In  the  mean  time  I  take  -my  leave  of  you,  and  my  blessing  I
leave  with  you :  not  formally,  and  after  tlie  common  fashion  of
the  world,  but  affectionately  and  sincerely ;  retaining  a  careful
remembrance  of  you,  and  with  an  earnest  desire  and  intentioo
of  returning  again  speedily  to  you.  Wherefore,  be  not  over-
much grieved  for  me,  at  my  departure,  nor  fearful  of  what  may
then  befal  yourselves,  f  go  away  from  you,  but  it  is  with  an
intention  as  I  have  already  told  you,  to  return  to  you  again..
If  you  loved  me  with  a  wise  and  understanding  affection,  ye
would  rejoice,  instead  of  grieving  at  my  present  departure ;  be-  *
cause  I  am  going  to  my  Father,  the  supreme  author  of  all  g}ory
and  happiness.
These  things  have  I  now  told  you  before  they  come  to  pats,
fliat  when- ye  see  them  happen,  yotir  fiiith  in  me,  and  your  es^


$40  LIFE  OF  CHRIST.
p^ctation  x)f  the  performai^ce  of  all  ray  promises,  may  be
firmed  aDd  strengthened :  the  time  will  not  allow  me  to  say
auioh  more  to  30U,  at  present:  my  end  drawctb  near,  the  ruler
of  this  world,  the  prince  of  the  power  of  darkness,  is  at  this  in-
staot  employing  all  his  wicked  instruments  to  apprehend  and  de-
stroy me.  Not  that  either  the  power  of  the  devil,  or  the  malice
of  man,  can  at  all  prevail  over  me,  but  becaose  the  time  of  my
sofieriiig,  according  to  the  appointment  of  divine  wisdom,  is  ar-
rived ;  and  ..that  I  may  demonstrate  to  the  world  my  love  and
obedience  to  Hagj^J^ther,  I  willingly  submit  myself  to  be  put  to
death  by  the  hands  of  sinful  and  cruel  men..  Rise  up,  lee  us  be
going,  that  I  may  enter  on'Rihys^erings.
