BEGINNINGATJERUSALEM。——Lukexxiv。47。
Thewholeverserunsthus："Andthatrepentanceandremissionofsinsshouldbepreachedinhisnameamongallnations，beginningatJerusalem。"
ThewordswerespokenbyChrist，afterherosefromthedead，andtheyarehererehearsedafteranhistoricalmanner，butdocontaininthemaformalcommission，withaspecialclausetherein。Thecommissionis，asyousee，forthepreachingofthegospel，andisverydistinctlyinsertedintheholyrecordbyMatthewandMark。"Goteachallnations，"&c。"Goyeintoalltheworld，andpreachthegospeluntoeverycreature。"Matt。xxviii。19；Markxvi。15。OnlythiscauseisinspecialmentionedbyLuke，whosaith，ThatasChristwouldhavethedoctrineofrepentanceandremissionofsinspreachedinhisnameamongallnations，sohewouldhavethepeopleofJerusalemtohavethefirstprofferthereof。Preachit，saithChrist，inallnations，butbeginatJerusalem。
Theapostlesthen，thoughtheyhadacommissionsolargeastogivethemwarranttogoandpreachthegospelinalltheworld，yetbythisclausetheywerelimitedastothebeginningoftheirministry：
theyweretobeginthisworkatJerusalem。"BeginningatJerusalem。"
BeforeIproceedtoanobservationuponthewords，Imust（butbriefly）touchupontwothings：namely，I。ShowyouwhatJerusalemnowwas。
II。Showyouwhatitwastopreachthegospeltothem。
I。Forthefirst，Jerusalemistobeconsidered，either，1。Withrespecttothedescentofherpeople：or，2。Withrespecttoherpreferenceandexaltation：or，3。Withrespecttoherpresentstate，astoherdecays。
First，Astoherdescent：shewasfromAbraham，thesonsofJacob，apeoplethatGodsingledoutfromtherestofthenationstosethisloveuponthem。
Secondly，Astoherpreferenceorexaltation，shewastheplaceofGod’sworship，andthatwhichhadinandwithherthespecialtokensandsignsofGod’sfavourandpresence，aboveanyotherpeopleintheworld。HencethetribeswentuptoJerusalemtoworship；therewasGod’shouse，God’shigh—priest，God’ssacrificesaccepted，andGod’seye，andGod’sheartperpetually；Psalmlxxvi。1，2；Psalmcxxii。；1
Kingsix。3。But，Thirdly，WearetoconsiderJerusalemalsoinherdecays；forassheissoconsidered，sheistheproperobjectofourtext，aswillbefurthershowedbyandby。
Jerusalem，asItoldyou，wastheplaceandseatofGod’sworship，butnowdecayed，degenerated，andapostatized。Theword，theruleofworship，wasrejectedofthem，andinitsplacetheyhadputandsetuptheirowntraditions；theyhadrejectedalsothemostweightyordinances，andputintheroomthereoftheirownlittlethings，Matt。xv。；Markvii。Jerusalemwasthereforenowgreatlybacksliding，andbecometheplacewheretruthandtruereligionweremuchdefaced。
Itwasalsonowbecometheverysinkofsinandseatofhypocrisy，andgulfwheretruereligionwasdrowned。Herealsonowreignedpresumption，andgroundlessconfidenceinGod，whichisthebaneofsouls。Amongstitsrulers，doctors，andleaders，envy，malice，andblasphemyventeditselfagainstthepowerofgodliness，inallplaceswhereitwasespied；asalsoagainstthepromotersofit；yea，theirLordandMakercouldnotescapethem。
Inaword，Jerusalemwasnowbecometheshambles，theveryslaughter—
shopforsaints。Thiswastheplacewhereintheprophets，Christ，andhispeople，weremosthorriblypersecutedandmurdered。Yea，sohardenedatthistimewasthisJerusaleminhersins，thatshefearednottocommitthebiggest，andtobindherselfbywishundertheguiltanddamningevilofit；saying，whenshehadmurderedtheSonofGod，"Hisbloodbeuponusandourchildren。"
AndthoughJesusChristdid，bothbydoctrine，miracles，andholinessoflife，seektoputastoptotheirvillanies，yettheyshuttheireyes，stoppedtheirears，andrestednot，till，aswashintedbefore，theyhaddrivenhimoutoftheworld。Yea，thattheymight，ifpossible，haveextinguishedhisname，andexplodedhisdoctrineoutoftheworld，they，againstallargument，andindespiteofHeaven，itsmightyhand，andundeniableproofofhisresurrection，didhiresoldierstoinventalie，saying，hisdisciplesstolehimawayfromthegrave；onpurposethatmenmightnotcounthimtheSaviouroftheworld，nortrustinhimfortheremissionofsins。
Theywere，saithPaul，contrarytoallmen：fortheydidnotonlyshutupthedooroflifeagainstthemselves，butforbadethatitshouldbeopenedtoanyelse。"Forbiddingus，"saithhe，"topreachtotheGentiles，thattheymightbesaved，tofilluptheirsinsalway；"Matt。xxiii。35；chap。xv。7—9；Markvii。6—8；Matt。iii。7—
9；Johnviii。33，41；Matt。xxvii。18；Markiii。30；Matt。xxiii。37；
Lukexiii。33，34；Matt。xxvii。25；chap。xx。11—16；1Thess。ii。14—
16。
Thisisthecity，andthesearethepeople；thisistheircharacter，andthesearetheirsins：norcantherebeproducedtheirparallelinallthisworld。Nay，whatworld，whatpeople，whatnation，forsinandtransgression，could，orcanbecomparedtoJerusalem!
