Special and chosen sermons of D. Martin Luther collected out of his writings and…

This is a most amiable demonstration of our Christ, described by himself in this Gospel, wherein he hath most abundantly poured forth the flames of his most fervent heart, and affection toward us, showing that he hath exceeding great care and regard to recover his sheep, which alone leaving ninety and nine he seeketh and enquireth diligently for, not to terrify it and beat it, but that he may help it, and having found it, may bring it home, and with his loving and sweet voice and speaking unto it may cheer it being miserable and afflicted in conscience. By all which thou seest, how acceptable a thing thou shalt do unto ⟨p. 118⟩him, if thou trust and cleave unto him with thy whole heart, and promise to thy self from him all goodness and love.

This is a most amiable demonstration of our Christ, described by himselfe in this Gospell, wherein he hath most aboundantly poured forth the flames of his most feruent heart, and affection toward vs, shewing that he hath exceeding great care and regard to recouer his shepe, which alone leauing ninety and nine he seeketh and enquireth diligently for, not to terrifie it and beate it, but that he may helpe it, and hauing found it, may bring it home, and with his louing and sweete voice and speaking vnto it may chere it being miserable and afflicted in conscience. By all which thou seest, how acceptable a thing thou shalt do vnto ⟨p. 118⟩him, if thou truste and cleaue vnto him with thy whole heart, and promise to thy selfe from him all goodnes and loue.

Secondly thou plainly seest this also, how by all manner of outward signs & means he poureth forth his joy and unspeakable goodness, and also having found his sheep how loving he showeth himself. For surely he dealeth not with it by any law, as by his right he might deal, and drive it before him as he doth the rest, or suffer it to go by him. Howbeit he doth none of these, but layeth it upon his shoulders, and all the journey carieth it through the desert, taking all the labour and trouble upon himself, that at the lest wise the sheep may rest. Neither doth he it grudgingly but willingly, for he is full of joy for his sheep recovered. Now mark this also, how well it goeth with the sheep, with how great quietness and ease it lieth on his shepherds shoulders, neither doth it unwillingly see it self resting so sweetly being delivered from the difficulty of the journey, as also void of all fear both of dogs and wolves, that is, of all errors and lies, yea and of all perils and mischiefs. And this surely deserveth to be called a very pleasant picture, exceeding amiable and comfortable to be looked upon.