Thatword，\"HetoldmeallthateverIdid，\"wasagreatargumentwiththem；forbythattheygathered，thatthoughheknewhertobevile，yethedidnotdespiseher，norrefusetoshewhowwillinghewastocommunicatehisgraceuntoher；andthisfetchedover，firsther，thenthem。
Thiswoman，asIsaid，wasaSamaritansinner，asinneroftheworstcomplexion：fortheJewsabhorredtohaveoughttodowiththem，ver。9；whereforenonemorefitthanshetobemadeoneofthedecoysofheaven，tobringothersoftheseSamaritanwild—fowlsunderthenetofthegraceofChrist。Andshedidtheworktopurpose。Many，andmanymoreoftheSamaritansbelievedonhim；ver。40—42。Theheartofman，thoughsetonsin，will，whenitcomesoncetoapersuasionthatGodiswillingtohavemercyuponus，inclinetocometoJesusChristforlife。
Witnessthoseturn—awaysfromGodthatyoualsoreadofinJeremiah；
foraftertheyhadheardthreeorfourtimesover，thatGodhadmercyforbacksliders，theybrokeout，andsaid，\"Behold，wecomeuntothee，forthouarttheLordourGod。\"OrasthoseinHoseadid，\"Forintheethefatherlessfindmercy；\"Jer。iii。22；Hos。xiv。1—3。
Mercy，andtherevelationthereof，istheonlyantidoteagainstsin。
Itisofathawingnature；itwillloosetheheartthatisfrozenupinsin；yea，itwillmaketheunwillingwillingtocometoJesusChristforlife。Wherefore，doyouthink，wasitthatJesusChristtoldtheadulterouswoman，andthatbeforesomanysinners，thathehadnotcondemnedher，buttoallureher，withthemtherepresent，tohopetofindfavourathishands？（Ashealsosaithinanotherplace，\"Icamenottojudge，buttosavetheworld。\"）Formighttheynotthencemostrationallyconclude，thatifJesusChristhadrathersavethandamnanharlot，therewasencouragementforthemtocometohimformercy。
Iheardonceastoryfromasoldier，whowithhiscompanyhadlaidsiegeagainstafort，thatsolongasthebesiegedwerepersuadedtheirfoeswouldshewthemnofavour，theyfoughtlikemadmen；butwhentheysawoneoftheirfellowstaken，andreceivedtofavour，theyallcametumblingdownfromtheirfortress，anddeliveredthemselvesintotheirenemies’hands。
Iampersuaded，didmenbelievethatthereisthatgraceandwillingnessintheheartofChristtosavesinners，asthewordimportsthereis，theywouldcometumblingintohisarms：butSatanhasblindedtheirminds，thattheycannotseethisthing。Howbeit，theLordJesushas，asIsaid，thatothersmighttakeheartandcometohim，givenoutacommandment，thatmercyshouldinthefirstplacebeofferedtothebiggestsinners。\"Begin，\"saithhe，\"atJerusalem。\"AndthusIendthethirdreason。
Fourthly，JesusChristwouldhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners，becausethatistheway，iftheyreceiveit，mosttoweakenthekingdomofSatan，andtokeepitlowestineveryageoftheworld。Thebiggestsinners，theyareSatan’scolonelsandcaptains，theleadersofhispeople，andtheythatmoststoutlymakeheadagainsttheSonofGod。Whereforeletthesefirstbeconquered，andhiskingdomwillbeweak。WhenIshboshethhadlosthisAbner，hiskingdomwasmadeweak：nordidhesitbuttotteringthenuponhisthrone。SowhenSatanlosethhisstrongmen，themthataremightytoworkiniquity，anddexteroustomanageothersinthesame，thenishiskingdomweak；2Sam。iii。Therefore，Isay，Christdothoffermercyinthefirstplacetosuch，themoretoweakenhiskingdom。ChristJesuswasgladtoseeSatanfalllikelightningfromheaven，thatis，suddenlyorheadlong；anditwas，surely，bycastingofhimoutofstrongpossessions，andbyrecoveringofsomenotorioussinnersoutofhisclutches；Lukex。17—19。
Samson，whenhewouldpulldownthePhilistinestemple，tookholdofthetwomainpillarsofit，andbreakingthem，downcamethehouse。
Christcametodestroytheworksofthedevil，andtodestroybyconvertinggrace，aswellasbyredeemingblood。Nowsinswarms，andliethbylegions，andwholearmies，inthesoulsofthebiggestsinners，asingarrisons：whereforetheway，themostdirectwaytodestroyit，isfirsttodealwithsuchsinnersbythewordofhisgospel，andbythemeritsofhispassion。
Forexample，thoughIshallgiveyoubutahomelyone：supposeafamilytobetroubledwithvermin，andoneortwoofthefamilytobeinchiefthebreeders，theway，thequickestwaytoclearthatfamily，oratleasttoweakenthesoswarmingofthosevermin，is，inthefirstplace，tosweetentheskin，head，andclothesofthechiefbreeders；andthen，thoughallthefamilyshouldbeapttobreedthem，thenumberofthem，andsothegreatnessofthatplaguethere，willbethemoreimpaired。
Why，therearesomepeoplethatareinchiefthedevil’ssin—breedersinthetownsandplaceswheretheylive。Theplace，town，orfamilywheretheylive，mustneedsbehorriblyverminous，asitwere，eatenupwithvermin。Now，lettheLordJesus，inthefirstplace，cleansethesegreatbreeders，andtherewillbegivenaniptothoseswarmsofsinsthatusedtobecommittedinsuchplacesthroughoutthetown，house，orfamily，wheresuchsin—breedingpersonsusedtobe。
Ispeakbyexperience：Iwasoneoftheseverminousones，oneofthesegreatsin—breeders；IinfectedalltheyouthofthetownwhereIwasborn，withallmannerofyouthfulvanities。Theneighbourscountedmeso；mypracticeprovedmeso：whereforeChristJesustookmefirst，andtakingmefirst，thecontagionwasmuchallayedallthetownover。WhenGodmademesigh，theywouldhearken，andenquiringlysay，WhatisthematterwithJohn？Theyalsogavetheirvariousopinionsofme：but，asIsaid，sincooled，andfailed，astohisfullcareer。WhenIwentouttoseekthebreadoflife，someofthemwouldfollow，andtherestbeputintoamuseathome。Yea，almostthetown，atfirst，attimeswouldgoouttohearattheplacewhereIfoundgood；yea，youngandoldforawhilehadsomereformationonthem；alsosomeofthem，perceivingthatGodhadmercyuponme，camecryingtohimformercytoo。
ButwhatneedIgiveyouaninstanceofpoorI；IwillcometoManassehtheking。Solongashewasaring—leadingsinner，thegreatidolater，thechieffordevilism，thewholelandflowedwithwickedness；forhe\"madethemtosin，\"anddoworsethantheheathenthatdweltroundaboutthem，orthatwascastoutfrombeforethem：
butwhenGodconvertedhim，thewholelandwasreformed。Downwentthegroves，theidols，andaltarsofBaal，andupwenttruereligioninmuchofthepowerandpurityofit。Youwillsay，Thekingreformedbypower。Ianswer，doubtless，andbyexampletoo；forpeopleobservetheirleaders；astheirfathersdid，sodidthey；2
Chron。xxxiii。2。
This，therefore，isanotherreasonwhyJesuswouldhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners，becausethatisthebestway，iftheyreceiveit，mosttoweakenthekingdomofSatan，andtokeepitpoorandlow。
Anddoyounotthinknow，thatifGodwouldbuttakeholdoftheheartsofsomeofthemostnotoriousinyourtown，inyourfamily，orcountry，thatthisthingwouldbeverifiedbeforeyourfaces？Itwould，itwould，tothejoyofyouthataregodly，tothemakingofhelltosigh，tothegreatsuppressingofsin，thegloryofChrist，andthejoyoftheangelsofGod。Andministersshould，therefore，thatthisworkmightgoon，takeadvantagestopersuadewiththebiggestsinnerstocomeintoChrist，accordingtomytext，andtheircommissions；\"BeginningatJerusalem。\"
Fifthly，JesusChristwouldhavemercyoffered，inthefirstplace，tothebiggestsinners；becausesuch，whenconverted，areusuallythebesthelpsinthechurchagainsttemptations，andfittestforthesupportofthefeeble—mindedthere。Hence，usually，youhavesomesuchinthefirstplantationofchurches，orquicklyuponit。
Churcheswoulddobutsorrily，ifChristJesusdidnotputsuchconvertsamongthem：theyarethemonumentsandmirrorsofmercy。
TheverysightofsuchasinnerinGod’shouse，yea，theverythoughtofhim，wherethesightofhimcannotbehad，isofttimesgreatlyforthehelpofthefaithofthefeeble。
\"Whenthechurches（saidPaul）thatwereinJudea，heardthisconcerningme，thathewhichpersecutedthemintimepast，nowpreachedthefaithwhichoncehedestroyed，theyglorifiedGodinme；\"Gal。i。20—24。
\"GlorifiedGod。\"Howisthat？Why，theypraisedhim，andtookcouragetobelievethemoreinthemercyofGod；forthathehadhadmercyonsuchagreatsinnerashe。TheyglorifiedGod\"inme；\"theywonderedthatgraceshouldbesorich，astotakeholdofsuchawretchasIwas；andformysakebelievedinChristthemore。
Therearetwothingsthatgreatsinnersareacquaintedwith，whentheycometodivulgethemtothesaints，thatareagreatrelieftotheirfaith。
1。Theconteststhattheyusuallyhavewiththedevilattheirpartingwithhim。
2。Theirknowledgeofhissecretsinhisworkings。
Forthefirst，Thebiggestsinnershaveusuallygreatcontestswiththedevilattheirpartings；andthisisanhelptosaints：forordinarysaintsfindafterwardswhatthevileonesfindatfirst，butwhenattheopeningofhearts，theonefindshimselftobeastheother，theoneisacomforttotheother。Thelessersortofsinnersfindbutlittleofthis，tillaftertheyhavebeensometimeinprofession；butthevilemanmeetswithhisatthebeginning。
Whereforehe，whentheotherisdown，isreadytotellthathehasmetwiththesamebefore；for，Isay，hehashaditbefore。Satanisloathtopartwithagreatsinner。Whatmytrueservant（quothhe），myoldservant，wiltthouforsakemenow？havingsooftensoldthyselftometoworkwickedness，wiltthouforsakemenow？Thouhorriblewretch，dostnotknow，thatthouhastsinnedthyselfbeyondthereachofgrace，anddostthinktofindmercynow？Artnotthouamurderer，athief，aharlot，awitch，asinnerofthegreatestsize，anddostthoulookformercynow？DostthouthinkthatChristwillfoulhisfingerswiththee？
’Tisenoughtomakeangelsblush，saithSatan，toseesovileaoneknockatheaven—gatesformercy，andwiltthoubesoabominablyboldtodoit？ThusSatandealtwithme，saysthegreatsinner，whenatfirstIcametoJesusChrist。Andwhatdidyoureply？saiththetempted。Why，Igrantedthewholechargetobetrue，saystheother。
Andwhat，didyoudespair，orhow？No，saithhe，Isaid，IamMagdalen，IamZaccheus，Iamthethief，Iamtheharlot，Iamthepublican，Iamtheprodigal，andoneofChrist’smurderers：yea，worsethananyofthese；andyetGodwassofarofffromrejectingofme（asIfoundafterwards），thattherewasmusicanddancinginhishouseforme，andforjoythatIwascomehomeuntohim。OblessedbeGodforgrace（saystheother），forthenIhopethereisfavourforme。Yea，asItoldyou，suchaoneisacontinualspectacleinthechurch，foreveryonetobeholdGod’sgraceandwonderby。
Secondly，AndasforthesecretsofSatan，suchasaresuggestionstoquestionthebeingofGod，thetruthofhisword，andtobeannoyedwithdevilishblasphemies；nonemoreacquaintedwiththesethanthebiggestsinnersattheirconversion；whereforethusalsotheyarepreparedtobehelpsinthechurchtorelieveandcomforttheother。
Imightalsoheretellyouofthecontestsandbattlesthatsuchareengagedin，whereintheyfindthebesettingsofSatan，aboveanyotherofthesaints。AtwhichtimesSatanassaultsthesoulwithdarkness，fears，frightfulthoughtsofapparitions；nowtheysweat，pant，cryout，andstruggleforlife。