especiallyifyoujointothematteroffactthelighttheysinnedagainst，andthepatiencewhichtheyabused。Infinitewasthewickednessuponthisaccountwhichtheycommitted。
Afteralltheirabusingsofwisemen，andprophets，GodsentuntothemJohnBaptist，toreducethem，andthenhisSontoredeemthem；
buttheywouldbeneitherreducednorredeemed，butpersecutedbothtothedeath。Nordidthey，asIsaid，stophere；theholyapostlestheyafterwardspersecutedalsotodeath，evensomanyastheycould；
theresttheydrovefromthemuntotheutmostcorners。
II。Icomenowtoshowyouwhatitwastopreachthegospeltothem。
Itwas，saithLuke，"topreachtothemrepentanceandremissionofsins"inChrist’sname；or，asMarkhasit，tobidthem"repentandbelievethegospel，"Marki。15；notthatrepentanceisacauseofremission，butasignofourheartyreceptionthereof。Repentanceisthereforehereputtointimate，thatnopretendedfaithofthegospelisgoodthatisnotaccompaniedwithit：andthishedothonpurpose，becausehewouldnothavethemdeceivethemselves：forwithwhatfaithcanheexpectremissionofsinsinthenameofChrist，thatisnotheartilysorryforthem？Orhowshallamanbeabletogivetoothersasatisfactoryaccountofhisunfeignedsubjectiontothegospel，thatyetabidesinhisimpenitency？
Whereforerepentanceisherejoinedwithfaithinthewayofreceivingthegospel。Faithisthatwithoutwhichitcannotbereceivedatall；andrepentancethatwithoutwhichitcannotbereceivedunfeignedly。WhenthereforeChristsays，hewouldhaverepentanceandremissionofsinspreachedinhisnameamongallnations，itisasmuchastosay，Iwillthatallmeneverywherebesorryfortheirsins，andacceptofmercyatGod’shandthroughme，lesttheyfallunderhiswrathinthejudgment。ForasIhadsaid，withoutrepentance，whatpretencesoevermenhaveoffaith，theycannotescapethewrathtocome。WhereforePaulsaith，Godcommands"allmeneverywheretorepent，"（inordertotheirsalvation），"becausehehathappointedadayinthewhichhewilljudgetheworldinrighteousnessbythatmanwhomhehathordained；"Actsxvii。31。
Andnowtocometothisclause，"BeginningatJerusalem；"thatis，thatChristwouldhaveJerusalemhavethefirstofferofthegospel。
1。Thiscannotbesocommanded，becausetheyhadnowanymorerightofthemselvestheretothanhadanyofthenationsoftheworld；fortheirsinshaddivestedthemofallself—deservings。
2。Noryet，becausetheystoodupontheadvance—groundwiththeworstofthesinnersofthenations；nay，rather，thesinnersofthenationshadtheadvance—groundofthem：forJerusalemwas，longbeforeshehadaddedthisiniquitytohersin，worsethantheverynationsthatGodcastoutbeforethechildrenofIsrael；2Chron。
xxxiii。
3。Itmustthereforefollow，thatthisclause，BeginatJerusalem，wasputintothiscommissionofmeregraceandcompassion，evenfromtheoverflowingsofthebowelsofmercy；forindeedtheyweretheworst，andsointhemostdeplorableconditionofanypeopleundertheheavens。
Whatever，therefore，theirrelationwastoAbraham，Isaac，orJacob，howevertheyformerlyhadbeenthepeopleamongwhomGodhadplacedhisnameandworship，theywerenowdegeneratedfromGod，morethanthenationswerefromtheiridols，andwerebecomeguiltyofthehighestsinswhichthepeopleoftheworldwerecapableofcommitting。Nay，nonecanbecapableofcommittingofsuchpardonablesinsastheycommittedagainsttheirGod，whentheyslewhisSon，andpersecutedhisnameandword。
Fromthesewords，therefore，thusexplained，wegainthisobservation：
ThatJesusChristwouldhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners。
ThattheseJerusalemsinnerswerethebiggestsinnersthateverwereintheworld，Ithinknonewilldeny，thatbelievesthatChristwasthebestmanthateverwasintheworld，andalsowastheirLordGod。
Andthattheyweretohavethefirstofferofhisgrace，thetextisasclearasthesun；foritsaith，"BeginatJerusalem。""Preach，"
saithhe，"repentanceandremissionofsins"totheJerusalemsinners：totheJerusalemsinnersinthefirstplace。
Onewoulda—thought，sincetheJerusalemsinnersweretheworstandgreatestsinners，Christ’sgreatestenemies，andthosethatnotonlydespisedhisperson，doctrine，andmiracles，butthatalittlebeforehadhadtheirhandsuptotheelbowsinhisheart—blood，thatheshouldratherhavesaid，Gointoalltheworld，andpreachrepentanceandremissionofsinsamongallnations；andafterthatofferthesametoJerusalem；yea，ithadbeeninfinitegrace，ifhehadsaidso。Butwhatgraceisthis，orwhatnameshallwegiveit，whenhecommandsthatthisrepentanceandremissionofsins，whichisdesignedtobepreachedinallnations，shouldfirstbeofferedtoJerusalem，inthefirstplacetotheworstofsinners!
