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Satan; the biggest sinners are Satan's colenels and
captains; the bigger sinner breeds most of that hor-
rible vermin, sin; the author's experience about it.
-Fifth. Because the biggest sinners are the best
helps in the church, when converted; this is illus-
trated by several particulars.—Sixth. Because such,
when converted, are apt to love Christ most; a plea-
sant story of Martha and Mary; Christ has but little
thanks for saving little sinners.-Seventh. Because
grace, when received by such, finds matter to kindle
upon, more freely than it finds in others; illustrated
in three or four similitudes, with a note upon the
debauchery of the youth of our times.-Eighth. Be-
cause by this means the finally impenitent are left the
more without excuse; no ground for the impenitent at
judgment, for an excuse from the greatness of their
sins, why they came not to Jesus Christ; instances
to convince them how it will go with them then, for
neglecting the grace of God now...........
APPLICATION First. By this doctrine we are showed how
to make a right judgment of the heart of Christ to
men.-Second. This shows also the sufficiency of the
merits of Christ; such as his merits are, such is his
grace, the one is seen by the other.-Third. Here is
encouragement for you that think yourselves the
worst, yet to come to Christ; objections touched
upon and dissolved, to obstruct our coming to Christ.
-Fourth. An expostulation with great sinners to
come to Christ; objections touched.-Fifth. There
is no ground for such to despair, that would be saved
by Jesus Christ; four kinds of despairing; three sorts
reasonable and to be allowed; the badness of that de-
spair that keeps us off from closing with Christ showed
in several particulars; despair the devil's master.-
Sixth. Since Christ doth offer means to the biggest
sinners, let them take heed that they lay right hold
thereon; take heed of presuming instead of believing;
faith and wild faith, and how discovered; when pre-
sumption puts itself in the place of faith; three
things to help the Jerusalem sinner to know when to
believe in Christ; the design of Satan; the danger of
not accepting when Christ offers mercy.-Seventh. If
it be so, then here is ground for those that are not sin-
ners of the largest size, to come to Christ for mercy;
objections answered; a man comparatively a little
sinner, made by conviction a great one; a lamentable
cry for pardon, a great thing with God; a right plea
for pardon lieth not in our numbering up, but ariseth
from the sense of the greatness of sin; heavenly
subtilty; the comparison of little and great sinners
explained; one of the comeliest sights in the world;
a caution to the great and little sinner.-Eighth. By
this grace of Christ is made appear the true reason
of Satan's malice against him; who Satan makes
use of to manage his despite against Christ; how
they stickle for Satan unawares to themselves.-
Ninth. Considering this mercifulness of Christ, let the
tempted harp hereon, for their comfort and consola-
tion; Satan's masterpiece, his club and maul; the
way to foil the devil; at what season the passover
was first eaten; nothing like faith to help at a pinch;
faith, the eye, hand, and mouth of the soul.-Tenth.
Here is encouragement for such as have, in word or
deed, spoke or done badly, in a day of trial; a com-
fortable similitude for such; Peter instanced; pro-
mises for such; an objection answered; Christ has bags
of mercy never broken up.-Eleventh. Use for exhor-
tation to ministers and Christians to carry it to the
world like their master, Christ; we should not be
austere; we should not affect worldly grandeur; we
should, in life and conversation, be exemplary; a
gentle reproof..........

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Advertisement by the Editor..........

Epistle to the Reader......

The apostle's policy to beget a due regard to eternal

life; his explication and exhortation; his addition

-We have an Advocate.'

Two great truths contained in the text: I. A sup-

position, viz., That men in Christ may sin.-II. An

expression, by way of consolation, in case of sin, viz.,

We have an Advocate with the Father. Two things

for inquiry in these truths: First, An inquiry into

what our apostle means by sin; in which is consi-

dered, A difference in the person and in the sin.

And, Second, An inquiry into what it is for Christ

to be an Advocate......

THE METHOD OBSERVED IN THE DISCOURSE.

FIRST, TO SPEAK OF THIS ADVOCATE'S OFFICE.

First, By touching on the nature of this office.

Second, By treating of the order or place of this

office. Third, The occasion of this office, viz., some

great sin.....

SECOND, TO SHOW HOW CHRIST DOES MANAGE HIS OFFICE.

