Hints to Preachers

Verse 1.—Work out the similitude of a shepherd and his sheep. He rules, guides, feeds, and protects them; and they follow, obey, love, and trust him. Examine as to whether we are sheep; show the lot of the goats who feed side by side with the sheep.

Verse 1 (second clause).—The man who is beyond the reach of want for time and eternity.

Verse 2 (first clause).—Believing rest. I. Comes from God—“He maketh.” II. Is deep and profound—“lie down.” III. Has solid sustenance—“in green pastures.” IV. Is subject for constant praise.

Verse 2.—The contemplative and the active element provided for.

Verse 2.—The freshness and richness of Holy Scripture.

Verse 2 (second clause).—Onward. The Leader, the way, the comforts of the road, and the traveller in it.

Verse 3.—Gracious restoration, holy guidance, and divine motives.

Verse 4.—The soft silence of the Spirit’s work.

Verse 4.—God’s presence the only sure support in death.

Verse 4.—Life in death and light in darkness.

Verse 4 (second clause).—The calm and quiet of the good man’s end.

Verse 4 (last clause).—The tokens of divine government—the consolation of the obedient.

Verse 5.—The warrior feasted, the priest anointed, the guest satisfied.

Verse 5 (last clause).—The means and uses of the continued anointings of the Holy Spirit.

Verse 5.—Providential super-aboundings, and what is our duty concerning them.

Verse 6 (first clause).—The blessedness of content.

Verse 6.—On the road and at home, or heavenly attendants and heavenly mansions.