NorwasthisthefirsttimethatthegracewhichwasintheheartofChristthussheweditselftotheworld。Forwhilehewasyetalive，evenwhilehewasyetinJerusalem，andperceivedevenamongtheseJerusalemsinners，whichwasthemostvileamongstthem，hestillinhispreachingdidsignifythathehadadesirethattheworstoftheseworstshouldinthefirstplacecomeuntohim。Thewhichheshoweth，wherehesaithtothebettersortofthem，"ThepublicansandharlotsenterintothekingdomofGodbeforeyou；"Matt。xxi。31。
AlsowhenhecomparedJerusalemwiththesinnersofthenations，thenhecommandsthattheJerusalemsinnersshouldhavethegospelatpresentconfinedtothem。"Gonot，"saithhe，"intothewayoftheGentiles，andintoanyofthecitiesoftheSamaritansenteryenot；
butgorathertothelostsheepofthehouseofIsrael；"Matt。x。5，6；chap。xxiii。37；butgorathertothem，fortheywereinthemostfearfulplight。
Thesethereforemusthavethecreamofthegospel，namely，thefirstofferthereofinhislifetime：yea，whenhedepartedoutoftheworld，heleftthisaspartofhislastwillwithhispreachers，thattheyalsoshouldofferitfirsttoJerusalem。Hehadamind，acarefulmind，asitseems，toprivilegetheworstofsinnerswiththefirstofferofmercy，andtotakefromamongthemapeopletobethefirstfruitsuntoGodandtotheLamb。
The15thofLukealsoisfamousforthis，wheretheLordJesustakesmorecare，asappearstherebythreeparables，forthelostsheep，lostgroat，andtheprodigalson，thanfortheothersheep，theotherpence，orforthesonthatsaidhehadnevertransgressed，yea，heshowsthatthereisjoyinheaven，amongtheangelsofGod，attherepentanceofonesinner，morethanoverninetyandninejustpersons，whichneednorepentance；Lukexv。
AfterthismannerthereforethemindofChristwassetonthesalvationofthebiggestsinnersinhislifetime。Butjointothis，thisclause，whichhecarefullyputintotheapostles’commissiontopreach，whenhedepartedhencetotheFather，andthenyoushallseethathisheartwasvehementlysetuponit；forthesewerepartofhislastwordswiththem，Preachmygospeltoallnations，butseethatyoubeginatJerusalem。
NordidtheapostlesoverlookthisclausewhentheirLordwasgoneintoheaven：theywentfirsttothemofJerusalem，andpreachedChrist’sgospeltothem：theyabodealsothereforaseasonandtime，andpreachedittonobodyelse，fortheyhadregardtothecommandmentoftheirLord。
Anditistobeobserved，namely，thatthefirstsermonwhichtheypreachedaftertheascensionofChrist，itwaspreachedtotheveryworstoftheseJerusalemsinners，eventothesethatwerethemurderersofJesusChrist，Actsii。23，forthesearepartofthesermon："Yetookhim，andbywickedhandshavecrucifiedandslainhim。"Yea，thenextsermon，andthenext，andalsothenexttothat，waspreachedtotheself—samemurderers，totheendtheymightbesaved；Actsiii。14—16；chap。iv。10，11；chap。v。30；chap。vii。52。
ButwewillreturntothefirstsermonthatwaspreachedtotheseJerusalemsinners，bywhichwillbemanifestmorethangreatgrace，ifitbedulyconsidered。
ForafterthatPeter，andtherestoftheapostles，had，intheirexhortation，persuadedthesewretchestobelievethattheyhadkilledthePrinceoflife，andaftertheyhaddulyfallenundertheguiltoftheirmurder，saying，"Menandbrethren，whatshallwedo？"hereplies，byanuniversaltendertothemallingeneral，consideringthemasChrist’skillers，thatiftheyweresorryforwhattheyhaddone，andwouldbebaptizedfortheremissionoftheirsinsinhisname，theyshouldreceivethegiftoftheHolyGhost；Actsii。37，38。
Thishesaidtothemall，thoughheknewthattheyweresuchsinners。
Yea，hesaiditwithouttheleaststickorstop，orpauseofspirit，astowhetherhehadbesttosaysoorno。Nay，sofaroffwasPeterfrommakinganobjectionagainstoneofthem，thatbyaparticularclauseinhisexhortation，heendeavours，thatnotoneofthemmayescapethesalvationoffered。"Repent，"saithhe，"andbebaptizedeveryoneofyou。"Ishutoutneveraoneofyou；forIamcommandedbymyLordtodealwithyou，asitwere，onebyone，bythewordofhissalvation。Butwhyspeakshesoparticularly？Oh!therewerereasonsforit。Thepeoplewithwhomtheapostleswerenowtodeal，astheyweremurderersofourLord，andtobechargedinthegeneralwithhisblood，sotheyhadtheirvariousandparticularactsofvillanyintheguiltthereof，nowlyingupontheirconsciences。Andtheguiltofthesetheirvariousandparticularactsofwickedness，couldnotperhapsbereachedtoaremovalthereof，butbythisparticularapplication。Repenteveryoneofyou；bebaptizedeveryoneofyou，inhisname，fortheremissionofsins，andyoushall，everyoneofyou，receivethegiftoftheHolyGhost。
Object。ButIwasoneofthemthatplottedtotakeawayhislife。
MayIbesavedbyhim？
Peter。Everyoneofyou。
Object。ButIwasoneofthemthatbarefalsewitnessagainsthim。
Istheregraceforme？
Peter。Foreveryoneofyou。
Object。ButIwasoneofthemthatcriedout，Crucifyhim，crucifyhim；anddesiredthatBarabbasthemurderermightlive，ratherthanhim。Whatwillbecomeofme，thinkyou？
Peter。Iamtopreachrepentanceandremissionofsinstoeveryoneofyou，saysPeter。
Object。ButIwasoneofthemthatdidspitinhisfacewhenhestoodbeforehisaccusers。Ialsowasonethatmockedhim，wheninanguishhehangedbleedingonthetree。Isthereroomforme？
Peter。Foreveryoneofyou，saysPeter。
Object。ButIwasoneofthemthatinhisextremitysaid，givehimgallandvinegartodrink。WhymaynotIexpectthesamewhenanguishandguiltisuponme？
Peter。Repentoftheseyourwickednesses，andhereisremissionofsinsforeveryoneofyou。
Object。ButIrailedonhim，Ireviledhim，Ihatedhim，Irejoicedtoseehimmockedatbyothers。Cantherebehopesforme？
