21 And they that had eaten were a bout five thousand men, befide women and children. 22 And ftraightway Jefus conftrained his disciples to get into a fhip, and to go before him unto the other fide, while he fent the multi tudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multi tudes away, he went dren, yet fuch was the effiCacy of the Divine Power evidenced in the wonderful increase of the Bread and Fish upon Chrift's giving his Bleffing, that not only all this Multitude had enough and were fatisfied, but there remained moreover as many Fragments, as when they were gathered up, filled twelve Bread-bafkets. 22. When this was done, Jefus ordered his Difciples to enter into a Boat; and though they were very unwilling to go without him, yet he intending to try them with another Miracle, commanded them to row over the Lake beforehand, and leave him behind to dismiss the People. 23. Accordingly, when the Difciples were gone, he up into a mountain fent away the Multitude; apart to pray and when the evening was come, he was there alone, and after that, he went up to pray upon a Hill, and there continued alone till Night. 24. During 24. During which time, the Disciples were gotten into the midft of the Lake; where, the Wind coming contrary, and a Storm arifing, they were toffed up and down by the Waves, not without fear of being loft; Jefus fuffering them to be alone in this Dan ger, that he might inure them to Hardships, and teach them to rely without diftruft in the greatest Extremities upon the Providence of God. 25. However, when they had toiled the greatest part of the Night, Jefus took pity on them, and knowing in his Wisdom when they had been fufficiently tried by this Danger, he came to them towards Morning, walking upon the Lake. 26. But when the Dif ciples faw him walking up on the Water, and had not yet Light enough to know who he was, they were affrighted, thinking him to be a Spirit or Apparition; 24 But the ship was now in the midft of the fea,toffed with with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night, Jefus went unto them walking on the fea. 26 And when the difciples faw him walking on the fea, they were troubled, faying, It is a spirit; and they cried our for fear. 27 But, and not knowing what to do, they cried out for fear. 27. But Jefus, not willing to keep them any longer in a Fright, spake to them, and told them who he was, and bad them take Courage, and not be afraid. 28. Then, knowing his Voice, they began to come to themselves: And Peter, who was forwardeft upon all Occafions to make proof of his Faith, faid; Lord, if it be you, give me leave to come out, and walk upon the Water with you. t 29. Jefus, knowing the infirmity of his too forward Confidence, and being willing to take occafion at the fame time to reprove his Weakness and to confirm bis Faith, bad him come down out of the Boat; and he came down and walked upon the Water towards Jefus. 30. But when he felt the Wind ftrong, and faw the Waves rage and beat about him, his Faith failed and he was afraid; and be ginning ginning to fink, he cried out, Lord help me, I perish. 31. Then Jefus took him by the Hand, and helped him up, and reproved his Diffidence, faying; Wherefore were you fo weak, as that after you had not only feen me walk upon the Water, but had also experimented my Power in doing the fame your felf, yet at the boifterousness of the Winds and Waves you should let your Faith fail, and fuffer Diftrust to arise in your Mind? 32. Then they went both up into the Boat together, and immediately the Storm ceased, and the Air became calm and the Waters fmooth. 33. And when the Men of the Boat saw this great Miracle, they fell down at Jefus's Feet, and worshipped him, faying; Verily you are the true Meffias, the Son of God, the Redeemer of Ifrael. 34. Now when they had croffed the Lake, they came into the Land of Genaferet, where Jefus had been once before. 35. And the Men of that Country knowing him again, fent presently into all the Towns round about,and brought unto him all that were afflicted with any manner of Disease. 36. And being convinced of his Power by his former Miracles which they had feen and heard of, they defired that they might but touch fo much as the Hem of his Garment; And according to their Faith, as many as touched him, with a firm Truft and Belief of his Power, were perfectly healed. CHAP. |