waste, but to preserve our very remnants for future use : on the other hand, let our wants be ever so great, we should never doubt but he will supply us in the time of need.]
2. In a religious view —
[Who does not see in the conduct of this multitude how we should seek the Lord ? Did they press upon him thus for the sake of obtaining healing for their bodies, and shall not we for the healing of our souls ? Did they forget the very neces- sities of nature that they might reap the benefit of his instruc- tions, and shall we account any self-denial too great for the obtaining of grace and peace at his hands ? I do not indeed think it necessary, or even right, for us to neglect our worldly callings as they did. They could not otherwise have gained access to our blessed Lord, whose august character fully authorized and called for those extraordinary attentions: whereas we have access to him at all times in his ordinances, and may therefore easily make our attendance on him con- sistent with the discharge of all our relative and social duties. But in heart and affection we may well " leave all to follow him :" nor should our own carnal ease or worldly interests ever be suffered to detain us from him, or to interfere with the concerns of our souls.
Here, too, we see what we may expect at his hands. See how richly he fed that whole multitude : and will he withhold " the bread of life" from you? Will he not abundantly supply all of you out of his own inexhaustible fulness ? Methinks you are here waiting upon him, and seated, as it were, before him to receive at his hands the communications of his grace : and here am I dispensing to you the bread of life according to his command. True, it is but barley bread that you receive : yet shall you find it sufficient for all your necessities, if only you receive it as from Him, and feed upon it as the food of your souls. You are told that, when " Jesus took the loaves and fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed them, and then brake and gave them to the disciples, and through the disciples to the multitude. Now, if you will beg of him to bless your provision also that is now dispensed by me, what may you not hope for ? Truly your souls shall be fed, yea, and nourished too, unto life eternal. And see that multitude when dismissed to their homes : was there one amongst them that did not adore and magnify their glorious Benefactor ? O that it may be so with you at this time ! that not one soul may be sent empty away, but every one of you depart refreshed and strengthened for all your future labours! Even so, Amen and Amen.]