116.  What further need is there of words.  Here am I, my pastors and fellow-pastors, here am I, thou holy flock, worthy of Christ, the Chief Shepherd, 1 Pet. v. 4. here am I, my father, utterly vanquished, and your subject according to the laws of Christ rather than according to those of the land: Of the land, lit., “external,” i.e. the Roman laws, which gave absolute power to a father over his children.  here is my obedience, reward it with your blessing.  Lead me with your prayers, guide me with your words, establish me with your spirit.  The blessing of the father establisheth the houses of children, Ecclus. iii. 9. and would that both I and this spiritual house may be established, the house which I have longed for, which I pray may be my rest for ever, Ps. cxxxii. 13, 14. when I have been passed on from the church here to the church yonder, the general assembly of the firstborn, who are written in heaven. Heb. xii. 23.