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

That all Christians are brethren: And now brethren. Observ: 3 Saints are all linked together in the bond of Brotherhood. ¹The Jews called all Brethren of the same Country; and it was the custom of the primitive Christians to call all Brethren and Sisters of the same communion; they are brethren if we consider their ⟨p. 13⟩relations; they have all the same Father, God, I will be to you a Father, and ye shall be my Sons and Daughters, saith the Lord Almighty, 2 Cor. 6.18. They are not only adopted, but also begotten again or regenerated by the same God, Joh. 1.12. James 1.21. They are all children of the same Mother; Jerusalem which is above is free, the Mother of us all, Gal. 4.26. they suck the same breasts, Isa. 66.11. 1 Pet. 2.2. wear the same garments, and as they grow up feed at the same Table, and shall dwell together in the same house for ever. They are united under the same Head, renewed with the same hearts, and travel to the same Heaven. They are brethren in regard of affection; the curtains of the tabernacle were joined together with loops, and so are true Christians with love; they love as brethren, seeking the good and welfare of each other. A Saints talents are not an enclosure for his private profit, but a common for the advantage of others. Their desires are not confined within their own dwellings, but they reach thousands in their prayers, whom they can never reach on earth in their persons. For my brethren and companions sake, I will now say peace be within thee, Psal. 122.1. they sympathize in each others sufferings, and rejoice in one another's solace. Every Saint is a great Merchant, who hath his Factors in all parts of the world trading for him at the throne of Grace.