Theangelsnowcomedowntobeholdthesight，andrejoicetoseeabitofdustandashestoovercomeprincipalitiesandpowers，andmight，anddominions。But，asIsaidwhenthesecomealittletobesettled，theyarepreparedforhelpingothers，andaregreatcomfortsuntothem。Theirgreatsinsgivegreatencouragementtothedeviltoassaultthem；andbythesetemptationsChristtakesadvantagetomakethemthemorehelpfultothechurches。
Thebiggestsinner，whenheisconverted，andcomesintothechurch，saystothemall，byhisverycomingin，Beholdme，allyouthataremenandwomenofalowandtimorousspirit，youwhoseheartsarenarrow，forthatyouneverhadtheadvantagetoknow，becauseyoursinsarefew，thelargenessofthegraceofGod。Behold，Isay，inme，theexceedingrichesofhisgrace!Iamapatternsetforthbeforeyourfaces，onwhomyoumaylookandtakeheart。This，Isay，thegreatsinnercansay，totheexceedingcomfortofalltherest。
Wherefore，asIhavehintedbefore，whenGodintendstostockaplacewithsaints，andtomakethatplaceexcellentlytoflourishwiththerichesofhisgrace，heusuallybeginswiththeconversionofsomeofthemostnotoriousthereabouts，andlaysthemasanexampletoallureothers，andtobuildupwhentheyareconverted。
ItwasPaulthatmustgototheGentiles，becausePaulwasthemostoutrageousofalltheapostles，inthetimeofhisunregeneracy。
Yea，Petermustbehe，thatafterhishorriblefall，wasthoughtfittest，whenrecoveredagain，tocomfortandstrengthenhisbrethren。SeeLukexxii。31，32。
SomemustbepillarsinGod’shouse；andiftheybepillarsofcedar，theymuststandwhiletheyarestoutandsturdysticksintheforest，beforetheyarecutdown，andplantedorplacedthere。
Noman，whenhebuildethhishouse，makestheprincipalpartsthereofofweakorfeebletimber；forhowcouldsuchbearuptherest？butofgreatandablewood。ChristJesusalsogoeththiswaytowork；hemakesofthebiggestsinnersbearersandsupporterstotherest。
Thisthen，mayserveforanotherreason，whyJesusChristgivesoutincommandment，thatmercyshould，inthefirstplace，beofferedtothebiggestsinners：becausesuch，whenconverted，areusuallythebesthelpsinthechurchagainsttemptations，andfittestforthesupportofthefeeble—mindedthere。
Sixthly，AnotherreasonwhyJesusChristwouldhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners，is，becausethey，whenconverted，areapttolovehimmost。
ThisagreesbothwithScriptureandreason。Scripturesaysso：\"Towhommuchisforgiven，thesamelovethmuch。Towhomlittleisforgiven，thesamelovethlittle；\"Lukevii。47。Reasonsaysso：
forasitwouldbetheunreasonablestthingintheworldtorenderhatredforlove，andcontemptforforgiveness；soitwouldbeasridiculoustothink，thatthereceptionofalittlekindnessshouldlaythesameobligationsuponthehearttolove，asthereceptionofagreatdeal。IwouldnotdisparagetheloveofChrist；Iknowtheleastdrachmofit，whenitreachestoforgiveness，isgreatabovealltheworld；butcomparatively，therearegreaterextensionsoftheloveofChristtoonethantoanother。Hethathasmostsin，ifforgiven，ispartakerofthegreatestlove，ofthegreatestforgiveness。
Iknowalso，thattherearesome，thatfromthisverydoctrinesay，\"Letusdoevilthatgoodmaycome；\"andthatturnthegraceofourGodintolasciviousness。ButIspeaknotofthese；thesewillneitherberuledbygracenorreason。Gracewouldteachthem，iftheyknowit，todenyungodlycourses；andsowouldreasontoo，ifitcouldtrulysensetheloveofGod；Titusii。11，12；Rom。xi。1。
Dothitlooklikewhathathanycoherencewithreasonormercy，foramantoabusehisfriend？BecauseChristdiedformen，shallI
thereforespitinhisface？ThebreadandwaterthatwasgivenbyElishatohisenemies，thatcameintothelandofIsraeltotakehim，hadsomuchinfluenceupontheirminds，thoughheathens，thattheyreturnedtotheirhomeswithouthurtinghim：yea，itkeptthemfromcomingagaininahostilemannerintothecoastsofIsrael；2Kingsvi。19—23。
Buttoforbeartoillustratetillanon。OnereasonwhyChristJesusshewsmercytosinners，is，thathemightobtaintheirlove，thathemayremovetheirbaseaffectionsfrombaseobjectstohimself。Now，ifhelovestobelovedalittle，helovestobelovedmuch；butthereisnotanythatarecapableoflovingmuch，savethosethathavemuchforgiventhem。HenceitissaidofPaul，thathelabouredmorethanthemall；towit，withalabouroflove，becausehehadbeenbysinmorevileagainstChristthantheyall；1Cor。xv。HeitwasthatpersecutedthechurchofGod，andwastedit；Gal。i。13。Heofthemallwastheonlyravingbedlamagainstthesaints：\"Andbeingexceedingmad，\"sayshe，\"againstthem，Ipersecutedthem，eventostrangecities；\"Actsxxvi。11。
Thisravingbedlam，thatoncewasso，ishethatnowsays，Ilabouredmorethanthemall，moreforChristthanthemall。
ButPaul，whatmovedtheethustodo？TheloveofChrist，sayshe。
ItwasnotI，butthegraceofGodthatwaswithme。Aswhoshouldsay，Ograce!Itwassuchgracetosaveme!ItwassuchmarvellousgraceforGodtolookdownfromheavenuponme，andthatsecuredmefromthewrathtocome，thatIamcaptivatedwiththesenseoftherichesofit。HenceIact，henceIlabour；forhowcanIotherwisedo，sinceGodnotonlyseparatedmefrommysinsandcompanions，butseparatedallthepowersofmysoulandbodytohisservice？IamthereforepromptedonbythisexceedinglovetolabourasIhavedone；yetnotI，butthegraceofGodwithme。
Oh!Ishallneverforgethislove，northecircumstancesunderwhichIwas，whenhislovelaidholduponme。IwasgoingtoDamascuswithlettersfromthehigh—priest，tomakehavockofGod’speoplethere，asIhadmadehavockoftheminotherplaces。Thesebloodyletterswerenotimposeduponme。Iwenttothehigh—priestanddesiredthemofhim；Actsix。1，2；andyethesavedme!Iwasoneofthemen，ofthechiefmen，thathadahandinthebloodofhismartyrStephen；
