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mean only that the church was not yet com-, menced, the fig-tree being a figure of such commencement, according to what is said in the parable of the fig-tree, (Matt. xxiv. 32, 33.) Thus it is evident how necessary it is to explore the internal spiritual sense of the LORD's words, in order to reconcile the apparent inconsistencies and contradictions of the letter.

Q. What then is the general instruction which you derive from this miracle of the burren figtree?

A. I learn, from the letter of this miracle, to adore that divine power and operation, which communicates life even to vegetable nature, and suspends and removes that life at pleasure. And from the spiritual sense of this history, I learn a further lesson of edifying wisdom, by which I am taught that JESUS CHRIST, under external figures, both of animals and of plants, describes spiritual principles relating to Himself, His church and kingdom. I am instructed yet further, by the above interesting history, to reflect on the awful situation of a people destitute of all natural good, and having no show of religion. but the mere leaves of speculative opinions and doctrinal tenets, whilst they are totally withered away as to all the life and fruit of heavenly love and charity. I am resolved, therefore, to profit by this awful example, and for this purpose to take heed to myself, that when my LORD cometh and seeketh fruit, He may find in me something more than leaves. Thus may I hope never to have the terrible sentence pro

nounced against me, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever, but rather to hear the blessed promise, He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, which bringeth forth his fruit in due season. AMEN,

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214

The MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT

OF FISHES.

LUKE V. 4 to 12.

Now when He had left speaking, He said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering, said unto Him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing; nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net, &c. &c.

Q.

WHAT do you here understand by Jesus saying to Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught?

A. According to the sense of the letter, the injunction of JESUS to Simon, on this occasion, relates to the catching of fish, and to the extraordinary success, which would attend his obedi ence to the divine command. But according to the spiritual sense involved in every particular of this history, the above words have relation to another sort of fishing, viz. to that of which the prophet speaks, where he writes, Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they

According then to history, the above most expedient for

shall fish them, (Jer. xvi. 16.) This spiritual fishing is also expressly spoken of in the history under consideration, where it is written, that JESUS said unto Simon, Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men. the spiritual sense of this words relate to the methods the catching of men; in other words, for instructing them in evangelical truths, and thus enclosing them in that spiritual net mentioned in the parable, and of which it is said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net cast into the sea, which guthereth of every kind, (Matt, xiii. 47.)

Q. And in agreement with this spiritual idea of fishing and of a net, what do you conceive to be meant by the divine command, to launch out into the deep, and to let down nets for a draught?

A. By the deep is here spiritually to be understood the abyss of the natural and sensual affections and thoughts of mankind, thus all who are under the influence of such affections and thoughts; and by launching out into the deep, and letting down nets for a draught, is further to be understood application to persons of such a character, together with such an accommodation of heavenly truths to their capacity of apprehension, that they may be persuaded to believe, and may thus be introduced into the Christian church.

Q. But it is written that Simon answering, said, Master, we have toiled all the night, and

have taken nothing; nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net- -what do you understand by these words?

A. According to their spiritual meaning, these words teach a lesson of weighty instruction to all those, who, like Simon, are called to the high office of catching men; for they teach that whilst man toils in the night of his own self-will and self-love, unenlightened by divine wisdom, and unsupported by divine power, his labour is vain, and he takes nothing; but no sooner doth he renounce his own will and wisdom, to place himself under the guidance and government of revealed truth, and it's God, than he also, like the fishermen in the history, is successful in his labours, so as to enclose a great multitude of fishes; in other words, to introduce a great multitude of men to the knowledge and love of the INCARNATE GOD, and His HOLY WORD.

Q. You are perfectly right in your interpretation, but how will you reconcile it with what next follows, where it is written, that their net brake?

A. By the net breaking, according to the spiritual idea of a net, as above explained, is to be understood a want of coherence in the truths or doctrines of which the spiritual net is composed. For when man first commences a spiritual fisher, by endeavouring to instruct others in the great truths of the gospel, he generally begins to teach from his understanding enlightened and enrich ed with heavenly knowledge, more than from his will or from the influence of heavenly love and

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