Christ All and in All, Sermon 12

Christ All and in All · Sermon 12

p. 249HEB. 13. 20.

—Our Lord Jeſus Chriſt that XIII. SERM. at Mary Wolnoth. Lon. Aug. 8. 1652.great ſhepherd of the ſheep.

THis verſe is a part of the Epilogue, or concluſion of the whole Epiſtle. The concluſion begins at ver. 18. and it reacheth to the end of the Chapter. He had ver. 18, 19 intreated their remembrance of him: in this verſe as an Argument to perſwade them, he falls a praying for them. The thing he prayes for on their behalf, is laid down ver. 21. Make you perfect, &c. The perſon to whom he prayes, is God, whom he deſcribes by that glorious title, The God of peace. The Arguments he hath to ſupport his faith for the Audience of his prayer, are theſe three.

Firſt, the power of God; this he expreſſeth by one great act of his power, The reſurrection of Christ from the dead.

The ſecond is, from Chriſts office or relation to the Church for whom he prays, He is the great Shepherd of the ſheep. He prays in his Name who was neerly related to the Church, therefore he did not doubt of audience.

p. 250The third is the way whereby he expected his requells to be granted, The blood of the everlaſting Covenant; he came to a God of peace by a Mediator through a Covenant of blood, therefore he did not fear the ſpeeding and iſſuing of his requeſts. The words which I have read, have two things in them which ſhall be the parts of the Text.

1. A deſcription of the people of God. They are ſheep.

2. A deſcription of Chriſt in relation to them. That great Shepherd.

Sheep. This word is taken in Scripture either Properly or Metaphorically. Properly, for that kinde of creatures which are known by this name. Improperly or Metaphorically, and ſo it hath a double ſignification. It's taken ſometimes for harmleſſe and innocent people. So it's uſed, 2 Sam. 24. 17. 2. For the Elect of God eſpecially, ſuch of them as are regenerated, and called, And ſo it's uſed in this Text.

Shepherd. This word is likewiſe uſed in a Proper, and in a Metaphorical ſenſe.

In a proper ſenſe, it's uſed for ſuch as keep and feed flocks, whether they be flocks of ſheep, or of other cattel. In this ſenſe Abel is called a ſhepherd, Gen. 4. 2. The ſonnes of Jacob that kept cattel, are called ſhepherds in this ſenſe, becauſe they dealt in ſheep and other cattel, Gen 46. 32, 34. In this ſenſe Moſes is called a ſhepherd, Exod. 3. 1. And David before his anointing to the office of a King, Pſalme 78. 70, 71.

In a Metaphorical ſenſe, and ſo its referred to other perſons and emplovments, as they carry ſome reſemblance to this office. As,

p. 2511. Magiſtrates are called ſhepherd… … hath this name given him of God, Eſay. …4. …. Thus Moſes the Ruler of Iſrael is called … ſh…pherd of Gods flock, Eſay 63. 1…. … Agamemnon, foreign. 'Tis an uſual expreſſion in Scripture to call Magiſtrates, Shepherds, Jer. 6. 3. The ſhepherds with their flocks ſhall come unto her. That is, forreigne Princes with their ſouldiers prepared for Warre. So Micab 55. We ſhall raiſe againſt him ſeven ſhepherds, and eight principal men.

2. Miniſters. Governours of the Church are called ſhepherds, Jer. 3. 15. I will give you paſtours, or ſhepherds after mine own heart, Jer. 17. 16. I have not haſtened from being a pastour, or ſhepherd from following thee, Eſay 56. 11. ſpeaking of the ſloathful Miniſters, he ſaith, They are ſhepherds that cannot underſtand. And the uſual notion whereby Miniſters are ſet out in the New Teſtament is, Paſtours and Teachers, Eph. 4. 11. There is a great affinity between the work of a Miniſter, and the work of a ſhepherd.

3. God himſelf is called a ſhepherd. David gives him that name, Pſal. 23. 1. And againe, Pſal. 80. 1. He is called, the ſhepherd of Iſrael; becauſe his care of Iſrael hath great reſemblance to the care of a ſhepherd over his flock.

4. Jeſus Chriſt is called a ſhepherd, as in many other places, ſo in this Text. 'Tis him of whom we are to underſtand this Text, Our Lord Jeſus, that great Shepheard. He is called, foreign, to diſtinguiſh him from all other ſhepherds, who in compariſon of him are very ſmall and inconſiderable ſhepherds. p. 252Thus much for Explication. The Obſervations are two, according to the two Metaphors, viz.

1. The people of God are ſheep.

2. Jeſus Chriſt is the great Shepherd of theſe ſheep.

Doct. 1. The people of God are ſheep. 'Tis a very uſual Metaphor whereby godly perſons are deſcribed in Scripture. Sometimes they are called Gods ſheep, Ezek. 34 6, 11, 12. Sometimes they are called Chriſts ſheep; ſo frequently, John 10. and Iohn 21. 16. Feed my ſheep, ſaith Chriſt to Peter. And ſometimes they are called ſheep without any mention of the owner of them. Take but two or three Texts for farther confirmation, Pſal. 74. 1. Why doth thine anger ſmoak againſt the ſheep of thy paſture, Pſal. 79 13. So we thy flock, and ſheep of thy paſture, Pſ. 100. 3. We are the ſheep of his pasture.

In the handling of this Point, I ſhall open two things.

1. In what reſpects they are compared to ſheep.

2. How they come to be ſheep.

Firſt, They are like ſheep in five reſpects.

1. Sheep are very harmleſſe and innocent creatures. Wolves, they teare, and hurt, and do miſchief; but ſheep are innocent and inoffenſive creatures; they neither bite with their teeth, nor kick with the heele as other creatures do. Innocent and harmleſſe perſons are called ſheep in Scripture, 2 Sam. 24. 17. Theſe ſheep what p. 253have they done? The people of God are … …mleſſe and innocent generation, though the world looks upon them as turbulent, &c. The… know it is the Will of God that they be harmleſſe and blameleſſe, Phil. 2. 15. and they deſire that they may ſo walk. They deſire and endeavour that they may walk without offence, that no man may receive the leaſt detriment, or prejudice by them, either in temporals or ſpirituals. You may ſee this in the Apoſtle Paul, Act. 24. 16. the ſame deſire is in all the ſheep of Chriſt; and if they do through miſtake or inadvertency harme any, they are never at reſt till they have made them reparation and ſatiſfaction.

