466 THE PRAYING CHRISTIAN make even what to some might seem casual expressions in Scripture, matter of improvement. He is not contented to devote to the distressed his mere superfluities, he makes requisitions on his frugality to add to his contributions, and he learns this lesson from the highest model. He observes that He who could feed thousands by a word of His mouth, yet took care not to let the miracle pass with- out grafting on it a moral maxim for ge- neral use, a religious duty for general practice. Hewho could have multiplied to any extent the twelve baskets, as He had done the five loaves, condescended to say, " Gather up the fragments that re- main, that nothing be lost ;" and that he might set an example of prayer in every possible form, He had previously blessed the simple but abundant meal, presenting in this single instance, an union of three great qualities generosity, economy, and devotion. The practical Christian observes, with
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