Thus, you perceive, if we analyze the Apostles' feelings, instead of admiring them as suited to the occasion, we shall condemn them as altogether unworthy of their Christian character.]
For the regulation of our own conduct, let us learn from their astonishment,
II. What lessons it should teach us —
This is a subject which I consider as of very great importance to the Church of God. Were it a mere arbitrary construction of mine, it might be supposed that I carried the matter too far, and dealt too harshly with the Apostles in my censures of them. But the censure is passed by God himself: and by it he instructs us,
1. What is the proper measure of our expecta- tions—
[We are apt, in our expectations from God, to take into consideration the difficulties that are to be surmounted, and our unworthiness of the blessing which we implore at his hands : and from these two considerations we are apt to doubt his effectual interposition in our behalf. But, instead of giving weight to such considerations as those, we ought rather to reflect on what God has done ; and to make his past mercies the standard by which to regulate our future expectations. I need his power. And what proof has he given of its suffi- ciency for me? He has created the universe, and by one act of his power called it into existence. Then I take it as an un- questionable truth, that nothing is impossible with him, and that I can be in no state whatever in which he cannot afford me effectual relief h. I need also his grace. And what has he done that will give me any just idea of his grace ? He has given his only dear Son out of his bosom, to assume my nature, and bear my sins, and, by the sacrifice of himself to restore me to his favour. Shall I then limit the extent of his grace to me in other matters ? The Apostle says, " He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things'?" This argument is sound and conclusive ; and precisely such as the Disciples should have used on the occasion before us : ' We have seen within these few hours the stupendous miracle of the loaves ; and, having seen that, we shall wonder at no other exercise of his power or grace that he shall be pleased to vouchsafe unto
h Isai. xl. 28, 29. » Rom. viii. 32.