisforservingtheworstfirst。Themanatthepool，thattomythinkingwaslongestinhisdisease，andmosthelplessastohiscure，wasfirsthealed；yea，heonlywashealed；forwereadthatChristhealedhim，butwereadnotthenthathehealedonemorethere!Johnv。1—10。
Wherefore，ifthouwouldstsoonestbeserved，putinthynameamongtheveryworstofsinners。Say，whenthouartuponthyknees，Lord，hereisaJerusalemsinner!asinnerofthebiggestsize!onewhoseburdenisofthegreatestbulkandheaviestweight!onethatcannotstandlongwithoutsinkingintohell，withoutthysupportinghand!
\"Benotthoufarfromme，OLord!Omystrength，hastethoutohelpmeIsay，putinthynamewithMagdalen，withManasseh，thatthoumaystfareastheMagdalenandtheManassehsinnersdo。ThemaninthegospelmadethedesperateconditionofhischildanargumentwithChristtohastehiscure：\"Sir，comedown，\"saithhe，\"eremychilddie；\"Johniv。49，andChristregardedhishaste，saying，\"Gothyway；thysonliveth；\"ver。50。Hasterequireshaste。Davidwasforspeed；\"Delivermespeedily；\"\"Hearmespeedily；\"\"Answermespeedily；\"Psalmxxxi。2；lxix。17；cii。2。Butwhyspeedily？Iamin\"thenet；\"\"Iamintrouble；\"\"Mydaysareconsumedlikesmoke；\"
Psalmxxxi。4；lxix。17；cii。3。Deepcallethuntodeep，necessitycallsforhelp；greatnecessityforpresenthelp。
Wherefore，Isay，beruledbymeinthismatter；feignnotthyselfanotherman，ifthouhastbeenafilthysinner，butgointhycolourstoJesusChrist，andputthyselfamongthemostvile，andlethimalonetoputtheeamongthechildren；Jer。iii。19。Confessallthatthouknowestofthyself；Iknowthouwiltfindithardworktodothus；especiallyifthymindbelegal；butdoit，lestthoustayandbedeferredwiththelittlesinners，untilthegreatoneshavehadtheiralms。WhatdoyouthinkDavidintendedwhenhesaid，hiswoundsstunkandwerecorrupted，buttohastenGodtohavemercyuponhim，andnottodeferhiscure？\"Lord，\"sayshe，\"Iamtroubled；I
amboweddowngreatly；Igomourningallthedaylong。\"\"Iamfeebleandsorebroken，byreasonofthedisquietnessofmyheart；\"Psalmxxxviii。3—8。
Davidknewwhathedidbyallthis；heknewthathismakingtheworstofhiscase，wasthewaytospeedyhelp，andthatafeigninganddissemblingthematterwithGod，wasthenextwaytoademurastohisforgiveness。
Ihaveonethingmoretoofferforthyencouragement，whodeemestthyselfoneofthebiggestsinners；andthatis，thouartasitwerecalledbythyname，inthefirstplace，tocomeinformercy。ThoumanofJerusalem，hearkentothycall；mendosoincourtsofjudicature，andpresentlycryout，Here，Sir；andthentheyshoulderandcrowd，andsay，Praygiveway，Iamcalledintothecourt。Why，thisthycase，thougreat，thouJerusalemsinner；beofgoodcheer，hecalleththee；Markx。46—49。Whysitttestthoustill？arise：whystandestthoustill？comeman，thycallshouldgivetheeauthoritytocome。\"BeginatJerusalem，\"isthycallandauthoritytocome；
whereforeupandshoulderit，man；say，Standaway，devil，Christcallsme；standawayunbelief，Christcallsme；standawayallyemydiscouragingapprehensions，formySaviourcallsmetohimtoreceiveofhismercy。Menwilldothus，asIsaid，incourtsbelow；andwhyshouldstnotthouapproachthustothecourtabove？TheJerusalemsinnerisfirstinthought，firstincommission，firstintherecordofnames；andthereforeshouldgiveattendancewithexpectation，thatheisfirsttoreceivemercyofGod。
IsnotthisanencouragementtothebiggestsinnerstomaketheirapplicationtoChristformercy？\"Comeuntomeallyethatlabourandareheavyladen，\"dothalsoconfirmthisthing；thatis，thatthebiggestsinner，andhethathasthebiggestburden，ishewhoisfirstinvited。Christpointethovertheheadsofthousands，ashesitsonthethroneofgrace，directlytosuchaman；andsays，Bringinhitherthemaimed，thehalt，andtheblind；lettheJerusalemsinnerthatstandstherebehindcometome。Wherefore，sinceChristsays，。Come，tothee，lettheeangelsmakealane，andletallmengiveplace，thattheJerusalemsinnermaycometoJesusChristformercy。
Fourthly，WouldJesusChristhavemercyoffered，inthefirstplace，tothebiggestsinners？Thencomethouprofanewretch，andletmealittleenterintoanargumentwiththee。WhywiltthounotcometoJesusChrist，sincethouartaJerusalemsinner？Howcanstthoufindinthyhearttosetthyselfagainstgrace，againstsuchgraceasofferethmercytothee？Whatspiritpossesseththee，andholdstheebackfromasincereclosurewiththySaviour？BeholdGodgroaninglycomplainsofthee，saying，\"ButIsraelwouldnoneofme。\"\"WhenI
called，nonedidanswer；\"Psl。lxxxi。11；Isa。lxvi。4。
ShallGodenterthiscomplaintagainstthee？Whydostthouputhimoff？Whydostthoustopthineear？Canstthoudefendthyself？Whenthouartcalledtoanaccountforthyneglectsofsogreatsalvation，whatcanstthouanswer？ordoestthouthinkthoushaltescapethejudgment？Heb。ii。3。
NomoresuchChrists!TherewillbenomoresuchChrists，sinner!
