The pastors farewell, and wish of welfare to his people, or, A valedictory sermonThe pastors farevvell, and vvish of vvelfare to his people, or, A valedictory sermon

I commend the word of his grace to you under a fourfold consideration.

First, To purify your affections, I know ye want grace, now the word of grace can beget grace, and increase grace. Its the usual pipe through which grace may be conveyed into the vessels of your ⟨p. 60⟩hearts. The Laws of men may reform your actions, but, tis the Gospel of God which can renew your affections. Some Poets speak of Musicians that by the force of their music can make stones leap into Walls, and tame beasts, be they never so savage: The word of Gods grace will do much more, twill turn stones into Children of Abraham, twill change an heart of stone, into an heart of flesh, twill tame Lyons, and turn them into Lambs, Isa. 11.4, 5, 6. It hath made the very hearts of them to bleed, whose hands were imbrued in the blood of the Redeemer.

First, To purifie your affections, I know ye want grace, now the word of grace can beget grace, and increase grace. Its the usual pipe through which grace may be conveyed into the vessels of your ⟨p. 60⟩hearts. The Laws of men may reform your actions, but, tis the Gospel of God which can renew your affections. Some Poets speak of Musicians that by the force of their musick can make stones leap into Walls, and tame beasts, be they never so savage: The word of Gods grace will do much more, twill turn stones into Children of Abraham, twill change an heart of stone, into an heart of flesh, twill tame Lyons, and turn them into Lambs, Isa. 11.4, 5, 6. It hath made the very hearts of them to bleed, whose hands were imbrued in the blood of the Redeemer.