Peter。Thereisforeveryoneofyou。"RepentandbebaptisedeveryoneofyouinthenameofJesusChrist，fortheremissionofsins，andyeshallreceivethegiftoftheHolyGhost。"Oh!whatablessed"Everyoneofyou，"ishere!HowwillingwasPeter，andtheLordJesus，byhisministry，tocatchthesemurdererswiththewordofthegospel，thattheymightbemademonumentsofthegraceofGod!Howunwilling，Isay，washe，thatanyoftheseshouldescapethehandofmercy!Yea，whatanamazingwonderitistothink，thatabovealltheworld，andaboveeverybodyinit，theseshouldhavethefirstofferofmercy!"BeginningatJerusalem。"
Butwastherenotsomethingofmomentinthisclauseofthecommission？DidnotPeter，thinkyou，seeagreatdealinit，thatheshouldthusbeginwiththesemen，andthusoffer，soparticularly，thisgracetoeachparticularmanofthem？
But，asItoldyou，thisisnotall；theseJerusalemsinnersmusthavethisofferagainandagain；everyoneofthemmustbeoffereditoverandover。Christwouldnottaketheirfirstrejectionforadenial，northeirsecondrepulseforadenial；buthewillhavegraceofferedonce，andtwice，andthrice，totheseJerusalemsinners。Isnotthisamazinggrace？Christwillnotbeputoff。Thesearethesinnersthataresinnersindeed。Theyaresinnersofthebiggestsort；consequentlysuchasChristcan，iftheyconvertandbesaved，bestservehisendsanddesignsupon。Ofwhichmoreanon。
Butwhatapitchofgraceisthis!Christismindedtoamazetheworld，andtoshew，thatheactethnotlikethechildrenofmen。
Thisisthatwhichhesaidofold。"Iwillnotexecutethefiercenessofmywrath，IwillnotreturntodestroyEphraim；forI
amGodandnotman；"Hos。xi。9。Thisisnotthemannerofmen；menareshorterwinded；menaresoonmovedtotakevengeance，andtorightthemselvesinawayofwrathandindignation。ButGodisfullofgrace，fullofpatience，readytoforgive，andonethatdelightsinmercy。Allthisisseeninourtext。Thebiggestsinnersmustfirstbeofferedmercy；theymust，Isay，havethecreamofthegospeloffereduntothem。
Butwewillalittleproceed。Inthethirdchapterwefind，thattheywhoescapedconvertingbythefirstsermon，arecalleduponagain，toacceptofgraceandforgiveness，fortheirmurdercommittedupontheSonofGod。Youhavekilled，yea，"youhavedenied，theholyoneandthejust，anddesiredamurderertobegranteduntoyou；
andkilledthePrinceoflife。"Mark，hefallsagainupontheverymenthatactuallywere，asyouhaveitinthechaptersfollowing，hisverybetrayersandmurderers，Actsiii。14，15；asbeingloaththattheyshouldescapethemercyofforgiveness；andexhortsthemagaintorepent，thattheirsinsmight"beblottedout；"verses19，20。
Again，inthefourthchapter，hechargesthemafreshwiththismurder，ver。10；butwithaltellsthem，salvationisinnoother。
Then，likeaheavenlydecoy，heputshimselfalsoamongthem，todrawthemthebetterunderthenetofthegospel；saying，"Thereisnoneothernameunderheavengivenamongmen，wherebywemustbesaved；"
ver。12。
Inthefifthchapteryoufindthemrailingathim，becausehecontinuedpreachingamongthemsalvationinthenameofJesus。Buthetellsthem，thatthatveryJesuswhomtheyhadslainandhangedonatree，himGodhadraisedup，andexaltedtobeaPrinceandaSaviour，togiverepentancetoIsrael，andforgivenessofsins：ver。
29—31。Stillinsinuating，thatthoughtheyhadkilledhim，andtothisdayrejectedhim，yethisbusinesswastobestowuponthemrepentanceandforgivenessofsins。
’Tistrue，aftertheybegantokillagain，andwhennothingbutkillingwouldservetheirturn，thentheythatwerescatteredabroadwenteverywherepreachingtheword。YetevensomeofthemsohankeredaftertheconversionoftheJews，thattheypreachedthegospelonlytothem。AlsotheapostlesstillmadetheirabodeatJerusalem，inhopesthattheymightyetletdowntheirnetforanotherdraughtoftheseJerusalemsinners。NeitherdidPaulandBarnabas，whoweretheministersofGodtotheGentiles，butofferthegospel，inthefirstplace，tothoseofthemthatfortheirwickednesswerescatteredlikevagabondsamongthenations；yea，andwhentheyrenderedrebellionandblasphemyfortheirserviceandlove，theyreplied，itwasnecessarythatthewordofGodshouldfirsthavebeenspokentothem；Actsi。8；chap。xiii。46，47。
Norwasthistheirpreachingunsuccessfulamongthesepeople：buttheLordJesussowroughtwiththewordthusspoken，thatthousandsofthemcameflockingtohimformercy。Threethousandofthemclosedwithhimatthefirst；andafterwardstwothousandmore；fornowtheywereinnumberaboutfivethousand；whereasbeforesermonswerepreachedtothesemurderers，thenumberofthediscipleswasnotabove"ahundredandtwenty；"Actsi。15；chap。ii。41；chap。iv。4。
Alsoamongthesepeoplethatthusflockedtohimformercy，therewasa"greatcompanyofthepriests；"chap。vi。7。Nowthepriestsweretheythatwerethegreatestofthesebiggestsinners；theyweretheringleaders，theyweretheinventorsandringleadersinthemischief。
ItwastheythatsetthepeopleagainsttheLordJesus，andthatwerethecausewhytheuproarincreased，untilPilatehadgivensentenceuponhim。"Thechiefpriestsandelders，"saysthetext，"persuaded（thepeople）themultitude，"thattheyshouldaskBarabbas，anddestroyJesus；Matt。xxvii。20。Andyetbeholdthepriests，yea，agreatcompanyofthepriests，becameobedienttothefaith。
OhthegreatnessofthegraceofChrist，thatheshouldbethusinlovewiththesoulsofJerusalemsinners!thatheshouldbethusdelightedwiththesalvationoftheJerusalemsinners!thatheshouldnotonlywillthathisgospelshouldbeofferedthem，butthatitshouldbeoffereduntothemfirst，andbeforeothersinnerswereadmittedtoahearingofit。"BeginatJerusalem。"
Werethisdoctrinewellbelieved，wherewouldtherebeaplaceforadoubt，orafearofthedamnationofthesoul，ifthesinnerbepenitent，howbadalifesoeverhehaslived，howmanysoeverinnumberarehissins？
Butthisgraceishidfromtheeyesofmen；thedevilhidesitfromthem；forheknowsitisalluring，heknowsithasanattractingvirtueinit：forthisisitthataboveallargumentscandrawthesoultoGod。
