A62052:89
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
The pastors farewell, and wish of welfare to his people, or, A valedictory sermon by George Swinnock ...The pastors farevvell, and vvish of vvelfare to his people, or, A valedictory sermon by George Swinnock ...
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1662
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
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.
Now if Saints fight with enemies that are more politique 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 dishour to forsake him, who hath ventured his life, and lost his limbs in his cause and quarrel.
Thirdly, Their own Impotency. They are not able to take care of themselves, and therefore must be commended to another. In the Civil Law there is provision made for out-casts, there are some Hospitals to entertain them. By the common law, if parents die there are Officers appointed to take care of poor fatherless Children. With God the fatherless find mercy, Hos. 14.3. Those that are Orphans, want a Guardian. Children which cannot go alone, need their Mothers helping hand. The strongest Christian is but a child, and except God hold him by his right hand will every day get many falls and knocks. The greatest Saint is but a glass without a bottom, which cannot stand any longer then it is held; Hence they are compared to anew born infant which is both polluted and ready to perish, if none take care of it, Ezek. 16.5.
Thirdly, Their own Impotentcy. They are not able to take care of themselves, and therefore must be commended to another. In the Civil Law there is provision made for out-casts, there are some Hospitals to entertain them. By the common law, if parents die there are Officers appointed to take care of poor fatherless Children. With God the fatherless find mercy,