First, How he manages his office of Advocate with

the Father.-1. ALONE, not by any proxy or deputy.

-2. Christ pleads at God's bar; the cause cannot

be removed into another court.-3. In pleading, Christ

observes these rules: (1.) He granteth what is charged

on us.-(2.) He pleads his own goodness for us.-(3.)

Christ requires a verdict in order to our deliver-

ance. Second, How Christ manages his office of an

Advocate against the adversary by argument.—1.

He pleads the pleasure of his Father in his merits.

-2. He pleads God's interest in his people. Third,

Christ pleads his own interest in them. Six weighty

reasons in this plea.-1. They are Christ's own.

-2. They cost him dear.-3. He hath made them

near to himself.-4. Christ pleads his right in

heaven to give it to whom he will.-5. Christ pleads

Satan's enmity against the godly.-6. Christ can

plead those sins of saints for them for which Satan

would have them damned.........

THIRD HEAD, TO SHOW WHO HAVE CHRIST FOR AN ADVO-

CATE; WHEREIN ARE THREE THINGS CONTAINED.

First, This office of Advocate differs from that of

a priest.—1. They differ in name.-2. They differ in

169

FOURTH HEAD, TO SHOW THE CLIENT'S PRIVILEGES, BY

THE BENEFIT OF THIS OFFICE OF ADVOCATE.

First Privilege, The Advocate pleads a price paid.

Second Privilege, The client's Advocate pleads for

himself also; both concerned in one bottom.-1. He

pleads the price of his own blood.-2. He pleads it

for his own. Third Privilege, The plea of Satan

is groundless. Fourth Privilege, Is consequential;

the client's accuser must needs be overthrown.

Fifth Privilege, The Advocate hath pity for his

client, and indignation against the accuser.

Sixth

Privilege, The judge counts the accuser his enemy;

to procure the judge's son to plead is desirable.

Seventh Privilege, The client's Advocate hath good

courage; he will set his face like a flint. Eighth

Privilege, The Advocate is always ready in court;

he appears Now in the presence of God. Ninth

Privilege, The Advocate will not be blinded with

bribes. Tenth Privilege, The Advocate is judge in

the client's cause. Eleventh Privilege, The Ad-

vocate hath all that is requisite for an advocate to

have.........

FIFTH, LAST HEAD, TO SHOW THE NECESSITY OF CHRIST

FOR OUR ADVOCATE.

First, To vindicate the justice of God against the

cavils of the devil. Second, There is law to be

objected against us; Christ appeals to the law itself.

Third, Many things give our accuser advantage.-

1. Many things relating to the promises.-2. Many

things relating to our lives.-3. The threats annexed

to the gospel. Fourth, To plead about our afflictions

for sins. Fifth, To plead the efficacy of our old titles

to our inheritance, is questionable because of new

sins. Sixth, Our evidences are oft out of our hand,

and we recover them by our Advocate...............

SIXTH, OBJECTIONS REMOVED.

First Object. What need all these offices or nice

distinctions?-Answ. The wisdom of God is not to

be charged with folly. Second Object. My cause

being bad, Christ will desert me.-Answ. Sin is

deadly destruction to faith. Third Object. But who

shall pay the Advocate his fee?-Answ. There is law,

and lawyers too, without money, Fourth Object. If

Christ be my Advocate once, he will always be tron-

bled with me.-Answ. He is an Advocate to the

utmost........

SEVENTH, USE AND APPLICATION.

Use First, To consider the dignity God hath put

upon Christ, by offices, places of trust, and titles of

honour, in general. Use Second, To consider this

office of an Advocate in particular. Use Third, To

wonder at Christ's condescension, in being an Advo-

cate for the base and unworthy. Use Fourth,

Improve this doctrine to strengthen grace.-1. To

strengthen faith.-2. To encourage to prayer.-3.

To keep humble.-4. To encourage to perseverance.

-Object. I cannot pray; my mouth is stopped.-

Answ. Satan cannot silence Christ.-5. Improve

this doctrine, to drive difficulties down. Use Fifth,

If Christ pleads for us before God, we should plead

for him before men. Use Sixth, To be wary of sin

against God; Christianity teaches ingenuity;* Christ

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CHRIST A COMPLETE SAVIOUR; or, The In-

tercession of Christ, and who are privileged in it.

