July 13

PART III.—Matthew 14:15—21.

HAVING noticed the plain facts connected with this astounding narrative, let us now consider the leading traits of the miracle itself. First we observe that it was a divine miracle. No power less than that of Jehovah could possibly have effected it. If it requires the blessing of God to make the seed take root in the earth, to grow, and thus supply the wants of the sower, was it not as obviously necessary, that the same omnipotence should be exerted, in multiplying a few cakes and two fishes, so as to form an abundant supply for several thousands of hungry persons. O yes, every one must have been convinced, that in this was displayed the finger of God. This was also a benevolent miracle. Indeed all Christ's miracles except one were of this description. He came not to curse, but to bless; not to destroy, but to save. He did once curse, but it was merely a tree, a barren tree, one utterly worthless, one which was without a proprietor, and therefore none could be injured by it. No, he exerted not his power to scatter desolation, terror, and death, but blessings, happiness, and life. The people before him began to feel a necessity for food, and he who had made them, and whose large and munificent hand supplies the wants of every creature was bountifully opened unto them. Then the miracle was obvious and incontrovertible. There could not be any deception practised upon them: they saw the five loaves and two fishes, they witnessed while he blessed, and brake, and supplied the disciples with them, and they all ate, and they were all filled, and perfectly satisfied, so that they had all that demonstration could present, of the reality of the miracle wrought. Those who may dispute its authenticity, had better try to deceive five thousand hungry persons by some pretended miracle, and if they succeed, then this also may be doubted. But of all the miracles Christ wrought none were more self-evident and palpable than this, — they saw, they ate, and were filled.