The application of redemption

True flesh and blood could not do it, nay the heart […] ¹man cannot think it how this should be, did we measure ⟨p. 316⟩Gods compassions according to our narrow scantling, but Gods thoughts are not ours nor his ways ours, so far as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his mercy unto them that fear him. Isai. 55. Psal. 103. 11. infinitely above and beyond our own desires and thoughts, our imaginations and expectations; They are I confess amazing expressions of miraculous compassions of the Lord, yet such they are as he is pleased to manifest to sinful dust and ashes. He can tell how to have the honour of his justice and to save thy soul, thou sinful rebel. Nay he can tell how best to provide most for his own glory, when he pardons most sins: I beseech thee pardon my sins for they are many Psal. 25. 11. He lets the power of darkness proceed to its full strength, that the power of his exceeding mercy might show it self in delivering from the nethermost hell. He gives sin advantage that it might do its worst, and reign unto death, that so his grace might reign over sin & death unto eternal life. According to the sovereignty of his will whereby he subdues all things to himself Eph. 3. last and here thou mayest yet feel firm bottom to bear up thy fainting heart from sinking down into everlasting discouragement.

True flesh and blood could not do it, nay the heart 〈…〉 ¹man cannot think it how this should be, did wee measure ⟨p. 316⟩Gods compassions according to our narrowscantling, but Gods thoughts are not ours nor his wayes ours, so far as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his mercy unto them that fear him.