Reason 1. Because Christ is the chiefe shepherd, and Lord of the flock, as it is in the text.
2. Because they must expect many injuries from men, and those good things which doe happen, are not such, or so highly to be esteemed of, as that they should depend upon them.
3. Because they will labour to please him most, from whom they expect their reward. Now they should please Christ, not men.
Vse. This may serve to comfort godly Ministers against those troubles, which they finde men to make against them.
Doctrine 10. Their reward is a crowne of eternall glory.
Reason 1. Because glory is the reward of the faithfull for all kinde of obedience towards God: Now in the Ministery there is a speciall kinde of obedience.
2. Because those that did strive or runne lawfully in a race, there was wont to be a Crowne set before them; so for those that carry themselves well in the exercise of the Ministery, besides the glory common to all the Saints, there is a speciall kinde of addition prepared, which is like as it were a crown.
Vse. This may serve to exhort Ministers, couragiously to contemne all temporary ignominy and disgrace for this Crowne of eternall glory.
Doctrine 11. This Crowne of glory shall be fully given at Christs second comming to judgement.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us, patiently to persevere unto the end.