HE GAVE TO HIS DISCIPLES.
By Augusta W. Heald
IN the Gospel account of the feeding of the five thousand with five loaves and two fishes, we read that Christ gave the food to His disciples, and they gave to the multitude. They received the bounty from the Saviour's hands; their hands passed it to others. This is the true Gospel way. Christ imparts to His humble followers all the fulness of blessing, that they may become avenues of blessing. We are in constant need of heavenly grace, both in our own soul experience and in all our intercourse with others. How blessed to receive in such rich measure that others may share the bounty with us! And truly it is our privilege thus to receive. God's munificence is limited only by our want of faith. He waits to impart unto us rich gifts. We may have special strength for every time of need. We may have also a word of encouragement for the faltering one by our side who has not yet learned to trust in the Giver of all good. O, for that nearness to Christ, that we may "know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary"! We may at least repeat to such an one the dear Master's words, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Shall we not, as faithful followers of our dear Lord, seek Him in earnest faith and prayer, that we may receive the gift and be permitted to impart to others?