age, have taken this view of the passage. Even Grotius, cold and rationalistic as his tone of exposition too frequently is, puts a figurative sense on several circumstances of the passage. Other expositors, of a more figurative and imaginative turn of mind, go into heights and depths, where I cannot pretend to follow them. I shall content myself with pointing out the more obvious spiritual lessons which I think the passage waa probably meant to convey.
{a) I think that Christ's remarkable appearance to the disci- ples, when they were in the act of fishing, was meant to remind them and the whole Church of the primary duty of ministers. They were doing work which was strikingly em- blematic of their calling. They were to be " fishers of men."
(&) I think the want of success in catching fish which the disciples had, until the Lord appeared, was meant to teach that without Christ's presence and blessing ministers can do nothing.
(c) I think the marvellous success which attended the cast of the net, when Christ gave the command, was meant to teach that, when Christ is pleased to give success to ministers, noth- ing can prevent souls being brought into the Gospel net, con- verted and saved.
(d) I think the drawing of the net to shore at last, was meant to remind the disciples and all ministers, of what will happen when the Lord comes again. The work of the Church will be completed, and the reckoning of results will take place.
(e) I think the dinner prepared and provided for the disci- ples, when the net was drawn to the shore, was meant to re- mind ministers that there will be the great " marriage supper of the Lamb " at last, when Christ Himself shall welcome His faithful servants and ministers, and " come forth and serve them." (Luke xii. 37.)
(/) T think, besides this, that the respective positions of the disciples and Christ, when they first saw Him, may possible/ be intended to represent the respective positions of Christ and His people during this dispensation. They were on the water of the sea. He was looking at them from the land. Just so Christ is In heaven looking at us, and we are voyaging over the troublous waters of this world.
(g) Finally, I think that our Lord's sudden appearing on shore, when the morning broke, may possibly represent our Lord's second advent. " The night is far spent, and the day is at hand." When the morning dawns, Christ will appear.
With these conjectures I leave the passage. They may not commend themselves to some readers. I only say that they appear to me to deserve consideration and reflection.
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