And all this while Christ says to his ministers, Offer. mercy in the
first place to the biggest sinners. So that this temptation drives
thee directly into the arms of Jesus Christ.
Was therefore the tempted but aware, he might say, Aye, Satan, so I
am, I am a sinner of the biggest size, and therefore have most need
of Jesus Christ; yea, because I am such a wretch, therefore Jesus
Christ calls me; yea, he calls me first--the first proffer of the
gospel is to be made to the Jerusalem sinner. I am he; wherefore
stand back, Satan, make way for me, my right is first to come to
Jesus Christ.
This now will be like for like. This would foil the devil. This
would make him say, I must not deal with this man. thus; for then I
put a sword into his hand to cut off my head.
Well, sinner, thou now speakest like a Christian; but say thus in a
strong spirit in the hour of temptation, and then thou wilt, to thy
commendation and comfort, quit thyself well.
This improving of Christ in dark hours is the life, though the
hardest part of our Christianity. We should neither stop at
darkness, nor at the raging of our lusts, but go on in a way of
venturing and casting the whole of our concerns for the next world
at the foot of Jesus Christ. This is the way to make the darkness
light, and also to allay the raging of our corruption.
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