2. Sheep are meek and patient Creatures. The ſheep is an emblem of meekneſs. The ſheep ſuffers the ſhearer to take his fleece, and the butcher his blood, without the leaſt frowardneſs or reſiſtance. The meekneſſe of the lamb is grown into a Proverb. Quum fervet maximè, tam placidum quam ovem reddo. Terent. The people of God are a patient and meek people. They are called in Scripture the meek of the earth, becauſe they excel in this grace, Pſal. 76. 9. Zeph. 2. 3. They can endure loſſes, beare afflictions, ſuffer perſecutions for the Name of Chriſt without impatience. They do not render reviling for reviling, nor railing for railing. Yea, they repay ſweet for bitter, bleſſing for curſing. When Shimei railes on David, Come out thou man of blood, &c. how meekly doth he beare it? Let him curſe, for God hath bid him curſe David, 2 Sam. 16. 10. When he was ſo unnaturally uſed by his Sonne Abſalom, how ſweetly doth he ſubject himſelf and kiſſe the rod! Pſal. 39. 9. p. 254A ch…e of God may ſometimes fall into a ſir of frowardneſſe and impatience, as Ionah did. Even meek Moſes was once too much tranſported with paſſion, Numb. 20. 10, 11. but they are much grieved for ſuch angry heats. The frame and bent of their hearts is towards the grace of meekneſſe; and what the heart of a perſon would be, that God interprets it really to be. Wicked men are men of bluſtring and turbulent ſpirits, but Gods people are of a calme placid temper.

3. Sheep are clean Creatures. Swine they uſe to wallow in filthy and myry places. But ſheep deſire and delight to preſerve themſelves clean, they love pure ſtreames and green paſtures. The people of God are a cleane and holy generation. See how the Holy Ghoſt deſcribes them, Pſal. 73. 1. Our Saviour calls them the pure in heart, Mat. 5. 8. They ſtudy holineſſe, they pray for holineſſe, they allow no ſpot, yea they are heartily grieved when they do bemire themſelves, and are never at reſt till they be cleanſed againe. See the Prophet David, when he had fallen into the mire and defiled himſelfe, how earneſt he is with God for cleanſing, Pſal. 51. 2. and again, v. 7. and yet againe, v. 10. Create in me a cleane heart O God. He that hath the nature of a true ſheep of Chriſt in him, though he may fall into ſinne, yet he cannot lie and wallow in uncleanneſſe, as the wicked do.

4. Sheep are ſimple creatures. Some kinde of bruit creatures are very cunning and crafty, as the Fox, the Ape, &c. but the ſheep is of a ſimple nature. Ye uſe to call ſilly men ſheepiſh men. The people of God are a ſimple plain-hearted p. 255people, no… onelyonly with… … without guile, Pſal. 32. 2. That … of their Father Iacob, Gen. 25. 2…. it is … all his poſterity in their propo…tion, they are plain-hearted men. Though they have hypocriſie in them as they have other corruptions, yet they are not hypocrites. They know not, nor are they deſirous to learne the art of diſſimulation, equivocation. They cannot look one way, and row another; they love not to have oyle in their mouths, and ſwords in their hear…s. They deſire to be ſincere, without mixture. They cannot carry fire in one hand, and water in the other. They are ſtrangers, and they deſire to be ſtrangers for ever to thoſe doublings, and fraudulencies, and ſubtile artifices which hypocrites uſe. They can pray, and do pray with David, Pſal. 119. 8. Let my heart be ſound in thy ſtatutes, &c. Their tongue and heart go both one way; they deſire that God would keep their hearts right, and they deſire that their tongue may be the interpreter of their heart; they chuſe to act, not according to principles of carnal policy, but the rules of Goſpel piety; they had rather be the meaneſt of Chriſts Diſciples, then the higheſt of M…chiavels Scholars.

5. Sheep are creatures of a tractable nature. They are eaſie to be led. A childe may drive a flock of ſheep with more eaſe, then many can a herd of other cattel. The people of God are of a ductile, tractable nature. They are more eaſily guided then other men. Shew them what the minde of God is, let them have the Rule clear, and then a little childe may lead them. We have a Goſpel prophecy of the p. 256l…eneſſe which grace works upon the hearts of men, when it comes in power upon them, …ſay 11. 6. Other men cannot be ruled by all the importunity that God and men uſe. Though precept …e upon pre…ept, and line upon line, Eſay 28. 10. yet they will be extravagant and looſe; but godly men are of a ductile frame. They deſire that God would lead them, and guide them in his way, and they are willing to be led. They will not reſiſt truth, they will not ſtand out againſt convictions as other men do. They are plyable and yielding to all divine Revelations from the Word of God. No man ſhall lead them by his fancy or opinion without a Rule, though he be never ſo wiſe, or never ſo ſeemingly godly; but any man ſhall guide them, and turn any way, even an enemy, an inferiour, if he can bring a ſufficient Authority from Gods Word. Shew us the Father, and it ſufficeth.

Secondly, How they come to be ſheep? They are not ſo by nature; for by nature they are Goats, Wolves, Tygers. They have not one property of a ſheep in them by nature. They are as bad as the worſt by nature, Eph. 2. 2. How then a…e they ſheep? 'Tis by Grace and Regeneration. Jeſus Chriſt the Lamb of God communicates his nature to them by his Spirit, and ſo of Goats makes them Sheep. He infuſeth into them a new nature, and ſo makes them ſheep.

1. God chuſeth them for his ſheep.

2. Chriſt purchaſeth them.

3. Having choſen them from eternity, and purchaſed them, he doth in time by his Spirit change their natures, bring them into his fold, and puts all the good properties of ſheep into them; whereas, they we… … makes them harmleſſe; … froward, he makes them p…cient … were filthy, he makes them cle…e … they were hypocritical, he makes them p…-hearted; and whereas they were before un…ly, he now makes them tractable.

The Uſes of this Point.

1. The great difference between converted and unconverted. The one are Flowers, the other are Weeds; the one Light, the other Darkneſſe; the one Wheat, the other Tares; the one Goats, the other Sheep. Grace puts a great difference between man and man, Prov. 12. 26.

