Matthew 13 Cross References - Mace

¹ The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea-side. ² and there was so great a croud of people got about him, that he was oblig'd to go into a bark, where he sat, while the people all stood on the shore. ³ Then he talk'd to them much in parables, and said, a sower went out to sow. ⁴ and in sowing, part of the grain fell in the high-way, and the fowls light and peck'd them up: ⁵ another part fell upon stony places, where it had not much earth: and it soon sprung up, because the soil was shallow: ⁶ so that as the sun arose it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away. ⁷ another part fell among thorns: and the thorns grew up and choked it. ⁸ but another part falling upon good soil, became fruitful, some grains yielding an hundred, some sixty, and some thirty. ⁹ he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. ¹⁰ And the disciples came, and said to him, why do you speak to them in parables? ¹¹ to whom he answered, because you are allowed to know the mysteries of the gospel-dispensation, but to them it is not allowed. ¹² for to him that uses what he has, shall be given, and he shall have abundantly: but from him that uses it not, shall be taken away, even what he hath. ¹³ therefore speak I to them in parables: because they over-look what they see: and are inattentive to what they hear, neither will they comprehend. ¹⁴ and in them is fulfilled that prophecy of Esaias, "by hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand: and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive. ¹⁵ for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." ¹⁶ but happy are you that your eyes have sight; and that your ears have their hearing. ¹⁷ for I declare unto you, that many prophets and just men have desired to see what ye see, and have not seen it: and to hear what ye hear, and have not heard it. ¹⁸ Hear then the meaning of this parable of the sower. ¹⁹ when any one heareth the doctrine of the gospel, and considers it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away what was sown in his heart: he is the person meant by the high-way, where some of the seed was sown: but the stony ground, ²⁰ where other seed fell, denotes the man that heareth the word, and at first receives it with pleasure: ²¹ but having no root in him he has only an occasional faith: for as soon as any oppression or persecution arises upon account of the gospel, he presently relapses. ²² he that is meant by the thorny ground, where other seed fell, is one that heareth the word: which by cares of this life, and the deceitful love of riches, is soon stifled, and becomes unfruitful: ²³ but the ground that received the grain, represents those, who hear the word, and consider it, who all become fruitful, some in one degree, and some in another. ²⁴ Another parable he propos'd to them in these words. the state of the gospel in this world may be compar'd to a man who sowed good grain in his field: ²⁵ but while the people slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. ²⁶ but when the blade was sprung up, and bore grain, the tares appeared too. ²⁷ so the servants of the yeoman came and said, Sir, did not you sow your field with good grain: how comes it then to have tares? ²⁸ 'tis some enemy, said he, has done this. the servants replied, shall we go then and pull them up? ²⁹ no, said he, lest in pulling up the tares, you should root ³⁰ up the wheat with them. let both grow together till the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will thus direct the reapers, first of all gather the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: then lodge the wheat in my barn. ³¹ He propos'd another parable to them, which was this; the gospel-state is like a grain of mustard-seed which a man took to sow in his field. ³² 'tis one indeed of the smallest grains: but when it is grown, it is the largest of the pulse kind, and becomes a tree: so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches. ³³ Another of his parables was this; the gospel-state is like unto leaven, which a woman took and mixt with three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. ³⁴ All these things spake Jesus to the multitude in parables, and did not discourse to them without some parable. ³⁵ so that this saying of the prophet was fulfilled, "I will talk in parables, I will utter what has been kept secret from the foundation of the world." ³⁶ Then Jesus leaving the multitude, went into the house: and his disciples coming to him, said, explain to us the parable of the tares of the field. ³⁷ he answered them, he that soweth the good seed, is the son of man: ³⁸ the field is the world: the good seed are the children of the kingdom: but the tares are the children of the wicked one: ³⁹ the enemy that sowed them is the devil: the harvest is the conclusion of the age: and the reapers are the angels. ⁴⁰ as then the tares are gathered and burnt in the fire; so shall it be at the conclusion of the age. ⁴¹ the son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all that make others offend, and those who do iniquity; ⁴² and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. ⁴³ then shall the just shine out like the sun, in the kingdom of their father. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. ⁴⁴ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in a field: a man finds this treasure and buries it again, then goes in great joy, sells all that he hath, and purchases that field. ⁴⁵ Again, the heavenly kingdom is like a merchant-man, who is in quest of curious pearls: ⁴⁶ and meeting with one of great value, presently sells all that he has to make the purchase. ⁴⁷ Again, the gospel-kingdom is like a net that is cast into the sea, and draws all sorts of fish: ⁴⁸ when it is full, they drag it to shore, then sit down, and pick out the good to lay by, but throw the bad away. ⁴⁹ so it shall be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and after they have separated the wicked from the just, ⁵⁰ they shall cast the wicked into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. ⁵¹ Then Jesus said to them, have ye understood all this? ⁵² they reply'd, yes, Lord. then said he to them, thus every teacher who is instructed in the doctrine of the gospel, is like the master of a family, who taketh out of his treasure things new and old. ⁵³ When Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence. ⁵⁴ and when he was come into his native country, he taught them in their synagogue, in such a manner that they cry'd out with astonishment, how came this man by all this wisdom, and extraordinary power? ⁵⁵ is not this the carpenter's son? is not Mary his mother? and James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas, are they not his brothers? ⁵⁶ and his sisters, don't they live just by us? how came he then by all this? ⁵⁷ and they were scandaliz'd at him. but Jesus said to them, a prophet is not without honour, except in his own country and in his own family. ⁵⁸ and he did not many miracles there, because of their incredulity.

