world by mrans of his Church. Let us all learn our high vocation and our solemn re~ponsibilities. 2. lle takes his place at the head of the "table spread in the wilderness," as Father of the family; for "he gave thanks" before the clistri bution. VJ. 'l'BJII MIRACULOUS MULTIPLICATION OF THE IlREAD AND THE FISIIES. 1. The disciples miglit doubtingly and sparingly begin to distrioute, but they woulu lind each one's portion increase in his hands, till group after group was provided. 2. The people "were filled." 'l'he satisfaction of appetite was an undoubted fact. How clearly this food symbolizes tho Brend of Life as adapted for the whole race of mnn I VII. MARK THE ECONOl!Y SUGGESTED IlY OUR Lono's COMMA~D. "Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." 1. A gift so preci= ancl obtained so mysteri()'ll,Sly was not to be u-asted. 2. Our Lord gathered the fragments, perhaps, for the use of his disciples in coming days. VIII. EFFECT OF THE MIRACLE ON THE MULTITUDE. 1. They recognize him as a Prophet of God; for they said," This is of a truth that Prophet that cometh into the world." 2. They are prepared to recognize him as King ef Israel. "Jesus therefore, perceiving that they were about to draw near and seize him to make him King, withdrew again to the mountain alone." 3. They imagined he was the destined Deliverer of Israel from the Roman yoke, and were prepared to support his claims to a temporal monarchy. 4. Our Lord anticipated, and therefore prevented their design by withdrawing from tlie crowd. 5. He passed the night, as the synoptists tell us, in prayer, on the mountain, after this day of exhausting toil and effort. Prayer restores the vigour of the wearied spirit. Vers. 16--21.-Ohi·ist walking on the sea. Our Lord had sent the disciples across to Capernaum, to detach them from the influence of the excited multitude. I. THE DISCIPLES EXPOSED TO DANGER ON THE LAKE. "And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. .And the sea was agitated by a great wind that blew.'' 1. The sea of Galilee was often exposed to dangerous storms. 2. The darkness of the night must have intensified the/ears of the disciples. 3. The absence of Jesus must have made them feel their helplessness. 4. They were not relieved till the danger had reached its highest point. 'l'he boat had now reached the middle of the lake; " they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty stadia." .As it was about six miles across, the boat was therefore in the middle of the lake. II. CHRIST'S SUDDEN INTERVENTION. "They see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.'' 1. Nothing will keep Christ from his people in their hour of danger. 2. He is superior to winds and waves. He can walk on the surface of the water; he can still the winds. 3. The words of Jesus still the fears of his people. "It is I; be not afraid." His gracious presence supports us in all risks and in all alllictions. 4. The willingness of the disciples to receive Jems in their distress. "Then they were willing to receive him into the ship.'' How dear he is in the hours of our loneliness, onr desertion, onr helplessne,s ! 5. Jesus dues not leave his disciples till he sees them in absolute safety. "And immediately the ship was at the land whither they were going."
Vera. 22-29.-The dialogue between Jesus and the Jews in the synagogue of Capernaum. The multitude followed our Lord on the following d:i.y across to Capernaum. I, JESUS DISCLOSES TO TIIEH THE SELFISH MOTIVES THAT GOVEnNED TIIEIIl CO~DUCT. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw signs, but because yo ate of those loaves, and were filled." 1. Jesus lcnew the hearts of men. 2. He exposes their inward character with an tmshrinl.-ing boldness. 3. How seldom is Christ sought for his own sake I 'l'he Jews followed him for selfish ends, for mere worldly advantage. Lange says, "Instead of seeing in the bread the sign, in the sign they beheld only the brend." Their search after Jesus, therefore, had a pre-eminently unspiritual character. II. JESUS DIBECTB THEM TO TllE 'l'RUE WAY OF SEEKING Ill.M. "Work not for the food which perisheth, but for the food which endureth in life eternal." 1. He does not counsel any neglect of the due discharge of our daily calling. .All men must work for "the ment that perisheth." "If any man will not work, neither let him ent." 2i8 THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. [orr. v1. 1-7L