or instead of a fish, would he give him a serpent?

Again, the gospel-kingdom is like a net that is cast into the sea, and draws all sorts of fish:

Jesus asked, how many loaves have ye? they reply'd, seven, and a few small fish.

then taking the seven loaves, and the fish, he gave thanks, and distributed them, by pieces, to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

however, lest we should give offence, go you to the sea, throw in a book, and take the first fish that strikes: then open its jaws, and you will find a piece of money: that take, and give it to them for me and thee.

we have nothing here, said they, but five loaves, and two fishes.

then giving orders for the company to sit down on the grass, he took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks; then breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave them to his disciples, and the disciples to the company: who all of them eat,