Icannothelpit，butmustletdropanotherword。Thefirstchurch，theJerusalemchurch，fromwhencethegospelwastobesentintoalltheworld，wasachurchmadeupofJerusalemsinners。ThesegreatsinnerswereherethemostshiningmonumentsoftheexceedinggraceofGod。
ThusyouseeIhaveprovedthedoctrine；andthatnotonlybyshowingyouthatthiswasthepracticeoftheLordJesusChristinhislifetime，buthislastwillwhenhewentuptoGod；saying，BegintopreachatJerusalem。
Yea，itisyetfurthermanifested，inthatwhenhisministersfirstbegantopreachthere，hejoinedhispowertotheword，totheconvertingofthousandsofhisbetrayersandmurderers，andalsomanyoftheringleadingprieststothefaith。
Ishallnowproceed，andshallshowyou，1。Thereasonsofthepoint：
2。Andthenmakesomeapplicationofthewhole。
Theobservation，youknow，isthis：JesusChristwouldhavemercyoffered，inthefirstplace，tothebiggestsinners，totheJerusalemsinners："Preachrepentance，andremissionofsins，inmyname，amongallnations，beginningatJerusalem。"
Thereasonsofthepointare：
First，Becausethebiggestsinnershavemostneedthereof。Hethathasmostneed，reasonsays，shouldbehelpedfirst。Imean，whenahelpinghandisoffered，andnowitis：forthegospelofthegraceofGodissenttohelptheworld；Actsxvi。9。Butthebiggestsinnerhasmostneed。Therefore，inreason，whenmercyissentdownfromheaventomen，theworstofmenshouldhavethefirstofferofit。"BeginatJerusalem。"ThisisthereasonwhichtheLordChristhimselfrenders，whyinhislifetimeheleftthebest，andturnedhimtotheworst；whyhesatsoloosefromtherighteous，andstucksoclosetothewicked。"Thewhole，"saithhe，"havenoneedofthephysician，butthesick。Icamenottocalltherighteous，butsinnerstorepentance；"Markii。15—47。
Aboveyouread，thatthescribesandphariseessaidtohisdisciples，"Howisitthatheeatethanddrinkethwithpublicansandsinners？"
Alas!theydidnotknowthereason：buttheLordrendersthemone，andsuchanoneasisbothnaturalandcogent，saying，Thesehaveneed，mostneed。TheirgreatnecessityrequiresthatIshouldbemostfriendly，andshowmygracefirsttothem。
Notthattheotherweresinless，andsohadnoneedofaSaviour；butthepublicansandtheircompanionswerethebiggestsinners；theywere，astoview，worsethanthescribes；andthereforeinreasonshouldbehelpedfirst，becausetheyhadmostneedofaSaviour。
Menthatareatthepointtodiehavemoreneedofthephysicianthantheythatarebutnowandthentroubledwithanheart—faintingqualm。
Thepublicansandsinnerswere，asitwere，inthemouthofdeath；
deathwasswallowingofthemdown：andthereforetheLordJesusreceivesthemfirst，offersthemmercyfirst。"Thewholehavenoneedofthephysician，butthesick。Icamenottocalltherighteous，butsinnerstorepentance。"Thesick，asIsaid，isthebiggestsinner，whetherheseeshisdiseaseornot。Heisstainedfromheadtofoot，fromhearttolifeandconversation。Thisman，ineveryman’sjudgment，hasthemostneedofmercy。Thereisnothingattendshimfrombedtoboard，andfromboardtobedagain，butthevisiblecharacters，andobvioussymptoms，ofeternaldamnation。Thisthereforeisthemanthathasneed，mostneed；andthereforeinreasonshouldbehelpedinthefirstplace。Thusitwaswiththepeopleconcernedinthetext，theyweretheworstofsinners，Jerusalemsinners，sinnersofthebiggestsize；andthereforesuchashadthegreatestneed；whereforetheymusthavemercyofferedtothem，beforeitbeofferedanywhereelseintheworld。"BeginatJerusalem，"offermercyfirsttoaJerusalemsinner。Thismanhasmostneed，heisfarthestfromGod，nearesttohell，andsoonethathasmostneed。Thisman’ssinsareinnumberthemost，incrytheloudest，inweighttheheaviest，andconsequentlywillsinkhimsoonest：whereforehehasmostneedofmercy。ThismanisshutupinSatan’shand，fastestboundinthecordsofhissins：onethatjusticeiswhettinghisswordtocutoff；andthereforehasmostneed，notonlyofmercy，butthatitshouldbeextendedtohiminthefirstplace。
Butalittlefurthertoshowyouthetruenatureofthisreason，towit，ThatJesusChristwouldhavemercyoffered，inthefirstplace，tothebiggestsinners。
First，Mercyarisethfromthebowelsandcompassion，frompity，andfromafeelingoftheconditionofthoseinmisery。"Inhislove，andinhispity，hesavethus。"Andagain，"TheLordispitiful，verypitiful，andofgreatmercy；"Isa。lxiii。9；Jamesv。11。
Now，wherepityandcompassionis，thereisyearningofbowels；andwherethereisthat，thereisareadinesstohelp。And，Isayagain，themoredeplorableanddreadfultheconditionis，themoredirectlydothbowelsandcompassionturnthemselvestosuch，andofferhelpanddeliverance。Allthisflowsfromourfirstscriptureproof；I
cametocallthemthathaveneed；tocallthemfirst，whiletherestlookonandmurmur。
"HowshallIgivetheeup，Ephraim？"EphraimwasarevolterfromGod，amanthathadgivenhimselfuptodevilism：acompanyofmen，thetentribes，thatworshippeddevils，whileJudahkeptwithhisGod。"ButhowshallIgivetheeup，Ephraim？HowshallIdeliverthee，Israel？HowshallImaketheeasAdmah？HowshallIsettheeasZeboim？（andyetthouartworsethanthey：norhasSamariacommittedhalfthysins）；Ezek。xvi。46—51。Myheartisturnedwithinme，andmyrepentingsarekindledtogether；"Hos。xi。8。
ButwheredoyoufindthatevertheLorddidthusyearninhisbowelsforandafteranyself—righteousman？No，no；theyarethepublicansandharlots，idolatersandJerusalemsinners，forwhomhisbowelsthusyearnandtumbleaboutwithinhim：for，alas!poorworms，theyhavemostneedofmercy。
