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

13. He is the most Faithful friend. He is constant in his love: Some are able, and loving also for a time, but their love, like a candle (though it burn a little in a close room, and calm weather) is easily blown out by a stormy wind. If a Christian be called to the cross he is (like the Deer that is shot, by the herd) pushed out of their company; but God is a lasting, yea an everlasting friend; his love like the Sun can never be abated, much less extinguished by the greatest tempest, but is always going forth in its full strength. A brother is born for adversity: A friend loveth at all times, Prov. 17.16. Such a friend is God, who (when few men will) never fails to appear for his suffering servants, 2 Tim. 4.16, 17. Basil ventured very far for a persecuted friend, and being blamed for it, answered, Ego aliter amare non didici, I have learned not to love otherwise. The Ancients pictured friendship in the shape of a fair young man, bare headed, with his breast open, meanly apparelled, with this inscription on his clothes, To live and to dye with you, and this on his Forehead, Summer and Winter, and with this on his heart, Prope longè, far and near. God is such a friend as will never disown or deny his people. In the furnace the three children shall have his presence where ever he is absent.

13. He is the most Faithful friend. He is constant in his love: Some are able, and loving also for a time, but their love, like a candle (though it burn a little in a closs room, and calm weather) is easily blown out by a stormy wind. If a Christian be called to the cross he is (like the Deer that is shot, by the herd) pushed out of their company; but God is a lasting, yea an everlasting friend; his love like the Sun can never be abated, much less extinguished by the greatest tempest, but is always going forth in its full strength. A brother is born for adversity: A friend loveth at all times, Prov. 17.16. Such a friend is God, who (when few men will) never fails to appear for his suffering servants, 2 Tim. 4.16, 17. Basil ventured very far for a persecuted friend, and being blamed for it, answered, Ego aliter amare non didici, I have learned not to love otherwise. The Antients pictured friendship in the shape of a fair young man, bare headed, with his breast open, meanly apparelled, with this inscription on his cloaths, To live and to dye with you, and this on his Forehead, Summer and Winter, and with this on his heart, Prope longè, far and near. God is such a friend as will never disown or deny his people. In the furnace the three children shall have his presence where ever he is absent.