Oh，putnottheday，thedayofgrace，awayfromthee!ifitbeoncegone，itwillnevercomeagain，sinner。
Butwhatisitthathasgotthyheart，andthatkeepsitfromthySaviour？\"WhointheheavencanbecompareduntotheLord？whoamongthesonsofthemightycanbelikeneduntotheLord？\"Psl。lxxxix。
6。Hastthou，thinkestthou，foundanythingsogoodasJesusChrist？
Isthereanyamongthysins，thycompanions，andfoolishdelights，thatlikeChristcanhelptheeinthedayofthydistress？Behold，thegreatnessofthysinscannothinder；letnotthestubbornnessofthyhearthinderthee，sinner。
Object。ButIamashamed。
Answ。Oh!Donotbeashamedtobesaved，sinner。
Object。Butmyoldcompanionswillmockme。
Answ。Oh!Donotbemockedoutofeternallife，sinner。
Thystubbornnessaffects，afflictstheheartofthySaviour。Carestthounotforthis？Ofoldhebeheldthecity，andweptoverit。
Canstthouhearthis，andnotbeconcerned？Lukexix。41，42。ShallChristweeptoseethysoulgoingontodestruction，andwiltthousportthyselfinthatway？Yea，shallChrist，thatcanbeeternallyhappywithoutthee，bemoreafflictedatthethoughtsofthelossofthysoul，thanthyself，whoartcertainlyeternallymiserableifthouneglectesttocometohim。
ThosethingsthatkeeptheeandthySaviour，onthypartasunder，arebutbubbles；theleastprickofanafflictionwillletout，astothee，whatnowthouthinkestisworththeventureofheaventoenjoy。
Hastthounotreason？Canstthounotsomuchasoncesoberlythinkofthydyinghour，orofwhitherthysinfullifewilldrivetheethen？Hastthounoconscience？orhavingone，isitrockedsofastasleepbysin，ormadesowearywithanunsuccessfulcallinguponthee，thatitislaiddown，andcaresfortheenomore？Poorman!
thystateistobelamented。Hastnojudgment？Artnotabletoconclude，thattobesavedisbetterthantoburninhell？andthateternallife，withGod’sfavour，isbetterthanatemporallifeinGod’sdispleasure？Hastnoaffectionbutwhatisbrutish？what，noneatall？noaffectionfortheGodthatmadethee？what!noneforhislovingSonthathasshewedhislove，anddiedforthee？Isnotheavenworththyaffection？Opoorman!whichisstrongestthinkestthou，Godorthee？Ifthouartnotabletoovercomehim，thouartafoolforstandingoutagainsthim；Matt。v。25，26。\"ItisafearfulthingtofallintothehandsofthelivingGod。\"Hewillgripehard；
hisfistisstrongerthanalion’spaw；takeheedofhim，hewillbeangryifyoudespisehisSon；andwillyoustandguiltyinyourtrespasses，whenheofferethyouhisgraceandfavour？Exod。xxxiv。
6，7；Heb。x。29—31。
Nowwecometothetext，\"BeginningatJerusalem。\"Thistext，thoughitbenowoneofthebrighteststarsthatshinethintheBible，becausethereisinit，asfull，ifnotthefullestofferofgracethatcanbeimagined，tothesonsofmen；yettothemthatshallperishfromunderthisword，eventhistextwillbetosuch，oneofthehottestcoalsinhell。
Thistext，therefore，willsavetheeorsinkthee：thereisnoshiftingofit：ifitsavesthee，itwillsettheehigh；ifitsinksthee，itwillsettheelow。
But，Isay，whysounconcerned？Hastnosoul？ordostthinkthoumaystlosethysoul，andsavethyself？Isitnotpity，haditotherwisebeenthewillofGod，thateverthouwastmadeaman，forthatthousettestsolittlebythysoul？
Sinner，taketheinvitation；thouartcalledupontocometoChrist：
norartthoucalleduponbutbyorderfromtheSonofGodthoughthoushouldsthappentocomeofthebiggestsinners；forhehasbidusoffermercy，astoalltheworldingeneral，so，inthefirstplace，tothesinnersofJerusalem，ortothebiggestsinners。
Fifthly，WouldJesusChristhavemercyofferedintheefirstplace，tothebiggestsinners？thenthisshewshowunreasonableathingitisformentodespairofmercy：forthosethatpresume，Ishallsaysomethingtothemafterward。
Inowspeaktothemthatdespair。
Therearefoursortsofdespair。Thereisthedespairofdevils；
thereisthedespairofsoulsinhell；thereisthedespairthatisgroundeduponmen’sdeficiency；andthereisthedespairthattheyareperplexedwiththatarewillingtobesaved，butaretoostronglybornedownwiththeburthenoftheirsins。
Thedespairofdevils，thedamned’sdespair，andthatdespairthatamanhasofattainingoflifebecauseofhisowndeficiency，areallunreasonable。Whyshouldnotdevilsanddamnedsoulsdespair？yea，whyshouldnotmandespairofgettingtoheavenbyhisownabilities？