HadnotthegoodSamaritanmorecompassionforthatmanthatfellamongthieves（thoughthatfallwasoccasionedbyhisgoingfromtheplacewheretheyworshippedGod，toJericho，thecursedcity）thanwereadhehadforanyotherbesides？Hiswinewasforhim，hisoilwasforhim，hisbeastforhim；hispenny，hiscare，andhisswaddlingbandsforhim；foralas!wretch，hehadmostneed；Lukex。30—35。
Zaccheusthepublican，thechiefofthepublicans，onethathadmadehimselfthericherbywrongingofothers；theLordatthattimesingledhimoutfromalltherestofhisbrotherpublicans，andthatinthefaceofmanyPharisees，andproclaimedintheaudienceofthemall，thatthatdaysalvationwascometohishouse；Lukexix。1—8。
ThewomanalsothathadbeenbounddownbySatanforeighteenyearstogether，hiscompassionsputtinghimuponit，heloosedher，thoughthosethatstoodbysnarledathimforsodoing；Lukexiii。11—13，AndwhythewomanofSarepta，andwhyNaamantheSyrian，ratherthanwidowsandlepersinIsrael，butbecausetheirconditionsweremoredeplorable，（forthat）theyweremostforlorn，andfarthestfromhelp；Lukeiv。25，27。
ButIsay，whyallthese，thusnamed？whyhavewenotacatalogueofsomeholymenthatweresointheirowneyes，andinthejudgmentoftheworld？Alasifatanytimeanyofthemarementioned，howseeminglycoldlydoththerecordofscripturepresentthemtous？
Nicodemus，anightprofessor，andSimonthepharisee，withhisfiftypence；andtheirgreatignoranceofthemethodsofgrace，wehavenowandthentouchedupon。
Mercyseemstobeoutofhisproperchannel，whenitdealswithself—
righteousmen；butthenitrunswithafullstreamwhenitextendsitselftothebiggestsinners。AsGod’smercyisnotregulatedbyman’sgoodness，norobtainedbyman’sworthiness；sonotmuchsetoutbysavingofanysuch。Butmoreofthisanon。
Andhereletmeaskmyreaderaquestion：supposethatasthouartwalkingbysomepondside，thoushouldstespyinitfourorfivechildrenallindangerofdrowning，andoneinmoredangerthanalltherest，judgewhichhasmostneedtobehelpedoutfirst？Iknowthouwiltsay，hethatisnearestdrowning。Why，thisisthecase；
thebiggersinner，thenearerdrowning；thereforethebiggersinnerthemoreneedofmercy；yea，ofhelpbymercyinthefirstplace。
Andtothisourtextagrees，whenitsaith，"BeginningatJerusalem。"
LettheJerusalemsinner，saysChrist，havethefirstoffer，thefirstinvitation，thefirsttenderofmygraceandmercy，forheisthebiggestsinner，andsohasmostneedthereof。
Secondly，ChristJesuswouldhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners，becausewhenthey，anyofthem，receiveit，itredoundsmosttothefameofhisname。
ChristJesus，asyoumayperceive，hasputhimselfunderthetermofaphysician，adoctorforcuringofdiseases：andyouknowthatapplauseandfame，arethingsthatphysiciansmuchdesire。Thatisitthathelpsthemtopatients，andthatalsothatwillhelptheirpatientstocommitthemselvestotheirskillforcure，withthemoreconfidenceandreposeofspirit。Andthebestwayforadoctororphysiciantogethimselfaname，is，inthefirstplace，totakeinhand，andcuresomesuchasallothershavegivenoffforlostanddead。Physiciansgetneithernamenorfamebyprickingofwheals，orprickingoutthistles，orbylayingofplaisterstothescratchofapin；everyoldwomancandothis。Butiftheywouldhaveanameandafame，iftheywillhaveitquicklytheymust，asIsaid，dosomegreatanddesperatecures。Letthemfetchonetolifethatwasdead；
letthemrecoveronetohiswitsthatwasmad；letthemmakeonethatwasbornblindtosee；orletthemgiveripewitstoafool；thesearenotablecures，andhethatcandothus，andifhedoththusfirst，heshallhavethenameandfamehedesires；hemayliea—bedtillnoon。
Why，ChristJesusforgivethsinsforaname，andsobegetsofhimselfagoodreportintheheartsofthechildrenofmen。Andthereforeinreasonhemustbewilling，asalsohedidcommand，thathismercyshouldbeofferedfirsttothebiggestsinners。
"Iwillforgivetheirsins，iniquities，andtransgressions，"sayshe，"anditshallturntomeforanameofjoy，andapraiseandanhonour，beforeallthenationsoftheearth；"Jer。xxxiii。8，9。
Andhenceitis，thatathisfirstappearinghetookuponhimtodosuchmightyworks：hegotafamethereby，hegotanamethereby；
Matt。iv。23，24。
WhenChristhadcastthelegionofdevilsoutofthemanofwhomyouread，Markv。，hebidhimgohometohisfriends，andtellit："Gohome，"saithhe，"tothyfriends，andtellthemhowgreatthingsGodhasdoneforthee，andhashadcompassiononthee；"Markv。19。
ChristJesusseeksaname，anddesirethafameintheworld；andtherefore，orthebettertoobtainthat，hecommandsthatmercyshouldfirstbeprofferedtothebiggestsinners，because，bythesavingofoneofthemhemakesallmenmarvel。As’tissaidofthemanlastmentioned，whomChristcuredtowardsthebeginningofhisministry："Andhedeparted，"saysthetext，"andbegantopublishinDecapolis，howgreatthingsJesushaddoneforhim；andallmendidmarvel，"ver。20。
WhenJohntoldChrist，thattheysawonecastingoutdevilsinhisname，andtheyforbadehim，becausehefollowednotwiththem，whatistheanswerofChrist？"Forbidhimnot：forthereisnomanwhichshalldoamiracleinmyname，thatcanlightlyspeakevilofme。"
No；theywillrathercausehispraisetobeheard，andhisnametobemagnified，andsoputgloryontheheadofChrist。
Butwewillfollowalittleourmetaphor：Christ，asIsaid，hasputhimselfunderthetermofaphysician；consequentlyhedesireththathisfame，astothesalvationofsinners，mayspreadabroad，andthattheworldmayseewhathecando。Andtothisend，hehasnotonlycommanded，thatthebiggestsinnersshouldhavethefirstofferofhismercy，buthas，asphysiciansdo，putouthisbills，andpublishedhisdoings，thatthingsmaybereadandtalkedof。Yea，hehasmoreover，inthesehisblessedbills，theholyscripturesImean，insertedtheverynamesofpersons，theplacesoftheirabode，andthegreatcuresthat，bythemeansofhissalvations，hehaswroughtuponthemtothisveryend。Hereis，Item，suchaone，bymygraceandredeemingblood，wasmadeamonumentofeverlastinglife；andsuchaone，bymyperfectobedience，becameanheirofglory。Andthenheproduceththeirnames。
