* Gal. iv. 19.
But, as occasional separations from them in this world are unavoidable, we may contemplate,
II. His consolation when absent from them —
Though useful to his people as an instrument, he knows that he is not necessary to them ; and that God carries on his work within them without his puny efforts. He therefore, when absent from them, commends them,
1. To God, as the source of all good —
[From God they have received all the good that is in them ; and from the same divine source alone can any blessing flow down unto them. To him, therefore, the minister commits his people. And it is a source of joy to him that they have in God an all-sufficient Friend, who is ever present with them, and tenderly affected towards them, and conversant with all their necessities, and able to supply all their wants. What can they want, if only they live nigh to him ? He can " make all grace abound towards them, that they may have always all- sufficiency in all things." To his care, therefore, he commits them with confidence, assured that " He is able to keep them from falling, and to present them faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy."]
2. To the Word, as the means of all good —
[The Holy Scriptures are justly called " the word of God's grace," because they contain a wonderful revelation of grace, suited to, and sufficient for, our every want. In that is contained every thing that we can desire, for our instruc- tion, our consolation, and support. By that the whole work of grace may be carried on and perfected within us. It is by that that we are at first begotten to God: and by that shall we be nourished unto life eternal. " The word is able for all this, even to build us up, and to give us an inheritance among all them that are sanctified." " By that we are made clean" and "sanctified;" and through its effectual operation on the soul will Christ perfect his whole work within us : as it is said ; " He loved the Church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word ; that he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing ; but that it may be holy and without blemish b." Now, to this fountain may every saint have access at all times; and out of it, as " from a well of salvation, may he draw water with unutterable joy." To that, therefore, the pious minister commends his people;
b Eph. v. 2.r>— 27.