yethehadmercyonme!WhenIwasatDamascus，Istunksohorriblylikeablood—sucker，thatIbecameaterrortoallthereabout。Yea，Ananias（goodman）madeintercessiontomyLordagainstme；yethewouldhavemercyuponme，yea，joinedmercytomercy，untilhehadmademeamonumentofgrace!Hemadeasaintofme，andpersuadedmethatmytransgressionswereforgivenme。
WhenIbegantopreach，thosethatheardmewereamazed，andsaid，\"IsnotthishethatdestroyedthemthatcalledonthisnameinJerusalem，andcamehitherforthatintent，thathemightbringthemboundtothehigh—priest？\"HelldothknowthatIwasasinner；
heavendothknowthatIwasasinner；theworldalsoknowsthatIwasasinner，asinnerofthegreatestsize；butIobtainedmercy；1Timi。15，16。
Shallnotthislayobligationuponme？Isnotloveofthegreatestforcetooblige？Isitnotstrongasdeath，cruelasthegrave，andhotterthanthecoalsofjuniper？Hathitnotamostvehementflame？
canthewatersquenchit？canthefloodsdrownit？Iamundertheforceofit，andthisismycontinualcry，WhatshallIrendertotheLordforallthebenefitswhichhehasbestoweduponme？
Ay，Paul!thisissomething；thouspeakestlikeaman，likeamanaffected，andcarriedawaywiththeloveandgraceofGod。Now，thissense，andthisaffection，andthislabour，givethtoChristthelovethathelooksfor。Buthemighthaveconvertedtwentylittlesinners，andyetnotfound，forgracebestowed，somuchloveinthemall。
Iwonderhowfaramanmightgoamongtheconvertedsinnersofthesmallersize，beforeonecouldfindonethatsomuchaslookedanythingthiswayward。WhereishethatisthusunderpangsofloveforthegracebestoweduponhimbyJesusChrist？Exceptingonlysomefew，youmaywalktotheworld’send，andfindnone。But，asIsaid，somethereare，andsotherehasbeenineveryageofthechurch，greatsinners，thathavehadmuchforgiventhem；andtheylovemuchuponthisaccount。
JesusChristthereforeknowswhathedoth，whenhelaysholdontheheartsofsinnersofthebiggestsize。Heknowsthatsuchanonewilllovemorethanmanythathavenotsinnedhalftheirsins。
IwilltellyouastorythatIhavereadofMarthaandMary；thenameofthebookIhaveforgot；ImeanofthebookinwhichIfoundtherelation；butthethingwasthus：Martha，saithmyauthor，wasaveryholywoman，muchlikeLazarusherbrother；butMarywasalooseandwantoncreature；Marthadidseldommissgoodsermonsandlectures，whenshecouldcomeattheminJerusalem；butMarywouldfrequentthehouseofsports，andthecompanyofthevilestofmenforlust：AndthoughMarthahadoftendesiredthathersisterwouldgowithhertohearherpreachers，yea，hadoftenentreatedherwithtearstodoit，yetcouldsheneverprevail；forstillMarywouldmakeherexcuse，orrejectherwithdisdainforherzealandprecisenessinreligion。
AfterMarthahadwaitedlong，triedmanywaystobringhersistertogood，andallprovedineffectual，atlastshecomesuponherthus：
\"Sister，\"quothshe，\"Ipraytheegowithmetothetempleto—day，tohearonepreachasermon。\"\"Whatkindofpreacherishe？\"saidshe。
Marthareplied，\"ItisoneJesusofNazareth；heisthehandsomestmanthateveryousawwithyoureyes。Oh!heshinesinbeauty，andisamostexcellentpreacher。\"
Now，whatdoesMary，afteralittlepause，butgoesupintoherchamber，andwithherpinsandherclouts，decksupherselfasfineasherfingerscouldmakeher。
Thisdone，awayshegoes，notwithhersisterMartha，butasmuchunobservedasshecould，tothesermon，orrathertoseethepreacher。
Thehourandpreacherbeingcome，andshehavingobservedwhereaboutthepreacherwouldstand，goesandsetsherselfsointhetemple，thatshemightbesuretohavethefullviewofthisexcellentperson。Sohecomesin，andshelooks，andthefirstglimpseofhispersonpleasedher。Well，Jesusaddressethhimselftohissermon，andshelooksearnestlyonhim。
Now，atthattime，saithmyauthor，Jesuspreachedaboutthelostsheep，thelostgroat，andtheprodigalchild。Andwhenhecametoshewwhatcaretheshepherdtookforonelostsheep，andhowthewomanswepttofindherpiecewhichwaslost，andwhatjoytherewasattheirfinding，shebegantobetakenbytheears，andforgotwhatshecameabout，musingwhatthepreacherwouldmakeofit。Butwhenhecametotheapplication，andshewed，thatbythelostsheepwasmeantagreatsinner；bytheshepherd’scare，wasmeantGod’sloveforgreatsinners；andthatbythejoyoftheneighbours，wasshewedwhatjoytherewasamongtheangelsinheavenoveronegreatsinnerthatrepenteth；shebegantobetakenbytheheart。Andashespaketheselastwords，shethoughthepitchedhisinnocenteyesjustuponher，andlookedasifhespakewhatwasnowsaidtoher：whereforeherheartbegantotremble，beingshakenwithaffectionandfear；
thenhereyesrandownwithtearsapace；whereforeshewasforcedtohideherfacewithherhandkerchief；andsosatsobbingandcryingalltherestofthesermon。
Sermonbeingdone，upshegets，andawayshegoes，andwithalinquiredwherethisJesusthepreacherdinedthatday？andonetoldher，AtthehouseofSimonthePharisee。Soawaygoesshe，firsttoherchamber，andtherestripsherselfofherwantonattire：thenfallsuponherkneestoaskGodforgivenessforallherwickedlife。