Ithereforeamconcernedonlywiththefourthsortofdespair，towit，withthedespairofthosethatwouldbesaved，butaretoostronglybornedownwiththeburdenoftheirsins。
Isay，therefore，totheethatartthus，Andwhydespair？Thydespair，ifitwerereasonable，shouldflowfromthee，becausefoundinthelandthatisbeyondthegrave，orbecausethoucertainlyknowestthatChristwillnot，orcannotsavethee。
Butforthefirst，thouartyetinthelandoftheliving；andforthesecond，thouhastgroundtobelievethequitecontrary；ChristisabletosavetotheuttermostthemthatcometoGodbyhim；andifhewerenotwilling，hewouldnothavecommandedthatmercy，inthefirstplace，shouldbeofferedtothebiggestsinners。Besides，hehathsaid，\"Andlethimthatisathirstcome，andwhosoeverwill，lethimtakethewateroflifefreely；\"thatis，withallmyheart。Whatgroundnowisherefordespair？Ifthousayst，Thenumberandburdenofmysins；Ianswer，Nay；thatisratheragroundforfaith：
becausesuchanone，aboveallothers，isinvitedbyChristtocomeuntohim，yea，promisedrestandforgivenessiftheycome；Matt。xi。
28。Whatgroundthentodespair？Verilynoneatall。Thydespairthenisathingunreasonableandwithoutfootingintheword。
ButIhavenoexperienceofGod’slove；Godhathgivenmenocomfort，orgroundofhope，thoughIhavewaiteduponhimforitmanyaday。
ThouhastexperienceofGod’slove，forthathehasopenedthineeyestoseethysins：andforthathehasgiventheedesirestobesavedbyJesusChrist。Forbythysenseofsinthouartmadetoseethypovertyofspirit，andthathaslaidtheeunderasuregroundtohopethatheavenshallbethinehereafter。
AlsothydesirestobesavedbyChrist，hasputtheeunderanotherpromise，sothereistwotoholdtheeupinthem，thoughthypresentburdenbeneversoheavy，Matt。v。3，6。Asforwhatthousayst，astoGod’ssilencetothee，perhapshehasspokentotheeonceortwicealready，butthouhastnotperceivedit；Jobxxxiii。14，15。
However，thouhastChristcrucified，setforthbeforethineeyesintheBible，andaninvitationtocomeuntohim，thoughthoubeaJerusalemsinner，thoughthoubethebiggestsinner；andsonogroundtodespair。What，ifGodwillbesilenttothee，isthatgroundofdespair？Notatall，solongasthereisapromiseintheBiblethatGodwillinnowisecastawaythecomingsinner，andsolongasheinvitestheJerusalemsinnertocomeuntohimJohnvi。37。
Buildnotthereforedespairuponthesethings；theyarenosufficientfoundationsforit，suchplentyofpromisesbeingintheBible，andsuchadiscoveryofhismercytogreatsinnersofold；especiallysincewehavewithalaclauseinthecommissiongiventoministerstopreach，thattheyshouldbeginwiththeJerusalemsinnersintheirofferingofmercytotheworld。
Besides，Godsays，TheythatwaitupontheLordshallrenewtheirstrength，theyshallmountupwithwingslikeeagles；butperhapsitmaybelongfirst。\"Iwaitedlong，\"saithDavid，\"anddidseektheLord；\"andatlengthhiscrywasheard：whereforehebidshissoulwaitonGod，andsays，Foritisgoodsotodobeforethysaints；
Psalmxl。1；lxii。5；lii。9。
AndwhatifthouwaitestuponGodallthydays？Isitbelowthee？
AndwhatifGodwillcrosshisbook，andblotoutthehand—writingthatisagainstthee，andnotlettheeknowitasyet？IsitfittosayuntoGod，Thouarthard—hearted？Despairnot；thouhastnogroundtodespair，solongasthoulivestinthisworld。Itisasintobegintodespairbeforeonesetshisfootoverthethresholdofhell—gates。Forthemthatarethere，letthemdespairandsparenot；
butasforthee，thouhastnogroundtodoit。What!despairofbreadinalandthatisfullofcorn!despairofmercywhenourGodisfullofmercy!despairofmercy，whenGodgoesaboutbyhisministers，beseechingofsinnerstobereconcileduntohim!2Cor。
v。18—20。
Thouscrupulousfool，wherecanstthoufindthatGodwaseverfalsetohispromise，orthatheeverdeceivedthesoulthatventureditselfuponhim？Heoftencallsuponsinnerstotrusthim，thoughtheywalkindarkness，andhavenolight；Isa。1。10。
Theyhavehispromiseandoathfortheirsalvation，thatfleeforrefugetothehopesetbeforethem；Heb。vi。17，18。
Despair!whenwehaveaGodofmercy，andaredeemingChristalive!
