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 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:¹ Choosing-grace, Calling-grace, Justifying-grace, and Glorifying-grace are all discovered in the Gospel, and therefore it may well be called 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 cheif in the Gospel, and as Ahashuerus to Hester holdeth out the golden Scepter 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 sheweth 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: