II. Our state by grace —
" We return to the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls :" we return to the Lord Jesus Christ, 1. As our Owner — [By grace we are taught, what in an unconverted state we little consider, that the Lord Jesus Christ is " that good Shepherd who has laid down his life for his sheep ^" This thought, coming with power to the soul, has a constraining influence : it fills us with wonder and admiration at the love of Christ ; and at the same time with grief, on account of our having forsaken such a Shepherd. Now we are perfectly amazed at our own ingratitude : and no terms are sufficiently strono- Avheveby to express our self-lothing and self-abhor- rence? Aware now that *' we have been bought with a price," even with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus, we are con- vinced that " we are not our own," but his ; and consequently, that we are bound to " glorify him with our body and our spirit, which are his." Under this conviction we return to him, and give ourselves up to him as " his purchased posses- sion. J
2. As our Provider — [When once Divine grace has begun to operate effec- tually on our hearts, we see how we have been all our days feeding on the husks of swine, whilst we deserted the pastures in which it was our privilege to feed. But no longer can we be satisfied with such things Now we affect that bet- ter food, which the Lord Jesus Christ has provided for us ; and desire to be led into those " pastures, where he maketh his flock to he down at noon." Now we begin to understand what is meant by " eating the flesh of Christ and drinking his blood ;" and we find " his flesh to be meat indeed, and his blood to be drink indeed ;" and the promises, which we once despised, are " sweeter to us than honey or the honey-comb."]
3. As our Protector —
[Now we tremble at the thought of the dangers to which we have been exposed : nor can we rest without imploring tlie protection of our good Shepherd, to deliver us from that roaring lion that seeketh to devour us. No longer can we venture ourselves at a distance from him : we feel that we are unable in ourselves to cope with the feeblest enemy : and we " cast all our care on Him who careth for us."]
4. As our Governor —
[To hear the voice of our good Shepherd is now our de- light. Wherever he calls, we follow. If we are erring in any
thing, "John X. 15.