Forshame，forbear：letthemdespairthatdwellwherethereisnoGod，andthatareconfinedtothosechambersofdeathwhichcanbereachedbynoredemption。
Alivingmandespairwhenheischidformurmuringandcomplaining!
Lam。iii。39。Oh!solongaswearewherepromisesswarm，wheremercyisproclaimed，wheregracereigns，andwhereJerusalemsinnersareprivilegedwiththefirstofferofmercy，itisabasethingtodespair。
Despairundervaluesthepromise，undervaluestheinvitation，undervaluestheprofferofgrace。DespairundervaluestheabilityofGodtheFather，andtheredeemingbloodofChristhisSon。Ohunreasonabledespair!
DespairmakesmanGod’sjudge；itisacontrollerofthepromise，acontradicterofChristinhislargeoffersofmercy：andonethatundertakestomakeunbeliefthegreatmanagerofourreasonandjudgment，indeterminingaboutwhatGodcanandwilldoforsinners。
Despair!Itisthedevil’sfellow，thedevil’smaster；yea，thechainswithwhichheiscaptivatedandheldunderdarknessforever：
andtogivewaytheretoinaland，inastateandtimethatflowswithmilkandhoney，isanuncomelything。
Iwouldsaytomysoul，Omysoul!thisisnottheplaceofdespair；
thisisnotthetimetodespairin：aslongasmineeyescanfindapromiseintheBible，aslongasthereistheleastmentionofgrace，aslongasthereisamomentleftmeofbreathorlifeinthisworld；
solongwillIwaitorlookformercy，solongwillIfightagainstunbeliefanddespair。
ThisisthewaytohonourGodandChrist；thisisthewaytosetthecrownonthepromise；thisisthewaytowelcometheinvitationandinviter；andthisisthewaytothrustthyselfundertheshelterandprotectionofthewordofgrace。Neverdespairsolongasourtextisalive，forthatdothsounditout，——thatmercybyChristisoffered，inthefirstplace，tothebiggestsinner。
Despairisanunprofitablething；itwillmakeamanwearyofwaitinguponGod；2Kingsvi。33；itwillmakeamanforsakeGod，andseekhisheaveninthegoodthingsofthisworld；Gen。iv。13—18。Itwillmakeamanhisowntormentor，andflounceandflinglikeawildbullinanet；Isa。ii。20。
Despair!itdrivesamantothestudyofhisownruin，andbringshimatlasttobehisownexecutioner；2Sam。xvii。23；Matt。xxvii。3—5。
Besides，Iampersuadedalso，thatdespairisthecausethattherearesomanythatwouldfainbeAtheistsintheworld：ForbecausetheyhaveentertainedaconceitthatGodwillneverbemercifultothem；thereforetheylabourtopersuadethemselvesthatthereisnoGodatall，asiftheirmisbeliefwouldkillGod，orcausehimtoceasetobe。Apoorshiftforanimmortalsoul，forasoulwholikethnottoretainGodinitsknowledge!Ifthisbethebestthatdespaircando，letitgo，man，andbetakethyselftofaith，toprayer，towaitforGod，andtohope，indespiteoftenthousanddoubts。Andforthyencouragement，takeyet（asanadditiontowhathasalreadybeensaid）thefollowingscripture；\"TheLordtakethpleasureinthemthatfearhim，inthosethathopeinhismercy；\"
Psal。cxlvii。11。
Whencenote，TheyfearnotGod，thathopenotinhismercy：alsoGodisangrywiththemthathopenotinhismercy：forheonlytakethpleasureinthemthathope。Hethatbelieveth，orhathreceivedhistestimony，\"hathsettohissealthatGodistrue，\"Johniii。33；buthethatreceivethitnothathmadehimaliar，andthatisaveryunworthything；1Johnv。10，11。\"Letthewickedforsakehisways，andtheunrighteousmanhisthoughts；andlethimreturntotheLord，andhewillhavemercyonhim；andtoourGod，forhewillabundantlymultiplypardons。\"Perhapsthouartwearyofthyways，butartnotwearyofthythoughts，ofthyunbelievinganddespairingthoughts；
now，Godalsowouldhavetheecastawaythesethoughts，assuchwhichhedeservethnotatthyhands；forhewillhavemercyuponthee，andhewillabundantlypardon。
\"Ofools，andslowofhearttobelieveallthattheprophetshavespoken!\"Lukexxiv。25。Markyouhere，slownesstobelieveisapieceoffolly。Ay!butsaystthou，Idobelievesome，andIbelievewhatcanmakeagainstme。Ay，butsinner，ChristJesusherecallstheefoolfornotbelievingall。Believeall，anddespairifthoucanst。Hethatbelievesall，believesthattextthatsaith，ChristwouldhavemercypreachedfirsttotheJerusalemsinners。Hethatbelievethall，believethallthepromisesandconsolationsoftheword；andthepromisesandconsolationsofthewordweighheavierthandoallthecursesandthreateningsofthelaw；andmercyrejoicethagainstjudgment。Whereforebelieveall，andmercywilltothyconscienceweighjudgmentdown，andsoministercomforttothysoul。TheLordtaketheyokefromoffthyjaws，sincehehassetmeatbeforethee；Hos。xi。4；andhelptheetorememberthatheispleasedinthefirstplacetooffermercytothebiggestsinners。
