The Jerusalem-sinner saved, or, Good news for the vilest of men being a help…

They that had their Grounds, their yoke of Oxen, and their marriage Joys, were invited to come; but they made their excuse, and that served the turn. But when he comes to deal with the worst, he saith to his Servants, Go ye out and bring them in higher. Go out quickly and bring in hither the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind. And they did so. And he said again, Go out into the high ways, and Hed•es, and Compel them to come in, that my house may be filled, Luk. 14.18, 19 23. These poor, lame, maimed, blind, hedge-creepers, and high way men, Must come in, Must be forced in. These, if saved, will make his Merits shine.

They that had their Grounds, their yoke of Oxen, and their m•rriage Joys, were invited to come; but they made their excuse, and that serv•d the turn. But when he comes to deal with the worst, he saith to his Servants, Go ye out and bring them in higher. Go out quickly and bring in hither the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind. And they did so. And he said again, Go out into the high ways, and Hed•es, and Compel them to come in, that my house may be fill•d, Luk. 14.18, 19 23. These poor, lame, maimed, blind, hedge-creepers, and high way men, Must come in, Must be forced in. These, if saved, will make his Merits shine.

When Christ was crucified, and hanged up between the Earth and Heavens, there was two Thieves crucified with him; and, behold, he lays hold of one of them, and will have him away with ⟨p. 35⟩him to Glory. Was not this a strange act, and a display of unthought-of grace? Were there none but Thieves there, or were the rest of that company out of his reach? Could he not, think you, have stooped from the Cross to the Ground, and have laid hold on some honester man if he would? Yes, doubtless. Oh, but then he would not have displayed his Grace, nor so have pursued his own designs; namely, to get to himself a praise and a name; But now he has done it to purpose. For who that shll 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. Nor can this one act of his be buried: It will be talked of to the end of the World to his praise. Men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts; and will declare thy greatness. Thy shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. They shall speak of the glory of thy Kingdom, and talk, of thy power. To make known to the Sons of men, his mighty acts, and the glorious Majesty of his Kingdom.