Advertisement by the Editor.

From He. vii. 25. The chapter exhibits the greatness

of the person and of the priesthood of the Lord Jesus 203

I. THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST-1. What it is.-2.
For what he intercedes.-3. What is to be inferred
from it; that the elect may be all brought home to
the Father; that their sins be forgiven, and graces
maintained; that their persons may be preserved
and brought to glory; saints require it by reason of
sin; God a consuming fire........
II. THE BENEFITS OF THIS INTERCESSION- -He saves by
justification and preservation; reconciled to God by
his death; saved by his life; he ever liveth to make
intercession; objections answered; it is to the utter-
most; to those who are a great way off, such as the
town sinner; the great backslider; he is able,
worthy, willing, to intercede for grace, pardon, hope,
love, zeal, humility, and simplicity; to enable us to
pray; give alms; hear the word; be faithful; Satan
ever trying to get us into his sieve; to afflict; defile;
Christ intercedes, and we live in hope............
III. THE PERSONS INTERESTED IN HIS INTERCESSION-
They that come; what it is to come; some come to
Christ, but not to God by him; such persons de-
scribed; character of those who come to God by
Christ aright.-1. Sinners under eight particulars.
-2. Backsliders; the manner of their coming, and
object; the madness of those who hesitate............

IV. THE CERTAINTY OF THEIR REAPING THE BENEFITS-

Ile ever liveth; his covenant cannot be broken; con-

firmed by an oath; he has infinite merits.......

Inferences from this subject-1. How far lost is

the soul, to require such a salvation.-2. Satan is

marvellous loath to lose his prey.-3. Christ's love

is unwearied love; Christ ought to wear the glory

of our salvation for ever......

Usrs-1. Study the priestly office of Christ as a great

gospel truth.-2. Diligently improve it to yourself

and others.-3. Let it give thee boldness of access to

God...........

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To come, not carnally, but spiritually; in absolute

want; weeping; flying; crying out, Lord, save;'

forsaking all for him; objections answered; like the

manslayer who fled to the city of refuge; the jailer;

a solemn inquiry; you would ride full gallop while

your dull jade will hardly trot; never too late if

thou dost come; wonder not if, while you are coming,

the devil throws you down and tears you, as he did

the child in the gospel...........

247

Shall come to me' to receive of his fulness,
light, life, all fulness; to his heart-attracting glory;
the children of believers, or of the ungodly, all must
come in the same way-publicans, harlots, thieves,
or bedlams; Christ has his eye upon, and heart
open to receive all comers...

258

This coming equally refers to those who have

neglected to come, and to the backslider; the sinner

must come with his whole heart; many enemies try

to keep him away; the meaning of cast out' into

the second death, fire unquenchable and everlasting 265

II. By way of observation-Coming to Christ is not of
the will of man, but by the gift of the Father-It is
counted foolishness by the world; man is dead in
sin, and cannot spiritually come to Christ; ALL the
glory of salvation belongs to God............

Here's a man with whom God is he casts the
world behind his back; is travelling to Zion to the
company of angels; the object of contempt to the
world, but when God works who can hinder? a word,
even the cock crowing, works wonders; objectors,
or counsellors for Satan, proved to be fools.........

All kinds and classes of sinners received; the sick

of the palsy; the prodigal; why hesitate? all God's

saints encourage thee; God invites thee; Christ

calls thee to his banquet; to be like his angels; its

greatness dashes the mind; objections answered;

election; sin against the Holy Ghost.

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300

I. JUSTIFICATION IS OF PERSONS WITH GOD or men, or

of actions when they flow from faith or obedience.

Proposition-No way to justify a sinner before God

than by the imputation of Christ's righteousness;

this justifying righteousness set forth; a mysterious

act by Christ as the head of his elect, who are his

body; thus they suffer, die, and rise with him....... 301

II. THE PRESENT STATE OF THE JUSTIFIED-1. Christ
has all the merit of their justification.-2. Sin is
even in their good works.-3. They are all unclean.
-4. Not one that sinneth not.-5. Stout-hearted.-
6. Labouring and heavy laden.-7. None righteous.
-8. Must be righteous without the law.-9. Abra-
ham found it not in the flesh.-10. Reward is of debt.
11. It is to him that worketh not.-12. God im-

putes it without works; instances-Adam's fig-leaf

apron superseded by God's coat of skin of the slain;

Joshua's filthy garments changed for God's raiment;

Pharisees, hypocrites, and painted sepulchres........ 306

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I. WHAT IS IT TO BE SAVED?—To save or deliver supposes
a state of thraldom or misery; this state dreadful;
it is of sin; under the wrath of God; doomed to
the bottomless pit; when a soul has FELT this, then
he feels the value of salvation, and lays hold on Jesus
by faith, and hopes for eternal glory.