²⁸ and when he was got into the house, the blind men advanc'd: and Jesus said to them, do ye think I am able to effect this cure? they answer'd, yes, Lord.

¹ The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea-side. ² and there was so great a croud of people got about him, that he was oblig'd to go into a bark, where he sat, while the people all stood on the shore. ³ Then he talk'd to them much in parables, and said, a sower went out to sow. ⁴ and in sowing, part of the grain fell in the high-way, and the fowls light and peck'd them up: ⁵ another part fell upon stony places, where it had not much earth: and it soon sprung up, because the soil was shallow: ⁶ so that as the sun arose it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away. ⁷ another part fell among thorns: and the thorns grew up and choked it. ⁸ but another part falling upon good soil, became fruitful, some grains yielding an hundred, some sixty, and some thirty. ⁹ he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. ¹⁰ And the disciples came, and said to him, why do you speak to them in parables? ¹¹ to whom he answered, because you are allowed to know the mysteries of the gospel-dispensation, but to them it is not allowed. ¹² for to him that uses what he has, shall be given, and he shall have abundantly: but from him that uses it not, shall be taken away, even what he hath. ¹³ therefore speak I to them in parables: because they over-look what they see: and are inattentive to what they hear, neither will they comprehend. ¹⁴ and in them is fulfilled that prophecy of Esaias, "by hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand: and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive. ¹⁵ for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

³⁶ Then Jesus leaving the multitude, went into the house: and his disciples coming to him, said, explain to us the parable of the tares of the field.

¹³ Another time as he was by the sea-side, the people came all crowding to him, and he instructed them.

¹ He began again to teach by the sea-side: but there was so great a crowd gathered about him, that he was oblig'd to go into a ship, where he sat down, and stay'd on board while the people stood on the shore. ² then he addressed himself to them in many parables, and thus began his instructions. ³ give your attention to what I say, a sower went out to sow: as he sowed, ⁴ some of the seed happened to fall by the wayside, which the birds light upon, and devoured. ⁵ some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth, and it soon sprang up, for want of a sufficient depth of earth. ⁶ but when the sun was up, it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away. ⁷ some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choaked it, so that it yielded no fruit. ⁸ but part of it fell on good ground, which sprang up, and grew so fruitful, that some grains produced thirty, others sixty, and some an hundred. ⁹ he that hath ears to hear, said he, let him hear. ¹⁰ And when he was in private, the twelve, and some of his disciples asked him the meaning of the parable. ¹¹ he answered, you are admitted into the secret of the gospel-dispensation: but to unbelievers every thing is couch'd in parables; because, ¹² tho' they see, they will not perceive, and tho' they hear they will not understand: as if they were afraid of parting with their vices, in order to be pardoned.

