The Lord is serious in his Offer of Grace , and infallible in working it at one time or other , for the Conversion of all those in Covenant with him . Though it be full of difficulty , yet it is certain for success . It is difficult , therefore the Lord undertakes it , when no other means is able to do it ; and certainly it shall be done in his time and way . Therefore he promiseth and annexeth certain binding Particles , the more to assure it in our apprehension , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Therefore , behold , which Particles are diversly construed by divers great Divines , not unskilful in the holy Tongue , causing some obscurity about the meaning , but more touching the Connection of these with the former words ; what dependance they have , and what Grammatical Construction they may admit . Some take and understand them here casually only , as if their profaneness and stubborness in Idolatry , had been the moving cause to this Evangelical Work ; but then it would follow , Let us sin , that Grace may abound . Which Devils Logic the Apostle confuteth , Rom. 6. Others take them illatively , thus : Seeing she is grown to that height of Wickedness , so vile and so proud , that there is no hope nor possibility of her thinking or willing by any strength of her own to return , therefore I will make her mindful and willing to come home : [ O the never enough adored Depth of God's free Grace and super-abundant Love to his People ! ] I will heal them , and lead them also , and restore Comforts unto them . This cannot be misliked . Only a third sort may be adjoined , viz. of those who take them adversatively also , denoting the Order in any business , as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek , and postea in Latin ; and then the meaning is , as if the Lord had said , Seeing the former means doth it not , I will assay another ; I will add my Spirit to her Affliction , and to corporal Rods I will bring in spiritual Troubles , to the Law , the Gospel ; which shall not fail of my proposed end . Therefore , behold , in the last place , I will undertake to do it verily , truly , undoubtedly .

Here are several useful Doctrines arising , worthy observation . Viz. Doct. 1. That the Lord can and doth turn great Sinners into eminent Saints .

He turns a Wilderness into a River . As in several Changes in the World , Stars fall from the Firmament , to be changed into Dunghils ; so here , the Dunghils of the Earth ▪ mount up to Heaven , to be metamorphosed into Stars . So much he promiseth to do ; and it is usual with him to advance them highest in his favour , who have been least esteemed in the World . Not many wise Men after the flesh , not many mighty , not many noble ; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the World to confound the wise , 1 Cor. 1.26 , 27. Christ's Disciples were not fetch'd from among the Roman Conquerors ; no Augustus , or Alexander , or high noble Blood of the Earth gave denomination to their Pedigree ; neither took they their Rise from among the Jewish Rabbins . They were not seasoned with Athenian Eloquence , nor beautified with any gay and splendid matters of this World . They were obscured with Poverty , and shadowed with meanness , in respect of Name and Gifts , of a poor contemptible Trade , even Fishermen , called from catching of Fish , to lay out for Souls . The Lord cutteth out his Mercuries of the most unlikely pieces of Timber , he will have his Temple built of rough and unpolish'd Stones . When Jerusalem was in such misery , that she could not help her self , no more than a poor Infant , and for others they would not , Ezek. 16.5 . No eye pitied her , to do any thing for her , or to have any compassion upon her ; Then I passed by ( saith the Lord , ) and looked upon thee , &c. Lo here , Heaven smiled upon Hell ! An old broken Instrument is tuned , and made melodious ; tho it be the same String , yet it is quite otherwise tuned . Hath not God chosen the Poor of this World ? Jam. 2.5 . He hides Treasure under the Bark and Mantle of mean Persons , base and abject in appearance . The lost Sheep , and sick Men , as they have most need , both in truth , and in their own apprehension , so have they most benefit by the Physician . Did not our Saviour tell the Priests and Elders among the Jews , that notwithstanding all their Traditions and Ceremonies , Publicans and Harlots would believe sooner , and enter the Kingdom of Heaven before them ? Mat. 21.31 . And that many should come from the East and West , to sit down with Abraham , Isaac , and Jacob , in the Kingdom of Heaven ; when the Children of the Kingdom ( who had so good conceit of themselves , as if out of danger , ) should be cast into utter Darkness ? Manasses did evil in the sight of the Lord , like the abominations of the Heathen ; he built the high Places and strange Altars , he observed Times , 2 Chron. 33.3 , 4 , 5 , 6. Yet the Lord brought him home at length through this Wilderness into Canaan . Mary Magdalen was a None-such of uncleanness , she was possess'd with seven Devils ; yet Christ cast them out , and of a Den of Devils made her a Temple for the Holy Spirit to dwell in . St. Paul was a Blasphemer , a Persecutor , mounted in his way to Damascus , to hale the poor Christians to Prison ; but the Lord had chosen him , and now changes the Serpent into a white Rod. St. Austin was greatly infected with the Sin of his Country , which was as contagious for Chastity , as the North Wind for Plants ; for a great Writer , speaking of Afric , saith it was a Country of Loves , and that it was as strange a Man should be an African , and not be an African ; as to be an African , and not to be lascivious . He had a Soul as it were of Sulphur , so much was it disposed to take fire , that he hastened to throw himself into the midst of Flames . In short , he fell into the Snares he desired , and was involved in wonderful Labyrinths , where the end of one sinful Passion was the beginning of another . But behold here an admirable sport of Providence , way-laying and contriving the Salvation of this great Soul , who became a rare Spectacle , and worthy the consideration of noble Spirits ; for of an earthen Pot he is made a Vessel of Gold .

