JESUS CHRIST.

SECT. 20.

Jefus, on the return of his Apofiles, withdrew with them -fed five thousand by a miracle-retired from the multitude-walked on the fea-stilled the tempeft— taught in the fynagogue at Capernaum-cavilled at by the Jews, and forfaken by many difciples.

As we advance in the profecution of our defign, and contemplate the wonderful acts of the Son of man, we meet with additional proofs of his high dignity, and the perfection of his character. If we fix our attentive regard on this bright Luminary, fuch beams of glory will break forth upon us, as will fill, and almost overpower, the foul with an admiration of his excellency,'

When the Apostles returned from the circuit, on which they were fent, they brought back to their Lord an account of their miniftry, of the miracles they had performed, and the doctrines they had taught *. Immediately he withdrew with them into a folitary place, that they might be relieved from their fatigue, and, probably, that they might retire for the purpofes of devotion. This was the more neceffary, as the vaft crowds of people around them allowed then no leifure. It is expedient for all, efpecially for those

fat. xiv. 13, &c. Mark vi. 30, &c. Luke ix. 10, &c. John

who

who are actively employed in the facred functions of religion, to fecure fome moments to themselves, by retreating from their public engagements, that both their minds and bodies may be recruited.

To obtain the defired privacy, he passed over a part of the fea of Galilee; and great multitudes, who had observed his departure, followed him with much eagerness," because they faw his miracles." They were induced to attend him, through astonishment or curiosity; at least, we fear, by no better motive. The compaffionate Jefus, however, upon coming to the fhore, where they were ready to receive him, could not look upon them without feeling the most tender concern for their ftate, remarking, as he had done on a former occafion, that "they were as fheep not having a fhepherd." On this account, foregoing his intended reft, he began to renew his labours amongst them, and went up with them to a mountain, that he might be heard with convenience; where he opened to them the nature of his kingdom, and manifested his power, by reftoring health and vigour to them that were difeafed. Bleffed Jefus! we beseech thee ftill to look with pity "on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way." How immenfe are their numbers, and how wretched is their condition! Stretch out thine arm to recover them from the paths of error, and reveal thy glories to them. Inftruct them in thy truth, and take them into thy fold, as the fheep of thy pasture.

At the clofe of the day, the difciples would have difmiffed the people, as they had no ftock of provifions for them. But Jefus, unwilling to fend them away without refrefhment, defired that fome food might be given them. Accordingly, at his word preparations were made, in order to furnish them an entertainment. They were all marshalled in ranks, and fet down in the open air upon the grafs. whence fhall a fufficient quantity of meat be procured

But

Créolarge a inde; as there were prefent five trand men, belse women and children? This was dende a favore trai of the faith of his difciples, 2017 Corralle more than five loaves and two

1 Bass. Thefe, however, were brought forth, an, in the hands of Jets, by an all-creating power, t., were fo mit plied, as to be more than enough ty Lusty the whole compa y. "They did all eat,

d were filled;" and, when the fragments were collected, it was found that fuch had been the miraculous increase, that the remainder far exceeded the original Lore of proviflors.

What a grandeur do we perceive in this entertainwent, farrañag that which attends the most fumptuo is tables of princes! What a fervour of devotion eared in the great Mafter of the feaft, while he Boked up in prayer for the divine blessing, and thereby taught the people to expect their food from Heaven! What an exalted majefty, mixed with the txeeteit condefcenfion, diftinguithed his behaviour! Was not every one, then, ftruck with admiration, and difp, fed to revere and love him? They concluded without heitation, and they concluded rightly, "This is of a truth that Prophet, that should come into the werid."

Do we draw the fame inference? There are ftrong and convincing reafons, which fhould lead us to it. When we compare the ancient predictions of the Meffiah with the various parts of the life and characof Jets, we must allow their accomplishment in nd mamtain that he is indeed the promised SaYet it is poffible, that the evidence may conto affent to the fact, even while we refuse to this Prophet all that regard, which his high mands from us. eneration, fitting at his feet, and looking to Are we, then, with prouction? Do we understand, or credit, the he has brought from heaven? Are

we

we not frangely perverfe and infatuated, if we acknowledge him to be the Teacher of Ifrael, the Christ of God, and yet remain unconcerned about his doctrine? Either fay at once, He is a bafe impoftor, which few will dare to affert; or elfe, bow with unfeigned fubmiffion to him, and pray, "Shew me thy ways, O Lord, and teach me thy paths. Make known to me the glorious truths of thy falvation; and speak effectually to my heart, for thy fervant heareth."

Or, allowing his facred character, are we afraid to follow him? The miracle, we have confidered, is calculated to fix and confirm our dependence upon him, as able to provide for our fupport, and exercifing a tender care for our bodies as well as fouls. If we are ever so neceffitous, we perceive with what eafe he can multiply our ftore. In a thousand ways, which we cannot forefee, he can furnish our tables with plenty. This very inftruction was meant to be conveyed to us; and accordingly, the difciples were afterwards reproved, for not remembering the extraornary occurrence to better purpose, when they were apprehenfive of wanting bread to eat *. Let us learn, then, to "caft all our care upon him," believing that he will "feed us with food convenient for us."

The aftonifhed multitude, concluding him to be the Mefliah, and expecting, agreeably to their carnal notions, that he would fet up a temporal dominion, were defirous immediately to inveft him with regal honours. But, fo far from entertaining any ambitious defigns, or difcovering any oftentation, he took pains to avoid public notice and applaufe, and therefore he withdrew from them. He directed his difciples, alfo, to depart, and to cross the lake to Bethfaida, perhaps that he might prevent them from favouring the foolish withes of the people. In the

mean time he himself retired to a mountain for prayer, and spent the chief part of the night in his private devotions. Ah! how unlike to him are thofe of his profeffed followers, who are folicitous to procure and preferve the pomp and power of this prefent world! Or what refemblance to the holy Jefus do thofe bear, who have no relifh for religious folitude, and can fpare no time for the exalted purpose of maintaining communion with God?

The difciples were on the fea, where they were overtaken by a ftorm, and toffed about, for many hours together, upon the boisterous waves. Their fituation was diftreffing; the night was dark, the water tempeftuous, the wind violent and contrary: they had spent their ftrength in vain with rowing; dangers threatened them; and their dear Lord and Mafter was abfent from them. Jefus, however, could not be unmindful of them: he knew their difficulties, and drew near for their help. He had been retired till near the morning; but then he came to them "walking upon the fea," that he might convince them of their perfect fafety under his protection, and encourage them to face every storm in his fervice, while they faw the deep itfelf at his command.

So ftrange was the fight, that, as they imagined it was not poffible for a real human body to be fupported by the waves, they concluded it was an apparition, and gave way to perplexing fears. But he, to relieve them from their diftrefs, graciously revealed himself to them, faying, " Be of good cheer; it is I; e not afraid." This was enough The found of his ice, fpeaking comfort to them in fuch awful cirinftances, revived and cheered their hearts. Peter pofed, that he alfo fhould be able to walk on the ifterou, if his Lord would permit him to atleave, which he rafhly folicited, was

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› forwardness might be checked, by le weakness of his principles. When

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