Item，IsavedLotfromtheguiltanddamnationthathehadprocuredtohimselfbyhisincest。
Item，IsavedDavidfromthevengeancethatbelongedtohimforcommittingofadulteryandmurder。
HereisalsoSolomon，Manasseh，Peter，Magdalen，andmanyothers，madementionofinthisbook。Yea，herearetheirnames，theirsins，andtheirsalvationsrecordedtogether，thatyoumayreadandknowwhataSaviourheis，anddohimhonourintheworld。Forwhyarethesethingsthusrecorded，buttoshowtosinnerswhathecando，tothepraiseandgloryofhisgrace？
Anditisobservable，asIsaidbefore，wehavebutverylittleofthesalvationoflittlesinnersmentionedinGod’sbook，becausethatwouldnothaveansweredthedesign，towit，tobringgloryandfametothenameoftheSonofGod。
Whatshouldbethereason，thinkyou，whyChristshouldsoeasilytakeadenialofthegreatones，thatwerethegrandeuroftheworld，andstrugglesohardforhedge—creepersandhighwaymen（asthatparable，Lukexiv。，seemstoimporthedoth），buttoshowforththerichesofthegloryofhisgracetohispraise？ThisIsay，isonereasontobesure。
Theythathadtheirgrounds，theiryokeofoxen，andtheirmarriagejoys，wereinvitedtocome；buttheymadetheirexcuse，andthatservedtheturn。Butwhenhecomestodealwiththeworst，hesaithtohisservants，Goyeoutandbringtheminhither。"Gooutquickly，andbringinhitherthepoor，themaimed，thehalt，andtheblind。"Andtheydidso：andhesaidagain，"Gooutintothehighwaysandhedges，andcompelthemtocomein，thatmyhousemaybefilled；"Lukexiv。18，19，23。Thesepoor，lame，maimed，blind，hedge—creepersandhighwaymen，mustcomein，mustbeforcedin。
These，ifsaved，willmakehismeritsshine。
WhenChristwascrucified，andhangedupbetweentheearthandheavens，thereweretwothievescrucifiedwithhim；andbehold，helaysholdofoneofthemandwillhavehimawaywithhimtoglory。
Wasnotthisastrangeact，andadisplayofunthoughtofgrace？
Weretherenonebutthievesthere，orweretherestofthatcompanyoutofhisreach？Couldhenot，thinkyou，havestoopedfromthecrosstotheground，andhavelaidholdonsomehonestermanifhewould？Yes，doubtless。Oh!butthenhewouldnothavedisplayedhisgrace，norsohavepursuedhisowndesigns，namely，togettohimselfapraiseandaname：butnowhehasdoneittopurpose。Forwhothatshallreadthisstory，butmustconfess，thattheSonofGodisfullofgrace；foraproofoftherichesthereof，heleftbehindhim，whenuponthecrosshetookthethiefawaywithhimtoglory。Norcanthisoneactofhisbeburied；itwillbetalkedoftotheendoftheworldtohispraise。"Menshallspeakofthemightofthyterribleacts，andwilldeclarethygreatness；theyshallabundantlyutterthememoryofthygreatgoodness，andshallsingofthyrighteousness。Theyshallspeakofthegloryofthykingdom，andtalkofthypower；tomakeknowntothesonsofmenhismightyacts，andthegloriousmajestyofhiskingdom；"Psalmcxlv。6—12。
WhenthewordofGodcameamongtheconjurersandthosesoothsayersthatyoureadof，Actsxix。，andhadprevailedwithsomeofthemtoacceptofthegraceofChrist，theHolyGhostrecordsitwithaboast，forthatitwouldredoundtohispraise，saying，"Andmanyofthemthatusedcuriousarts，broughttheirbookstogether，andburnedthembeforeallmen：andcountedthepriceofthem，andfounditfiftythousandpiecesofsilver。SomightilygrewthewordofGod，andprevailed；"Actsxix。19，20。ItwrenchedoutoftheclutchesofSatansomeofthoseofwhomhethoughthimselfmostsure。
"SomightilygrewthewordofGod。"Itgrewmightily，itencroacheduponthekingdomofthedevil。Itpursuedhim，andtooktheprey；itforcedhimtoletgohishold：itbroughtawaycaptive，asprisonerstakenbyforceofarms，someofthemostvaliantofhisarmy：itfetchedbackfrom，asitwere，theconfinesofhell，someofthosethatwerehismosttrusty，andthatwithhellhadbeenatanagreement：itmadethemcomeandconfesstheirdeeds，andburntheirbooksbeforeallmen："SomightilygrewthewordofGod，andprevailed。"
Thus，therefore，youseewhyChristwillhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners；theyhavemostneedthereof；andthisisthemostreadywaytoextolhisnamethatridethupontheheavenstoourhelp。But，Thirdly，ChristJesuswouldhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners，becausebytheirforgivenessandsalvation，othershearingofit，willbeencouragedthemoretocometohimforlife。
Forthephysician，bycuringthemostdesperateatthefirst，dothnotonlygethimselfaname，butbegetsencouragementinthemindsofotherdiseasedfolktocometohimforhelp。HenceyoureadofourLord，thatafter，throughhistendermercy，hehadcuredmanyofgreatdiseases，hisfamewasspreadabroad，"Theybroughtuntohimallsickpeoplethatweretakenwithdiversdiseasesandtorments，andthosewhichwerepossessedwithdevils，andthosewhichwerelunatic，andthosethathadthepalsy，andhehealedthem。AndtherefollowedhimgreatmultitudesofpeoplefromGalilee，andDecapolis，andJerusalem，andJudea，andfrombeyondJordan；"Matt。iv。24，25。
Seehere，hefirstbyworkinggetshimselfafame，aname，andrenown，andnowmentakeencouragement，andbringfromallquarterstheirdiseasedtohim，beinghelped，bywhattheyhadheard，tobelievethattheirdiseasedshouldbehealed。
Now，ashedidwiththoseoutwardcures，sohedoesintheproffersofhisgraceandmercy：heproffersthatinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners，thatothersmaytakehearttocometohimtobesaved。Iwillgiveyouascriptureortwo，ImeantoshowyouthatChrist，bycommandingthathismercyshouldinthefirstplacebeofferedtothebiggestofsinners，hasadesigntherebytoencourageandprovokeotherstocomealsotohimformercy。