2. Let all of us labour that we may be ſh…ep. Beg of Chriſt that he would remove the wolviſhneſſe of thy nature, and make thee a ſheep. At the day of judgement all men would be glad to be placed among the ſheep, Matth. 25. 32, 33.

3. Let all the people of God carry themſelves as ſheep. Study thoſe things which I named before, be ſure they be found in you, otherwi…e you cannot have any hopes that you are ſheep. And to thoſe let me adde two or three duties more, which are fo…nd in all the ſheep of God and Chriſt, viz.

(1) Labour to be profitable. Sheep are very profitable creatures Their fleſh is for food, their fleece is for cloathing, their milk is for nouriſhing; their very excrements are profitable, the Husbandman findes benefit even by them. A beleever ſhould be a profitable creature. It's ſaid of Oneſimus, that after he was …, he became a profitable branch, … 11. Chriſtians ſhould endeavour to be profitable every way as ſheep are. You ſhould …eed others by your knowledge, you ſhould nouriſh others by your comforts, you ſhould refreſh others by your graces. All your ſpeeches, all your actions ſhould ſome way or other tend to the benefit of your brethren. An unprofitable ſheep is a contradiction. 'Tis a glorious thing to profit others. 'Tis one end of all that good which God hath beſtowed upon you. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withall, As the Apoſtle ſaith, 1 Cor. 12. ….

(2.) Labour to be fruitful. Sheep are a very fruitful creature, they do much enrich him that keeps them, they often bring forth twinnes, Cant. 4. 2. Beleevers ſhould be fruitful; Rich in good works, 1 Tim 6. 18. Filled with the fruits of righteouſneſſe, Phil. …. 11. A Chriſtian ſhould be like th…ſe ſheep, which are mentioned Cant. 4 2. Chriſt feeds his ſheep in large paſ…ures, and in fa… paſtures, therefore they ſhould bring forth good fruit, and much fruit.

(3) Labour to be …ciable one with another. No …atures are of a more ſociable nature then ſheep; they feed together, and …old together, and live qu…etly together. The ſheep is a rare embleme of unity. Beleevers ſhould in this be like ſheep, they ſhould maintaine love and unity amongſt themſelves. This grace, love, and unity and oneneſſe of minde is much preſſed in Scripture, Eph. 4. init. Phil. 2. init. Biting and devouring one another, is not to be like the ſheep, but rather like the wolf. The greater noiſe the devouring creatures make, the cloſer do ſheep keep together.

1. O that Chriſtians would be … this property. Fearful things are … them that make diviſions in the Church of …. Vid. Rom. 16. 17, 18.

2. How great is the advantage which Gods people will get, by uniting amongſt themſelves!

Firſt, unity is their ſtrength. Fellow-Travellers, while they keep together, ſtrengthen one another againſt invaders; if they divide, they are eaſily deſtroyed.

Secondly, unity is their glory, Pſal. 133. 1. Pearls are called uniones (ſome ſay) becauſe they are ſeldome found two together; others ſay to denote the preciouſneſſe of union. Unity amongſt Gods people is the beſt pearl they can wear, Cant 4. 9.

Thirdly, unity makes way for the communication of gifts, Eph. 4. 15, 16.

Fourthly, remember the communion of Saints, 1 John 1. ….

Fifthly, remember how often Chriſt prayed for it, John 17. 21, 22, 23. 'Tis his great honour; onelyonly we muſt know that all our union muſt be in the truth, union in the Lord; otherwiſe it is not the union of ſheep, but the union of robbers, Prov. 1. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.

Doct. 2. The Lord Jeſus Chriſt is the great Shepherd of theſe ſheep. In many places of Scripture the name and office of a Shepherd is attributed to Chriſt. Conſider theſe that follow, Eſay 40. 11. He ſhall feed his flock as a Shepherd. 'Tis a prophecy of Chriſt, as the context ſhews, Ezek. 3…. 23. God promiſeth Chriſt under this … I will ſet up one Shepherd over them, and … ſhall …eed them; even my ſervant David; And again, Ezek. 37. 24. David my ſervant ſhall be King over them, and they all ſhall have one Shepherd, Zech. 13. 7. Awake O ſword againſt my Shepherd, &c. Smite the Shepherd, and the ſheep ſhall be ſcattered; 'Tis applied to Chriſt, Mat. 26. 31. Our Saviour himſelf doth give himſelf this name. John 10. 11, 14, 16. I am the good Shepherd, &c. The Apoſtle Peter calls him ſo, 1 Pet. 2. 25. The Shepherd and Biſhop of our ſouls, and Chap. 5. 4 He calls him, foreign, The chief Shepherd: when the chief Shepherd ſhall appear, ye ſhall receive a Crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Two things I ſhall open by way of Explication.

1. The parallel between Chriſt and a ſhepherd.

2. Why Chriſt is called That great Shepherd.

Firſt, the parallel between Chriſt and a ſhepherd, ſtands in theſe five particulars, viz

1. A ſhepherd …ed this ſtock. 'Tis his work to provide both paſture and water for his ſheep. Paſtour … Paſc…nd…, Ezek. 34. 2. Should not the ſhepherds feed the flocks? A good ſhepherd will take care that his flock may have both graſſe and water. When they have eat one place bare, he drives them to another; when one fountaine is dry, he leads them to another; he had rather want bread himſelf then that his ſheep ſhould want proviſion. He feeds them with his own fleſh and blood, John 6 5. Jeſus Chriſt provides ſufficient food and nouriſhment for his ſheep. Three things …

(1) He hath provided Ordinan… … very Ordinance is a ſpiritual … fountaine for the feeding of Chriſ… … Pſalmiſt ſpeaks of this, Pſal. 23. 2. He … to lie down in green paſtures; he leadeth me beſide the ſtill waters. What are thoſe paſtures of tender graſſe? What are thoſe waters of quietneſſe, but the Ordinances of the Goſpel, the fields where Chriſts ſheep feed, the rivers where they drink? The variety of the Ordinances ſhewes the variety of …eeding, the richneſſe and fulneſſe of the Ordinances, ſhewes the plentifulneſſe of Chriſts feeding: here are many paſtures, and every paſ…ure ſo rich, that it can never be eaten bare; here are many ſtreames, and every ſtreame ſo deep and broad, that it can never be drawn dry: the ſheep have been eating in theſe paſtures ever ſince Chriſt had a Church on earth, and yet they are as full of graſſe as ever. The ſheep have been drinking at theſe ſtreams ever ſince Adam, and yet they are brim full to this very day; & they will ſo continue, till the ſheep be above the uſe of them in heaven.

