The application of redemption

The Apostle speaks of the Gentiles, Rom. 1. 29. That they were full of all unrighteousness; there can hardly be added any thing to the largeness of the expression: No sin worse for the kind, more for the number, greater for the measure, for they had all unrighteousness, all ⟨p. 21⟩the kinds of evil, and all degrees in the largest extent they were full, and yet of such the Apostle professeth 1 Cor. 6. 9. when he had mentioned a heap of most loathsome and hideous abominations; Know ye not that no unrighteous person shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven? Be not deceived, neither Fornicators, nor Idolaters, nor Adulterers, nor Effeminate, self-Polluters, Extortioners, Covetous persons, shall ever enter into the Kingdom of God: then verse 11. And such were some of you, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Some such as these were savingly brought home to God. Yea, when corruption becomes like an old cankered sore of long continuance, and the sinner incorrigible under all the choicest means that have been used, yet then the Lord works the Cure, Isay, 57. 18. I was angry with him for his evil lustings, and he went on in the frowardness of his own heart, there is no help if the Disease grow worse for the dressing, the Prophet adds, I have seen his ways, I will heal him, and lead him, and restore comforts to him, and to those that mourn with him; as if he should say, Ah poor Creature, he cannot see himself nor me, yet I see him, and his way, he wounds himself, but I will heal him; he deludes himself, but I will heal him; sink he must in his own sorrow, but I will succour him, and supply to him, Isay, 48. 4. I know thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an Iron sinew, and thy brow is Brass; and yet Verse 17. I am the Lord thy Redeemer that teach thee to profit, and leadest thee by the way thou shouldest go. The Lord bows an Iron sinew, and makes it bendable unto his will: The Lord makes snowy Saints of scarlet sinners ; scarlet we know is twice dyed in the Wool, and in the Web and Cloth, and therefore it is beyond all the skill and art of man to alter it. Yet though our Sins be such, bred in our Natures, committed in our Lives, and therefore beyond our reach […], and the power of ⟨p. 22⟩