The Twenty Fourth of May.

I HAVE GONE ASTRAY --- Psalm 119:176.

"I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant." --- Psalm 119:176.

God's Answer: "Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick." --- Ezekiel 34:11, 10.

"He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom." --- Isaiah 40:11.

He that is wise in his own conceit, as philosophers usually are, does not pray, like David, to be sought after and healed, by Jesus Christ; and therefore he continues amidst all his boasted wisdom, deeply ignorant of his fallen nature, and ruined state.

But, as thou hast given me, O thou good Shepherd, to understand my lost and helpless condition; and that, like a wandering sheep, I can neither find myself when lost, nor advise myself how to return, - I beseech thee to seek, heal, lead, feed, carry, and strengthen me also as my various needs require; that I may be able to say with David, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."

My Shepherd will supply my need,
Jehovah is his name;
In pastures fresh he makes me feed,
Beside the living stream.

He brings my wandering spirit back,
When I forsake his ways;
And leads me, for his mercy sake,
In paths of truth and grace.

The sure provisions of my God
Attend me all my days;
Oh may thy house be mine abode,
And all my work be praise!