O, but then he would not have displayed his grace,
nor have so pursued his own designs, namely, to get himself a praise
and a name; but now he has done it to purpose. For who that shall
read this story but must confess that the Son of God is full of
grace? for a proof of the riches thereof he left behind him, when
upon the cross he took the thief away with him to glory.
I have one thing more to offer for thy encouragement, who deemest
thyself one of the biggest sinners; and that is, thou art as it were
called by thy name, in the first place to come in for mercy. Thou
man of Jerusalem, Luke 24:47, hearken to thy call: men do so in
courts of judicature, and presently cry out, "Here, sir;" and then
shoulder and crowd, and say, "Pray give way, I am called into the
court." Why, this is thy case, thou great, thou Jerusalem sinner; be
of good cheer, he calleth thee. Why sittest thou still? Arise. Why
standest thou still? Come, man, thy call should give thee authority
to corne. "Begin at Jerusalem," is thy call and authority to come;
wherefore up and shoulder it, man; say, "Stand away, devil, Christ
calls me; stand away, unbelief, Christ calls me; stand away, all ye
discouraging apprehensions, for my Saviour calls me to him to
receive of his mercy.
Pages:
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226