[It is common with men, when convinced of sin, to de- spond, as if they had sinned beyond the reach of mercy : the advantages they have lost, the favours they have abused, the iniquities they have committed, seem to form such a load of guilt as can never be removed from their souls. But who ever lost more advantages, or abused more favours, or committed greater iniquities, than they who " crucified the Lord of glory?" Yet they were the first objects of our Redeemer's pity and compassion. So then shall it be with all who truly desire to find acceptance with him : " Where sin has abounded, grace shall much more abound ;" even as Paul " obtained mercy, that in him, as the very chief of sinners, God might shew forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them that shall hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."]
To improve this subject, we would entreat you,
1. To embrace this salvation —
[" To you is the word of this salvation sent ;" and as ambassadors from Christ, we beseech you to receive it with all thankfulness. Nor think it a hard matter to repent, and flee to Christ, when the remission of your sins is suspended on it,
and shall be insured by it O let not Christ shed his
blood in vain ; nor us, as his ministers, commend to you his grace in vain ! ]
2. To imitate this example —
[Do you admire this unbounded love of Christ to sinners? Know that, in this, " he has left you an example, that you should follow his steps." You have been greatly injured per- haps by a fellow-creature: return not then the injury; but render good for evil, and blessing for cursing. This is to tread in the steps of Christ, and to approve yourselves his true Dis- ciples. " If your enemy hunger, feed him ; if he thirst, give him drink : and labour to heap coals of fire on his head," to melt him into love. " Be not overcome of evil ; but overcome evil with goodg."]
s This may be made an useful subject for Missions to the Jews, by shewing, that whilst we imitate the example of Christ in love to our enemies, we should follow his direction in seeking with peculiar and unremitting diligence the restoration and salvation of the Jews : for, where and when were we ever authorized to neglect them, as we have done for 1800 years.