The truly blessed man

1. That there have been those who were in our case, and have done well. Unparalleled cases are apt to put men to a stand, and Satan endeavours by them to dishearten us; but when we discover how others have been in all points as bad of it as we, possibly worse, and yet have obtained Mercy of God; it tells us there is hope that we may fare well; Paul therefore tells us that this was Gods design in him, 1 Tim. 1.16.

1. That there have been those who were in our case, and have done well. Unparallel'd cases are apt to put men to a stand, and Satan endeavours by them to dishearten us; but when we discover how others have been in all points as bad of it as we, possibly worse, and yet have obtained Mercy of God; it tells us there is hope that we may fare well; Paul therefore tells us that this was Gods design in him, 1 Tim. 1.16.

2. God herein exhibits his readiness to pardon. He hath declared it fully in his word; and if we ⟨p. 281⟩will follow him in his works of this nature, we shall find it plain; and there is abundant force in this way of reasoning: if God had not delighted in pardoning Sinners, certainly those that had done so much to provoke him to the highest, would never have found favour: David therefore thus pleads, Psal 51.13. Then I will teach Transgressors thy ways, and Sinners shall be converted to thee.

3. And hereby God proves his faithfulness to his Promises. The promises on this account are so great, that one under the apprehension of his own vileness, is hardly persuadable to believe that there can be any such thing, and puts it away as incredible; but when he sees such as himself to have adventured on the promise of Grace, and cast themselves upon God, and come off pardoned, and justified, it puts the truth and fidelity of God beyond all question.