(2) He hath provided ſhepherd… to d…ſpenſe theſe Ordinances. The ſheep can neither feed themſelves, nor water themſelves, unleſſe they have ſome to help them. The Miniſters of the Goſpel do by vertue of their office, open theſe paſtures, and lead the ſheep into them; they roll away the ſtone from the mouth of theſe Wells, and draw water for them, that they may drink and be ſatisfied. The Apoſtle tells us, that Paſtou…s and Teachers are given of Chriſt, for the edification of his Church, Eph. 4. 11, 12. This was the work of the Prophers in their duplicate page duplicate page … Apoſtles and Evangeliſts in their genera…on, and of Paſtours and Teachers, the preſent Miniſters of the Church; yea, we ſhall finde how ſeverely Chriſt bath charged them, under the paine of his higheſt diſpleaſure, to be diligent in feeding the flock. See 2 Tim. 4. 1, 2. and he …ath allured them by the moſt glorious promiſes, that they ſhould be careful in this work, See 1 Pet. 5. 2, 4. and John 21. 15, 16. And he furniſheth them with gifts and abilities for this very purpoſe. Vid. Luke 12. 42.

(3) He doth by his Spirit bleſſe the feeding which he hath provided. He hath promiſed to be preſent with the ſheep and ſhepherds, when ever they come to feed in theſe paſtures, and drink at theſe waters; he hath promiſed (I ſay) to be preſent to bleſſe their fo…d and water for the good or their ſoules. He promiſed it, Mat. 28. ult. and he doth to this day make it good, he doth walk, and he will walk in the middeſt of the Golden Candle ſticks, to bleſs the ſeeding of the ſheep to the end of the world. He hath purchaſed the Holy Ghoſt to be beſtowed both on the ſheep and ſhepherds for this very purpoſe.

2 A Shepherd k…owes …. He knows the number of his ſheep▪ and he knows them particularly … ſheep. Thoſe phraſes which are … concerning the ſheeps p…ſſing … rod, … ev. 27. 32. and of paſſing under the … of him that tel…eth them, Jer. 33. 13. ſhew …e knowledge that good Shepherds have of their flocks: they know one of their own ſheep, though it be in the midſt of a ſtrange flock; Jeſus Chriſt knows his ſheep exactly. He knows his people, qu…t ſint, & quinam ſint, both the … ticular perſons, John 10. 11. … dungeons, priſons, though the … off, and the skin torne by perſecution, yet … they are within the knowledge of Chriſt. Conſider four things.

Firſt, He knows them as they are given to him by the Father in his eternal Election. God the Father hath given all the Elect unto Chriſt from eternity, Iohn 17. 6. By vertue of this donation doth Chriſt know them. He hath taken them by number from the Father, and he is to ſurrender them by number to him againe. Their names are all written from eternity in the Lambs book of life, Rev. 21. 27. while this book continues, they cannot wear out of the knowledge of Chriſt.

Secondly, He knows them, as he ſees in them his own image. Every ſheep of Chriſt doth partake by grace of the image of Chriſt. There is a conformity of likeneſſe between him and them. His Fathers Name is written upon their foreheads, Rev. 14. 1. What is this Name of God but that Divine nature, which is from Chriſt communicated to every ſheep of the fold? So long as this Name abides on their foreheads (and it ſhall abide for ever,) they cannot weare out of the knowledge of Chriſt.

Thirdly, He knows them as he ſees the ſprinklings of his own blood upon them. Every ſheep of Chriſt is waſhed white in the Lambs blood, Rev. 7. 14. They are cloathed with his righteouſneſſe for the juſtification of their perſons. They have his merits in which they are inveſted. Now ſo long as this garment remaines …, and it can never be worn off, or …ollen off; Jeſus Chriſt muſt needs know them.

Fourthly, He knows them, as he remembers the ſervice they have done fox him in the world. Every ſheep of Chriſt that hath attained unto years of diſcretion, hath with care ſerved Chriſt in its generation. They have often prayed to him, they have often worſhipped him, they have to their very uttermoſt laid out themſelves for his glory in the world, &c. Jeſus Chriſt hath recorded and ſet down all their good actions; and as long as he remember… their works, he cannot forget or be ig…orant of their perſons. This we may gather from that which ſtands on record, Mat. 25. 34, …5, &c. They have fed him in his hungry members, they have clo…thed him in his naked m…mbers &c. Chriſt will never forget theſe holy actions; therefore he can never forget the perſons of them, by whom they were performed. They have both done for him, and ſuf…ered for him, therefore he knows them, and will know them

3. A Shepherd preſerves his ſt…ck. 'Tis the work of … Shepherd to defend his ſheep. David bazarded his own li…e, to de…end his ſheep from the inv…ding …on, and …venous bear, 1. Sam. 17. 34. Shepherds watch their flocks by night as well as by day, to pre…erve th…m from the dev…uring creatures. So did Jacob, Gen. 31. 40. So did thoſe Shepherds to whom the birth of Chriſt was firſt pre…ched, Luke 2. 8. Jeſus Chriſt is the deſender of his ſheep; he preſerves them carefully from them that would devoure them. The Devil hath been way-laying them, and attempting upon them ever ſince the fall of Adam; and yet the eye o… … was ſo diligent and watchful, … …ver able to get the leaſt lamb o… … ſhall he ever be able to gaine one o… … they be all folded up in heaven. The ſheep of Chriſt are all ſealed in their foreheads; ſo we reade, Rev. 7. 3, 4. Why are they ſealed?

Firſt, they are ſealed for diſtinction.

Secondly, they are ſealed for ſecrecy.

Thirdly, they are ſealed for ſecurity. Neither men nor devils can break open this ſeale. This ſimilitude is uſed, Cant. 4. 12. A garden encloſed, a ſpring ſhut up, a fountaine ſealed; under all thoſe expreſſions is ſet out the fence which Chriſt makes about his ſheep for their preſervation. Though Chriſt ſometime ſuffer their bodies to be torne and devoured by men, and though he ſuffer their ſoules to be aſſaulted, yet he will not ſuffer their ſoules to be deſtroyed. He did once lay down his life for them, John 10. 11, 15. and having died for them, he will preſerve them. There is a ſix-fold defence which Chriſt ſets upon every ſheep for his preſervation from Satan.

