A55752:573
Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…
Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity and duty of Gods children by the late Reverend and Faithful Minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston ...Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity and duty of Gods children by the late Reverend and Faithfull Minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston ...
London: printed by J.T., 1658
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Secondly, Grace is the vigour, or strength, or efficacy 1of the spirit, the very force, and power of the holy Ghost. As it is said of the Gospel, It is the power of God to salvation: so you may say grace, it is the power of the spirit. All other things in a man do but proceed from the flesh, that is they have a root in the flesh: common graces have a rise in our selves; though there is a help of the holy Ghost in them, yet there is something of the flesh in them. Now whatsoever cometh of the flesh, though it be beautiful, yet it is as a flower that will fade away. There is a weakness in all flesh, as there is a strength in spirit, 2which is intimated Isa. 21. 3. Fear not the Egyptians for they are flesh, and not spirit. As if he had said, if there be nothing with them but an arm of flesh, they are but weak: for weakness is that that follows the flesh as naturally as the shadow doth the body. Now I say grace is the immediate work of the spirit, the very power of the holy Ghost which is able to out-wrestle all difficulties, and to help us against all spiritual wickednesses, & assist us in all holy obedience.
Secondly, Grace is the vigour, or strength, or efficacy 1of the spirit, the very force, and power of the holy Ghost. As it is said of the Gospel, It is the power of God to salvation: so you may say grace, it is the power of the spirit. All other things in a man do but proceed from the flesh, that is they have a root in the flesh: common graces have a rise in our selves; though there is a help of the holy Ghost in them, yet there is something of the flesh in them. Now whatsoever cometh of the flesh, though it be beautiful, yet it is as a flower that will fade away. There is a weakness in all flesh, as there is a strength in spirit, 2which is intimated Isa. 21. 3. Fear not the Egyptians for they are flesh, and not spirit. As if he had said, if there be nothing with them but an arm of flesh, they are but weak: for weakness is that that follows the flesh as naturally as the shaddow doth the body. Now I say grace is the immediate work of the spirit, the very power of the holy Ghost which is able to out-wrestle all difficulties, and to help us against all spiritual wickednesses, & assist us in all holy obedience.