The Jerusalem Sinner Saved; or Good News for the Vilest of Men by John Bunyan 1689

But what was Paul? Why, he tells you himself; I am, says he, the chief
of sinners: I was, says he, a blaspheme; a persecutor, an injurious
person; but I obtained mercy; 1 Tim. i. 14, 15. Ay, that is well for you,
Paul; but what advantage have we thereby? Oh, very much, saith he;
for, “for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might
shew all long-suffering for a pattern to them which shall believe on him
to life everlasting.”
Thus, therefore, you see that this third reason is of strength, namely,
that Jesus Christ would have mercy offered in the first place to the
biggest sinners, because, by their forgiveness and salvation, others,
hearing of it, will be encouraged the more to come to him for mercy.
It may well therefore be said to God, Thou delightest in mercy, and
mercy pleases thee; Mich. vii. 18.
But who believes that this was God’s design in shewing mercy of old—
namely, that we that come after might take courage to come to him for
mercy; or that Jesus Christ would have mercy offered in the first place
to the biggest sinners, to stir up others to come to him for life? This is
not the manner of men, O God!
But David saw this betimes; therefore he makes this one argument with
God, that he would blot out his transgressions, that he would forgive his
adultery, his murders, and horrible hypocrisy. Do it, O Lord, saith he,
do it, and “then will I teach transgressors thy ways, and sinners shall be
converted unto thee;” Psalm li. 7–13.
He knew that the conversion of sinners would be a work highly pleasing
to God, as being that which he had designed before he made mountain
or hill: wherefore he comes, and he saith, Save me, O Lord; if thou wilt
but save me, I will fall in with thy design; I will help to bring what
sinners to thee I can. And, Lord, I am willing to be made a preacher
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