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

3. From the Peril their flock was in verse. 29, 30, 31. For I know that after my departing, shall grievous Wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock; also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw Disciples after them, therefore watch, &c. If Wolves will watch to devour, shepherds must watch to defend the sheep. Those Commanders who are entrusted with a Garrison, when they are sure to have their quarters beaten up, had need to be ever upon their guard.

3. From the Peril their flock was in verse. 29, 30, 31. For I know that after my departing, shall greivous Wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock; also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw Disciples after them, therefore watch, &c. If Wolves will watch to devour, shepheards must watch to defend the sheep. Those Commanders who are intrusted with a Garrison, when they are sure to have their quarters beaten up, had need to be ever upon their guard.

Thirdly, His Prediction of his future sufferings, 1. Propounded. And now behold I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what shall befall me there, saving that the holy Ghost witnesseth that in every City, bonds and afflictions abide me, verse. 22, 23. Christians of all men must bear their Crosses, Ministers of all Christians must look to undergo misery. And the more good a Minister hath, the more evil he must expect. The fuller the Tree is laden, the more cudgels will be thrown at it; the most fruitful meadows hear oftenest in the year of the Sith; Pious and laborious Paul was the chief Butt against which men and Devils shot. 2. Amplified, From the liberty it thereby denied them of ever seeing Paul again And now behold, I know that ye all amongst whom I have gone Preaching the Kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. verse 25. Sad news to honest hearts upon a double ground, partly their lack of him; he had told them of Wolves ⟨p. 5⟩entering in among them; now at such a time for the flock to be without a guide, when the storm arose for the Vessel to be without a Pilot; when the Soldiers were to engage in hot service with enemies, for their expert Commander to be wanting must needs be woeful; That the Nurse should be taken away before the children could go alone, did much affect and afflict their spirits. Partly their love to him; As Paul was a Religious person, and as he was (probably) their spiritual parent who had begotten them, brought them up in the nurture of the Lord, and upon all occasions advised and assisted them, they could not but love him in an high degree, and therefore much lament his loss.