3. The reward you shall have for the faithfull continuance in your office, [109]is not from men, (though you deserve, and ought to have even from men double honour, and are to be had in high esteem from your work sake,) but from God, who hath promised to give you a [110]_crown of glory, that fadeth not away, when the chiefe Shepherd shall appear_; which promise is applicable, not only to the teaching, but Ruling Elder; the Apostle speaking there of Elders indefinitely, without restriction or limitation.
4. The strength by which you act, is the strength of Christ; and though in your selves you be insufficient for so great a work, (_for who is sufficient for these things_) yet _by Christ that strengthens you, you are able to do all things_. God never calls a man to any employment, but he giveth a competent ability thereunto; and is angry with those that pretend insufficiency for that Office to which he calls them, as appears by the example of _Moses_, _Exod._ 3.10, 11, 13, 14.
5. Consider what great things God hath brought to pass with weak instruments. _Moses_ a shepherd was the deliverer of the Israelites out of _Egypt_; and a great part of the World was converted by a few Fisher-men. God delights to convey grace by contemptible Elements; as Water, Bread, and Wine, and to manifest his great power in mans great weakness, that so all the glory may redound to him alone.
6. That the greatest undertakings in the Church, have met with greatest difficulties and oppositions. [111]_Jerusalem_ was built again even in troublous times. _Tobia_ and _Sanballat_, and all their Adherents set themselves against it, both with scorns, false informations, and acts of violence, yet the work went on and prospered: and though it had very many years interruption, yet at last God raised up the spirit of _Haggai_, _Zecheriah_, and of _Zerubbabel_ and _Joshua_, and the work was suddainly finished. _Who art thou O great Mountain before_ Zerubbabel_? thou shalt become a plain_, &c. Oppositions should rather quicken, then cool activity.
7. That the greatest affairs and achievements are wont at first to have but small beginnings, like the Prophet _Elias_ cloud. The repair of the Temple and of the City of _Jerusalem_ was so small at first, as that the enemies mockt, and said[112]; _Even that which they build, if a Fox go up, he shall break down their stone wall._ And _Iudah_ her self said[113], _The strength of the bearers of the burden is decayed, and there is much rubbish, so as we are not able to build the wall._ And yet notwithstanding God saith[114], _Who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of_ Zerubbabel. _The hand of_ Zerubbabel _laid the foundation of this house, his hand shalt also finish it, not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord[115]._