1. In this provision, see an emblem of Jesus Christ.

It was he who spoke these emphatic words: "I am the true bread-the living bread-the bread of God which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world." Who can estimate the worth of this bread; the preciousness of this Saviour; the vast importance of the life which he communicates to the soul, and which he sustains and consummates? Destitute indeed must have been our condition, perishing with hunger in a desert world, if no such provision had been made-if no such Saviour had been sent! "Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!" And eternal praise to him who "came into the world to save sinners," and who" gave his life a ransom" for the redemption of men! He proclaims, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abun dantly." "He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me." May we feel our need of Christ! And, from a conviction of urgent necessity; may we adopt the appropriate petition" Lord, evermore give us this bread!"

2. In the distribution of this provision, learn the office and work of Christian ministers.

We are dispensers of the word of the gospel; and in this capacity, "we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." Are the souls of the people perishing? Jesus directs us, as he did these disciples: "Give ye them to eat." Do we ask, What shall we give? He replies-"I am the bread of life: he that cometh unto me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever." As ministers, we receive our mission, and also our message,

from the great Head of the Church. It was so from the beginning: what Jesus designed for the churches, he" signified unto his servant John:" and what Paul delivered to the people, he first "received of the Lord." If therefore we set chaff before you, it is not from him; but if true bread, we administer it as "stewards of his manifold grace," and he blesses it to your spiritual nourishment and growth. Brethren, if you are fed by us, we must have the provision from above, and, blessed be God, it is brought nigh in his word: we find it plentifully in the gospel. Pray for us, that we may be its wise, and diligent, and faithful dispensers! that what we have "seen and heard, tasted and handled of the word of life, we may declare unto you that you also may have fellowship with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."

3. In the apparent deficiency of this provision, we are reminded of the treatment of the Saviour and his gospel by an unbelieving world.

"Five loaves and two fishes" appeared nothing to the supply of such an assembly: even the disciples could see no proportion, and others would be ready to regard the idea of satisfying a multitude with such a pittance as ridiculous and absurd. Thus the gospel which we preach is lightly esteemed, and the Saviour which we recommend is "despised and rejected of men." But, while we lament the fact, shall' we suffer it to have injurious influence on us? Shall the unbelief of many stagger our faith, and eclipse our hope? By no means. We ask not a blind man about colours: we never think of consulting a deaf man? on the merits of music: so neither must we appeal to the ungodly concerning the nature and worth of Christianity. It is not reasonable we should form our estimate of spiritual things by the judgment of carnal men: they are blinded by prejudice, and dead in trespasses and sins."

"What think you of Christ?" A more important

question cannot be asked, and let it be pursued with all the seriousness which it demands. Think not that you can slight him with impunity, or reject him but at infinite hazard. The words are of solemn weight: "If we deny him, he also will deny us: if we believe not, he abideth faithful; he cannot deny himself."

4. In the real sufficiency of this provision, we are instructed in the glorious ability of Christ to complete the happiness of all that believe.

This multitude" did all eat and were filled:" it was a seasonable and ample supply of natural want. But let it be remembered, there are other wants, besides those of nature! The soul is indigent: its state is a state of guilt: its condition is that of disease, of wretchedness, and ruin : the necessities of the soul, therefore, are exceedingly great, and urgent beyond expression. But, behold the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, though he was rich, for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich!" "In him it hath pleased the Father that all fulness should dwell;" and see in him the highest good, the noblest treasure, the most complete and durable portion! In his Father's house is "bread enough and to spare ;" and in his church is "a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow; of wines on the lees well refined." Come unto him, and he will receive you; believe in him, and he will give you rest! My people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the Lord."

O that men felt their need of Christ, then would they not hesitate to apply! The bread of life is refused for want of appetite: “ Blessed are they that hunger and thirst, for they shall be filled." The multitudes already supplied and fed are no hinderance to you; rather, they encourage your application; and their success gives energy to hope. How reviving to

reflect that none ever asked and were refused! None ever came to the Saviour and were sent empty away! Countless numbers can attest the pity of his heart, and the power of his arm. The whole church on earth and in heaven bear witness to the exceeding riches of his grace, the immutability of his love, and the unimpeached fidelity of his promise. And shall not these considerations revive and comfort you? The lapse of time, instead of abating, materially strengthens the encouragement of humble suppliants, by fresh accessions to the number of the redeemed and the saved; by a continual increase of those who can testify that the Lord is gracious. And shall not their testimony be heard? They all proclaim, as with one voice, "Come unto Jesus, and he will give you rest." "The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come; and let him that is athirst, come. And whosoever will let him take the water of life freely." Equally encouraging is the language of the evangelical prophet; and may no power of unbelief, or hardness of heart, prevent its salutary influence! "Ho! every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do you spend money for that which is not bread? and labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me; hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David*.'

SERMON IX.

THE PRAYER OF JESUS ON THE CROSS.

"

LUKE Xxiii. 34.

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

WE are interested in distinguished characters: we mark their conduct, and value their sayings, particularly at the close of life. None was ever so eminent as Jesus Christ, so worthy of our attention in all that he did and said; and here we behold him in the most affecting situation.

One favourable circumstance attending the manner of the Saviour's death was, it allowed him time to express his feelings, and the compassionate Sufferer wisely improved it. Many gracious words proceeded from his lips, but none more kind than these. In the severity of his pain, he uttered no complaint, he charged no one with cruelty; he addressed himself to his heavenly Father, and what did he request? Nothing for himself; in the tenderness of his concern for others, he forgot himself. His petition was in behalf of his enemies, his murderers, and instead