The Method of Grace

First, From the various subjects upon whom it works: the hearts and Consciences of men of all orders and qualities ¹have been reached and wounded to the quick by the two-edged sword of Gods Law. Some among the great and honourable of the earth, (though indeed the fewest of that rank) have been made to stoop and tremble under the word, Act. 24. 16. Mark 6. 20. 1 Sam. 15. 24. the wise and learned of the world have felt its power, and been brought over to embrace the humbling and self-denying ways of Christ, Acts 17. 34. Thus Origen, Hierom, Tertullian, Bradwardine, and many more came into Canaan laden with Egyptian Gold, as one speaks (i. e.) they came into the Church of God abundantly enriched and furnished with the learned arts and sciences; devoting them all to the service of Christ: Yea, and which is as strange, the most simple, weak and illiterate have been wonderfully changed and wrought upon by the power of the word: the testimonies of the Lord make wise the simple. Men of weak understandings in all other matters have been made wise to salvation by the power of the word, Mat. 11. 25. 1 Cor. 1. 27. Nay, the most malicious and obstinate enemies of Christ have been wounded and converted by the word, 1 Tim. 1. 13. Act. 16. 24. Those that have been under the prejudice of the worst, and most idolatrous education, have been the subjects of its mighty power, Act. 19. 26. To conclude, men of the most profligate and debauched lives have been wonderfully changed, and altered by the power of the word,