"I have gone astray like a lost sheep." Psalms 119:176

THIS is the humble confession of a man of God, and may not we adopt it as our own this morning? Have not we also gone astray? Does not this display our weakness? How weak to wander from so kind a Shepherd, so rich a pasture, so good a fold! Is it not a mark of inattention? Jesus hath warned and cautioned us against it in His word. Is it not a proof of our ingratitude? Oh, how ungrateful to forsake Him after so many favours, such rich blessings, such tokens of unmerited kindness! Does it not betray our folly?--to go from good to bad, from safety to danger, from plenty to want and wretchedness. Oh, the power of corruption! the deceitfulness of the human heart! Lord, seek Thy servants, for we do not forget Thy commandments. We smart for our folly; we grieve over our sin; we desire to return; restore us to Thy fold, to the enjoyment of Thy favour; and enable us to delight ourselves in Thy ways. Jesus, Shepherd of the sheep, bring us back from all our wanderings, and keep us near Thyself; for why should we turn aside from Thy flock and fold?

Thou know'st the way to bring me back. My fallen spirit to restore Oh, for Thy truth and mercy's sake, Forgive, and bid me sin no more: The ruins of my soul repair, And make my heart a house of prayer.