(1) His death. The grave of Chriſt is a fold, in which the ſheep ſleep ſafely; his Sep…lcher is a hedge about the Church, I mean the vertue and merit of his death. Jeſus Chriſt by his death hath overcome the Devil and all his Hoſt, Col. 2. 15. he hath taken him captive, and delivered the ſheep out of his hands. Now ſo long as the death of Chriſt is in force, (and in force it ſhall be for ever and ever) the ſheep ſhall be defended. The ſea of Chriſts blood doth encompaſſe every ſheep of the fold; and Satan muſt either wade thorough, or dry up … before he can annoy the ſheep, as … eternal ſalvation. Roare and rage he may, mine or teare in pieces he cannot; the bottomleſſe ſea of Chriſts blood flows continually about them.

(2) His interceſſion. The Scripture makes mention of the Advocateſhip of Chriſt for his people, Heb. 7. 25. He lives for ever to make interceſſion; therefore he is able to ſave, foreign. This Advocateſhip of Chriſt hath three properties. Firſt, it is full. Secondly, 'tis constant. Thirdly, 'tis effectual. This interceſſion is the ſ…eeps ſafe-guar…. Chriſt muſt …e outed from the work of mediation, before any of his ſheep can be eternally hurt; and outed he cannot be, for his Prieſt-hood is an everlaſting Prieſt-hood, Pſ. 110. 4. Thou art a Prieſt for ever, &c.

(3) The preſence of Chriſt. We learn from Scripture that Jeſus Chriſt is ever preſent with his ſheep; he is not one moment abſent from the fold; …e by his ſpiritual preſence lodgeth with them every night, and walks with them all the day. Of this preſence of Chriſt the Holy Ghoſt ſpeak…, Rev. 14. 1. He ſtands on the Mount Sion, he ſtands not in a running poſture, but in a watching poſture. The devil muſt drive Chriſt from his ſtanding, before he can ſnatch away any of the ſheep, for he ſtands there as a guard to them.

(4) The myſtical union between him and the ſheep. The Scripture makes mention of this union, John 17. 23. I in them, and Thou in me. Every ſheep grows in the Shepherds ſide, as a member of his body. Now this union is an indiſſoluble union. As the natural union between the Sonne and the Father can …, ſo neither can the … Chriſt and the ſheep. … and mighty hedge about the ſheep▪ … muſt drag Chriſt to hell, before he can … any of the ſheep thither; for they are bone of his bone, and fleſh of his fleſh.

(5) The promiſe of Chriſt. Jeſus Chriſt hath engaged his Word, and this engagement is recorded in the Scriptures, that the gates of Hell ſhal not prevaile againſt the Church, Ma…. 16. 18. This promiſe is not a raſh, indiſcreet; but a deliberate, ſober, adviſed promiſe. 'Tis not the promiſe of a fraudul…nt perſon; but of a faithful Saviour: for he is the Amen, the faithful and t…ue witneſſe, Rev. 3. 14. This promiſe is the Churches ſafety. Satan muſt diſannul this, before he can devour the ſheep; and diſannulled it cannot be, for his Word endureth for ever in heaven.

(6) His recommending of them to his Father. Jeſus Chriſt a little before his death, made his laſt Will and Teſtament. In this Teſtament amongſt other things he did ſolemnly comm…nd the tuition of his ſheep to his Fathers care, intreating him by all the dearneſſe between them, that he would preſerve them from the devil, and all his evil deſignes againſt them. This is ſet down fully, John 17. 11. 15. he had received them from the Father upon his recommendation, v. 9. and he had kept them ſafe while he was with them; now he intreats the Father, that as he had kept them upon his recommendation, ſo he would now likewiſe for his ſake undertake the tuition of them, v. 12. While I was in the world, I kept them, &c. So long as Chriſts Teſtament is in force, ſo long as God … of Chriſts bequeathment; and accept of i… he will, for ever the ſheep ſhall be ſafe.

4. A Shepherd gathers his ſheep when they are ſ…attered. When either by dogs, or ſtormes, or by their own vo…untary wandring they have been diſperſed; the Shepherds work is to gather them againe, Ezek 34. 12. Jeſus Chriſt is a good Shepherd in this reſpect; the ſheep are wanton, they wander and ſtray: Chriſt reduceth them, brings them to the fold. How often doth every ſheep wander? ſo often as they wander. doth Chriſt reduce them. You know the parable, Luke 15. 4, 5, 6 &c. And he will never leave, till he have gathered them into heaven, where they ſhall ſcatter no more. He gathers them from their firſt diſperſion in unregeneracy, when they wander upon the mounts of profaneneſſe and unbelief, &c. When they are ſcattered by perſecution, temptation, &c. he ſtill gathers them. He gathered them when they were ſcattered in Babylon; in the diſperſion in the Apoſtles dayes, of which you read, Acts 8. He hath Gentile ſheep ſcattered, Jewiſh ſheep diſperſed; both theſe will he gather: the Gentiles, John 10. 16. the Jews, 2 Chr. 16. 6, 7, 8, 9. One end of the Miniſtery is to gather the ſcattered ſheep, who were never converted. One end of the Min…ſtery and diſcipline, is to gather them that wander, after converſion. See the office of Chriſt to this purpoſe, Eph 1. 10. He is the Centre in which all things meet. All are to be gathered together by him, to him and in him; his meaning is, all the Elect are gathered to a head, as the word ſignifies, foreign, in Chriſt who is the Head of the body; and at the… day … he will gather them all … that they ſhall be free from … Mat. 25. 31, 32, 33, &c.

5. Shepherds are to heal their ſh…ep, Ezek. 34. 4. Chriſt is a healer.

Firſt, by his promiſes; they are oyle.

Secondly, By his threatnings.

Thirdly, by Church-cenſures, Chriſts phyſick; that's wine, Luke 10. 34.

