Page:Tracts for the Times Vol 1.djvu/410

 "He that calleth his sheep by name;" that is, he knows them so well, as to know all their wants.

"He goeth before them, and they follow him." He leads such a life, as they may safely follow.

"A stranger will they not follow;" that is, they ought not to follow such as break Catholic Unity.

"I am the door." It is by, not by us, that the flock is kept in safety; without Him, we can do nothing; neither by our learning, our eloquence, or our labours:—This is to rob of the glory of saving His sheep; and to enter into the ministry, only to plunder the Church of her revenues.

"The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep;" either by spending it in the ministry; or suffering, if there be occasion; never sacrificing the flock to his own ease, avarice, or humours.

"The hireling careth not for the sheep." He lords it over them, makes what advantage he can of them, and counts them his own no longer than they are profitable to him. "He leaves them," that is, when dangers threaten. Then the good shepherd and the hireling are discovered.

Heb. v. 4. "No man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of, as was Aaron."

Heb. v. 2.……"High Priest, who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way." A pastor, who is sensible of his own infirmities, will not fail to treat sinners with meekness and compassion.

Heb. xiii. 17. "They watch for your souls, as they that must give account." A most dreadful consideration this; insomuch as that St. Chrysostom said, upon reflecting upon it, "It is a wonder if any ruler in the Church be saved." It will be work enough for every man to give an account for himself; but to stand charged, and to be accountable for many others, who can think of it without trembling? O ! how presumptuous was I, to be persuaded to take upon me this charge!

Who will value himself upon ecclesiastical dignities, who considers that Judas was chosen to be an Apostle?

O Good Shepherd! I beseech Thee, for myself and for my flock, to seek us, to find us, to lead us, to defend us, and to preserve us to life eternal.