devil and sin; to save it from being apprehended by justice and
condemned by the law; to save it from being spit on in a way of
contempt by holiness; to save it from being scourged with guilt of
sins as with scorpions; to save it from being continually buffeted
by its own conscience; to save it from being mocked at by God; to
save it from being crowned with ignominy and shame for ever; to save
it from dying the second death; to save it from wounds and grief for
ever.

Dost thou understand me, sinful soul? He wrestled with justice, that
thou mightest have rest; he wept and mourned, that thou mightst
laugh and rejoice; he was betrayed, that thou mightest go free; was
apprehended, that thou mightst escape; he was condemned, that thou
mightst be justified, and was killed, that thou mightest live; he
wore a crown of thorns, that thou mightest wear a crown of glory;
and was nailed to the cross with his arms wide open, to show with
what freeness all his merits shall be bestowed on the coming soul,
and how heartily he will receive it into his bosom.

All this he did of mere good-will, and offers the benefit thereof
unto thee freely. Yea, he comes unto thee in the word of the gospel,
with the blood running down from his head upon his face, with his
tears abiding upon his cheeks, as with the holes fresh in his hands
and his feet, and as with the blood still bubbling out of his side,
to pray thee to accept of the benefit, and to be reconciled to God
thereby.

By this we may see his love, in that as a forerunner he is gone into
heaven to take possession thereof for us; there to make ready and
prepare for us our summer-houses, our mansions and dwelling-places;