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

How great a happiness it is to be under the favour and influence of this God, can never be fully known on this side Heaven. The Prince of Orange had a mirror (say some) which perfectly represented the beauty of the natural Sun: But this Sun of Righteousness is ever in a great degree Eclipsed, to us who dwell in this lower World. Here we know but in part. Pompey, who presumed to enter the holiest of all, when he came out was asked what he saw, he answered, that the house was fall of a cloud: Indeed, He maketh darkness his secret place, and yet is pleased to let so much of his glory and goodness be seen in the glass of his word, as may cause us to admire and affect him; and also assure us that he is the chiefest good.

How great a happiness it is to be under the favour and influence of this God, can never be fully known on this side Heaven. The Prince of Orange had a mirror (say some) which perfectly represented the beauty of the naturat Sun: But this Sun of Righteousness is ever in a great degree Eclipsed, to us who dwell in this lower World. Here we know but in part. Pompey, who presumed to enter the holiest of all, when he came out was asked what he saw, he answered, that the house was fall of a cloud: Indeed, He maketh darkness his secret place, and yet is pleased to let so much of his glory and goodness be seen in the glass of his word, as may cause us to admire and affect him; and also assure us that he is the chiefest good.

Somewhat of that felicity which floweth from his favour you will find in some measure discovered in the ensuing discourse: which I present to you as a small acknowledgement of my great engagements to you. Lycurgus the Lacedaemonian ⟨image 4⟩Law-giver, made no Law against ingratitude, as thinking it impossible for any man to degenerate so much as to be unthankful, I esteem it my duty to retain the former favours in memory, which I and mine have received from your self, and my Honoured friend your Husband, and I know not better how to testify my gratitude, then by endeavouring to my power, your everlasting welfare, and that you may come to your graves in a full age; as a shock of corn in its season.