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

Indeed every Christian may say as David, They hated me without a cause; the World hath no just cause to hate and curse the people of God, but there is a reason of all their rage, and wrath, enmity and cruelty against the Saints? and that is, because they are Saints; Wherefore did Cain imbrue his hands in his own Brothers blood; Because his own works were evil, and his brothers righteous, 1 Joh: 3.12. The light is burdensome and grievous to Owls and Bats, and all night Birds, the light of a Saints holiness is offensive to sinners, ⟨p. 28⟩that are used only to the deeds of darkness; nay, the greater the light, the more painful to their sore eyes. Swine cannot endure sweet odours; Those that are unclean, and delight to wallow in the mire of vice, hate the fragrant perfumes of grace. The pleasant smell of Spikenard is poisonous to them. Horse-flies are killed with Ointments.

Indeed every Christian may say as David, They hated me without a cause; the World hath no just cause to hate and curse the people of God, but there is a reason of all their rage, and wrath, enmity and cruelty against the Saints? and that is, because they are Saints; Wherefore did Cain imbrue his hands in his own Brothers blood; Because his own works were evil, and his brothers righteous, 1 Joh: 3.12. The light is burdensom and greivous to Owls and Bats, and all night Birds, the light of a Saints holiness is offensive to sinners, ⟨p. 28⟩that are used onely to the deeds of darkness; nay, the greater the light, the more painful to their sore eyes. Swine cannot endure sweet odours; Those that are unclean, and delight to wallow in the mire of vice, hate the fragrant purfumes of grace. The pleasant smell of Spikenard is poisonous to them. Horse-flies are kild with Oyntments.

Now if Saints fight with enemies that are more politic and powerful then themselves, they must be conducted by one that is strong indeed, or they will be forced to leave the field. Besides it is an engagement to God to help his people, because, for his sake the world hates them. A Prince counts it a dishonour to forsake him, who hath ventured his life, and lost his limbs in his cause and quarrel.