Secondly, Why Chriſt is called That great Shepherd? This I told you, was a diſcriminating note to put a difference between him and all other ſhepherds; both thoſe that went before him, and thoſe that ſhould ſucceed him to the end of the world. There is a vaſt difference between Chriſt and other ſhepherds. It ſtands in the eight following particulars.

1. In regard of the dignity of his perſon above others. All other ſhepherds were onelyonly men, Prophets, Apoſtles, Evangeliſts, Paſtours and Teachers; the beſt of them were but men. Though many of them had gifts and abilities extraordinary, yet they were but men; but this Shepherd is both God and Man. He is the Sonne of God, as well as the Sonne of Adam. Never was there any ſhepherd in the Church before him; never ſhall any ariſe after him, of whom it can be ſaid, this Shepherd is equal with God. This is ſaid of Chriſt by the Father himſelf, Zech. 13. 7. Awake O ſword, againſt the man that is my fellow, ſaith the Lord of Hoſts, ſmite the ſhepherd. No ſhepherd beſide this, had the honour to be by oneneſſe and identity of nature, the fellow and companion of God.

… the great Shepherd, in regard of the gr…at … …e hath. Other ſhepherds, although they had many of them ſingular abilities, both for feeding and ruling; yet in reſpect of the abilities of Chriſt, they were but ſmall. Other ſhepherds, though they were richly furniſhed, yet they had not any of them all kindes of gifts. God ſcattered his gifts and graces amongſt them, in ſome of one ſort, in others of another ſort, to maintain unity amongſt them. See what the Apoſtle ſaith to this purpoſe, 1 Cor. 12. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Some of them did excel chiefly in one thing, ſome in another; and then none of them had any other then a ſtinted and meaſured portion either of gifts or grace; ſo the Apoſtle tells us, Rom. 12. 3, 4, 6. thoſe that had the miraculous gift of healing could not heal that way when they pleaſed; Trophimus have I left at Milesum ſick, 2 Tim. 4. 20. Paul would not have left him ſick, if he could have cured him miraculouſly. But now this great Shepherd …ath …ll k…nds of abilities; he is as good at one part of the Paſtoral work as at another; the gifts which were ſcattered amongſt the other ſhepherds, do all meet in this Shepherd: he is as good at feeding as at ruling, and as good at ruling as at feeding. To one ſhepherd is given the Word of wiſdome, to another the word of knowledge, &c. 1 Cor. 1…. …. but now all theſe are equally given to Chriſt: he is as exact in the word of wiſdome, as in the word of knowledge: he can performe equally, exactly the work of the Paſtour, and of the Teacher. And then as he hath all kinde of abilities, ſo he hath an unlimited fulneſſe of all, for John 3 34. God giveth not the Spirit by meaſure unto him. He hath not onelyonly the fulneſſe … but of the fountaine; the fulneſſe … head dwelling bodily in him. And then … all the abilities of other ſhepherds are … themſelves, but from him; but the abilities of Chriſt are from himſelfe. The Divinity hath filled the humanity with all thoſe gifts which it hath received for the work of a Mediatour.

3. He is the great Shepherd in regard of his propriety in the ſheep. Jeſus Chriſt is not onelyonly the Shepherd of the ſheep, but the owner of the ſheep alſo. He often calls them his ſheep, Joh. 10. He is the poſſeſſor of the ſheep, as well as the feeder of the ſheep. Other Shepherds are onelyonly ſhepherds, not proprietors. They are forbidden to carry themſelves as Lords over the ſheep, … Pet. 5. 3. The ſheep are ſaid to be theirs onelyonly in a Miniſterial way, as the care and charge of them is committed to them; but they are Chriſts in an hereditary way: the Father hath given them to him, John 17. 6. He hath by his own blood purchaſed them, Acts 28. 20. and they have voluntarily dedicated themſelves to him for a poſſeſſion; they have by the Baptiſme dedicated themſelves to Chriſt. Other ſhepherds are onelyonly ſervants, but Chriſt is the Lord of the flock. This is that which the Apoſtle mentions, as the difference between Chriſt and Moſes, Heb. 3. 5, 6. Moſes was faithful in all his houſe as a ſervant, but Chriſt as a Sonne over his own houſe. 'Tis the horrible pride of that man of ſin, that he dares to call himſelf the head of the Church, becauſe this title is onelyonly proper to Chriſt.

4. Other ſhepherds are ſheep as well as ſhepherds. …, Apoſtles, Evangeliſts, and all the … which ſucceed them, are ſheep as well as, ſhepherds. They are ſhepherds Miniſterially in regard of the Church; but they are ſheep Really in regard of Chriſt. They have as much need of feeding, watering, and governing as any of the ſheep have; by the ſame Ordinances by which they feed others, are they themſelves fed; by their preaching and praying, they inſtruct, encourage, and comfort themſelves as well as others. But now Jeſus Chriſt is onelyonly a ſhepherd; he feeds others, but hath no need of being fed himſelfe. He teacheth others, but he himſelfe hath no need of being taught. Preaching, Prayer, Sacraments, all other Ordinances, are as uſeful for other ſhepherds, as they are for the ſheep; but they are not at all uſeful or neceſſary to Chriſt. When he was on earth, he made uſe of them, to ſhew his obedience to the Law, to teach others their duty, to ſanctifie them to others that ſhould make uſe of them; he wanted them not then. He ſtood in need of nothing for which the Ordinances were appointed; much leſſe doth he ſtand in need of them now: but all other ſhepherds did ſtand in as abſolute need of the Ordinances as the ſheep did.

5. Chriſt is the great Shepherd in regard of his Dominion over all other ſhepherds. He is as truly the Lord of the ſhepherds, as of the ſheep. He is the Maſter of all the Shepherds which ever were in the Church, or which ſhall be in the Church, to the end of the world, Eccleſ. 12. 11.

(1) They received their Authority from him, He made them ſhepherds of the flock, Eph. …. 11. He hath ſet them over his … … veſted them with all the power they hav… … that do not come into Paſtoral office; and authority by him, they are not ſhepherds, but theeves, John 10. 1, 2.