Sixthly，SinceJesusChristwouldhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners，letsoulsseethattheylayrightholdthereof，lestthey，notwithstanding，indeedcomeshortthereof。
Faithonlyknowshowtodealwithmercy；whereforeputnotintheplacethereofpresumption。Ihaveobserved，thatasthereareherbsandflowersinourgardens，sotherearetheircounterfeitsinthefield；onlytheyaredistinguishedfromtheotherbythenameofwildones。Why，thereisfaith，andwildfaith；andwildfaithisthispresumption。Icallitwildfaith，becauseGodneverplaceditinhisgarden，hischurch；itisonlytobefoundinthefield，theworld。Ialsocallitwildfaith，becauseitonlygrowsupandisnourishedwhereotherwildnotionsabound。Whereforetakeheedofthis，andallmaybewell；forthispresumuptuousnessisaveryheinousthingintheeyesofGod：\"Thesoul，\"saithhe，\"thatdoethoughtpresumptuously（whetherhebebornintheland，orastranger），thesamereproacheththeLord；andthatsoulshallbecutofffromamonghispeople；\"Numb。xv。30。
ThethoughtsofthismadeDavidtremble，andpraythatGodwouldholdhimbackfrompresumptuoussins，andnotsufferthemtohavedominionoverhim；Psal。xix。13。
Nowthispresumption，then，putsitselfintheplaceoffaith，whenittamperethwiththepromiseforlife，whilethesoulisastrangertorepentance。Whereforeyouhaveinthetext，topreventdoingthus，bothrepentanceandremissionofsinstobeofferedtoJerusalem；notremissionwithoutrepentance：forallthatrepentnotshallperish，letthempresumeongraceandthepromisewhiletheywill；Lukexiii。1—3。
Presumption，then，isthatwhichseverethfaithandrepentance，concluding，thatthesoulshallbesavedbygrace，thoughthemanwasnevermadesorryforhissins，northeloveoftheheartturnedtherefrom。Thisistobeself—willed，asPeterhasit；andthisisadespisingthewordoftheLord，forthathasputrepentanceandfaithtogether；Marki。15。And\"becausehehathdespisedthewordoftheLord，andhathbrokenhiscommandment，thatsoulshallutterlybecutoff：hisiniquityshallbeuponhim。\"Numb。xv。31。
Letsuchthereforelooktoit，whoyetare，andabideintheirsins；
forsuch，iftheyhope，astheyare，tobesaved，presumeuponthegraceofGod。WhereforepresumptionandnothearkeningtoGod’swordareputtogether；Deut。xvii。12。
Again，Thenmenpresumewhentheyareresolvedtoabideintheirsins，andyetexpecttobesavedbyGod’sgracethroughChrist。Thisisasmuchastosay，GodlikethsinaswellasIdo，andcarethnothowmenlive，ifsobetheyleanuponhisSon。OfthissortaretheythatbuildupZionwithblood，andJerusalemwithiniquity；thatjudgeforreward，andteachforhire，anddivineformoney，andleanupontheLord；Mic。iii。10，11。ThisisdoingthingswithanhighhandagainsttheLordourGod，andatakinghim，asitwere，atthecatch。Thisis，aswesayamongmen，toseektoputatrickuponGod，asifhehadnotsufficientlyfortifiedhisproposalsofgracebyhisholyword，againstallsuchkindoffoolsasthese。Butlooktoit。
SuchwillbefoundatthedayofGod，notamongthatgreatcompanyofJerusalemsinnersthatshallbesavedbygrace，butamongthosethathavebeenthegreatabusersofthegraceofGodintheworld。Thosethatsay，Letussinthatgracemayabound，andletusdoevilthatgoodmaycome，theirdamnationisjust。Andifso，theyareagreatwayoffofthatsalvationthatisbyJesusChristpresentedtotheJerusalemsinners。
IhavethereforethesethingstopropoundtothatJerusalemsinnerthatwouldknow，ifhemaybesoboldastoventurehimselfuponthisgrace。
First，Dostthouseethysins？
Secondly，Artthouwearyofthem？
Thirdly，WouldstthouwithallthyheartbesavedbyJesusChrist？I
daresaynoless，Idaresaynomore。Butifitbetrulythuswiththee，howgreatsoeverthysinshavebeen，howbadsoeverthoufeelestthyheart，howfarsoeverthouartfromthinkingthatGodhasmercyforthese：thouarttheman，theJerusalemsinner，thattheWordofGodhasconquered，andtowhomitofferethfreeremissionofsins，bytheredemptionthatisinJesusChrist。
Whenthejailorcriedout，\"Sirs，WhatmustIdotobesaved？\"Theanswerwas，\"BelieveontheLordJesusChrist，andthoushaltbesaved。\"Hethatseeshissinsaright，isbroughttohiswit’sendbythem；andhethatisso，iswillingtopartfromthem，andtobesavedbythegraceofGod。
