Bread in the Wilderness. But Jesus said unto them, "They need not depart; give ye them to eat. And they said unto him, "We have here but five loaves, and two fishes." He said "Bring them hither to me." And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all cat, and were filled; and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.-ST. MATTHEW xiv. 16-21. A VOICE amid the desert. Not of him Who, in rough garments clad, and locust-fed, With gentler tones, doth teach the listening throng. The shepherdless and poor. He knew to touch BREAD IN THE WILDERNESS. They whom the thunders of the Law had stunn'd And the glad Jewish mother held her babe High in her arms, that its young eye might meet It was so still, Though thousands cluster'd there, that not a sound Day wore apace, Noon hasted, and the lengthening shadows brought But the weak flesh grew weary. Hunger came, Then, with lifted eye, He bless'd, and brake, the slender store of food, 103 104 BREAD IN THE WILERNESS. And fed the famish'd thousands. Wondering awe The gather'd fragments of their feast, and heard Had never uttered. Thou, whose pitying heart Yearn'd o'er the countless miseries of those Whom thou didst die to save, touch thou our souls L. H. Sigourney. The Bay with the Five Loaves. WHAT time the Saviour spread his feast The abundant store supplied. Haply the wonders to behold A boy, 'mid other boys he came, Though now unknown by name. Or for his sweet, obedient ways, The Apostles brought him near, to share His frugal basket bear. Or might it be his duteous heart That led him sacrifice to bring, For his own simple part To the world's hidden King? 106 THE BOY WITH THE FIVE LOAVES. Well may I guess how glowed his cheek; Of him in Jesus' ear. "There is a lad, five loaves hath he, And fishes twain, but what are they Nay, Christ will find a way. In order, on the fresh green hill, The mighty shepherd ranks his sheep, By tens and fifties, still As clouds when breezes sleep. Or who can tell the trembling joy Who paint the grave, endearing look, The wondrous pledge he took?— Keep thou dear child thine early word; May take some gift of thee? Thou prayest without the veil as yet: But kneel in faith: an arm benign Such prayers will duly set Within the holiest shrine. |