Then takes place the change which is described in my text, and which leads me to set before you,
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 Shep- herd who has laid down his life for his sheep h." 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 for- saken such a Shepherd. Now we are perfectly amazed at our own ingratitude : and no terms are sufficiently strong whereby to express our self-lothing and self-abhorrence. Aware now that " we have been bought with a price," even with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus, we are convinced 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 possession."]
2. As our Provider —
[When once Divine grace has begun to operate effectually 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 better food, which
the Lord Jesus Christ has provided for us ; and desire to be led into those " pastures, where he maketh his flock to lie 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 the 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."]
h John x. 15.
218 1 PETER, li. 25. j 2399.
4. As our Governor —
[To hoar the voice of our good Shepherd is now our delight. Wherever he calls, we follow. If we are erring in any thing, a word from him reclaims us. Wherever he calls, we go : whatever he forbids, we shun : whatever he commands, we do. The temptations which once allured us, have now in a great measure lost their power ; — the terrors that alarmed us, their influence. What wilt thou have me to do? is now our one inquiry: and, having ascertained that, we are satisfied; nor can all the powers of earth and hell divert us from our purpose to obey his will.]
Such is the change which takes place in conversion. We say not that it is perfected in the first moment ; nor that it is ever so perfect, but that it admits of increase. /// respect of parts, a babe is perfect as a man ; though every part admits of growth. So it is in the new man. All these things are found in him, though imperfect as to their degree. Contemplate then this change,
1. For the satisfying of your own minds —
[We cannot conceive of any figure better calculated to illustrate the conversion of a soul, than this. The state of a wandering sheep is known to all : the poor rustic that attends the sheep has as perfect an idea of its wants and dangers, as the most enlightened philosopher can have ; and can apprehend as well the comparative felicity of those who are within the fold, watched over, and provided for, by a tender and faithful shepherd. Nor is there any difficulty in transferring these ideas to the state of a soul before, and after, its conversion. Consider then whether you are conscious of having experienced such a change? I will admit indeed that there are some who are sanctified, as it were, from the womb, and whose transition from a natural to a spiritual state is not so distinctly marked. Hut these are very few : and in them the image of a sheep obedient to its shepherd's voice, is as just, as in any other per- son whatever. The great mass of mankind have been far off from God ; and they, when converted, are brought nigh unto him, as their owner, their provider, their protector, their governor, under all which characters they look unto him, and devote themselves to him, and expect every thing from him. I pray you, brethren, see whether it be thus with you : for, if you are Christians indeed, "you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your :-'juls."l