Thisdone，inamodestdressshegoestoSimon’shouse，whereshefindsJesussatatdinner。Soshegetsbehindhim，andweeps，anddropshertearsuponhisfeetlikerain，andwashesthem，andwipesthemwiththehairofherhead。Shealsokissedhisfeetwithherlips，andanointedthemwithointment。WhenSimonthePhariseeperceivedwhatthewomandid，andbeingignorantofwhatitwastobeforgivenmuch（forheneverwasforgivenmorethanfiftypence），hebegantothinkwithinhimself，thathehadbeenmistakenaboutJesusChrist，becausehesufferedsuchasinnerasthiswomanwas，totouchhim。Surely，quothhe，thisman，ifhewereaprophet，wouldnotletthiswomancomenearhim，forsheisatown—sinner（soignorantareallself—righteousmenofthewayofChristwithsinners。）ButlestMaryshouldbediscouragedwithsomeclownishcarriageofthisPhariseeandsodeserthergoodbeginnings，andhernewstepswhichshenowhadbeguntotaketowardseternallife，JesusbeganthuswithSimon。\"Simon，\"saithhe，\"Ihavesomewhattosayuntothee。Andhesaith，Master，sayon。Therewas，\"saidJesus，acertaincreditorhadtwodebtors；theoneowedfivehundredpence，andtheotherfifty。Andwhentheyhadnothingtopay，hefranklyforgavethemboth。Tellmethereforewhichofthemwilllovehimmost？Simonansweredandsaid，Isupposethathetowhomheforgavemost。Andhesaiduntohim，Thouhastrightlyjudged。Andheturnedtothewoman，andsaiduntoSimon，Seestthouthiswoman？Ienteredintothyhouse，thougavestmenowaterformyfeet；butshehathwashedmyfeetwithtears，andwipedthemwiththehairsofherhead。Thougavestmenokiss：butthiswoman，sincethetimeIcamein，hathnotceasedtokissmyfeet。Myheadwithoilthoudidstnotanoint，butthiswomanhathanointedmyfeetwithointment。WhereforeIsayuntothee，Hersinswhicharemany，areforgiven，forshelovedmuch；
buttowhomlittleisforgiven，thesamelovethlittle。Andhesaiduntoher，Thysinsareforgiven；\"Lukevii。36—50。
Thusyouhavethestory。IfIcomeshortinanycircumstance，Ibegpardonofthosethatcancorrectme。ItisthreeorfourandtwentyyearssinceIsawthebook：yetIhave，asfarasmymemorywilladmit，givenyoutherelationofthematter。HoweverLuke，asyousee，dothherepresentyouwiththesubstanceofthewhole。
Alas!ChristJesushasbutlittlethanksforthesavingoflittlesinners。\"Towhomlittleisforgiven，thesamelovethlittle。\"Hegetsnotwaterforhisfeet，byhissavingofsuchsinners。Thereareabundanceofdry—eyedChristiansintheworld，andabundanceofdry—eyeddutiestoo；dutiesthatneverwerewettedwiththetearsofcontritionandrepentance，noreversweetenedwiththegreatsinner’sboxofointment。Andthereasonis，suchsinnershavenotgreatsinstobesavedfrom；oriftheyhave，theylookupontheminthediminishingglassoftheholylawofGod。ButIratherbelieve，thattheprofessorsofourdayswantaduesenseofwhattheyare；for，verily，forthegeneralityofthem，bothbeforeandsinceconversion，theyhavebeensinnersofalustysize。Butiftheireyesbeholden，ifconvictionsarenotshewn，iftheirknowledgeoftheirsinsisbutliketotheeye—sightintwilight；theheartcannotbeaffectedwiththatgracethathaslaidholdontheman；andsoChristJesussowsmuch，andhaslittlecomingin。
Whereforehiswayisofttimestostepoutoftheway，toJericho，toSamaria，tothecountryoftheGadarenes，tothecoastsofTyreandSidon，andalsotoMountCalvary，thathemaylayholdofsuchkindofsinnersaswilllovehimtohisliking；Lukexix。1—11；Johniv。
3—11；Markv。1—21；Matt。xv。21—29；Lukexxiii。33—44。
Butthusmuchforthesixthreason，whyChristJesuswouldhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners，towit，becausesuchsinners，whenconverted，areapttolovehimmost。TheJerusalemsinnersweretheythatoutstripped，whentheywereconverted，insomethings，allthechurchesoftheGentiles。\"Theywereofoneheart，andofonesoul，neithersaidanyofthem，thataughtofthethingsthattheypossessedwastheirown。\"\"Neitherwasthereanyamongthemthatlacked：forasmanyaswerepossessorsoflandsorhousessoldthem，andbroughtthepriceofthethingsthatweresold，andlaidthemdownattheapostles’feet，\"&c；Actsiv。
32—35。Now，shewmesuchanotherpatternifyoucan。Butwhydidthesedothus？Oh!theywereJerusalemsinners。ThesewerethementhatbutalittlebeforehadkilledthePrinceofLife；andthosetowhomhedid，thatnotwithstanding，sendthefirstofferofgraceandmercy。Andthesenseofthistookthemupbetwixttheearthandtheheaven，andcarriedthemoninsuchwaysandmethodsascouldneverbetroddenbyanysince。TheytalkofthechurchofRome，andsetherinherprimitivestate，asapatternandmotherofchurches；whenthetruthis，theyweretheJerusalemsinners，whenconverts，thatout—didallthechurchesthateverwere。
Seventhly，ChristJesuswouldhavemercyoffered，inthefirstplace，tothebiggestsinners；becausegracewhenitisreceivedbysuch，findsmattertokindleuponmorefreelythanitfindsinothersinners。Greatsinnersarelikethedrywood，orlikegreatcandles，whichburnbestandshinewithbiggestlight。Ilaynotthisdown，asIdidthosereasonsbefore，toshew，thatwhengreatsinnersareconverted，theywillbeencouragementtoothers，thoughthatistrue；
buttoshewthatChristhasadelighttoseegrace，thegracewereceive，toshine。Welovetoseethingsthatbearagoodgloss；
yea，wechoosetobuysuchkindofmattertoworkupon，aswill，ifwroughtuptowhatweintend，castthatlustrethatwedesire。
Candlesthatburnnotbright，welikenot：woodthatisgreenwillrathersmother，andsputter，andsmoke，andcrack，andflounce，thancastabravelightandapleasantheat：whereforegreatfolkscarenotmuch，notsomuchforsuchkindofthings，asforthemthatwillbetteranswertheirends。
