WE observed outside Rome, on the Appian Way, a shepherd leading his flock to the place of safety for the night. The flock hastened after him, and one of the great white dogs of the Campagna kept guard at the rear of the sheep. The shepherd was leading a sheep at his side, which had a rope tied round its neck, and the peculiar sight led us to question our companion.
“The shepherd," said he, "is by means of the leading-string training that sheep to walk at his heels. Here the bell-sheep follows close to the shepherd, and the flock follows close to the bell-sheep. Certain sheep are selected for bell-sheep, and they are regularly trained to their duty. Should the chosen sheep prove itself unfit for its position, it is set aside, and another is selected for the place. The shepherd of a large flock will have three or four sheep trained to this service. These bell-sheep the shepherd calls by name, and they know his voice, so that even after dark he has no difficulty in leading them. The flock follows the sound of the bells, and the large white dogs of the Campagna keep the flock in safety as they bring up the rear.”
This pleasant little episode gives quite a fresh idea to us on the honor of being a bell-sheep! We usually associate the distinction with extra power in leadership, but the Italian shepherd gives us to attach the power to his own voice in keeping these pre-eminent sheep close to his side. The true bell-sheep in the flock of God will surely be the one who follows the most closely the steps of the Lord and obeys most readily the voice of the Good Shepherd.
What a beautiful succession it would be in the flock of God—the Chief Shepherd going first, followed by the distinguished of the flock, swift in obeying His voice and making His Word their guide even when the darkness of the hour prevented them seeing the Shepherd; He leading His flock for the good of every sheep composing it, and the music of the bells of the selected leaders telling the flock the way the Shepherd leads!