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from the presence of the Lord." For it is written, "Whosoever shall be ashamed of me, and of my words, in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

30. And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.

31. And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure, so much as to

eat.

32. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

33. And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and out went them, and came together unto him.

34. And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

Yet there were those in Judea, whose business it was to lead and tend the flock.

So remarkably were the words of Ezekiel verified: "Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds: The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have bound up ye that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost: but ith cruelty have ye ruled them. attered because there is no shepame meat to all the beasts of

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the field, when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.

"Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David : he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd." 2

Yes, "he shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." For he is "the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."

Only let it be seen, that we answer the description of his flock. "They hear his voice, and he knows them, and they follow him.” 4

? Ezek. xxxiv. 4, &c. 3 Is. xl. 11. ↑ John x. 11, 27.

Matt.xiv. 15-21. Luke ix. 12-18. John vi. 5-14.

LECTURE LXXXVIII.

FIVE THOUSAND FED IN THE WILDERNESS. JESUS CALMS THE FEARS OF HIS DISCIPLES. MANY SICK PERSONS HEALED.

MARK. vi. 35–56.

35. And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed.

36. Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread; for they have nothing to eat.

37. He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?

38. He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two

fishes.

39. And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.

40. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.

41. And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.

42. And they did all eat, and were filled.

43. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.

44. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.

This miracle is recorded by all the Evangelists; with the intention, surely, that we should derive encouragement and comfort from it. And we

may justly derive comfort: for as Jesus showed so much consideration for the temporary and bodily wants of those around him, how certain may we feel that he will supply the spiritual need of all who follow him? He has "ascended up on high, and received gifts for men," that he may give them grace for grace," and fill them with his fulness, and

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pour out his spirit upon them." 1

45. And straightway he constrained his disciples to get Matt. xvi. into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Beth-22-36. saida, while he sent away the people.

46. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

47. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.

48. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.

49. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

50. For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

51. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

52. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.

Ps. lxviii. 18. Compare Eph. iv. 18.

John vi. 15-21.

This passage of history may afford an useful subject of reflection.

Observe, first, the groundless alarm of the disciples. When they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: for they all saw him and were troubled. Quickly, however, he made himself known to them; gently reproving them while he calmed their fears, which implied a doubt of his protection. Immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship, and the wind ceased.

This assurance, it is I, be not afraid, is the abiding comfort of the sincere Christian; of those who, like the apostles, have followed the Redeemer and devoted themselves to him. Faith places them under his protecting care, and nothing can befall them in which he is not concerned.

They are not free from the troubles and the trials of life; they suffer them like other men; the wind may be contrary, as to the disciples in this voyage; they may be forced to toil in rowing: but they have a security and a comfort peculiar to themselves. Perhaps they are deprived of their dearest friends; the desire of their eyes is taken from them, and they seem to be left alone in the world. Perhaps they are afflicted with hardships; poverty weighs them down; or it becomes difficult for them to serve God without offending man, and risking the loss of all their earthly good. What ever their sorrows are, and who can reckon up all the sorrows which encompass us in this world of trouble!—their Lord is nigh them though they

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