⁴ A vast number of people being assembled, and crowding to him from all quarters, he thus address'd himself to them by way of parable. ⁵ a husbandman went out to sow his corn: and as he was sowing, some fell upon the beaten road, which was crush'd under foot, or devoured by the birds. ⁶ some fell upon very stony ground, which no sooner sprung up, but it wither'd away, for want of moisture: ⁷ some fell among thorns; but the thorns over-grew it, and starv'd it. ⁸ but some of the corn fell into good soil, and grew up, yielding a hundred grains for one. then raising his voice he concluded with these words, he that hath ears to hear, let him hear. ⁹ But his disciples having ask'd him the meaning of this parable; ¹⁰ he answered, the secret circumstances of the divine dispensation may be clearly revealed to you, but to others only in parables, so that they don't observe what they see, nor comprehend what they hear.

²⁵ and a great multitude of people followed him from Galilee, from Decapolis, from Jerusalem, from Judea, and from about Jordan.

³⁰ there a great crowd of people came to him, bringing with them the lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and laid them down at Jesus feet, and he healed them:

¹ He began again to teach by the sea-side: but there was so great a crowd gathered about him, that he was oblig'd to go into a ship, where he sat down, and stay'd on board while the people stood on the shore.

³ he went therefore aboard one of the vessels, which was Simon's, and desired him to bear away a little from land. then he sat down, and preached to the people from the ship.

⁴ A vast number of people being assembled, and crowding to him from all quarters, he thus address'd himself to them by way of parable. ⁵ a husbandman went out to sow his corn: and as he was sowing, some fell upon the beaten road, which was crush'd under foot, or devoured by the birds. ⁶ some fell upon very stony ground, which no sooner sprung up, but it wither'd away, for want of moisture: ⁷ some fell among thorns; but the thorns over-grew it, and starv'd it. ⁸ but some of the corn fell into good soil, and grew up, yielding a hundred grains for one. then raising his voice he concluded with these words, he that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

¹⁰ And the disciples came, and said to him, why do you speak to them in parables? ¹¹ to whom he answered, because you are allowed to know the mysteries of the gospel-dispensation, but to them it is not allowed. ¹² for to him that uses what he has, shall be given, and he shall have abundantly: but from him that uses it not, shall be taken away, even what he hath. ¹³ therefore speak I to them in parables: because they over-look what they see: and are inattentive to what they hear, neither will they comprehend.

³⁴ All these things spake Jesus to the multitude in parables, and did not discourse to them without some parable. ³⁵ so that this saying of the prophet was fulfilled, "I will talk in parables, I will utter what has been kept secret from the foundation of the world."

⁵³ When Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.

¹ And Jesus continued to speak to them in parables, and said,

³² this may be illustrated by a comparison taken from a fig-tree: when the branches become tender, and push out their leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

²³ but calling them to him, he said by way of similitude, how can satan dispossess satan?

² then he addressed himself to them in many parables, and thus began his instructions. ³ give your attention to what I say, a sower went out to sow: as he sowed, ⁴ some of the seed happened to fall by the wayside, which the birds light upon, and devoured. ⁵ some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth, and it soon sprang up, for want of a sufficient depth of earth. ⁶ but when the sun was up, it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away. ⁷ some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choaked it, so that it yielded no fruit. ⁸ but part of it fell on good ground, which sprang up, and grew so fruitful, that some grains produced thirty, others sixty, and some an hundred. ⁹ he that hath ears to hear, said he, let him hear.

¹³ but if, said he, you don't comprehend this easy parable, how can ye understand any of the rest?

³³ Thus he instructed them by such a variety of parables as were adapted to their capacity.

¹ Then Jesus address'd himself to them in this parabolical manner. a certain person planted a vineyard, made a fence about it, clear'd the way for a wine-press, built a tower, and committed it to the care of vine-dressers, while he was travelling abroad.

¹² then they contriv'd how they might seize him, for they perceived, that he applied the parable to them; but for fear of the people they left him, and went away.

¹⁰ he answered, the secret circumstances of the divine dispensation may be clearly revealed to you, but to others only in parables, so that they don't observe what they see, nor comprehend what they hear.

⁴¹ then Peter said to him, Lord, do you apply this similitude to us, or to all in general?

³ but he propos'd to them this parable. ⁴ who of you that has an hundred sheep, will not, upon losing one, leave the ninety nine in the desart, to go after that which is lost, till he finds it? ⁵ and when he hath found it, joyfully lay it upon his shoulders? ⁶ and when he comes home, call his friends and neighbours together, and say to them, rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep, that was lost? ⁷ I tell you, that there shall likewise be greater joy in heaven for one sinner that repents, than for ninety nine just persons, that need no repentance.