Ifthisbethycase，fearnot，givenowaytodespair；thoupresumestnot，ifthoubelievesttolifeeverlastinginJesusChrist：yea，Christispreparedforsuchasthouart。
Thereforetakegoodcourageandbelieve。ThedesignofSatanistotellthepresumptuous，thattheirpresumingonmercyisgood；buttopersuadethebeliever，thathisbelievingisimpudentbolddealingwithGod。Ineverheardapresumptuousmaninmylifesaythathewasafraidthathepresumed；butIhaveheardmanyanhonesthumblesoulsay，thattheyhavebeenafraidthattheirfaithhasbeenpresumption。WhyshouldSatanmolestthosewhosewaysheknowswillbringthemtohim？Andwhocanthinkthatheshouldbequietwhenmentaketherightcoursetoescapehishellishsnares？This，therefore，isthereasonwhythetrulyhumbledisopposed，whilethepresumptuousgoesonbywindandtide。ThetrulyhumbleSatanhates，buthelaughstoseethefooleryoftheother。
Doesthyhandandhearttremble？Upontheethepromisesmiles。\"TothismanwillIlook，\"saysGod，\"eventohimthatispoor，andofacontritespirit，andtremblesatmyword；\"Isa。lxvi。2。
What，therefore，Ihavesaidofpresumptionconcernsnotthehumbleinspiritatall。Ithereforeamforgatheringupthestones，andfortakingthestumblingblocksoutofthewayofGod’speople：andforewarningofthemthatlaythestumblingblockoftheiriniquitybeforetheirfaces，andthatareforpresuminguponGod’smercy；andletthemlooktothemselves；Ezek。xiv。6—8。
Alsoourtextstandsfirmaseveritdid，andourobservationisstillofforce，thatJesusChristwouldhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners。Sothenletnonedespair，letnonepresume；letnonedespairthataresorryfortheirsins，andwouldbesavedbyJesusChrist；letnonepresumethatabideinthelikingoftheirsins，thoughtheyseemtoknowtheexceedinggraceofChrist；forthoughthedoorstandswideopenforthereceptionofthepenitent，yetitisfastenoughbarredandboltedagainstthepresumptuoussinner。Benotdeceived，Godisnotmocked，whatsoeveramansows，thatheshallreap。ItcannotbethatGodshouldbewheedledoutofhismercy，orprevaileduponbylipsofdissimulation；heknowsthemthattrustinhim，andthatsincerelycometohimbyChristformercy；Nahumi。7。
Itisthennottheabundanceofsinscommitted，butthenotcomingheartilytoGodbyChristformercy，thatshutsmenoutofdoors。
Andthoughtheirnotcomingheartilymaybesaidtobebutasin，yetitissuchasinascauseththatallthyothersinsabideupontheeunforgiven。
Godcomplainsofthis。\"Theyhavenotcrieduntomewiththeirheart；theyturned，butnottothemostHigh。Theyturnedfeignedly；\"Jer。iii。10；Hos。vii。14，16。
Thusdoing，hissoulhates；butthepenitent，humble，brokenheartedsinner，behistransgressionsredasscarlet，redlikecrimson，innumberasthesand；thoughhistransgressionscrytoheavenagainsthimforvengeance，andseemtheretocrylouderthandohisprayers，ortears，orgroansformercy，yetheissafe。TothismanGodwilllook；Isa。i。18；chaplxvi。2。
Seventhly，WouldJesusChristhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners？Thenhereisgroundforthosethat，astopractice，havenotbeensuch，tocometohimformercy。
Althoughthereisnosinlittleofitself；becauseitisacontradictionofthenatureandmajestyofGod；yetwemustadmitofdiversnumbers，andalsoofaggravations。Twosinsarenotsomanyasthree；norarethreethataredoneinignorancesobigasonethatisdoneagainstlight，againstknowledgeandconscience。Alsothereisthechildinsin，andamaninsinthathashishairsgray，andhisskinwrinkledforveryage。Andwemustputadifferencebetwixtthesesinnersalso。Forcanitbethatachildofseven，orten，orsixteenyearsold，shouldbesuchasinner——asinnersovileintheeyeofthelawasheiswhohaswalkedaccordingtothecourseofthisworld，forty，fifty，sixty，orseventyyears？Nowtheyouth，thisstripling，thoughheisasinner，isbutalittlesinner，whencomparedwithsuch。
Now，Isay，ifthereberoomforthefirstsort，forthoseofthebiggestsize，certainlythereisroomforthelessersize？Iftherebeadoorwideenoughforagianttogoinat，thereiscertainlyroomforadwarf。IfChristJesushasgraceenoughtosavegreatsinners，hehassurelygraceenoughtosavelittleones。Ifhecanforgivefivehundredpence，forcertainhecanforgivefifty；Lukevii。41，42。
Butyousaidbefore，thatthelittlesinnersmuststandbyuntilthegreatoneshavereceivedtheirgrace，andthatisdiscouraging!