(2) They are to act, and adminiſter all they do as ſhepherds, in his Name, and in his Name onelyonly. All acts of feeding, all acts of ruling are to be done in the Name of the Lord Jeſus. When Paul excommunicated the inceſtuous perſon, he did it in this Name, 1 Corinth. 5. 4, 5. In the Name of our Lord Jeſus, (ſaith he) and by the power of our Lord Jeſus deliver ſuch a one unto Satan. All Church acts of Government are to be done by the Shepherds of the Church in Chriſts Name, and by power derived from Chriſt. And then

(3) They are to be accountable to him for all their miſdoings. He will judge them for all their miſcarriages, either towards one another, or towards the flock.

6. Chriſt is the great Shepherd in regard of the ſucceſſe he can give to what he doth. Other ſhepherds may lead the ſheep to the paſtures, or drive them to the waters, but they cannot make either ſucceſſeful to the ſheep. They cannot give digeſtion, concoction, growth, 1 Cor. 3. 7. But now this great Shepherd is able to do all this: he can give the ſheep an appetite to eat and drink, and he can by his bleſſing, make their eating and drinking ſucceſſeful. He can make the ſheep ſtrong, and luſty, and vigo…ous. He can exerciſe diſcipline, and give them an heart to ſubmit to it, and to be bettered by it: He can lay a plaiſter to their wounds, and when he hath done ſo, can ſay, the p. 274wound ſhall be healed. He can call them from their wandrings, and ſpeak ſo effectually, that they ſhall returne and wander no more.

7. He is the great Shepherd in regard of the great juriſdiction he hath over the ſheep. All other ſhepherds that ever were or ſhall be, have but a limitted power, they cannot do what they will; they cannot make any rules for the ordering of the flock; nor can they teach any doctrines to the flock, but what Chriſt hath taught, 1 Cor. 11. 23. But now Jeſus Chriſt the great Shepherd hath a boundleſſe, illimited Authority. He can do what he pleaſes with the ſheep; he can, he hath made what Lawes pleaſed himſelf for the ordering of the ſheep. He can cut, launce, wound, put them into fat paſtures, into barren paſtures, as he pleaſes. His Dominion is abſolute over them.

8. He is the great Shepherd in regard of the latitude and extent of his juriſdiction. Other ſhepherds are ſhepherds over particular flocks; but Chriſt is the univerſal Shepherd, the whole Catholick Church is his flock; he is the univerſal Shepherd of the Church. That which the Pope …alſly and treaſonably challengeth to himſelf to be the Univerſal Biſhop▪ is moſt truly …ffi…med of Chriſt. The Apoſtles were ſhepherds to the univerſal Church where they came, but it was onelyonly to the Church that was in their generation, but Jeſus Chriſt hath been, and ſtill is th… Univerſal Shepherd in all generations. He was t…e Shepherd of the Church in the Prophets time, he was the Shepherd in the Apoſtles days, and he will be Shepherd to the e…d of the world. This the Pſalmiſt foretels by way of Prophecy, Pſal. 72. 8. His dominion ſhall p. 275be from ſea to ſea, and from the … of the earth. Ever ſince the Church wa… C…riſt was Shepherd; and while God hath … in the world, Jeſus Chriſt will continue to be the great Shepherd thereof, Eccleſ. 12. 11.

The Uſes concern both the inferior ſhepherds, and the whole flock of ſheep.

Firſt, Concerning the ſhepherds. Here are five duties.

1. This may teach them to act for Chriſt. It becomes all the Miniſters whom Chriſt hath made ſhepherds, to conſider that Chriſt is the great Shepherd. They are but miniſterial, inferior, ſubordinate ſh…pherds; therefore whatever their parts be, whatever intereſt they have in the hearts of the ſheep, they are ſtill to remember that Chriſt is the great Shepherd, and that it is their duty to lay out all their abilities and intereſt, in gathering together the ſheep unto Chriſt. This is the character of a true ſhepherd, in all his actings to ſerve the great Shepherd who…e ſervant he is. John Baptiſt is an eminent patterne for this; he did not ſerve himſelfe but Chriſt, and therefore was contented to be diminiſhed, to be nothing, ſo that Chriſt the great Shepherd might be exalted. See that famous Text, John 3. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. He humbles himſelf to the duſt, that by his falling Chriſt might riſe.

2. This may tea…h them, not to Lord it over the ſheep. Miniſters though they be ſhepherds in reſpect of the ſheep, yet they are but ſheep in reſpect of Chriſt. This Caution the Apoſtle gives them upon this very account, in 1 Pet. 5. p. 276init. The great Shepherd may do what he will, but the inferior ſhepherd muſt not do what he will, but what Chriſt will, 2 Cor. 4. 5.

3. This may encourage them in hoping for reward from Chriſt. The great Shepherd doth take an account of the diligence and faithfulneſſe of inferior ſhepherds: and if they be faithful in their work; whatever their ſucceſſe be, the great Shepherd will abundantly reward them. He that hath called himſelf the great Shepherd, knows what belongs to the work of a ſhepherd, and therefore he will conſider him according to his work. This the Apoſtle tells the ſhepherds, 1 Pet. 5. 1, 2, 3▪ 4.

4. This ſhould teach them to go to this great ſhepherd, both for Paſtoral Abilities and for ſucceſſe. As they ſhould learn to carry themſelves in the managing of their Paſtoral work by Chriſts example the great Shepherd, to be diligent, painful, watchful, affectionate as he was; ſo they ſhould, when they want ſtrength, wiſdome, encouragement, go to him. The great Shepherd who hath ſet them on work, will both ſtrengthen them in the work, and bleſſe them with ſucceſſe, though not ſo much as they deſire, yet with ſo much as ſhall make them cheerfully go on with their work.

5. To learn of Chriſt, meekneſſe, patience, painfulneſſe, faithfulneſſe, forbearance, love to ſome, bearing with infirmities. Zeale to preach with authority, impartiality, courage, ſelf-diſregarding.

Secondly, concerning the ſheep. Here is both Inſtruction and Conſolation.

