May God Himself expound this precious word to our hearts! Does He lead the flock to green pastures? Yes, but that is not the thought here. You do not lie down to feed, but to rest. He first serves the needy soul, then maketh him to lie down, because he is satisfied.

He knows my restlessness, and the strength and the activity of nature.

The blood of Christ has set you down in God's most holy presence,-not as a beggar, but as a worshiper. Here, then, it is not standing, for that would speak of service; nor walking, for that would tell of journeying; nor sitting, that would be to learn; but you lie down, happy and contented; it is the figure of calm, quiet, full repose.

Then He leads the sheep beside still waters, or waters of quietness, for it is the joy of the Shepherd to conduct the troubled hearts of His own into peaceful scenes of communion. There, the flock, under the watchful eye, and guided by the skillful hand of the Shepherd, are led along the banks of that river where neither wave nor ripple disturb the ransomed of the Lord. Yet a little while, and the banks of the river of life, with its ever-summer fruit, will be trod by the unwearied feet of the flock. "They shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy."