Theywilldenytheveryendwhyheaccomplishedthelaw，andbyjiggs，andtricks，andquirks，whichhehelpeththemto，theysetupfondnamesandimagesinhisplace，andgivethegloryofaSaviourtothem。ThusSatanworkethunderthenameofChrist；andhisministersunderthenameoftheministersofrighteousness。
Andbyhiswilesandstratagemsheundoesaworldofmen；butthereisaseed，andtheyshallservehim，anditshallbecountedtotheLordforageneration。Theseshallseetheirsins，andthatChrististhewaytohappiness。Theseshallventurethemselves，bothbodyandsoul，uponhisworthiness。
AllthisSatanknows，andthereforehisrageiskindledthemore。
Wherefore，accordingtohisabilityandallowance，heassaulteth，tempteth，abuseth，andstirsupwhathecantobehurtfultothesepoorpeople，thathemay，whilehistimeshalllast，makeitashardanddifficultforthemtogotoeternalgloryashecan。OftentimesheabusesthemwithwrongapprehensionsofGod，andwithwrongapprehensionsofChrist。Healsocaststhemintothemire，tothereproachofreligion，theshameoftheirbrethren，thederisionoftheworld，anddishonourofGod。
Heholdsourhandswhiletheworldbuffetsus；heputsbear—skinsuponus，andthensetsthedogsatus。Hebedaubethuswithhisownfoam，andthentemptsustobelievethatthatbedaubingcomesfromourselves。
Oh!therageandtheroaringofthislion，andthehatredthathemanifestsagainsttheLordJesus，andagainstthemthatarepurchasedwithhisblood!Butyet，inthemidstofallthis，theLordJesussendsforthhisheraldtoproclaiminthenationshislovetotheworld，andtoinvitethemtocomeintohimforlife。Yea，hisinvitationissolarge，thatitofferethhismercyinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinnersofeveryage，whichaugmentsthedevil’sragethemore。
Wherefore，asIsaidbefore，frethe，fumehe，theLordJesuswilldividethespoilwiththisgreatone；yea，heshalldividethespoilwiththestrong，becausehehathpouredouthissouluntodeath，andhewasnumberedwiththetransgressors，andhebarethesinofmany，andmadeintercessionforthetransgressors；Isa。liii。12。
Ninthly，WouldJesusChristhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners？Letthetemptedharpuponthisstringfortheirhelpandconsolation。Thetemptedwhereverhedwells，alwaysthinkshimselfthebiggestsinner，onemostunworthyofeternallife。
ThisisSatan’smaster—argument：thouartahorriblesinner，ahypocrite，onethathasaprofaneheart，andonethatisanutterstrangertoaworkofgrace。Isaythisishismaul，hisclub，hismaster—piece；hedothwiththisassomedowiththeirmostenchantingsongs，singsthemeverywhere。Ibelievetherearebutfewsaintsintheworldthathavenothadthistemptationsoundingintheirears。
Butweretheybutaware，Satanbyallthisdoesbutdrivethemtothegapoutatwhichtheyshouldgo，andsoescapehisroaring。
Saithhe，thouartagreatsinner，ahorriblesinner，aprofaneheartedwretch，onethatcannotbematchedforavileoneinthecountry。
AndallthiswhileChristsaystohisministers，offermercy，inthefirstplace，tothebiggestsinners。SothatthistemptationdrivestheedirectlyintothearmsofJesusChrist。
Werethereforethetemptedbutaware，hemightsay，Ay，Satan，soI
am，Iamasinnerofthebiggestsize，andthereforehavemostneedofJesusChrist；yea，becauseIamsuchawretch，thereforeJesusChristcallsme；yea，hecallsmefirst：thefirstprofferoftheGospelistobemadetotheJerusalemsinner：Iamhe，whereforestandbackSatan；makealane，myrightisfirsttocometoJesusChrist。
Thisnowwillbelikeforlike。Thiswouldfoilthedevil：thiswouldmakehimsay，Imustnotdealwiththismanthus；forthenI
putaswordintohishandtocutoffmyhead。
AndthisisthemeaningofPeter，whenhesaith，"Resisthimstedfastinthefaith；"1Pet。v。9。AndofPaul，whenhesaith，"Taketheshieldoffaith，wherewithyeshallbeabletoquenchallthefierydartsofthewicked；"Eph。vi。16。
Whereforeisitsaid，"BeginatJerusalem，"iftheJerusalemsinnerisnottohavethebenefitofit？AndifIamtohavethebenefitofit，letmecallittomindwhenSatanhauntsmewiththecontinualremembranceofmysins，ofmyJerusalemsins。SatanandmyconsciencesayIamthebiggestsinner，——Christofferethmercy，inthefirstplace，tothebiggestsinners。Noristhemanneroftheofferotherbutsuchassuitethwithmymind。Iamsorryformysin；
yea，sorryatmyheartthateversinfulthoughtdidenter，orfindtheleastentertainmentinmywickedmind；andmightIobtainmywish，Iwouldnevermorethatmyheartshouldbeaplaceforoughtbutthegrace，andspirit，andfaithoftheLordJesus。
Ispeaknotthistolessenmywickedness；Iwouldnotforalltheworldbutbeplacedbymineownconscienceintheveryfrontofthebiggestsinners，thatImightbeoneofthefirstthatarebeckonedbythegracioushandofJesustheSaviour，tocometohimformercy。
Well，sinner，thounowspeakestlikeaChristian，butsaythusinastrongspiritinthehouroftemptation，andthenthouwilt，tothycommendationandcomfort，quitthyselfwell。
ThisimprovingofChristindarkhours，isthelife，thoughthehardestpartofourChristianity。Weshouldneitherstopatdarkness，norattheragingofourlusts，butgooninawayofventuringandcastingthewholeofouraffairsforthenextworldatthefootofJesusChrist。Thisisthewaytomakethedarknesslight，andalsotoallaytheragingofourcorruption。
ThefirsttimethePassoverwaseaten，wasinthenight；andwhenIsraeltookcouragetogoforward，thoughtheseastoodintheirwaylikeadevouringgulf，andthehostoftheEgyptiansfollowthemattheheels；yettheseagivesplace，andtheirenemieswereasstillasastonetilltheyweregoneover；Exod。xii。8；chap。xiv。13，14，21，22；chap。xv。16。
Thereisnothinglikefaithtohelpatapinch；faithdissolvesdoubtsasthesundrivesawaythemists。Andthatyoumaynotbeputout，knowyourtime，asIsaid，ofbelievingitalways。Therearetimeswhensomegracesmaybeoutofuse，butthereisnotimewhereinfaithcanbesaidtobeso。Whereforefaithmustbealwaysinexercise。
Faithistheeye，isthemouth，isthehand，andoneoftheseisofusealldaylong。Faithistosee，toreceive，towork，ortoeat；
andaChristianshouldbeseeingorreceiving，orworking，orfeedingalldaylong。Letitrain，letitblow，letitthunder，letitlighten，aChristianmuststillbelieve："Atwhattime，"saidtheegoodman，"Iamafraid，Iwilltrustinthee；"Psal。vi。2，3。
Norcanwehaveabetterencouragementtodothis，thanisbythetextsetbeforeus，evenanopenheartforaJerusalemsinner。AndifforaJerusalemsinnertocome，thenforsuchanonewhencome。
Ifforsuchaonetobesaved，thenforsuchaonethatissaved。Ifforsuchaonetobepardonedhisgreattransgressions，thenforsuchaonewhoispardonedthese，tocomedailytoJesusChrist，too，tobecleansedandsetfreefromhiscommoninfirmities，andfromtheiniquitiesofhisholythings。
ThereforeletthepoorsinnerthatwouldbesavedlabourforskilltomakethebestimprovementofthegraceofChristtohelphimagainstthetemptationsofthedevilandhissins。
Tenthly，WouldJesusChristhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners？Letthosemenconsiderthis，that（have，or）
mayinadayoftrialhavespokenordonewhattheirprofessionorconsciencetoldthemtheyshouldnot，andthathavetheguiltandburdenthereofupontheirconsciences。
Whetherathingbewrongorright，guiltmaypursuehimthatdothcontrarytohisconscience。ButsupposeamanshoulddenyhisGod，orhisChrist，orrelinquishagoodprofession，andbeundertherealguiltthereof；shallhethereforeconcludeheisgoneforever？LethimcomeagainwithPeter’stears，andnodoubtheshallobtainPeter’sforgiveness。Forthetextincludesthebiggestsinners。
Anditisobservable，thatbeforethisclausewasputintothiscommission，PeterwaspardonedhishorriblerevoltfromhisMaster。
Hethatrevoltethinthedayoftrial，ifheisnotshotquitedeadupontheplace，butissensibleofhiswound，andcallsoutforasurgeon，shallfindhisLordathandtopourwineandoilintohiswounds，thathemayagainbehealed，andtoencouragehimtothinkthattheremaybemercyforhim：besideswhatwefindrecordedofPeter，youreadintheActs，somewere，throughtheviolenceoftheirtrials，compelledtoblaspheme，andyetarecalledsaints；Actsxxvi。
9—11。
Henceyouhaveapromiseortwothatspeakconcerningsuchkindofmen，toencourageustothinkthatatleastsomeofthemshallcomebacktotheLordtheirGod。"Shalltheyfall，"saithhe，"andnotarise？Shalltheyturnaway，andnotreturn？"Jer。viii。4。"AndinthatdayIwillassembleherthathalteth，andIwillgatherherthatwasdrivenout，andherthatIhaveafflicted。AndIwillmakeherthathaltetharemnant，andherthatwascastoffastrongnation；
andtheLordshallreignovertheminMountZionforever。"Whatwearetounderstandbyherthathalteth，isbestexpressedbytheProphetElijah；Mic。iv。6，7；Zeph。iii。19；1Kingsxviii。21。
Iwillconclude，then，thatforthemthathavehalted。ormayhalt，theLordhasmercyinthebank，andiswillingtoacceptthemiftheyreturntohimagain。
PerhapstheymayneverbeafterthatofanygreatesteeminthehouseofGod，butiftheLordwilladmitthemtofavourandforgiveness：O
exceedingandundeservedmercy!SeeEzekielxliv。10—14。
Thou，then，thatmaystbetheman，rememberthis，thatthereismercyalsoforthee。ReturnthereforetoGod，andtohisSon，whohathyetinstoreforthee，andwhowilldotheegood。
Butperhapsthouwiltsay，hedothnotsaveallrevolters，and，therefore，perhapsnotme。
Answr。ArtthoureturningtoGod？Ifthouartreturning，thouarttheman；"Returnyebackslidingchildren，andIwillhealyourbackslidings；"Jer。iii。22。
Some，asIsaid，thatrevolt，areshotdeadupontheplace，andforthem，whocanhelpthem？Butforthemthatcryoutoftheirwounds，itisasigntheyareyetalive，andiftheyusethemeansintime，doubtlesstheymaybehealed。
ChristJesushasbagsofmercythatwereneveryetbrokenuporunsealed。Henceitissaid，hehasgoodnesslaidup；thingsreservedinheavenforhis。Andifhebreaksuponeofthesebags，whocantellwhathecando!
Hencehisloveissaidtobesuchaspassethknowledge，andthathisrichesareunsearchable。Hehas，nobodyknowswhat；fornobodyknowswhom：hehasbyhiminstoreforsuchasseemintheviewofallmentobegonebeyondrecovery。Forthisthetextisplain。
WhatmanorangelcouldhavethoughtthattheJerusalemsinnershadbeenyetonthissideofanimpossibilityofenjoyinglifeandmercy？
Hadstthouseentheiractions，andwhathorriblethingstheydidtotheSonofGod；yea，howstoutlytheybackedwhattheydidwithresolvesandendeavourstopersevere，whentheyhadkilledhisperson，againsthisnameanddoctrine；andthattherewasnotfoundamongthemallthatwhile，aswereadof，theleastremorseorregretforthesetheirdoings；couldstthouhaveimaginedthatmercywouldeverhavetookholdofthem，atleastsosoon!Nay，thattheyshould，ofalltheworld，becountedthoseonlymeettohaveitofferedtothemintheveryfirstplace!Forsomytextcommands，saying，"Preachrepentanceandremissionofsinsamongallnations，beginningatJerusalem。"
Itellyouthethingisawonder，andmustforeverstandforawonderamongthesonsofmen。ItstandsalsoforaneverlastinginvitationandallurementtothebiggestsinnerstocometoChristformercy。
Nowsince，intheopinionofallmen，therevolterissuchaone；ifhehas，asIsaidbefore，anylifeinhim，lethimtakeencouragementtocomeagain，thathemaylivebyChrist。
Eleventhly，WouldJesusChristhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners？ThenletGod’sministerstellthemso。
Thereisanincidenceinus，Iknownothowitdothcomeabout，whenweareconverted，tocontemnthemthatareleftbehind。Poorfoolsasweare，weforgetthatweourselveswereso；Tit。iii。2，3。
Butwoulditnotbecomeusbetter，sincewehavetastedthattheLordisgracious，tocarryittowardsthemso，thatwemaygivethemconvincinggroundtobelieve，thatwehavefoundthatmercywhichalsosetsopenthedoorforthemtocomeandpartakewithus。
Ministers，Isay，shoulddothus，bothbytheirdoctrine，andinallotherrespects。
Austeritydothnotbecomeus，neitherindoctrinenorinconversation。Weourselveslivebygrace；letusgiveaswereceive，andlabourtopersuadeourfellow—sinnerswhichGodhasleftbehindus，tofollowafter，thattheymaypartakewithusofgrace。Wearesavedbygrace，letuslivelikethemthataregracious。Letallourthings（totheworld）bedoneincharitytowardsthem；pitythem，prayforthem，befamiliarwiththemfortheirgood。Letuslayasideourfoolish，worldly，carnalgrandeur；letusnotwalkthestreets，andhavesuchbehavioursassignifywearescarcefortouchingofthepooronesthatareleftbehind，nonotwithapairoftongs。Itbecomesusnotthustodo。
RememberyourLord，hewasfamiliarwithpublicansandsinnerstoaproverb；"Beholdagluttonousman，andawine—bibber，afriendofpublicansandsinners；"Matt。xi。19。Thefirstpart，concerninghisgluttonouseatinganddrinking，tobesure，wasanhorribleslander；
butfortheother，nothingwaseverspoketruerofhimbytheworld。
Now，whyshouldwelayhandscrossonthistext：thatis，choosegoodvictuals，andlovethesweetwinebetterthanthesalvationofthepoorpublican？Whynotfamiliarwithsinners，providedwehatetheirspotsandblemishes，andseekthattheymaybehealedofthem？
Whynotfellowlywithourcarnalneighbours？Ifwedotakeoccasiontodoso，thatwemaydrop，andbeyetdistillingsomegooddoctrineupontheirsouls？Whynotgotothepoorman’shouse，andgivehimapenny，andaScripturetothinkupon？Whynotsendforthepoortofetchawayatleastthefragmentsofthytable，thatthebowelsofthyfellow—sinnermayberefreshedaswellasthine？
Ministersshouldbeexemplary；butIamaninferiorman，andmusttakeheedoftoomuchmeddling。ButmightI，Iwouldmeddlewiththem，withtheirwives，andwiththeirchildrentoo。Imeannotthisofall，butofthemthatdeserveit，thoughImaynotnamethem。
But，Isay，letministersfollowthestepsoftheirblessedLord，whobywordanddeedshewedhislovetothesalvationoftheworld，insuchacarriageasdeclaredhimtoprefertheirsalvationbeforehisownprivateconcern，Forwearecommandedtofollowhissteps，"whodidnosin，neitherwasguilefoundinhismouth。"
AndasIhavesaidconcerningministers，soIsaytoallthebrethren，carryitso，thatalltheworldmaysee，thatindeedyouarethesonsoflove。
LoveyourSaviour；yea，shewonetoanotherthatyoulovehim，notonlybyaseemingloveofaffection，butwiththeloveofduty。
Practicalloveisbest。ManyloveChristwithnothingbutthelickofthetongue。Alas!ChristJesustheLordmustnotbeputoffthus："Hethathathmycommandments，andkeepeththem，"saithhe，"heitisthatlovethme；"Johnxiv。21。
Practicallove，whichstandsinself—denial，incharitytomyneighbour，andapatientenduringofafflictionforhisname；thisiscountedlove。
RightlovetoChrististhatwhichcarriesinitaprovokingargumenttoothersofthebrethren；Heb。x。24。
ShouldamanaskmehowheshouldknowthatheloveththechildrenofGod？ThebestanswerIcouldgivehim，wouldbeinthewordsoftheApostleJohn；"Bythis，"saithhe，"weknowwelovethechildrenofGod，whenweloveGod，andkeephiscommandments；"1John，v。2。
LovetoGodandChrististhenshewnwhenwearetenderofhisname；
andthenweshewourselvestenderofhisnamewhenweareafraidtobreakanytheleastofhiscommandments。Andwhenwearehere，thendoweshewourlovetoourbrotheralso。
Now，wehaveobligationsufficientthustodo，forthatourLordlovedus，andgavehimselfforus，todeliverusfromdeath，thatwemightlivethroughhim。
Theworld，whentheyhearthedoctrinethatIhaveassertedandhandledinthislittlebook；towit，thatJesusChristwouldhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners，willbeapt，becausethemselvesareunbelievers，tothinkthatthisisadoctrinethatleadstolooseness，andthatgiveslibertytotheflesh；butifyouthatbelieveloveyourbrethrenandyourneighbourstruly，andasyoushould，youwillputtosilencetheignoranceofsuchfoolishmen，andstoptheirmouthsfromspeakingevilofyou。
And，Isay，lettheloveofChristconstrainustothis。Whodeservethourheart，ourmouth，ourlife，ourgoods，somuchasJesusChrist，whohasboughtustohimselfbyhisblood，tothisveryend，thatweshouldbeapeculiarpeople，zealousofgoodworks？
Thereisnothingmoreseemlyintheworld，thantoseeaChristianwalkasbecomestheGospel；noranythingmoreunbecomingareasonablecreature，thantohearamansay，IbelieveinChrist，andyetseeinhislifedebaucheryandprofaneness。MightI，suchmenshouldbecountedthebasestofmen；suchmenshouldbecountedbyallunworthyofthenameofaChristian，andshouldbeshunnedbyeverygoodman，assuchwhoaretheveryplagueofprofession。
Forsoitiswritten，weshouldcarryittowardsthem。Whosohaveaformofgodliness，anddenythepowerthereof，fromsuchwemustturnaway。
Ithasofttimescomeintomymindtoask，bywhatmeansitisthatthegospelprofessionshouldbesotaintedwithlooseandcarnalgospellers？andIcouldneverarrivetobettersatisfactioninthematterthanthis，——suchmenaremadeprofessorsbythedevil，andsobyhimputamongtherestofthegodly。Acertainmanhadafruitlessfig—treeplantedinhisvineyard；butbywhomwasitplantedthere？Evenbyhimthatsowedthetares，hisownchildren，amongthewheat；Lukexiii。6；Matt。xiii。37—40。Andthatwasthedevil。Butwhydoththedevildothus？Notoflovetothem，buttomakeofthemoffencesandstumblingblockstoothers。Forheknowsthatalooseprofessorinthechurchdoesmoremischieftoreligionthantencandotoitthatareintheworld。
Wasitnot，thinkyou，thedevilthatstirredupthedamselthatyoureadofinActsxvi。，tocryout，"ThesearetheservantsofthemosthighGod，thatshewuntousthewayofsalvation!"Yesitwas，asisevident，forPaulwasgrievedtohearit。Butwhydidthedevilstiruphertocryso？butbecausethatwasthewaytoblemishtheGospel，andtomaketheworldthinkthatitcamefromthesamehandasdidhersoothsayingandwitchery；versel6—18；"Holiness，OLord，becomesthyhouseforever。"
Let，therefore，whoevertheybethatprofessthenameofChrist，takeheedthattheyscandalnotthatprofessionwhichtheymakeofhim，sincehehassograciouslyofferedus，aswearesinnersofthebiggestsize，inthefirstplace，hisgracetosaveus。
HavingthusfarspokenoftherichesofthegraceofChrist，andofthefreenessofhishearttoembracetheJerusalemsinners，itmaynotbeamisstogiveyouyet，asacaution，anintimationofonething，namely，thatthisgraceandfreenessofhisheartislimitedtotimeandday；thewhich，whosooverstandeth，shallperishnotwithstanding。
Forasaking，who，ofgrace，sendethouttohisrebelliouspeopleanofferofpardon，iftheyacceptthereofbysuchaday，yetbeheadethorhangeththosethatcomenotinformercyuntilthedayortimebepast；soChristJesushassetthesinneraday，adayofsalvation，anacceptabletime；buthewhostandethout，orgoethoninrebellionbeyondthattime，isliketocomeoffwiththelossofhissoul；2
Cor。vi。2；Heb。iii。13，16，17，18，19；chap。iv。7；Lukexix。41，42。
Since，therefore，thingsarethus，itmaybeconvenientheretotouchalittleupontheseparticulars。
First，Thatthisday，ortimethuslimited，whenitisconsideredwithreferencetothisorthatman，isofttimesundiscernedbythepersonconcernedtherein，andalwaysiskeptsecretastotheshuttingupthereof。
Andthis，inthewisdomofGod，isthustotheend；noman，whencalledupon，shouldputoffturningtoGodtoanothertime。Now，andto—day，isthatandonlythatwhichisrevealedinholywrit；Psal。