HenceChristdesiresthebiggestsinner；inhimthereismattertoworkby，towit，agreatdealofsin；forasbythetallowofthecandle，thefiretakesoccasiontoburnthebrighter；sobythesinofthesoul，gracetakesoccasiontoshinetheclearer。Littlecandlesshinebutlittle，fortherewantethmatterforthefiretoworkupon；butinthegreatsinner，hereismorematterforgracetoworkby。Faithshines，whenitworkethtowardsChrist，throughthesidesofmanyandgreattransgressors，andsodoeslove，forthatmuchisforgiven。Andwhatmattercanbefoundinthesoulforhumilitytoworkbysowell，asbyasightthatIhavebeenandamanabominablesinner？Andthesameistobesaidofpatience，meekness，gentleness，self—denial，orofanyothergrace。Gracetakesoccasionbythevilenessofthemantoshinethemore；evenasbytheruggednessofaverystrongdistemperordisease，thevirtueofthemedicineisbestmademanifest。Wheresinabounds，gracemuchmoreabounds；Rom。v。20。Ablackstringmakesthenecklookwhiter；
greatsinsmakegraceburnclear。Somesay，whengraceandagoodnaturemeettogether，theydomakeshiningChristians：butIsay，whengraceandagreatsinnermeet，andwhengraceshallsubduethatgreatsinnertoitself，andshalloperateafteritskindinthesoulofthatgreatsinner，thenwehaveashiningChristian；witnessallthoseofwhommentionwasmadebefore。
AbrahamwasamongtheidolaterswheninthelandofAssyria，andservedidolswithhiskindredontheothersideoftheflood；Jos。
xxiv。2；Gen。xi。31。Butwho，whencalled，wasthereintheworld，inwhomgraceshonesobrightasinhim？
TheThessalonianswereidolatersbeforethewordofGodcametothem；
butwhentheyhadreceivedit，theybecameexamplestoallthatdidbelieveinMacedoniaandAchaia；1Thess。i。6—10。
GodtheFather，andJesusChristhisSon，areforhavingthingsseen，forhavingthewordoflifeheldforth。Theylightnotacandlethatitmightbeputunderabushel，orunderabed，butonacandlestick，thatallthatcomeinmayseethelight；Matt。v。15；Markiv。21；
Lukeviii。16；chap。xi。33。
And，Isay，asIsaidbefore，inwhomislightlikesotoshine，asinthesoulsofgreatsinners？
WhentheJewishPhariseesdalliedwiththegospel，Christthreatenedtotakeitfromthem，andtogiveittothebarbarousheathensandidolaters。Whyso？Forthey，saithhe，willbringforththefruitsthereofintheirseason：\"ThereforesayIuntoyou，ThekingdomofGodshallbetakenfromyou，andgiventoanationbringingforththefruitsthereof；\"Matt。xxi。41—43。
Ihaveoftenmarvelledatouryouth，andsaidinmyheart，Whatshouldbethereasonthattheyshouldbesogenerallyatthisdaydebauchedastheyare？Fortheyarenowprofanetoamazement；andsometimesIhavethoughtonething，andsometimesanother；thatis，whyGodshouldsufferitsotobe。AtlastIhavethoughtofthis：
HowiftheGod，whosewaysarepastfindingout，shouldsufferitsotobenow，thathemightmakeofsomeofthemthemoreglorioussaintshereafter。Iknowsinisofthedevil，butitcannotworkintheworldwithoutpermission：andifithappenstobeasIhavethought，itwillnotbethefirsttimethatGodtheLordhathcaughtSataninhisowndesign。Formypart，Ibelievethatthetimeisathand，thatweshallseebettersaintsintheworldthanhasbeenseeninitthismanyaday。Andthisvileness，thatatpresentdoessomuchswallowupouryouth，isonecauseofmythinkingso：foroutofthem，forfromamongthem，whenGodsetstohishand，asofold，youshallseewhatpenitentones，whattremblingones，andwhatadmirersofgrace，willbefoundtoprofessthegospeltothegloryofGodbyChrist。
Alas!weareacompanyofworn—outChristians，ourmoonisinthewane；wearemuchmoreblackthanwhite，moredarkthanlight；weshinebutalittle；graceinthemostofusisdecayed。ButIsay，whentheyofthesedebauchedonesthataretobesavedshallbebroughtin，whenthesethatlookmorelikedevilsthanmenshallbeconvertedtoChrist（andIbelieveseveralofthemwill），thenwillChristbeexalted，graceadored，thewordprized，Zion’spathbettertrodden，andmeninthepursuitoftheirownsalvation，totheamazementofthemthatareleftbehind。
JustbeforeChristcameintotheflesh，theworldwasdegeneratedasitisnow：thegeneralityofthemeninJerusalem，werebecomeeitherhighandfamousforhypocrisy，orfilthybaseintheirlives。
Thedevilalsowasbrokelooseinahideousmanner，andhadtakenpossessionofmany：yea，Ibelievethattherewasnevergenerationbeforenorsince，thatcouldproducesomanypossessedwithdevils，deformed，lame，blind，andinfectedwithmonstrousdiseases，asthatgenerationcould。Butwhatwasthereasonthereof，ImeanthereasonfromGod？Whyone（andwemaysumupmoreinthatanswerthatChristgavetohisdisciplesconcerninghimthatwasbornblind）was，thattheworksofGodmightbemademanifestinthem，andthattheSonofGodmightbeglorifiedthereby，Johnix。2，3；chap。xi。4。
Nowifthesedevilsanddiseases，astheypossessedmenthen，weretomakewayandworkforanapproachingChristinperson，andforthedeclaringofhispower，whymaywenotthinkthatnow，evennowalso，heisreadytocomebyhisSpiritinthegospeltohealmanyofthedebaucheriesofourage？Icannotbelievethatgracewilltakethemall，fortherearebutfewthataresaved；butyetitwilltakesome，evensomeoftheworstofmen，andmakeblessedonesofthem。But，O
howtheseringleadersinvicewillthenshineinvirtue!Theywillbetheverypillarsinchurches，theywillbeasanensignintheland。\"TheLordtheirGodshallsavetheminthatdayastheflockofhispeople：fortheyshallbeasthestonesofacrown，liftedupasanensignuponhisland；\"Zech。ix。16。Butwhoarethese？EvenidolatrousEphraim，andbackslidingJudah；ver。13。