Ianswer，therearetwosortsoflittlesinners，suchasareso，andsuchasfeignthemselvesso。Theyarethosethatfeignthemselvesso，thatIintendedthere，andnotthosethatareindeedcomparativelyso。Suchasfeignthemselvessomaywaitlongenoughbeforetheyobtainforgiveness。
Butagain，asinnermaybecomparativelyalittlesinner，andsensiblyagreatone。Therearethentwosortsofgreatnessinsin；
greatnessbyreasonofnumber；greatnessbyreasonofthoroughnessofconvictionofthehorriblenatureofsin。Inthislastsense，hethathasbutonesin，ifsuchaonecouldbefound，mayinhisowneyesfindhimselfthebiggestsinnerintheworld。Letthismanorthischildthereforeputhimselfamongthegreatsinners，andpleadwithGodasgreatsinnersdo，andexpecttobesavedwiththegreatsinners，andassoonandasheartilyasthey。
Yea，alittlesinner，thatcomparativelyistrulyso，ifheshallgraciouslygivewaytoconviction，andshallinGod’slightdiligentlyweighthehorriblenatureofhisownsins，mayyetsoonerobtainforgivenessforthematthehandsoftheheavenlyFather，thanhethathastentimeshissins，andsocausetocrytentimeshardertoGodformercy。
ForthegrievousnessofthecryisagreatthingwithGod；forifhewillhearthewidow，ifshecriesatall，howmuchmoreifshecriesmostgrievously？Exod。xxii。22，23。
Itisnotthenumber，butthetruesenseoftheabominablenatureofsin，thatmakesthecryforpardonlamentable。He，asIsaid，thathasmanysins，maynotcrysoloudintheearsofGodashethathasfarfewer；he，inourpresentsense，thatisinhisowneyesthebiggestsinner，ishethatsoonestfindethmercy。
Theofferthenistothebiggestsinner；tothebiggestsinnerfirst，andthemercyisfirstobtainedbyhimthatfirstconfessethhimselftobesuchanone。
Therearementhatstriveatthethroneofgraceformercy，bypleadingthegreatnessoftheirnecessity。Nowtheirplea，astotheprevalencyofit，liethnotinthecountingupofthenumber，butinthesenseofthegreatnessoftheirsins，andinthevehemencyoftheircryforpardon。Anditisobservable，thatthoughthebirthrightwasRuben’s，and，forhisfoolishness，giventothesonsofJoseph，yetJudahprevailedabovehisbrethren，andofhimcametheMessias；1Chron。v。1，2。
Thereisaheavenlysubtiltytobemanagedinthismatter。\"Thybrothercamewithsubtilty，andhathtakenawaythyblessing。\"TheblessingbelongedtoEsau，butJacobbyhisdiligencemadeithisown；Gen。xxvii。33。Theofferistothebiggestsinner，tothebiggestsinnerfirst；butifheforbeartocry，thesinnerthatisasinnerlessbyfarthanhe，bothastonumberandthenatureoftransgression，maygettheblessingfirst，ifheshallhavegracetobestirhimselfwell；fortheloudestcryisheardfurthest，andthemostlamentablepiercessoonest。
Ithereforeurgethishead，notbecauseIwouldhavelittlesinnersgoandtellGodthattheyarelittlesinners，therebytothinktoobtainmercy；for，verily，sotheyareneverliketohaveit：forsuchwordsdeclare，thatsuchaonehathnotruesenseatallofthenatureofhissins。
Sin，asIsaid，inthenatureofit，ishorrible，thoughitbebutonesinglesinastoact；yea，thoughitbebutasinfulthought；andsoworthilycallsforthedamnationofthesoul。
Thecomparison，then，oflittleandgreatsinners，istogoforgoodsenseamongmen。Buttopleadthefewnessofthysins，orthecomparativeharmlessnessoftheirquantitybeforeGod，arguethnosoundknowledgeofthenatureofthysin，andsonotruesenseofthenatureorneedofmercy。
Littlesinner，whenthereforethougoesttoGod，thoughthouknowestinthyconsciencethatthou，astoacts，artnothief，nomurderer，nowhore，noliar，nofalseswearer，orthelike，andinreasonmustneedsunderstandthatthusthouartnotsoprofanelyvileasothers；