I. Inſtruction; they may learne three leſſons from hence.

p. 2771. Be ruled and governed by Christ. It … ſhepherds work to governe as well as to …, foreign ſignifies both to feed and to rule. The ſheep is to follow the ſhepherd; Thoſe that are Chriſts ſheep in truth, do follow him, John 10. 4. They follow him without diſputing, they follow him without murmuring, they follow him univerſally. It doth not become a ſheep of Chriſt to refuſe the Shepherds conduct. The Shepherd is wiſer then the ſheep; they will erre if they follow their own counſel, they cannot wander if they follow Chriſt. The ſheep are ſafe while they follow Chriſt, he never led any of his ſheep into dangerous places. When you heare the voice of the great Shepherd, be ſure to yield obedience. We are to obey the voice of ſubordinate ſhepherds, yet no farther then they teach Chriſts commands; but the voice of the great Sheperd is to be obeyed in all things. Let me adde but this one word to perſwade you to it; Jeſus Chriſt will not be a feeding Shepherd, where he may not be admitted to be a ruling Shepherd; the diſcipline of Chriſt is an act of mercy to the ſheep, as well as his feeding.

2. Create no other ſhepherds then what Chriſt ſets over you. Chriſt is therefore called the great Shepherd, becauſe he appoints other ſhepherds under him to feed the flock. 'Tis the duty of Chriſts ſheep to adhere to theſe ſhepherds, and to reject all others though they come in Chriſts Name. This hath been the practiſe of Chriſts ſheep heretofore, John 10 5, 8. The ſheep did not heare him. So Cant. 1. 7. Why ſhould I be as one that turneth aſide by the flocks of thy companions? Who are thoſe companions p. 278of Chriſt? falſe ſhepherds who come in Chriſts Name, pretending themſelves to be the companions of Chriſt, when indeed they are nothing leſſe. 'Tis the caſting off (as much as lieth in us) the Authority of the great Shepherd, to make to our ſelves, or to follow an… …ther ſhepherds then what Chriſt ſends. But how ſhall we know ſuch ſhepherds as are ſent of Chriſt?

Firſt, If they preach Chriſts Doctrine, and that onelyonly. He that preacheth that Doctrine that Chriſt never taught, is no ſhepherd ſent of Chriſt.

Secondly, …f … b… according to Chriſts life. He that live … to the life of Chriſt, is not really to be look… …on as a ſhepherd of Chriſt.

Thirdly, If he enter in according to Chriſts Rule. He that entreth not in by the doore into the ſheep-fold, but climb…th up ſome other wa…, the ſame i… a thief and a …obber. They are our Saviours own words, John 10 1. 2. We reade in Scripture but of two wayes of ſending ſhepherds by Chriſt; the one was by immediate commiſſion, as Prophets, Apoſtl…s, Evangeliſts were ſent. This kinde of Miſſion was ever accompanied with extraordinary gifts, either of miracles, or foretellin… things to come; whoſoever will plead this call, muſt ſhew it by extraordinary qualifications. The other according to eſlabliſhed Goſpel Rule from Chriſt, by the Miniſtery of the Church, viz. by Ordination thorough the impoſition of the hands … Presbyters, of which we read…, Tit 1. … 1 Tim. 5. 22. 1 Tim. 4. 14. Acts 13. init. Acts 14. 23. I ſhall ſay but p. 279this one thing to ſet this duty upo… … Chriſts bleſſing cannot be expected to … long with thoſe ſhepherds which he never created, Ierem. 23. 32. They ſhall not profit this people at all. 'Tis ſpiritual theevery for any man to make himſelf a ſhepherd after his own fancy, and to heare ſuch, is to be acceſſory to this ſpiritual theft, John 10 8.

3. In all things carry your ſelves as the ſheep of this Shepherd.

Firſt, Heare his voice. John 10. 3.

Secondly, Love his pastures. Rejoyce in, and be thankful for that way of feeding, which he hath eſtabliſhed in his Church. Chriſt could have appointed a more externally glorious way of feeding his ſheep: but this plaine way of feeding is moſt for his glory, beſt for your good. The Miniſtery of men beſt ſuites with the feeding of men.

Thirdly, Bring forth fruit to him. Who feedeth a flock and ea…e…h not of the milk of the flock, 1 Corinth. 9. …? Do Chriſt what ſervice you are able. This Shepherd hath bought you with his blood, and he ſeeds you with his blood: ſo great a ſhepherd ſhould have great increaſe of his ſheep.

Fourthly, Know him. 'Tis the honour of Chriſts ſheep that they are known of him, and it is their property, that they know him, Iohn 10. 14. You muſt not onelyonly know him in his natures, offices, &c. but you muſt acknowledg him. When he is reviled, reproached, oppoſed, yet then muſt the ſheep acknowledge him. When it's death to own him, yet then p. 280… you …dly, openly acknowledge him. He that will not acknowledge the great Shepherd here, ſhall not be acknowledged by him as a ſheep hereafter.

Fifthly, reject not thoſe ſhepherds which he ſends, 1 Iohn 4 6. Luke 10. 16.

II. For Conſolation. This Title of Chriſt the great Shepherd, is very comfortable for every ſheep.

1. That he will provide ſubordinate ſhepherds. Though Chriſt be the great Shepherd, yet the Church wants ſubordinate ſhepherds. He feeds the ſheep not immediately, but by the Miniſtery of inferior ſhepherds. Now he that gave them will preſerve them. He will continue them, he will encreaſe their gifts, he will bleſſe them with ſucceſſe. For your good he hath given them, for your good he will uphold them; onelyonly you muſt by prayer importune him ſo to do. The earneſt prayer of the ſheep to the great Shepherd, will procure a bleſſing upon the endeavour of the ſubordinate ſhepherds.

2. In caſe of your preſent weakneſſes. Chriſt is a healing Shepherd. You are weak, infirme, ready to miſcarry. Well, know this for your Comfort, that Chriſt the great Shepherd will heale your wounds, will conſider your infirmities. No ſheep are more carefully tendred by the ſhepherd then the weak and wounded ſheep, Eſay 40. 11. He ſhall gather the lambs with his ar…e, and carry them in his boſome, and ſhall gently lead them that are with young. And then

3. In caſe of wandrings and ſtraglings. You are ready to runne from the fold; you wander thorough your ignorance and blindeneſſe. Well, the great Shepherd will gather you with his Arm; his Arme is very long, he …an … ever the ſhepherd wil do for … will do for you. But I am unworthy, … that made you ſheep when you were … will not ſuffer you to want any thing that is needful for ſheep. Though you be unworthy to be uſed like ſheep, yet Chriſt is ſo faithful, that he will fulfil towards you all the duties of a good Shepherd. He is a good Shepherd, as well as a great Shepherd, Iohn 10. 11.