A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 169. Of the Sheep of Christ.

TO shew that Christ is a Shepherd not at random for any sheep; but that he hath a peculiar flock belonging unto him, he is thus set out, That great Shepherd of the sheep. In this respect where Christ calleth upon Peter to feed those* 1.1 that were committed to his charge, he useth three times this appropriating rela∣tive MY: Feed my lambs, feed my sheep, feed my sheep, John 21. 15, 16, 17. So as this great Shepherd hath a peculiar flock, according to that which he saith of the relation betwixt him and these sheep, There shall be one fold (or a 1.2 flock) and one Shepherd, Joh. 10. 16.

The flock of sheep that belongeth unto Christ are of such as the Father hath elected, the Sonne redeemed, and the holy Ghost in some measure sanctified. The b 1.3 Greek word seemeth to be derived from a Verb that signifieth to go on: and may fitly be applied to Saints progresse.

These are called sheep in a double respect.

• 1. In regard of their reference to Christ. It was shewed, §. 166. that Christ was a Shepherd: Now these are they over whom Christ as a Shepherd sets himself; and of whom, as of a peculiar flock of sheep, he taketh speciall care.
• 2. In regard of that fit resemblance that is betwixt them and sheep: and that in sundry excellent qualities: As
  • 1. Meekness. Sheep are of all creatures the most meek: They are freest from* 1.4 rancor and revenge. Clap them on the back, set them on by all means you can, yet you cannot move them to fly in the face of a man, or to bite him, no not to snarl against him: These are doggish properties. Such as have the Spirit of Christ in them have a meek spirit. It is said of Christ, He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth, Isa. 53. 7. Such is the disposition of the members of Christ.
  • 2. Harmlesness. Of all creatures they are the least harmfull. Though they suffer much they do no wrong.
  • 3. Patience. As sheep are dumb before the shearers, (Isa. 53. 7.) yea before their slaughterers▪ So are holy Martyrs.
  • 4. Dependance. Sheep do altogether depend upon their Shepherds care. Thus Beleevers cast themselves upon Christ, upon his protection and pro∣vision.
  • 5. Obedeence. Sheep follow their Shepherd, Ioh. 10. 4. They flock together, or go this way and that way according to the whisle or other direction of the Shep∣herd. So do Christs sheep, Ioh. 10. 16.
  • 6. Contentedness. They will feed upon any pasture; Yea even upon the fal∣low ground. Thus are Beleevers content with any state wherein the Lord shall set them.
  • 7. Cleanliness. They are not like swine, that delight to wallow in the mire: but if by occasion they fall thereinto, they will, as soon as they can, get out of it. Herein lies a difference betwixt a naturall man, and one that is truly regenerate. The former wilfully runneth into sinfull mire, and with delight walloweth therein: The later may by temptation fall into such filth: but through shame he will quickly recover himself, and seek to be cleansed.
  • 8. Sociableness. Sheep love to flock together and to feed together. So Saints love the society one of another.
  • 9. Profitableness. They are in every thing profitable. Their wool and skin for clothing, their milk and flesh for food, their guts for strings, their dung for manuring ground. They are profitable being alive, and profitable after death.

By these properties we may make triall of our selves whether we be the sheep of Christ or no. It becomes us therefore duly to apply them to our selves.

Hereby also proof is given of the benefit that Saints bring to those among whom they live: which may easily be gathered from the forementioned pro∣perties. They ought therefore to be had in high account.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Church is Christs pe∣culiar flock of sheep.
• a 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• b 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 pro∣gredior.
• * 1.4

  Properties of sheep.