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

Thirdly, Here is comfort for Christians, they are commended to the living Gods care; The Apostle had little to give his sorrowful friends, but he would speak for them to that King, who was able, and willing to give them all things. And indeed this was his greatest charity. By bodily alms he had opened his own purse, but by commending them to God he opened heavens Treasury; Pauls ⟨p. 38⟩prayers were more worth to them then the Empire of the whole world. The Apostle was a right courtier, he observed his Princes will, and drew up his petitions according to his pleasure, and therefore knew they should be prevalent. Joab did not doubt of success, when he set the woman of Tekoah a work, for that which David desired more then himself.

Thirdly, Here is comfort for Christians, they are commended to the living Gods care; The Apostle had little to give his sorrowful friends, but he would speak for them to that King, who was able, and willing to give them all things. And indeed this was his greatest charity. By bodily almes he had opened his own purse, but by commending them to God he opened heavens Treasury; Pauls ⟨p. 38⟩prayers were more worth to them then the Empire of the whole world. The Apostle was a right courtier, he observed his Princes will, and drew up his petitions according to his pleasure, and therefore knew they should be prevalent. Joab did not doubt of success, when he set the woman of Tekoah a work, for that which David desired more then himself.

Beloved friends, I esteem it my duty and privilege that I may write after the Apostles pious copy, ye are the people to which I was first called to be a Pastor, though opportunity hath sometimes been offered for greater preferment, yet I still waved all thoughts of leaving my first love and removal to any other Parish. I have been amongst you these eleven years, and cannot wholly complain that I have spent my strength in vain, and laboured in vain, some have acknowledged that they are the seals of my Ministry; Others, that God hath made me instrumental for their increase in grace. Gods power hath appeared in my weakness, and his mercy been manifest in my unworthiness, yet alas how many of you have had the dark side of this glorious pillar of the Gospel all this while towards you, which is matter of sad lamentation. O how speechless will they be at the day of Christ, who after so many years public and private preaching of the word to them shall be found in a Christless, graceless estate; surely none sink so deep into Hell, as they who are pressed down thither under the weight of the Gospel.