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

When spiritual perils overtake them, they cannot hold out without Gods protection. When Hezekiah was left but a little in his own hands, how much doth he discover the pride of his own heart. Though Peter seemed so resolute and valiant a Captain (as to go before all the Apostles in courage) yet when Christ did but for an hour or two withdraw, how shamefully doth he fly back like a Coward? the weak breath of a Maid bloweth down the strong Castle of his confidence. If God do but depart from Sampson, his strength departs also, and the Philistines may make what pastime with him they please. The holiest man is no match for a Devil. If our God leave us, our defence is departed from us, and the uncircumcised one will make sport with us indeed.

When spiritual perils overtake them, they cannot hold out without Gods protection. When Hezekiah was left but a little in his own hands, how much doth he discover the pride of his own heart. Though Peter seemed so resolute and valiant a Captain (as to go before all the Apostles in courage) yet when Christ did but for an hour or two withdraw, how shamefully doth he flye back like a Coward? the weak breath of a Maid bloweth down the strong Castle of his confidence. If God do but depart from Sampson, his strength departs also, and the Philistines may make what pastime with him they please. The holiest man is no match for a Devil. If our God leave us, our defence is departed from us, and the uncircumcised one will make sport with us indeed.

All our power for sacred performances is wholly from another. Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing, 2 Cor. 3.5. To think ⟨p. 30⟩(we suppose) is an easy thing, but unless God help it is too hard for us; God gave Israel their Manna every day, or they could not have subsisted; God must give us fresh supplies of his spirit in every duty, or they cannot be rightly performed. The greatest fullness of a Christian is not the fullness of a fountain, but of a vessel; which because always is letting out, must be always taking in; The Conduit which is continually running, must be always receiving from the River. The Christians disbursements are great and constant, therefore such must his incomes from God be, or he will quickly prove a bankrupt.