IV. Sheep, as they are patient, so they are profitable, both in their Lives, and by their Death. There is scarcely any Creature that brings its Owner greater Incomes than Sheep; they are good both for Food and Cloathing. |
IV. The Saints are very profitable ma∣ny ways; the Benefit the World receives by them, or for their Sakes, is very great; they are called the Light of the World, and the Salt of the Earth; now the Profit the World receives in both these respects, is not little. Had there been ten of those Sheep in Sodom, God had not destroyed it; besides, the Angel told Lot, he could do nothing till he was out of the City. What a Blessing was Joseph to his Master, whilst he abode in his House, and Jacob to Laban! They yield the World much Profit, by the Doctrine they preach, by the fervent Prayers they daily put up to Almighty God, and their holy and good Examples: Let your Light so shine before Men, that they may see your good Works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven. |
V. Sheep are obedient, and rea∣dy to follow their Shepherd whi∣thersoever he goeth. It is the Custom in some Countries, for the Shepherd to go before the Sheep, &c To which our Saviour alludes, John 10.27. |
V. So Believers, and the Church of Christ, are obedient to him: My Sheep (saith he) hear my Voice, and they follow me; and the Voice of a Stranger they will not follow. Thou shalt guide me by thy Counsel, saith the Psalmist. Christ's Precepts are the Saints Directory, and his Practice their Pattern for Imitation. Hence Paul exhorteth the Corinthians to follow him, as he followed Christ. |
VI. Sheep are incident to many Diseases, many of them are weak and feeble; which a good Shep∣herd taketh pity of, and endea∣vours to heal and strengthen them. |
VI. So the Saints of God are subject to manifold Weaknesses, Temptations, and Afflictions, which moved the Almighty to great Compassion, and sorely to re∣buke the Shepherds of Israel, for their Cruelty and great Remisness towards his Flock: The Diseased have ye not strengthned, neither have ye healed that which was sick, &c. And therefore saith, He would himself take the Work into his own hands: I will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick, &c |
VII. A Flock of Sheep must not be over-driven, lest they tire. Jacob, who was a skilful Shepherd, knew this, and therefore told Esau his Brother, that if the Flock were over-driven, they would die. |
VII. So the Saints or Flock of Christ must not be over-driven, they must be led gently along; and God taketh care to lay no more upon them than they can bear. No Temptation hath taken you, but such as is common to Men; but God is faith∣ful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able; and will with the Temptation also make way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. He will not lay upon us more than is right. |
VIII. Sheep are subject to go astray, and to be lost in a Wilder∣ness; and upon that account need the Shepherd's Care, to seek them, and fetch them home to the Fold. |
VIII. So the Saints are subject to go astray from God, and to wander from his Precepts, viz. decline in their Zeal, Faith, and Affection to him, and his Ways, and to get wandering Thoughts after the World; and sometimes they wander, through the Neglect and Carelesness of the Under-Shepherds: My Sheep, saith the Lord, wandered through all the Mountains, and none did search or seek after them. I have gone astray like a lost Sheep, seek thy Servant, &c. |
IX. Sheep must be led forth into green Pastures, to be fed: and a good Shepherd will take heed he
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