A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

3. That the Power of Gospel-Grace and Truth may be exemplified unto the Eyes of them unto whom they are dispensed, in the Persons of them by whom it is Administered according unto Gods Appointment. It is known unto all who know ought in this matter, what Temptations and Objections will arise in the minds of poor Sinners against their obtaining any Interest in the Grace and Mercy that is dispensed in the Gospel. Some, they judge, may be made Partakers of them, but for them, and such as ⟨p. 147⟩they are, there seems to be no Relief provided. But is it no Encouragement unto them, to see that by Gods appointment, the Tenders of his Grace and Mercy are made unto their Souls, by Men Subject unto alike Passions with themselves, and who if they had not freely obtained Grace, would have been as vile and unworthy as themselves? For as the Lord called the Apostle Paul to the Ministry, who had been a Blasphemer, a Persecutor and Injurious, that he might in him show forth all Long-suffering for a Pattern unto them who should hereafter believe on him to Everlasting Life, that is for the Encouragement even of such high Criminal Offenders to Believe, 1 Tim. 1. 13, 14, 15, 16. So in more Ordinary Cases, the Mercy and Grace which the Ministers of the Gospel did equally stand in need of with those unto whom they dispense it, and have received it, is for a Pattern, Example, and Encouragement of them to Believe after their Example.

3. That the Power of Gospel-Grace and Truth may be exemplified unto the Eyes of them unto whom they are dispensed, in the Persons of them by whom it is Administred according unto Gods Appointment. It is known unto all who know ought in this matter, what Temptations and Objections will arise in the minds of poor Sinners against their obtaining any Interest in the Grace and Mercy that is dispensed in the Gospel. Some, they judge, may be made Partakers of them, but for them, and such as ⟨p. 147⟩they are, there seems to be no Relief provided. But is it no Encouragement unto them, to see that by Gods appointment, the Tenders of his Grace and Mercy are made unto their Souls, by Men Subject unto alike Passions with themselves, and who if they had not freely obtained Grace, would have been as vile and unworthy as themselves? For as the Lord called the Apostle Paul to the Ministry, who had been a Blasphemer, a Persecutor and Injurious, that he might in him shew forth all Long-suffering for a Pattern unto them who should hereafter believe on him to Everlasting Life, that is for the Encouragement even of such high Criminal Offenders to Believe,