Luther ( in whose Conversion the Divine Power was most resplendent ) of a mad Monk , as he called himself , was made a zealous Protestant . Basilides was sometimes a cruel Executioner of Christians , that afterwards was called , and died for the Testimony of Jesus .

Aretius speaks of a certain Man in his time , ( it is no feigned Story , saith he , for I saw the Man with my own eyes ) who was a vile desperate Sinner , a Drunkard , Swearer , wanton , &c. and so continued for many years ; but at length God brought him into the Wilderness , where he laid down the flowery Crowns which he bare on his Head , his Drunkenness , and unthrifty Riots , and enkindled with zeal to God , lived holily , and died comfortably .

Not to mention others , who converted from a dissolute , prophane Conversation , found Mercy , and became eminent Instruments in the Church of God . Few experienced Christians , Divines especially , but can add Instances of their own Observation , how strangely the Lord hath turned Men from Wantonness to Chastity , from Drunkenness to Sobriety , from common Swearing to fear an Oath ; even then when they were running in a violent and deligthful motion towards Hell .

Now , why the Lord suffers his own to run out so far before he reclaim them , we may with reverence and submission conceive it is ,

First , for the declaration of his own Goodness , both in regard of his wonderful Power , and absolute Freedom .

Of his Power , effecting this in some without any ordinary means , as he dealt with Abraham and Paul ; in others by weak and unlikely means , as by the Ministry of poor Fisher-men , preaching the Cross : [ The great God out of small Acorns brings up huge Oaks , and usually hangs great weights on little Wires , whereby he sets out to the view of all the splendor of his Omnipotent Agency . ] And in a third sort , he doth it against all ordinary means ; as when he occasions Conversion by some Sin , Affliction , or Persecution : as the curious Alchymist doth by his Skill extract Gold and Silver out of baser Metals ; and as the wise Physician correcteth poysonful Ingredients , and maketh them Medicinal .

And as of his Power , so of his absolute Freedom , to do what he will with his own , dispensing his Grace , both when , to whom , and how he will ; passing by the Great , Rich , Learned , ( Stars of the first magnitude , or the greatest Letters of the Alphabet , ) and civil Formalists of the World , to pitch on poor , mean , and ignorant Wretches . Where Sin hath abounded , Grace doth super-abound . Surgunt indocti , & rapiunt Coelum &c as Augustin speaks ; the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence from the poor lost Sheep ; while others puffed up with their conceited Riches , of Knowledg and Holiness , dreaming of Self-sufficiency , are kept out , and thrust down into Hell . If he should do otherwise , and call only those , in whose Policy and Life could be seen some outward Goodness to shine forth , Men would believe what some cannot forbear to say ▪ that it is the work of Men that obliges God to call them ; and if in rigour they be not worthy of this Favour , they merit it at least in a seemliness of Equity and Congruity , as they speak of it in the Schools of Rome . And therefore further , we may conceive it is to proclaim the Freeness of his Grace ; no natural Abilities can merit it , nor any Sin hinder the bestowing of it . The Wind bloweth where it listeth ▪ Nos solemus eligere digniores , at Deus ut ostendat suam electionem non ex nostris meritis , sed ex solâ sua gratiâ fieri , solitus est indigniores eligere , Zanch. i. e. Men chuse the most worthy , but the Lord chuseth the most unworthy ; to shew that his Choice is not grounded on our Merits , but on his own free Grace .