1。22；Eccles。xii。1；Heb。iii。13，16。
Andthisshewsusthedesperatehazardswhichthosemenrun，whowheninvitationorconvictionattendsthem，putoffturningtoGodtobesavedtillanother，and，astheythink，amorefitseasonandtime。
Formany，bysodoing，deferthistodotillthedayofGod’spatienceandlong—sufferingisended；andthen，fortheirprayersandcriesaftermercy，theyreceivenothingbutmocks，andarelaughedatbytheGodofheaven；Prov。i。20—30；Isaiahlxv。12—16；chap。lxvi。
4；Zech。xii。11—13。
Secondly，Anotherthingtobeconsideredisthis，viz。thatthedayofGod’sgracewithsomemenbeginssooner，andalsosoonerendsthanitdothwithothers。Thoseatthefirsthouroftheday，hadtheircallsoonerthantheywhowerecalledupontoturntoGodatthesixthhouroftheday；yea，andtheywhowerehiredatthethirdhour，hadtheircallsoonerthantheywhowerecalledattheeleventh；Matt。xx。1—6。
1。ThedayofGod’spatiencebeganwithIshmael，andalsoendedbeforehewastwentyyearsold。Atthirteenyearsofagehewascircumcised；thenextyearafterIsaacwasborn；andthenIshmaelwasfourteenyearsold。NowthatdaythatIsaacwasweaned，thatdaywasIshmaelrejected；andsupposethatIsaacwasthreeyearsoldbeforehewasweaned，thatwasbuttheseventeenthyearofIshmael；
whereforethedayofGod’sgracewasendedwithhimbetimes；Gen。
xvii。24，25；chap。xxi。2—11；Gal。iv。30。
2。Cain’sdayendedwithhimbetimes；forafterGodhadrejectedhim，helivedtobegetmanychildren，andbuildacity，andtodomanyotherthings。Butalas!allthatwhilehewasafugitiveandavagabond。Norcarriedheanythingwithhimafterthedayofhisrejectionwascome，butthisdolefullanguageinhisconscience，"FromGod’sfaceshallIbehid；"Gen。iv。10—15。
3。Esau，throughhisextravagancieswouldneedsgotosellhisbirth—right，notfearing（asotherconfidentfools）butthatyettheblessingwouldstillbehis，afterwhichhelivedmanyyears；butallofthemunderthewrathofGod，aswas，whentimecame，madeappeartohisdestruction；for"Whenhewouldhaveinheritedtheblessing，hewasrejected，forhefoundnoplaceofrepentance，thoughhesoughtitcarefullywithtears；"Heb。xii。14—16。
ManyinstancesmightbegivenastosuchtokensofthedispleasureofGodagainstsuchasfoolaway，asthewisemanhasit，theprizewhichisputintotheirhand；Prov。xvii。16。
Letthesethings，therefore，beafurthercautiontothosethatsitundertheglorioussoundoftheGospel，andhearoftherichesofthegraceofGodinChristtopoorsinners。
Toslightgrace，todespisemercy，andtostoptheearwhenGodspeaks，whenhespeakssuchgreatthings，somuchtoourprofit，isagreatprovocation。
Heoffereth，hecalls，hewoos，heinvites，heprays，hebeseechesusinthisdayofhisgracetobereconciledtohim；yea，andhasprovidedforusthemeansofreconciliationhimself。Now，thisdespisedmustneedsbeprovoking；anditisafearfulthingtofallintothehandsofthelivingGod。
Butsomemanmaysayuntome，FainIwouldbesaved，fainIwouldbesavedbyChrist；butIfearthisdayofgraceispast，andthatI
shallperish，notwithstandingtheexceedingrichesofthegraceofGod。
Answer。TothisdoubtIwouldanswerseveralthings。
First，Withrespecttothisday。
Secondly，Withrespecttothydesires。
Thirdly，Withrespecttothyfears。
First，Withrespecttotheday；thatis，whetheritbeendedwithamanorno。
1。Artthoujogged，andshakenandmolestedatthehearingoftheWord？Isthyconscienceawakenedandconvincedthenthatthouartatpresentinaperishingstate，andthatthouhastneedtocrytoGodformercy？Thisisahopefulsignthatthisdayofgraceisnotpastwiththee。Forusuallytheythatarepastgrace，arealso，intheirconscience，pastfeeling，being"searedwithanhotiron；"Eph。iv。
18，19；1Tim。iv。1，2。
Consequently，thosepastgracemustbesuchasaredeniedtheawakeningfruitsoftheWordpreached。"Thedeadthathear，"saysChrist，"shalllive；"atleastwhileChristhasnotquitedonewiththem；thedayofGod’spatienceisnotatanendwiththem；Johnv。
25。
2。Isthereinthymoreretiredcondition，arguings，strugglings，andstrivingswiththyspirittopersuadetheeofthevanityofwhatvainthingsthoulovest，andtowintheeinthysoultoachoiceofChristJesusandhisheavenlythings？Takeheedandrebelnot，forthedayofGod’sgraceandpatiencewillnotbepastwiththeetillhesaithhis"Spiritshallstrivenomore"withthee；forthenthewoecomes，when"heshalldepartfromthem；"andwhenhesaystothemeansofgrace，"Letthemalone；"Hos。iv。17；chap。ix。12。
3。Artthouvisitedinthenight—seasonswithdreamsaboutthystate，andthatthouartindangerofbeinglost？Hastthouheart—
