A62052:53
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
The pastors farewell, and wish of welfare to his people, or, A valedictory sermon by George Swinnock ...The pastors farevvell, and vvish of vvelfare to his people, or, A valedictory sermon by George Swinnock ...
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1662
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
That the Gospel is the word of Gods Grace. And to Observ: 4 the word of his Grace. The word Grace is taken in Scripture
1. For favour or good will. Grace be with you. And so Col. 1.2. Grace be unto you.
2. For the effects and fruits thereof Jude v. 4. Turning the grace of God into lasciviousness.
The Gospel in both respects is fitly termed the Word of his Grace,
1. Because it containeth the Infinite grace and favour of the most high God to Sinners. The Law speaks in effect mans bottomless misery, but the Gospel speaks Gods boundless mercy; the Law is a Court of Justice, but the Gospel a Throne of Grace. Grace sits as Commander in chief in the Gospel, and as Ahasuerus to Esther holdeth out the golden Sceptre of Mercy for poor condemned persons to touch with the hand of faith and live. The sum of the Gospel is comprehended in a song of that Angelical Quire, Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and good will towards men: the substance and body of Gods love to man was never dissected and laid open to the view of mortals till the Gospel was preached. Before it ran as a river under ground, but in the Gospel it bursts forth, and showeth it self to refresh us with its pleasant streams: the Law is as it were a warrant under heavens hand and seal for mans execution, but the Gospel, like the Dove, comes flying swiftly to prevent it with the Olive branch of peace and pardon in its mouth: