§. 187. Of Ministers desire to be present with their people.
UPon the fore-mentioned news of Timothies liberty, the Apostle inferreth this* 1.1 consequence, With whom I will see you.
Quest. How could this Apostle promise to see them, seeing it is implied that he was restrained of liberty? v. 19 §. 159.
Answ. He might have sure evidence of his liberty.
- 2. He might promise it by divine instinct.
- 3. He might promise it upon reserved condition, if he should be set at liberty.
This manner of expressing his minde, I will see you, is not upon such a peremp∣tory resolution of his own power to do it, as is condemned, Iam. 4. 13. but upon an intended submission to the will of God: for true believers have that in their minds, whether they expresse it or no. This Apostle did oft times in plain terms expresse that condition, as where he said, I will return again unto you, if God will. Act. 18. 21. And, I will come unto you shortly, if the Lord will, 1 Cor. 4. 19. The phrase of my Text implieth an earnest desire of the Apostle to be with these Hebrews. God had made him a means of their conversion unto the Christian faith, and of their edi∣fication therein: and this put into him an entire affection of doing yet further all the good he could.
It was shewed v. 19. §. 159. that people ought to be earnesty desirous of the presence of their Ministers among them. Here we see a like earnest desire of a Minister to be present with his people. I long to see you, saith the Apostle, Rom. 1. 11. He there rendreth an especial reason thereof, in these words, That I may impart unto you some spiritual gift. By the presence of Ministers with the people, they may the better discern their peoples condition: and know what Instructions, what Admonitions, what Consolations are most needfull for them, or usefull unto them.
If an Apostle who had a general charge over many Churches, did thus desire to see such particular Churches, as he had planted: How much more ought special and peculiar Pastors, that have the charge of one only Congregation, be present therewith, and watchfull over the same? How doth this condemn Non-residency?