his occasion Jesus had borrowed the boat belonging to one of his
friends to use as a pulpit and from this he had addressed the crowds. When
he had finished his discourse, he gave to the four men he was about to
call an impressive object lesson of the character of the work and of the
great success which would attend their ministry if they would forsake all
and follow him. He wrought a miracle especially impressive because it was
in the sphere of their daily calling at a time and place where they were
sure it was useless to fish. They were enabled by the guidance of Jesus to
take such a draft of fishes that their nets were strained and their boats
so loaded as nearly to sink. It was so plainly a manifestation of
supernatural power that Peter felt himself to be in the presence of a
divine Being and expressed the fear which all have felt when face to face
with God. Jesus spoke the word which not only removed the terror of Peter
but gave to him and his companions courage for all the coming years, "Fear
not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men."

So to-day Jesus is calling men to become his disciples. Obedience may
involve sacrifice, but it is certain to result in the saving of human
souls.

2. Jesus Cleansing a Leper. Ch. 5:12-16

12 And it came to pass, while he was in one of the cities, behold,
a man full of leprosy: and when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face,
and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me
clean. 13 And he stretched forth his hand, and touched him,
saying, I will; be thou made clean. And straightway the leprosy
departed from him. 14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go
thy way, and show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy
cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for testimony unto them.
15 But so much the more went abroad the report concerning him: and
great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed of their
infirmities. 16 But he withdrew himself in the deserts, and
prayed.

Leprosy was regarded as the most loathsome and terrible of diseases. It
existed in various forms but its invariable feature was its foul
uncleanness. The leper was an outcast; he was compelled to live apart from
the dwellings of men. He was required to wear a covering over his mouth
and to give warning of his approach by crying, "Unclean! Unclean!" His
case was regarded as hopeless; he was reckoned as dead. Loathsome,
insidious, corruptin