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Of five thousand fed in the Desart.* 1.1 Part 1.
* 1.2COnsider 1. How a great multitude of people followed Christ into the Desart, drawn by his Miracles and Doctrine: He had compassion on them, &c. and he began to teach them many things. He first giveth them spiritual food, afterwards also corporal. You must also retire into the Desart, far from the noise of worldly cares, if you desire to be regaled by our Lord:* 1.3 I will lead her into the wilderness, and I will speak to her heart, saith our Lord of a faith∣ful soul. Observe also the Apostles care for the peo∣ple, saying,* 1.4 Dismiss the multitudes, that going into the Towns they may buy themselves victuals.
* 1.5Consider 2. Christ having demanded of his Disciples what they had to set before the people, they answered him, We have not here but five loaves, and two fishes. This was all the provision of that Apostolical Family, a few course loaves, and two fishes, although they were themselves Fishermen. Moreover, they promptly exhibit what they have, without alledging their own want, or scarcity; that you might learn, what you can, to help others; ac∣cording to that,* 1.6 As thou shalt be able, so be merciful.
* 1.7Consider 3. The Order of the Miracle; the loaves being brought, Christ commanded the multitude to sit down upon the grass: The Apostles minister, him∣self looking up to heaven, blessed the loaves, and distributed them. In the same manner ought you to look up to heaven, before you eat; that is, to lift up your heart to the Giver of all good, that you may not fall upon your meat as beasts do: Therefore David; Let the Just make merry, and rejoyce in the sight of God.