Secondly ; It is for the Instruction of the Church . And so ,

1. That no Flesh should glory in his Presence , but that the Glory might be wholly ascribed to the Lord , whose only work it must needs be acknowledged in such Libertines . There is nothing to merit , nor any preventing Abilities stirring , to share with the Lord in this Work . And indeed the Lord's power is most manifest in reclaiming such wild Prodigals , in washing such Blackmoors , & changing such Leopards . Digitus Dei ! All that see and hear , may wonder and say , It is the Finger of God ; or ( as Protogenes said of a curious Line , which he saw drawn in a Painter's Shop , None but Apelles could draw this , ) none but God could do this . It is a Work worthy of none , but of him who can do what he will , and will do what he hath purposed . This is indeed the great Miracle of the World , to change Lions into Lambs , Sinks into Fountains , Thorns into Roses . Mercy is never so resplendent as over Misery . The Ice of Winter makes the Beauty of the Spring ; Darkness contributes to the Lustre of Light ; nor is the Sun more bright , than after an Eclipse : Thus Grace , which is the Splendor of Eternal Light , makes it self to be seen in more triumph , where it hath subdued most Iniquity . And Praise will be more fully ascribed to him , by such as could deserve no favour , both occasionally and practically . Occasionally , in regard of others , who are stirred up thereby to admire his Power , to magnify his Love , and to hope for acceptance upon their unfeigned submission : And practically , in respect of themselves , who are commonly more humble and thankful , zealous and watchful ever after .

Observe such as have drank deep of the deceitful Cup of Rebellion and Prodigality , and after come to taste of the bitter Potion of sound Humiliation , and say , whether you do not find them of an excellent temper ? Paul being made sensible of himself , as the greatest of Sinners , how passionatly doth he break forth to admire the Love and Mercy of God! I was a Blasphemer , a Persecutor , and injurious ; but by the Grace of God I am what I am . And this Grace bestowed upon me was not in vain , but I laboured more abundantly , &c. Where you see his diligence in redeeming the Time , and ascribing his Change wholly to the Grace of God .

2. That none in the Church should despair , especially among those in whom the Offer of Mercy hath stirred up any desire after Grace ▪ This Reason is rendred by the Apostle , 1 Tim. 1.16 . For this cause I obtained Mercy , that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all Long-suffering , for a Pattern to them which should after believe on him to Life everlasting . He that seemed to be an Epitome , an Abridgment of all Wickedness , obtained Mercy for this cause , that Jesus Christ might shew forth all Long-suffering , i. e. evidence by full demonstration , so that all might see , and say , There is Mercy with Christ that he may be feared , yea , Mercy rejoycing over Judgment . Though your . Sins be in number like a Cloud , and for quality , like Crimson or Scarlet ; Yet come , let us reason together , saith the Lord , and I will make them white as Snow or Wooll : Yea , they shall be as tho they had never been . Sin is finite in respect of matter , but Divine Mercy is infinite . The Consideration of this Disproportion should be a powerful Loadstone to draw Sinners to Repentance ; it should be as a Cork to the Net , to keep the Heart from sinking into despair ; it should be an Antidote to keep that Poison from entring , or at least , from lodging in the Heart . If Manasses , Saul , Mary Magdalen , and some of the adulterous drunken Corinthians , were remembred in Mercy , converted , sanctified , and saved , why should any despair ? When Man hath withstood his Good , and the Gates of Hell have prevailed a long time , even then the Lord's hand hath done it for many , blessed be his Name . We had never heard of these Examples , had it not been for our encouragement . With this let the penitent Heart be encouraged . [ God can turn noisom Dunghil into a Mine of Gold Brands of Hell into lightsom Stars in hi● Firmament , Slaves of Doemons into Angels ] . But without presumption , lest abused Mercy give place to rejecting Fury , and the Lord say , Because I have called , and ye refused , I have stretched out mine hand , and no Man regarded : Therefore now , tho you call upon me , I will not answer ; and tho you seek me early , you shall not find me .

3. That the Hearts of all reasonable Creatures , capable of such a Mystery , might be enlarged to rejoyce in God for his Goodness , and to praise him , who by plucking such Brands out of the Fire , doth manifest such Love and Power , to free and defend his chosen Ones from the devouring Mouth of the roaring Lion : The lost Sheep being found , the wild Prodigal returned , first home to himself , and after to his Father , occasion Joy in the Families ; to teach us what we should do upon the Conversion of any prophane Person , Son , Daughter , Servant , or Neighbour . Was he once proud , and is he now humble ? Was he once intemperate , and is he now sober ? was he dead in Sin , and is he now alive through Grace ? It is most singular Mercy , rich Love , it is meet we should be merry . The Lord hath , doth , and will deliver , that the Church may be encouraged , Satan enraged by the loss of his Prey , and the Name of Christ glorified and magnified so much the more .

A second Doctrine to be noted by the way , is this : Viz. Doct. 2. That the Lord often useth variety of means to attain one end .