Iknowthereisgroundtofear，thattheiniquityofthisgenerationwillbepursuedwithheavyjudgments：butthatwillnothinderwhatwehavesupposed。GodtookhimagloriouschurchoutofbloodyJerusalem，yea，outofthechiefofthesinnersthere，andlefttheresttobetakenandspoiled，andsold，thirtyforapenny，inthenationswheretheywerecaptives。Thegospelworkinggloriouslyinaplace，totheseizinguponmanyoftheringleadingsinnersthereof，promisethnosecuritytotherest，butratherthreateneththemwiththeheaviestandsmartestjudgments；asintheinstancenowgiven，wehaveafulldemonstration；butindefending，theLordwilldefendhispeople；andinsaving，hewillsavehisinheritance。
NordoesthisspeakanygreatcomforttoadecayedandbackslidingsortofChristians；forthenexttimeGodridespostwithhisgospel，hewillleavesuchChristiansbehindhim。ButIsay，Christisresolvedtosetuphislightintheworld；yea，heisdelightedtoseehisgracesshine；andthereforehecommandsthathisgospelshouldtothatendbeoffered，inthefirstplace，tothebiggestsinners；forbygreatsinsitshinethmost；thereforehesaith，\"BeginatJerusalem。\"
Eighthly，andlastly，ChristJesuswillhavemercytobeofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners；forthatbythatmeanstheimpenitentthatareleftbehindwillbeatthejudgmentthemoreleftwithoutexcuse。
God’swordhastwoedges；itcancutback—strokeandfore—stroke：ifitdoththeenogood，itwilldotheehurt；itisthesavouroflifeuntolifetothosethatreceiveit，butofdeathuntodeathtothemthatrefuseit；2Cor。ii。15，16。Butthisisnotall；thetenderofgracetothebiggestsinnersinthefirstplace，willnotonlyleavetherest，orthosethatrefuseit，inadeplorablecondition，butwillalsostoptheirmouths，andcutoffallpretencetoexcuseatthatday。\"IfIhadnotcomeandspokenuntothem，\"saithChrist，\"theyhadnothadsin；butnowtheyhavenocloakfortheirsin，\"fortheirsinofperseveringinimpenitence；Jobxv。22。
Butwhatdidhespeaktothem？Why，eventhatwhichIhavetoldyou；
towit，Thathehasinspecialadelightinsavingthebiggestsinners。Hespakethisinthewayofhisdoctrine；hespakethisinthewayofhispractice，eventothepouringoutofhislastbreathbeforethem；Lukexxiii。34。
Now，sincethisisso，whatcanthecondemnedatthejudgmentsayforthemselves，whysentenceofdeathshouldnotbepasseduponthem？I
say，whatexcusecantheymakeforthemselves，whentheyshallbeaskedwhytheydidnotinthedayofsalvationcometoChristtobesaved？WilltheyhavegroundtosaytotheLord，Thouwastonlyforsavingoflittlesinners；andthereforebecausetheyweregreatones，theydurstnotcomeuntohim？orthatthouhadstnotcompassionforthebiggestsinners，thereforeIdiedindespair？Willthesebeexcusesforthem，asthecasenowstandethwiththem？IstherenoteverywhereinGod’sbookaflatcontradictiontothis，inmultitudesofpromises，ofinvitations，ofexamples，andthelike？Alas，alas!
therewillthenbetheremillionsofsoulstoconfutethisplea；
ready，Isay，tostandup，andsay，O!deceivedworld，heavenswarmswithsuch，aswere，whentheywereintheworld，tothefullasbadasyou。
Now，thiswillkillallpleaorexcuse，whytheyshouldperishintheirsins；yea，thetextsays，theyshallseethemthere。\"Thereshallbeweeping，whenyoushallseeAbraham，andIsaac，andJacob，andalltheprophetsinthekingdomofheaven，andyouyourselvesthrustout。Andtheyshallcomefromtheeast，andfromthewest，andfromthenorth，andfromthesouth，andshallsitdowninthekingdomofGod；\"Lukexiii。28，29。Outofwhichcompanyitiseasytopicksuchassometimeswereasbadpeopleasanythatnowbreatheonthefaceoftheearth。Whatthinkyouofthefirstman，bywhosesinstherearemillionsnowinhell？AndsoImaysay，Whatthinkyouoftenthousandmorebesides？
Butiftheworldwillnotstifleandgagthemup（Ispeaknowforamplification’ssake），theviewofthosewhoaresavedshall。
Therecomesanincestuouspersontothebar，andpleads，Thatthebignessofhissinswasabartohisreceivingthepromise。Butwillnothismouthbestoppedastothat，whenLotandtheincestuousCorinthianshallbesetbeforehim；Gen。xix。33—37；1Cor。v。1，2。
Therecomesathief，andsays，Lord，mysinoftheft，Ithought，wassuchascouldnotbepardonedbythee!Butwhenheshallseethethiefthatwassavedonthecrossstandby，asclothedwithbeauteousglory，whatfurthercanhebeabletoobject？Yea，theLordwillproducetenthousandofhissaintsathiscoming，whoshallafterthismannerexecutejudgmentuponall，andsoconvinceallthatareungodlyamongthem，ofalltheirhardspeecheswhichungodlysinnershavespokenagainsthim。Andthesearehardspeechesagainsthim，tosaythathewasnotableorwillingtosavemen，becauseofthegreatnessoftheirsins，ortosaythattheywerediscouragedbyhiswordfromrepentance，becauseoftheheinousnessoftheiroffences。
Thesethings，Isay，shallthenbeconfuted：hecomeswithtenthousandofhissaintstoconfutethem，andtostoptheirmouthsfrommakingobjectionsagainsttheirowneternaldamnation。
HereisAdam，thedestroyeroftheworld；hereisLot，thatlaywithbothhisdaughters；hereisAbraham，thatwassometimeanidolater，andJacob，thatwasasupplanter，andReuben，thatlaywithhisfather’sconcubine，andJudahthatlaywithhisdaughter—in—law，andLeviandSimeonthatwickedlyslewtheeShechemites，andAaronthatgreatbackslider，andManassahthatmanofbloodandthatmadeanidoltobeworshipped，andthatproclaimedareligiousfeastuntoit。
HereisalsoRachabtheharlot，andBathshebathatbareabastardtoDavid。HereisSolomonawitch。TimewouldfailmetotellyouofthewomanofCanaan’sdaughter，Magdalen，ofMatthewthepublican，andofGideonandSampson，andmanythousandsmore。