yetwhenthougoesttoGodformercy，knownoman’ssinsbutthineown，makementionofnoman’ssinsbutthineown。Alsolabournottolessenthyown，butmagnifyandgreatenthembyalljustcircumstances，andbeasiftherewasneverasinnerintheworldbutthyself。Alsocryout，asifthouwasttheonlyundoneman；andthatisthewaytoobtainGod’smercy。
Itisoneofthecomeliestsightsintheworldtoseealittlesinnercommentinguponthegreatnessofhissins，multiplyingandmultiplyingthemtohimself，tillhemakestheminhisowneyesbiggerandhigherthanheseethanyotherman’ssinstobeintheworld；andasbaseathingitistoseeamandootherwise，andasbaselywillcomeonit；Lukexviii。10—14。
As，therefore，Isaidtothegreatsinnerbefore，lethimtakeheedlesthepresume；Isaynowtothelittlesinner，lethimtakeheedthathedonotdissemble：forthereisasgreatanaptnessinthelittlesinnertodissemble，asthereisinthegreatone。\"Hethathidethhissinsshallnotprosper，\"beheasinnerlittleorgreat；
Prov。xxviii。13。
Eighthly，WouldJesusChristhavemercyoffered，inthefirstplace，tothebiggestsinners？ThenthisshewsthetruecausewhySatanmakessuchheadashedothagainsthim。
TheFatherandtheHolySpiritarewellspokenofbyalldeludersanddeceivedpersons；Christonlyistherockofoffence。\"BeholdIlayinZionastumbling—stoneandarockofoffence；\"Rom。ix。33。NotthatSatancarethfortheFatherortheSpiritmorethanhecarethfortheSon，buthecanletmenalonewiththeirnotionsoftheFatherandtheSpirit，forheknowstheyshallneverenjoytheFathernortheSpirit，ifindeedtheyreceivenotthemeritsoftheSon。
\"HethathaththeSon，hathlife；hethathathnottheSonofGodhathnotlife，\"howevertheymayboastthemselvesoftheFatherandtheSpirit；1Johnv。12。Again，\"Whosoevertransgresseth，andabidethnotinthedoctrineofChrist，hathnotGod：hethatabidethinthedoctrineofChrist，hathboththeFatherandtheSon；\"2Johni。9。
Christ，andChristonly，ishethatcanmakeuscapabletoenjoyGodwithlifeandjoytoalleternity。HencehecallshimselfthewaytotheFather，thetrueandlivingway；Johnxiv。6；Heb。x。19，20；forwecannotcometotheFatherbutbyhim。Satanknowsthis，thereforehehateshim。Deludedpersonsareignorantofthis，and，therefore，theyaresoledupanddownbySatanbythenoseastheyare。
TherearemanythingsbywhichSatanhastakenoccasiontogreatenhisrageagainstJesusChrist。
As，first，hislovetoman，andthenthemanyexpressionsofthatlove。Hehathtakenman’snatureuponhim；hehathinthatnaturefulfilledthelawtobringinrighteousnessforman；andhathspilthisbloodforthereconcilingofmentoGod；hehathbroketheneckofdeath，putawaysin，destroyedtheworksofthedevil，andgotintohisownhandsthekeysofdeath：andalltheseareheinousthingstoSatan。HecannotabideChristforthis。Besides，hehatheternallifeinhimself；andthattobestowuponus；andweinalllikelihoodaretopossesstheveryplacesfromwhichtheSatansbytransgressionfell，ifnotplacesmoreglorious。Whereforehemustneedsbeangry。Andisitnotavexatiousthingtohim，thatweshouldbeadmittedtothethroneofgracebyChrist，whilehestandsboundoverinchainsofdarkness，toanswerforhisrebellionsagainstGodandhisSon，attheterribledayofjudgment。Yea，wepoordustandashesmustbecomehisjudges，andtriumphoverhimforever：andallthislongofJesusChrist；forheisthemeritoriouscauseofallthis。
NowthoughSatanseekstoberevengedforthis，yetheknowsitisinvaintoattackthepersonofChrist；hehasovercomehim：thereforehetamperswithacompanyofsillymen，thathemayvilifyhimbythem。Andthey，boldfoolsastheyare，willnotsparetospitinhisface。Theywillrailathisperson，anddenytheverybeingofit；theywillrailathisblood，anddenythemeritandworthofit。