r 266' NONE EXCLUDED FROM Herr. from salvation, we should let our eyesaffect our hearts, and drop a tear of compassion upon their souls. " These were they to whom the promisesof salvation did first belong, and to whom the first news was brought, that Jesus the Saviour is born: These are they to whom the gospel was first preached. God himself dwelt in the midst of them, and the Son 'of God Was their bro- ther, their fleshand their blood. Though they are for a season cast off for their infidelity, yetGod has told us, that he hasa secret love for that nation still for their father Abraham's sake ; Rom. xi. 28. and this love shall break forth in its full glory one day. Make haste, O deliverer, who didst come out ofZion, make haste to fulfil thy promises, and turn away ungodlinessfrom Jacob. Let the fulnessofthe Gentiles be brong%t in, arid let all Israel be saved.. Bring them back from all the lands whither thine anger hath scattered them. Release thy ancient people from their long captivity to Satan, and theirbands of thick darkness. Be thou, 13-Jesus, who art the light of the Gentiles, be thou also the glory of thypeople Israel." But! would endeavour to make a largerimprovement of this general head of discourse. Does the gospel bring salvation to every one that believes without exception ; to all ranks and characters, and degrees, and orders of men ? then let this grace be spread far abroad : And let not the more polite and nicer hearersgrow tired, or drowsy, or disdainful, while I amplify a little and diffuse my thoughts into various particulars, pointing out the variety of the subjects of this grace ; for I would, as it were, mention every sinner by name, that they may not be left only to unaffecting general notions, but being especially addressed they mayall come and partake of this salvation by believing this gospel. A glorious and extensive gospel indeed, and a wide-spread- ing salvation ? To every one who believes l None excluded from this blessing ! 1. It is not confined to one nation, or one family, not to one tribe or kindred ofmankind, as the law of Moses was. Gopreach the gospel, says our Lord, to every creature,; Mark xvi. 15.. Preach repentance and remission of sins in my name among all na- tions, beginning at` Jerusalem ; Luke xxiv. 47. To the Jew first, but let not this grace be confined to them : Publish this blessed doctrine also to the sinners among the Greeks and Gen- tiles. You that are afar off fromGod, even in the ends of the earth, ye are called to look unto Christ : and be saved ; Is. xlv. 22. It is no matter, O sinner ! what thy father was, or what thy . kindred are ! if thou art but a believer inChrist, thy soul is happy, thy sins are pardoned, the gospel is thepower of God to thy salvation.
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