shakenapprehensionswhendeepsleepisuponthee，ofhell，death，andjudgmenttocome？ThesearesignsthatGodhasnotwhollyleftthee，orcasttheebehindhisbackforever。"ForGodspeakethonce，yeatwice，yetmanperceivethitnot；inadream，inavisionofthenight，whendeepsleepfallethuponmen，inslumberingsuponthebed；
thenheopeneththeearsofmen，andsealeththeirinstruction，thathemaywithdrawmanfromhispurpose（hissinfulpurposes）andhidepridefromman；"Jobxxxiii。14—17。
AllthiswhileGodhasnotleftthesinner，noriscometotheendofhispatiencetowardshim，butstandsatleastwiththedoorofgracea—jarinhishand，asbeinglothasyettoboltitagainsthim。
4。Artthoufollowedwithaffliction，anddostthouhearGod’sangryvoiceinthyafflictions？Dothhesendwiththyafflictionaninterpretertoshewtheethyvileness；andwhy，orwherefore，thehandofGodisuponthee，anduponwhatthouhast；towit，thatitisforthysinningagainsthim，andthatthoumightestbeturnedtohim？
Ifso，thysummerisnotquiteended；thyharvestisnotquiteoverandgone。Takeheed，standoutnolonger，lesthecausedarkness，andlestthyfeetstumbleuponthedarkmountains；andlest，whileyoulookforlight，heturnitintotheshadowofdeath，andmakeitgrossdarkness；Jer。viii。20；chap。xiii。15—17。
5。Artthoucrossed，disappointed，andway—laid，andoverthrowninallthyfoolishwaysanddoings？ThisisasignGodhasnotquiteleftthee，butthathestillwaitsupontheetoturnthee。Consider，Isay，hashemadeahedgeandawalltostopthee？Hashecrossedtheeinallthouputtestthyhandunto？Takeitasacalltoturntohim，for，byhisthusdoing，heshewshehasamindtogivetheeabetterportion。ForusuallywhenGodgivesupmen，andresolvestoletthemaloneinthebroadway，hegivesthemrope，andletsthemhavetheirdesiresinallhurtfulthings；Hos。ii。6—15；Psalmlxxiii。3—13；Rom。xi。9。
Thereforetakeheedtothisalso，thatthoustrivenotagainstthishandofGod；butbetakethyselftoaseriousinquiryintothecausesofthishandofGoduponthee，andinclinetothink，itisbecausetheLordwouldhavetheelooktothat，whichisbetterthanwhatthouwouldstsatisfythyselfwithal。WhenGodhadamindtomaketheprodigalgohometohisfather，hesentafamineuponhim，anddeniedhimabellyfulofthehuskswhichtheswinedideat。Andobserveit，nowhewasinastrait，hebetookhimtoconsiderationofthegoodthattherewasinhisfather’shouse；yea，heresolvedtogohometohisfather，andhisfatherdealtwellwithhim；hereceivedhimwithmusicanddancing，becausehehadreceivedhimsafeandsound；Lukexv。14—32。
6。HastthenanyenticingthoughtsofthewordofGoduponthymind？
Doth，asitwere，someholywordofGodgiveaglanceuponthee，castasmileuponthee，letfall，thoughitbebutonedropofitssavouruponthyspirit；yea，thoughitstaysbutonemomentwiththee？O
thenthedayofgraceisnotpast!Thegateofheavenisnotshut!
norGod’sheartandbowelswithdrawnfromtheeasyet。Takeheed，therefore，andbewarethatthoumakemuchoftheheavenlygift，andofthatgoodwordofGodofthewhichhehasmadetheetaste。
Beware，Isay，andtakeheed；theremaybeafallingawayforallthis；but，Isay，asyetGodhasnotleftthee，asyethehasnotcasttheeoff；Heb。vi。1—9。
Secondly，Withrespecttothydesires，whatarethey？Wouldstthoubesaved!Wouldstthoubesavedwithathoroughsalvation？Wouldstthoubesavedfromguiltandfilthtoo？WouldstthoubetheservantofthySaviour？Artthouindeedwearyoftheserviceofthyoldmasterthedevil，sin，andtheworld？Andhavethesedesiresputthysoultoflight？Hastthouthroughdesiresbetakenthyselftothyheels？DostflytohimthatisaSaviourfromthewrathtocome，forlife？Ifthesebethydesires，andiftheybeunfeigned，fearnot。
ThouartoneofthoserunawayswhichGodhascommandedourLordtoreceive，andnottosendtheebacktothedevilthymasteragain，buttogivetheeaplaceinhishouse，eventheplacewhichlikeththeebest。"Thoushaltnotdelivertohismaster，"sayshe，"theservantwhichisescapedfromhismasteruntothee。Heshalldwellwiththee，evenamongyouinthatplacewhichheshallchoose，inoneofthygateswhereitlikethhimbest；thoushaltnotoppresshim；"
Deut。xxiii。15，16。
Thisisacommandtothechurch，consequentlytotheHeadofthechurch；forallcommandsfromGodcometoherthroughherHead。
WhenceIconclude，thatasIsraelofoldwastoreceivetherunawayservantwhoescapedfromaheathenmastertothem，andshouldnotdaretosendhimbacktohismasteragain，soChrist’schurchnow，andconsequentlyChristhimself，maynot，willnot，refusethatsoulthathasmadehisescapefromsin，Satan，theworld，andhell，untohim，butwillcertainlylethimdwellinhishouse，amonghissaints，inthatplacewhichheshallchoose，evenwhereitlikethhimbest。
Forhesaysinanotherplace，"Andhimthatcomethtome，Iwillinnowisecastout。"Innowise，lethiscrimesbewhattheywill，eitherfornature，multitude，ortheattendanceofaggravatingcircumstances。
