John 10:12–13

In opposition to these properties, Christ declareth what the hirelings are, who minding only their gain, and having no interest in, nor affection to the sheep, do upon the sight of any danger from seducers or persecutors, desert their stations, and expose the flock to danger, verse 12. And from this fleeing, Christ concludes that such are hirelings, and care not for the flock, verse 13. Whence learn, 1. It is not enough that men have an external lawful calling to the Ministery, and that they be not erroneous; unlesse also they be faithful and single in discharge of their trust; for, beside theeves and robbers, there is also the hireling, who is opposite unto, and disapproven by Christ, as not the shepherd. 2. Albeit it be the will of God, that Ministers and labourers get their wages, and be maintained; Yet such as make it not the scope of their calling, to honour God, and seek the good of souls, but do minde only, or chiefly, their own game and base ends, they do prove themselves not to be honest Ministers: for, so is imported in his name, an hireling, and not the shepherd. 3. As the sheep are all Christs own, by reason of his purchase of them, and dominion over them; So every true pastour will account Christs sheep as dear to him, as if they were his own, and that because they are Christs: And who so do not thus respect them, they prove themselves to be but hirelings: for, he is an hireling, whose own the sheep are not, not only by way of possession, (for so they are Christs only) but in respect of affection, and so it is expounded, verse 13, he careth not for the sheep. 4. Albeit it be a sad enough stroak for the Church to be under hirelings, yet Satan is not satisfied with that, but, by Gods permission, may hound out erroneous Teachers and Persecutors, to molest and vexe her more: for, beside the hireling, there is a wolfe which troubles the sheepfold: whereby we are to understand both false Teachers, and Persecutors, as readily corrupt doctrine is pressed with violence. See Acts 20.29. 5. Albeit Ministers in some cases may lawfully flee, and particularly, when the trial and danger is personal to themselves; Yet when they look more to their own case, then to the flocks weal, and when to avoid trouble, they desert the flock in times of errour and common hazard, they prove themselves to be but hirelings: for, he seeth the wolfe comming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth. 6. Men may have more light, and foresee trials better then others, who yet want courage to abide them; And corrupt men will no longer follow Christ and dutie, then they think to compasse their own ends by so doing; for, he seeth the wolfe comming, and knoweth he is a wolfe, and yee he fleeth, as hoping to attain no more of his base ends in that way. 7. When Satan and his instruments are let loose upon a Church, and pastours do prove unfaithful, there may be great havoke and desolation made in it; for, in this case, the wolfe catcheth and scattereth all the sheep. Some he catcheth by errour, he makes a prey of some by persecution, and whoso escape that trial, may yet suffer scattering, by divisions, or deprivation of mutual fellowship and solemne assemblies. And albeit all this be the wolfes fault, yet it is also put upon the hirelings account, who by his example in shifting trouble, and by his withholding the encouragement of doctrine, and his want of courage in maintaining truth, doth open a gap to the wolfe, doth expose the sheep as a prey, and doth weaken their hands. 3. Whoever they be that preferre their own commodity and ease to the weal of the flock, and do desert their duty when the flock is in danger, they do prove themselves to be but mercenary men and hirelings; Therefore is it again repeated, The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.