Section 586
I. To a flock of sheep, and to their teeth, for their harmlessness and innocence
They are sent forth by Christ as "sheep among wolves;" and so they live like sheep, useful to many, but hurtful to none; live harmless and inoffensive lives, though exposed to a variety of evils, for the sake of Christ and his gospel: "they are counted as sheep for the slaughter;" and yet, like sheep, they patiently bear all without murmuring, in imitation of their dear Lord, who was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and like the sheep before her shearers, is dumb, so he opened not his mouth (Isaiah 53:7).