Wherefore，ifthydesiresbefirm，sound，andunfeignedtobecomethesavedofChrist，andhisservant，fearnot，hewillnot，hewillinnowiseputtheeaway，orturntheeovertothyoldmasteragain。
Thirdly，Astotheyfears，whatevertheyare，letthatbesupposedwhichissupposedbefore，andtheyaregroundless，andsoofnoweight。
Object。ButIamafraidIamnotelected，orchosentosalvation，thoughyoucalledmefoolalittlebeforeforsofearing。
Ans。Thoughelectionis，inorder，beforecalling，astoGod，yettheknowledgeofcallingmustgobeforethebeliefofmyelectionastomyself。Wherefore，soulsthatdoubtofthetruthoftheireffectualcalling，dobutplungethemselvesintoadeeperlabyrinthofconfusionthatconcernthemselveswiththeirelection；Imean，whiletheylabourtoknowitbeforetheyprovetheircalling。"Makeyourcalling，andsoyourelection，sure；"2Pet。i。4—11。
Wherefore，atpresent，laythethoughtsofthyelectionby，andaskthyselfthesequestions：DoIseemylostcondition？DoIseesalvationisnowherebutinChrist？WouldIshareinthissalvationbyfaithinhim？AndwouldI，aswassaidbefore，bethoroughlysaved，towit，fromthefilthasfromtheguilt？DoIloveChrist，hisFather，hissaints，hiswords，andways？Thisisthewaytoproveweareelect。Wherefore，sinner，whenSatan，orthineownheartseekstopuzzletheewithelection，saythou，Icannotattendtotalkofthispointnow，butstaytillIknowthatIamcalledofGodtothefellowshipofhisSon，andthenIwillshewyouthatIamelect，andthatmynameiswritteninthebookoflife。
Ifpoordistressedsoulswouldobservethisorder，theymightsavethemselvesthetroubleofanunprofitablelabourundertheseunreasonableandsoul—sinkingdoubts。
Letustherefore，uponthesightofourwretchedness，flyandventurouslyleapintothearmsofChrist，whicharenowasopentoreceiveusintohisbosom，astheywerewhennailedtothecross。
ThisiscomingtoChristforlifearight；thisisrightrunningawayfromthymastertohim，aswassaidbefore。Andforthiswehavemultitudesofscripturestosupport，encourage，andcomfortusinoursodoing。
Butnow，lethimthatdoththusbesuretolookforit，forSatanwillbewithhimto—morrow，toseeifhecangethimagaintohisoldservice；andifhecannotdothat，thenwillheenterintodisputewithhim，towit，aboutwhetherhebeelecttolife，andcalledindeedtopartakeofthisChrist，towhomheisfledforsuccour，orwhetherhecomestohimofhisownpresumptuousmind。Thereforewearebid，astocome，sotoarmourselveswiththatarmourwhichGodhasprovided；thatwemayresist，quench，standagainst，andwithstandallthefierydartsofthedevil；Eph。vi。11—18。
If，therefore，thoufindestSataninthisordertomarchagainstthee，rememberthenthouhadstthisitemaboutit；andbetakethyselftofaithandgoodcourage；andbesober，andhopetotheend。
Object。ButhowifIshouldhavesinnedthesinunpardonable，orthatcalledthesinagainsttheHolyGhost？
Answer。Ifthouhast，thouartlostforever；butyetbeforeitisconcludedbytheethatthouhastsosinned，knowthattheythatwouldbesavedbyJesusChristthroughfaithinhisblood，cannotbecountedforsuch。
1。Becauseofthepromise，forthatmustnotbefrustrated：andthatsays，"AndhimthatcomethtoChrist，hewillinnowisecastout。"Andagain，"Whosowill，lethimtakeofthewateroflifefreely；"Johnvi。37；Rev。xxi。6；chap。xxii。17。
ButIsay，howcanthesescripturesbefulfilled，ifhethatwouldindeedbesaved，asbefore，hassinnedthesinunpardonable？Thescripturesmustnotbemadevoid，northeirtruthbecasttotheground。Hereisapromise，andhereisasinner；apromisethatsaysheshallnotbecastoutthatcomes；andthesinnercomes，whereforehemustbereceived：consequentlyhethatcomestoChristforlife，hasnot，cannothavesinnedthatsinforwhichthereisnoforgiveness。
Andthismightsufficeforananswertoanycomingsoul，thatfears，thoughhecomes，thathehassinnedthesinagainsttheHolyGhost。
2。Butagain，hethathassinnedthesinagainsttheHolyGhostcannotcome，hasnohearttocome，canbynomeansbemadewillingtocometoJesusChristforlife；forthathehasreceivedsuchanopinionofhim，andofhisthings，asdetersandholdshimback。
1。Hecounteththisblessedperson，theSonofGod，amagician，aconjuror，awitch，oronethatdid，whenhewasintheworld，whathedidbythepowerandspiritofthedevil；Matt。ix。34；chap。xii。
24，25，&c。；Markiii。22—30。NowhethathasthisopinionofthisJesus，cannotbewillingtocasthimselfathisfeetforlife，ortocometohimastheonlywaytoGodandtosalvation。Andhenceitissaidagain，thatsuchanoneputshimtoopenshame，andtreadethhimunderfoot，thatis，bycontemning，reproaching，vilifying，anddespisingofhim，asifhewerethevilestone，orthegreatestcheatintheworld：andhastherefore，astohisesteemofhim，calledhimaccursed，crucifiedhimtohimself，orcountedhimonehanged，asoneoftheworstofmalefactors；Heb。vi。6；chap。x。29；1Cor。xii。3。
