A Complete collection of farewell sermons preached by Mr. Calamy, Dr. Manton, Mr. Caryl…A Compleat collection of farewel sermons preached by Mr. Calamy, Dr. Manton, Mr. Caryl…

But here a Question may arise; Seeing Grace is the thing the Apostle principally desires, and 'tis usual with holy men, both under the Old and New Testament, to choose out such Attributes, as sure most with their particular occasions, and are most agreeable to those requests they have, why he doth not apply himself to God, as the God of all grace, but rather, the God of Peace?

But here a Question may arise; Seeing Grace is the thing the Apostle principally desires, and 'tis usual with holy men, both under the Old and New Testament, to chuse out such Attributes, as sure most with their particular occasions, and are most agreeable to those requests they have, why he doth not apply himself to God, as the God of all grace, but rather, the God of Peace?

Therein first, the Apostle seems to make use of that same liberty which belongs to holy men. As there is in the General, a Liberty left to Gods ⟨image 112⟩People from God himself: Paul in this place makes use of that liberty he had, as to the manner of prayer, using such a description of God, as seemed good to him at present. But secondly, if he be the God of Peace, it follows, he is the God of Grace. If God hath glorified himself so far among the Hebrews, as to reconcile them to himself, by the blood of Christ, then there is no question, God will proceed further; and having provided for those things which appertain to their Justification, no question but he will for those things that are necessary to their Sanctification. Therefore, the Apostle argues plainly from Justification, to Sanctification; He that justifies his people through the Blood of Christ, Sanctify you by the spirit of Christ, make you perfect to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, &c. So desires we should be Sanctified, on the consideration of our Justification; having provided for Justification, by the blood of Christ, follows Sanctification by the spirit of Christ, 1 Thes. 5.23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, &c. that God who is allied to you, the God of peace, and hath provided for you Peace, I desire he would further provide Sanctification; for Sanctification is nothing else, but the effect of that grace, which is procured for Believers through the blood of Christ. There is no access to God, for Sanctification of our Natures, until we prevail with him for the Justification of our persons, and he first shows himself to be a God of peace, by way of Justification, before a God of Grace and Sanctification: But to proceed.