"God，"saithPaul，"whoisrichinmercy，forhisgreatlovewherewithhelovedus，evenwhenweweredeadinsins，hathquickenedustogetherwithChrist（bygraceyearesaved）；andhathraisedusuptogether，andmadeussittogetherinheavenlyplacesinChristJesus。"Butwhydidhedoallthis？"ThatintheagestocomehemightshewtheexceedingrichesofhisgraceinhiskindnesstowardsusthroughChristJesus；"Eph。ii。4—7。
See，hereisadesign；GodletsouthismercytoEphesusofdesign，eventoshewtotheagestocometheexceedingrichesofhisgrace，inhiskindnesstothemthroughChristJesus。Andwhytoshewbythesetheexceedingrichesofhisgracetotheagestocome，throughChristJesus，buttoallurethem，andtheirchildrenalso，tocometohim，andtopartakeofthesamegracethroughChristJesus？
ButwhatwasPaul，andtheEphesiansinners？（ofPaulwewillspeakanon）。TheseEphesiansinners，theyweremendeadinsins，menthatwalkedaccordingtothedictatesandmotionsofthedevil；
worshippersofDiana，thateffeminategoddess；menfarofffromGod，aliensandstrangerstoallgoodthings；suchaswerefarofffromthat，asIsaid，andconsequentlyinamostdeplorablecondition。AstheJerusalemsinnerswereofthehighestsortamongtheJews，sotheseEphesiansinnerswereofthehighestsortamongtheGentiles；
Eph。ii。1—3，11，12；Actsxix。35。
WhereforeasbytheJerusalemsinners，insavingthemfirst，hehadadesigntoprovokeotherstocometohimformercy，sothesamedesignisheresetonfootagain，inhiscallingandconvertingtheEphesiansinners，"Thatintheagestocomehemightshewtheexceedingrichesofhisgrace，"sayshe，"inhiskindnesstowardsusthroughChristJesus。"Thereisyetonehintbehind。ItissaidthatGodsavedtheseforhislove；thatis，asIthink，forthesettingforth，forthecommendationsofhislove，fortheadvanceofhislove，intheheartsandmindsofthemthatshouldcomeafter。Aswhoshouldsay，Godhashadmercyupon，andbeengracioustoyou，thathemightshewtoothers，fortheirencouragement，thattheyhavegroundtocometohimtobesaved。WhenGodsavesonegreatsinner，itistoencourageanothergreatsinnertocometohimformercy。
Hesavedthethief，toencouragethievestocometohimformercy；hesavedMagdalen，toencourageotherMagdalenstocometohimformercy；hesavedSaul，toencourageSaulstocometohimformercy；
andthisPaulhimselfdothsay，"Forthiscause，"saithhe，"I
obtainedmercy，thatinmefirstJesusChristmightshewforthalllong—sufferingforapatterntothemwhichshouldhereafterbelieveonhimtolifeeverlasting；"1Tim。i。16。
Howplainarethewords!Christ，insavingofme，hasgiventotheworldapatternofhisgrace，thattheymightseeandbelieve，andcome，andbesaved；thattheythataretobebornhereaftermightbelieveonJesusChristtolifeeverlasting。
ButwhatwasPaul？Why，hetellsyouhimself；Iam，sayshe，thechiefofsinners：Iwas，sayshe，ablaspheme；apersecutor，aninjuriousperson；butIobtainedmercy；1Tim。i。14，15。Ay，thatiswellforyou，Paul；butwhatadvantagehavewethereby？Oh，verymuch，saithhe；for，"forthiscauseIobtainedmercy，thatinmefirst，JesusChristmightshewalllong—sufferingforapatterntothemwhichshallbelieveonhimtolifeeverlasting。"
Thus，therefore，youseethatthisthirdreasonisofstrength，namely，thatJesusChristwouldhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners，because，bytheirforgivenessandsalvation，others，hearingofit，willbeencouragedthemoretocometohimformercy。
ItmaywellthereforebesaidtoGod，Thoudelightestinmercy，andmercypleasesthee；Mich。vii。18。
ButwhobelievesthatthiswasGod’sdesigninshewingmercyofold——
namely，thatwethatcomeaftermighttakecouragetocometohimformercy；orthatJesusChristwouldhavemercyofferedinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners，tostirupotherstocometohimforlife？Thisisnotthemannerofmen，OGod!
ButDavidsawthisbetimes；thereforehemakesthisoneargumentwithGod，thathewouldblotouthistransgressions，thathewouldforgivehisadultery，hismurders，andhorriblehypocrisy。Doit，OLord，saithhe，doit，and"thenwillIteachtransgressorsthyways，andsinnersshallbeconverteduntothee；"Psalmli。7—13。
HeknewthattheconversionofsinnerswouldbeaworkhighlypleasingtoGod，asbeingthatwhichhehaddesignedbeforehemademountainorhill：whereforehecomes，andhesaith，Saveme，OLord；
ifthouwiltbutsaveme，Iwillfallinwiththydesign；IwillhelptobringwhatsinnerstotheeIcan。And，Lord，Iamwillingtobemadeapreachermyself；forthatIhavebeenahorriblesinner：
wherefore，ifthoushaltforgivemygreattransgressions，Ishallbeafitmantotellofthywondrousgracetoothers。Yea，Lord，Idarepromise，thatifthouwilthavemercyuponme，itshalltendtothegloryofthygrace，andalsototheincreaseofthykingdom；forI
willtellit，andsinnerswillhearon’t。Andthereisnothingsosuitethwiththehearingsinnerasmercy，andtobeinformedthatGodiswillingtobestowituponhim。"Iwillteachtransgressorsthyways，andsinnersshallbeconverteduntothee。"
NorwillChristJesusmissofhisdesigninprofferingofmercyinthefirstplacetothebiggestsinners。YouknowwhatworktheLord，bylayingholdofthewomanofSamaria，madeamongthepeoplethere。
Theyknewthatshewasatownsinner，anadulteress，yea，onethatafterthemostaudaciousmannerlivedinuncleannesswithamanthatwasnotherhusband：butwhenshe，fromaturnuponherheart，wentintothecity，andsaidtoherneighbours，"Come，"Ohhowtheycame!
howtheyflockedoutofthecitytoJesusChrist!"Thentheywentoutofthecity，andcametohim。""AndmanyoftheSamaritans（peopleperhapsasbadasherself）believedonhim，forthesayingofthewoman，whichtestified，saying，hetoldmeallthateverIdid；"
Johniv。39。
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