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THE LITTLE FLOCK

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 10, 1860

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 15, No. 25.

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THE LITTLE FLOCK.

By Phidelia L. Philips

AMONG the many remarkable addresses which Christ delivered to his disciples when upon earth, not the least significant was that in which he spoke to them as a little flock. "Fear not, little flock," said he, "it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." How truly were those the words of wisdom, and how evident that He who spake was filled with tenderness. He knew their littleness and weakness. He knew the power and malice of the enemy; but he knew also that their Father was not willing to cast them off, or to suffer them even for a moment to fear that any one could snatch them from the hand of their good Shepherd.
They were a little flock compared with the multitudes who walked not with them; and they were a fearful flock because of the danger to which they were exposed and their consciousness of weakness; but yet they were a beloved flock, precious, even here, in the eyes of the Father whose purpose it was to glorify them in the bestowment of a kingdom, and whose purpose thus avowed made them at once to feel a safe flock; because they knew no one was able to snatch them out of his hand.
"The Father's good pleasure." What a volume of meaning in a single brief expression! Is it the Father's good pleasure to give the kingdom to the followers of Christ? It is. Then who can arise successfully to hinder? Who can ensnare and destroy even one of the sheep of that flock? No one, unless the sheep shall first forsake the Shepherd, and no more heed his voice, or follow in his steps. Companionship with Christ ensures acceptance with God, safe from the great destroyer, and heirship in heaven.
Reader, are you a member of the little flock? If not, come thou to the good Shepherd. Forget not that your safety depends upon your relation to Christ, and heeding his voice. Walk only where he leads you, and you will find that your path lies through green pastures and beside still waters, and that your final resting place will be the kingdom of God.
PHIDELIA L. PHILIPS.
Portage, Ohio.