II. WHAT IT IS TO BE SAVED BY GRACE-By God's good

will; his free love; of the Father's grace; of the

grace of the Son; of the grace of the Spirit; salva-

tion must unite the three-the love of the Father,

the blood of the Son, and the holiness of the Spirit 342

III. WHO ARE THEY THAT ARE THUS SAVED?—Not the
self-righteous; not him that is finally impenitent;
not the hypocrite; but it is great sinners; that were
dead, but are alive; the humbled, the needy; beware
of delay.....

IV. HOW IT APPEARS-They are chosen in Christ; God

has a store of grace for them; sinner, hold up thy

lap and receive God's gifts-repentance, faith, hope,

pardon, His Son, and in him ALL THINGS; God's

dealings with the sinner.........

Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many,

I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not

be able.'-Lu. xiii. 24. This is an answer to the

question, Lord, are there few that be saved?'

I. BY WAY OF EXPLICATION-What is it to be saved?
those only know who fear death and hell. We have
in these words, I. An intimation of the kingdom of
heaven, enter in' to Mount Zion, the heavenly
Jerusalem. II. A description of the entrance to it.
-1. A gate; to keep in, or shut out, as in the case
of the wise and foolish virgins; the gate of faith;
Christ the gate.-2. A strait gate; not a pinching
wicket; wide enough for all the gracious, but so
strait that no other can enter; strait by reason of
sin; the law; the angel reapers.-3. The exhorta-
tion, Strive to enter in;' idle by nature; many
difficulties; only those that labour can enter; strive
lawfully, strive earnestly, heaven is at stake; the
world will strive to keep thee out with flouts, jails,
gibbets; it will flatter, allure, entice; if it be strait,
you must strive the more........

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......... 301

Some reasons why the carnal world and knowing
professors miss of heaven; they cannot part with
sin; world hath blinded them; they put off coming
to Christ; false professors cry out, but forsake not
sin; they apply right names to wrong things; many
points of resemblance to be noted.....

USE AND APPLICATION of the whole-1. There are few
that be saved; What sayest thou to this, poor sinner?
a word to the unclean, the swearer, the drunken, the
covetous, the liar; awake; God's axe is at the root,
and hell underneath thee.-2. To them that are
upon the potter's wheel; be thankful for convictions;
see the worst.-3. To professors; to tongue profes-
sors; covetous; wanton; opinionists; formalist;
legalist; the latitudinarian; the wilfully ignorant ;
him that compares himself with others, instead of
the Word; he who is for God and Baal too; the
free willer.-4. How strangely will some professors
be disappointed at the great day; it will be fearful
and full of amazement; the hypocrite worse off than
the profane; a word of advice to all classes ....

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The Word of the Lord is fearful; the law is fearful;
if this fear drives us from God, it is ungodly fear... 412
There is a fear that lasteth not; it makes a man
judge himself; to cry for mercy; it only lasts till
Christ by the Spirit is revealed to the soul; some
objections answered, as to fear after adoption; thir-
teen proofs that this is of God for good

Five considerations to fear God with child-like
fear; the grace of fear.-1. How it is described;
God's treasure; softens the heart; the beginning of
knowledge and wisdom to hate evil; a fountain of
life.-2. The grace of fear flows from God's love; a
new heart the impress of the Word; God's judg
ments; a godly remembrance of former distresses;
receiving an answer to prayer.-3. What doth flow
from this fear; reverence of God; watchfulness;
godly conversation; reverence of God's ordinances;
self-denial; singleness of heart; compassion; prayer;
hope; the honest use of means; a delight in God's
commandments; enlargement of heart......

The privileges of God-fearers; he has a license

to trust in the Lord; God is his teacher; he under-

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