A26799:52
The peace-maker, or, Two farewell-sermons preached at St. Dunstans in the West, London, August…The peace-maker, or, Two farewel-sermons preached at St. Dunstans in the West, London, August…
The peace-maker, or, Two farewell-sermons preached at St. Dunstans in the West, London, August the 17th, 1662, by William Bates.The peace-maker, or, Two farewel-sermons preached at St. Dunstans in the West, London, August the 17th, 1662, by William Bates.
S.l. : s.n., 1662
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
(4) He is the great Shepherd, if you consider his power to preserve them from danger; not only those dangers which respect Satan, (for that fell under his care before) but those diseases to which they are liable, which threaten ruin: Other Shepherds possibly may cure diseases, but not defend them from danger. Christ it is that gives eternal life to his sheep, he begins the life of holiness, which though at present is but as a spark in the Sea, yet he keeps it alive till it shall break forth into a triumphant flame. That life that is encompassed with so many enemies, and liable to so many weaknesses, the Lord Jesus will bring forth judgment to victory, and will make them to be powerful over spiritual and eternal enemies.
(4) He is the great Shepheard, if you consider his power to preserve them from danger; not only those dangers which respect Satan, (for that fell under his care before) but those diseases to which they are liable, which threaten ruine: Other Shepheards possibly may cure diseases, but not defend them from danger. Christ it is that gives eternal life to his sheep, he begins the life of holiness, which though at present is but as a spark in the Sea, yet he keeps it alive till it shall break forth into a triumphant flame. That life that is encompassed with so many enemies, and liable to so many weaknesses, the Lord Jesus will bring forth judgment to victory, and will make them to be powerful over spiritual and eternal enemies.
The sum is this: The Lord Christ is so perfect a Shepherd, so complete, as to all the qualifications of that office, that the Prophet David breaks forth into exultation, (Psal. 23.) The Lord is my Shepherd, &c. and then afterwards expresses all those provisions which are made for him by God as a Shepherd, He makes me to lie down in green Pastures, he leadeth me beside the still waters. So that you see, Christ, whether for diligence, love, tenderness, for preserving us from danger, for securing us to life eternal, he is only the great Shepherd; he is the God of shepherds, as well as the God of sheep, and all other shepherds are but inferior to him, and must be accountable to him for the souls of his sheep, which are more valuable than all the world.