two fishes, although they themselves were fishermen. Observe, how promptly they declare what food they had> without making any allusion to their own wants, or to the impossibility of procuring food in the desert. Learn hence, to be kind and charitable to others and remember the command recorded in the book of Tobias. "According to thy ability be merciful." (Tobias iv. 8.)
III. Consider the order in which the miracle was performed. When the loaves were brought, Christ commanded " the multitude to sit down on the grass." He raises His eyes to heaven, blesses the loaves and fishes, and commands His disciples to distribute them. In the same manner ought you to look up to heaven, before you enjoy the benefits of God, " Who opens His hand and fills every living creature with blessing." (Ps. cxliv. 16.) Hence the virtuous and rational custom of saying grace before meals. Every thing that we enjoy, comes from God, and every action that we perform ought to be done with a feeling that we are in the sight of God% Hence, royal David sings, " Let the just feast and rejoice before God." (Ps. lxvii. 4.)
FRIDAY
The Five Thousand, fed in the Desert.— II.
I. The loaves, by the power of God, were multiplied in the hands of the disciples, so that although they were continually distributing the bread, they always found sufficient remaining. In the same manner, by the prayers of Elias, neither meal nor oil was wanting, although the present provision was daily spent. Who would not willingly serve so bountiful and powerful a Lord, "Who can