2。Hisblood，whichisthemeritoriouscauseofman’sredemption，eventhebloodoftheeverlastingcovenant，hecountethanunholything，orthatwhichhasnomorevirtueinittosaveasoulfromsinthanhasthebloodofadog；Heb。x。29。ForwhentheApostlesays，"hecountsitanunholything，"hemeans，hemakesitoflessvaluethanthatofasheeporcow，whichwerecleanaccordingtothelaw；
andthereforemustmean，thathisbloodwasofnomoreworthtohiminhisaccountthanwasthebloodofadog，anass，oraswine，whichalwayswas，astosacrifices，rejectedbytheGodofheaven，asunholyorunclean。
NowhewhohasnobetteresteemofJesusChrist，andofhisdeathandblood，willnotbepersuadedtocometohimforlife，ortotrustinhimforsalvation。
3。Butfurther，allthismustbedoneagainstmanifesttokenstoprovethecontrary，oraftertheshiningofgospellightuponthesoul，orsomeconsiderableprofessionofhimastheMessiah，orthathewastheSaviouroftheworld。
1。Itmustbedoneagainstmanifesttokenstoprovethecontrary；
andthusthereprobateJewscommitteditwhentheysawtheworksofGod，whichputforththemselvesinhim，andcalledthemtheworksofthedevilandBeelzebub。
2。Itmustbedoneagainstsomeshininglightofthegospeluponthem。AndthusitwaswithJudas，andwiththosewho，aftertheywereenlightened，andhadtasted，andhadfeltsomethingofthepowersoftheworldtocome，fellawayfromthefaithofhim，andputhimtoopenshameanddisgrace；Heb。vi。5，6。
3。Itmustalsobedoneafter，andinoppositiontoone’sownopenprofessionofhim。"Forifaftertheyhaveescapedthepollutionoftheworld，throughtheknowledgeofourLordandSaviourJesusChrist，theyareagainentangledtherein，andovercome，thelatterendisworsewiththemthanthebeginning；forithadbeenbetterforthemnottohaveknownthewayofrighteousness，thanaftertheyhaveknownit，toturnfromtheholycommandment（whichisthewordoffaith）delivereduntothem。"
4。Allthismustbedoneopenly，beforewitnesses，intheface，sight，andviewoftheworld，bywordandact。Thisisthesinthatisunpardonable；andhethathaththusdone，cannever，itisimpossibleheevershouldberenewedagaintorepentance，andthatforadoublereason；forsuchanonedothsay，hewillnot；andofhimGodsays，heshallnothavethebenefitofsalvationbyhim。
Object。Butifthisbethesinunpardonable，whyisitcalledthesinagainsttheHolyGhost，andnotratherthesinagainsttheSonofGod？
Answ。Itiscalled"thesinagainsttheHolyGhost，"becausesuchcounttheworkshedid，whichweredonebytheSpiritofGod，theworksofthespiritofthedevil。AlsobecauseallsuchassorejectChristJesustheLord，theydoitindespiteofthattestimonywhichtheHolyGhosthasgivenofhimintheholyscriptures；forthescripturesarethebreathingsoftheHolyGhost，asinallotherthings，sointhattestimonytheybearoftheperson，oftheworks，sufferings，resurrection，andascensionofJesusChrist。
Sinner，thisisthesinagainsttheHolyGhost。Whatsaystthou？
Hastthoucommittedit？Nay，Iknowthouhastnot；ifthouwouldstbesavedbyChrist。Yea，itisimpossiblethatthoushouldsthavedoneit，ifindeedthouwouldstbesavedbyhim。
Nomancandesiretobesavedbyhim，whomheyetjudgethtobeanimpostor，amagician，awitch。Nomancanhopeforredemptionbythatbloodwhichheyetcountethanunholything。NorwillGodeversuffersuchanonetorepent，whohas，afterlightandprofessionofhim，thushorriblyanddevil—likecontemnedandtrampleduponhim。
True，wordsandwarsandblasphemiesagainstthisSonofmanarepardonable；butthentheymustbedoneignorantlyandinunbelief。
Alsoallblasphemousthoughtsarelikewisesuchasmaybepassedby，ifthesoulafflictedwiththemindeedissorryforthem；1Tim。i。
13—15；Mar。iii。28。
Allbutthis，sinner，allbutthis!IfGodhadsaid，hewillforgiveonesin，ithadbeenundeservedgrace；butwhenhesayshewillpardonallbutone，thisisgracetotheheight。
Noristhatoneunpardonableotherwise，butbecausetheSaviourthatshouldsavethemisrejectedandputaway。
WereadofJacob’sladder；ChristisJacob’sladderthatreachethuptoheaven，andhethatrefusethtogobythisladderthither，willscarcebyothermeansgetupsohigh。
Thereisnoneothernamegivenunderheavenamongmenwherebywemustbesaved。Thereisnoneothersacrificeforsinthanthis；healso，andheonly，istheMediatorthatreconcilethmentoGod。And，sinner，ifthouwouldstbesavedbyhim，hisbenefitsarethine；yea，thoughthouartagreatandJerusalemtransgressor。