August 7

PART II.—John 10:10.

JESUS, as the Shepherd of his people, has an interest in his sheep, which none other possibly could have: for they are the work of his hands; he made them, and formed them for his own glory. By his care they are daily preserved, they wait on him constantly, and are daily supplied with good.

But he is particularly interested in them as his redeemed property, as the flock purchased with his own infinitely precious blood. As the good Shepherd, he laid down his life for the sheep. He ransomed them from death and from the power of the grave. And,

"When, like wandering sheep, they'd strayed, He brought them to his fold again."

And in so doing he manifested the exceeding riches of his love and grace. Yes, so greatly did he love them, that as the Shepherd, the sword of justice awoke against him, and he allowed it to smite him, and to pierce him through with many sorrows, that the sheep might go free. Surely, greater love than this cannot be displayed — how deserving, then, the title of Good Shepherd. Besides, Jesus is possessed of all those qualifications by which his sheep are preserved in perfect safety. His eye is ever upon the whole of his flock; he holds every one of them in the hollow of his hand, they cannot perish, neither can any pluck them from thence. And he gives to his sheep life everlasting: they live in him, and by him, and to him, now, but they shall also live with him in the heavenly sheepfold, and go out no more for ever. Yes, happy are they who belong to his flock.

"Though in the paths of death they tread, With gloomy horrors overspread,

Their stedfast nearts shall fear no ill,

For thou, O Lord, art with them still;

Thy friendly hand shall give them aid,

And guide them through the dreadful shade!"

And, after they have passed through the dreary scenes of mortality,

"The Lamb shall lead his heavenly flock

Where living fountains rise,

And love divine shall wipe away

The sorrows of their eyes."