Alas!alas!Isay，whatwillthesesinnersdo，thathave，throughtheirunbelief，eclipsedthegloriouslargenessofthemercyofGod，andgavewaytodespairofsalvation，becauseofthebignessoftheirsins？
Forallthese，thoughnowglorioussaintsinlight，weresometimessinnersofthebiggestsize，whohadsinsthatwereofanotorioushue；yetnow，Isay，theyareintheirshiningandheavenlyrobesbeforethethroneofGodandoftheLamb，blessingforeverandeverthatSonofGodfortheirsalvation，whodiedforthemuponthetree；
admiringthateveritshouldcomeintotheirheartsoncetothinkofcomingtoGodbyChrist；butaboveall，blessingGodforgrantingofthemlighttoseethoseencouragementsinhistestament；withoutwhich，withoutdoubt，theyhadbeendauntedandsunkdownunderguiltofsinanddespair，astheirfellow—sinnershavedone。
ButnowtheyalsoarewitnessesforGod，andforhisgraceagainstanunbelievingworld；for，asIsaid，theyshallcometoconvincetheworldoftheirspeeches，theirhardandunbelievingwords，thattheyhavespokenconcerningthemercyofGod，andthemeritsofthepassionofhisblessedSonJesusChrist。
Butwillitnot，thinkyou，strangelyputtosilenceallsuchthoughts，andwords，andreasoningsoftheungodlybeforethebarofGod？Doubtlessitwill；yeaandwillsendthemawayfromhispresencealso，withthegreatestguiltthatpossiblycanfastenupontheconsciencesofmen。
Forwhatwillstinglikethis？——Ihave，throughmineownfoolish，narrow，unworthy，undervaluingthoughts，oftheloveandabilityofChristtosaveme，broughtmyselftoeverlastingruin。Itistrue，I
wasahorriblesinner；notoneinahundreddidlivesovilealifeasI：butthisshouldnothavekeptmefromclosingwithJesusChrist：IseenowthatthereareabundanceinglorythatoncewereasbadasIhavebeen：buttheyweresavedbyfaith，andIamdamnedbyunbelief。
WretchthatIam!whydidnotIgiveglorytotheredeemingbloodofJesus？WhydidInothumblycastmysoulathisblessedfootstoolformercy？WhydidIjudgeofhisabilitytosavemebythevoiceofmyshallowreason，andthevoiceofaguiltyconscience？WhybetooknotImyselftotheholywordofGod？WhydidInotreadandpraythatImightunderstand，sincenowIperceivethatGodsaidthen，hegivethliberallytothemthatpray，andupbraidethnot；Jam。i。5。
Itisrationaltothink，thatbysuchcogitationsasthesetheunbelievingworldwillbetorninpiecesbeforethejudgmentofChrist；especiallythosethathavelivedwheretheydidormighthaveheardthegospelofthegraceofGod。Oh!thatsaying，\"ItshallbemoretolerableforSodomatthejudgmentthanforthem，\"willbebetterunderstood。SeeLukex。8—12。
Thisreason，therefore，standethfast；namely，thatChrist，byofferingmercyinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinnernow，willstopallmouthsoftheimpenitentatthedayofjudgment，andcutoffallexcusethatshallbeattemptedtobemade（fromthethoughtsofthegreatnessoftheirsins）whytheycamenottohim。
Ihaveoftenthoughtofthedayofjudgment，andhowGodwilldealwithsinnersatthatday；andIbelieveitwillbemanagedwiththatsweetness，withthatequitableness，withthatexcellentrighteousness，astoeverysin，andcircumstance，andaggravationthereof；thatmenthataredamned，beforethejudgmentisovershallreceivesuchconvictionoftherighteousjudgmentofGoduponthem，andoftheirdesertsofhell—fire，thattheyshallinthemselvesconcludethatthereisallthereasonintheworldthattheyshouldbeshutoutofheaven，andgotohell—fire：\"Theseshallgoawayintoeverlastingpunishment；\"Matt。xxv。46。
Onlythiswilltearthem，thattheyhavemissedofmercyandglory，andobtainedeverlastingdamnationthroughtheirunbelief；butitwilltearbutthemselves，buttheirownsouls；theywillgnashuponthemselves；forinthatmercywasofferedtothechiefoftheminthefirstplace，andyettheyweredamnedforrejectingofit；theyweredamnedforforsakingwhattheyhadasortofproprietyin；forforsakingtheirownmercy。
Andthusmuchforthereasons。Iwillconcludewithawordofapplication。
THEAPPLICATION。
First，WouldJesusChristhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners？thenthisshewsushowtomakearightjudgmentoftheheartofChristtomen。Indeedwehaveadvantagetoguessatthegoodnessofhisheart，bymanythings；asbyhistakingournatureuponhim，hisdyingforus，hissendinghiswordandministerstous，andallthatwemightbesaved。ButthisofbeginningtooffermercytoJerusalem，isthatwhichheightensalltherest；forthisdothnotonlyconfirmtous，thatlovewasthecauseofhisdyingforus，butitshewsusyetmorethedepthofthatlove。Hemighthavediedforus，andyethaveextendedthebenefitofhisdeathtoafew，asonemightcallthem，ofthebestconditionedsinners，tothosewho，thoughtheywereweak，andcouldnotbutsin，yetmadenotatradeofsinning；tothosethatsinnednotlavishingly。Thereareintheworld，asonemaycallthem，themoderatesinners；thesinnersthatmixrighteousnesswiththeirpollutions；thesinnersthatthoughtheybesinners，dowhatontheirpartlies（somethatareblindwouldthinkso）thattheymightbesaved。Isay，ithadbeenlove，greatlove，ifhehaddiedfornonebutsuch，andsenthislovetosuch：butthatheshouldsendoutconditionsofpeacetothebiggestofsinners；yea，thattheyshouldbeofferedtothemfirstofall；（forsohemeanswhenhesays，\"BeginatJerusalem；\"）thisiswonderful!thisshewshishearttopurpose，asalsotheheartofGodhisFather，whosenthimtodothus。