and that which was driven away I will bring again: and I will bind up that which was broken; and I will strengthen that which is weak, and that which is fat and strong I will preserve, and I will feed them in judgment." (Ezech. xxxiv. 11.) Such is the Shepherd who invites you to receive Him.
III. It is your duty to take care that there be nothing in your soul which may offend this pure and all-seeing Shepherd. Purify yourself, therefore, from all sin, and divest yourself of all affections to sin. Besides, He says, " My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." (John x. 27.) Listen then to Him, and obey Him, in order that you may ever remain in His fold.
MONDAY.
Christ Appears to Seven Disciples. — I.
I. " There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas, and Nathanael." (John xxi. 2.) Peter invites them to fish, and they all show a readiness to accompany him: "We also come with thee." This is an emblem of that union which ought to exist among evangelical laborers, whom Christ pronounces to be "fishers of men." The disciples employ themselves in this occupation, both to relieve their poverty and want, and to prevent idleness. Imitate their example; and know that every descendant of Adam is destined some way or other " to eat his bread by the sweat of his brow;" and that idleness is the root of every evil.
II. " They labored all night and caught nothing." Thus human industry is ever vain, unless blessed with the divine concurrence. " Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." (Ps. cxxvi. 1.) This Is chiefly the case in regard to the conversion of souls,
