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

Which is able to build you up,] The Foundation of godliness was already laid in their hearts, but something was still wanting, a greater degree of grace and holiness; Paul knew that his brethren would not be contented barely to know Christ, but were desirous to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Christ, and did therefore the more lament his loss, because he as a faithful Steward had furthered the welfare of their souls,¹ by giving them their food in due season: Now to allay their fears of famishing for want of his care, he commends them both to the same Master, and to the same meat, by which they had hitherto thriven and prospered, and which were able still to continue the same virtue, and communicate the same strength, which is able to build you up.

Which is able to build you up,] The Foundation of godliness was already laid in their hearts, but something was still wanting, a greater degree of grace and holiness; Paul knew that his brethren would not be contented barely to know Christ, but were desirous to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Christ, and did therefore the more lament his loss, because he as a faithful Steward had furthered the welfare of their souls,¹ by giving them their food in due season: Now to allay their fears of famishing for want of his care, he commends them both to the same Master, and to the same meat, by which they had hitherto thriven and prospered, and which were able still to continue the same vertue, and communicate the same strength, which is able to build you up.

1. 1[Greek or Hebrew]〈non-Latin alphabet〉

And to give you an inheritance] Two things the Children of God do exceedingly desire;¹