Many Messengers to call home his straying Servants unto him . Sickness of Body , with variety of Afflictions , sometimes depriving them of good things , sometimes laying heavy Rods upon them . He useth Fire and Steel to cure those Mad-men , rather than comply with their Malady , to render it incurable . His own Word he sends , both in Threa●nings to terrify , and Promises to allure ; and the Spirit followeth upon both , to make them effectual . Some of these means prepare the Subject , others work the Cure ; the second beginning where the first leaveth ; all so knit and ordered , that they make up but one integral mean to produce such an end . It is the Lord's Patience and Wisdom so to deal with froward Man , no want of power ; he could do it by few and weak means ; as great Ships are turned by a small Helm , and as some say , stopped by a very little Remora , yea , without any ; but it is Man's frowardness that requires this variety of means . To bring home , and keep the Jews , his first beloved People , in Order and Safety , he planted a Vineyard , fenced it , and gathered out the Stones , Isa. 5.2 . He hewed them by his Prophets , sending them early and late . Hosea 6.4 . He laid his Hand upon them , so that the Head was sick , and the whole Heart faint , Isa. 1.6 . Concluding , when none of these prevailed , O Ephraim , what shall I do unto thee ? O Judah , how shall I persuade thee ? Hos. 6.4 . Which is as if God should say , I have done mine utmost , and more than you can challenge from me . And the like expostulary Expressions of complaint are to be found in many other places . And this the Lord doth :

Reas. 1. To set forth the Riches of his Mercy , and Greatness of his Love , not willing that Men should perish , but rather return and live , Ezek. 33.11 . 2 Pet. 3.9 . God might have dealt with us as with the Angels , who were the eldest Off-spring of his Love , the purest production of that Supreme Light : no Mercy interposed to avert or suspend their Judgment , but they were immediatly expell'd the Divine Presence , and left without remedy ; Heb. 8.16 . To which of them hath he appointed a Word of Reconciliation ? And again , He took not upon him the Nature of Angels . But , O Goodness Divine ! he made sudden way for our recovery ; high Mountains were levell'd , and great Depths fill'd up , that we might arrive at Happiness . He had Bowels only melting over lost Man . As it is with a tender-hearted Father towards his weak and sick Child ; he desires the continuance of his Life , and if it were in his power , with some of his own Blood to give him health ; he looks and sighs , he weeps and complains , O my Son , what shall I do for thee ? To the opinion of one , he adds the Consultation of many Physicians ; he makes use of this Receipt , and applies that Remedy , and all to try what may do him good . Thus , but in a more transcendent manner ( removing Passion and Imperfection , Ignorance and Weakness found in Man ) conceive of God . Is Ephraim my dear Son ? Is he a pleasant Child ? Jer. 31.20 . Since I spake against him , I do earnestly remember him , my Bowels are troubled for him , I will surely have mercy upon him . And , Why will ye die , ye House of Israel ? And again , O Jerusalem , Jerusalem , how often would I have gathered thee ? &c.

Reas. 2. It is to leave all without excuse . Men shall have nothing to say , but justify God when he speaketh . Judg I pray you between me and my Vineyard , Isa. 5.3 , 4. What could I have done more to my Vineyard , than I have done ? Where the Lord clears himself from all Objections and Repinings whatsoever . And it is , as if the Lord had said , What fault can be found in me , after so much care and waiting ? Or , as some render it better , What is now more to be done in so desperate a case ? but what he answers in ver. 5. but to take away the Hedg , &c. Nothing can be alledged as an Error in him , unless that he hath done so much as he had done , as good Authors paraphrase that Text.

Reas. 3. To instruct his Ambassadours , how they should carry themselves towards a proud , ignorant , gainsaying People ; to try all means , to use all lawful ways , and to become all things to all Men , if it may be possible to save some , that they may gain them , 1 Cor. 9.21 . A Metaphor taken from Merchants , who are never weary of taking Money . It is their Duty , if the Lord be so patient and diligent , be instant in season and out of season ; i. e. tho it be to their Loss in other things , as Calvin and Estius have it ; and tho the People on the worser side should think it unseasonable , like Snow in Harvest ; yet be doing , as often as there is any opportunity or hope of doing good . Ministers must be frequent and resolute , now to thunder in the Threatnings of the Law , and then to shine upon troubled Minds in the Promises of the Gospel . It is their Duty to be resident and diligent among their People , so that they may feed them with Alms , good Example , and wholsome Doctrine . Yea , and last of all , to add Patience to their Pains . Learn of the Husbandman , after ploughing , sowing , harrowing , guttering , weeding , &c. he waits for Heaven's Dew and Sun : so must Ministers , meekly instructing those which oppose themselves , if God peradventure will give them Repentance , [ by any means , at any time ] to the acknowledging of the Truth .