²⁵ These things have I express'd in a figurative way: the time is coming when my language will be no longer enigmatical, but I shall give you a plain account relating to my father.

¹⁸ Hear then the meaning of this parable of the sower. ¹⁹ when any one heareth the doctrine of the gospel, and considers it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away what was sown in his heart: he is the person meant by the high-way, where some of the seed was sown: but the stony ground, ²⁰ where other seed fell, denotes the man that heareth the word, and at first receives it with pleasure:

²⁶ but every one that heareth these instructions of mine, and practiseth them not, shall be compared to a fool who built his house upon the sand: ²⁷ the rain descends, the flood rushes on, the winds blow, and beat upon the house: down it falls, and wide are its ruins.

²¹ but having no root in him he has only an occasional faith: for as soon as any oppression or persecution arises upon account of the gospel, he presently relapses.

¹³ by the stony ground is understood such persons as receive indeed the doctrines they hear, with joy: but for want of resolution, believe only occasionally, and desert when the trial comes.

¹⁷ so that your souls may be possess'd with faith in Christ.

²³ provided you continue well-grounded and settled in the faith, and do not abandon that hope which has been offer'd to you by the gospel, and is proclaim'd to all mankind; of which I Paul am made a minister.

⁷ being firmly attach'd to, and founded upon him: establishing yourselves in the faith you have been taught, and being thankful for the improvement you make therein.

¹¹ the sun is up and darts its rays, the grass is wither'd, its flowers droop, and all their beautiful appearance vanishes away. just so the rich man fades with all his projects. ¹² happy is he that can stand the tryal: for when he has undergone the test, he shall receive that crown of life which the Lord has promised to those that love him.

¹⁶ they shall no more suffer hunger or thirst, neither shall the sun dart on them, nor any heat molest them.

²² he that is meant by the thorny ground, where other seed fell, is one that heareth the word: which by cares of this life, and the deceitful love of riches, is soon stifled, and becomes unfruitful:

¹⁸ as for those, who receive seed as among thorns: they are such as hear the word. ¹⁹ but the cares of this life, the deceitful love of riches, and a crowd of different passions, stifle the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

²³ but the ground that received the grain, represents those, who hear the word, and consider it, who all become fruitful, some in one degree, and some in another.

¹⁵ but by the good ground is meant such persons as have received the doctrine with simplicity and sincerity, abide by it, and practise it with perseverance.

⁸ my father will be honour'd by your bearing much fruit, and you will have the honour of being my disciples.

¹⁸ for I experience, that in the carnal part of me dwells no good: for it is familiar to me, to will, but not to execute that which is good.

²² but the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, sweetness of disposition, beneficence, faithfulness, meekness, temperance: ²³ against such there is no law.

¹¹ abounding in good works by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

¹⁵ he that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

¹⁶ but happy are you that your eyes have sight; and that your ears have their hearing.

⁹ he that hath ears to hear, said he, let him hear.

²³ if any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

¹⁴ Then Jesus having called all the people to him, said, attend every one of you, and understand. ¹⁵ there is nothing from without, that entring into a man can defile him: but that which originally proceeds from the man, is what defiles him.

⁷ he that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith to the churches, to him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of my God."

¹¹ he that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith to the churches, he that overcometh, shall not be hurt by the second death."

¹⁷ he that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches: to him that overcometh, will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man understands, except he that receives it."

²⁹ he that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith to the churches."

⁶ he that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches."

¹³ he that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches."

²² he that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches.

⁸ all that dwell upon the earth will worship him, whose names are not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the lamb, that was slain. ⁹ if any man have an ear, let him hear.

¹⁰ And when he was in private, the twelve, and some of his disciples asked him the meaning of the parable.

³³ Thus he instructed them by such a variety of parables as were adapted to their capacity. ³⁴ his stile in publick was figurative, but he explain'd every thing to his disciples in private.

²⁵ At the same time Jesus, continuing his discourses, said, "I thank thee, O father, Lord of heaven and earth, for having revealed unto babes what thou hast hid from the wise and prudent. ²⁶ even so it is, father, for such has been thy will.

¹⁷ to whom Jesus reply'd, blessed art thou Simon, son of Jona: for 'tis not man that hath revealed this unto thee, but my father who is in heaven.

¹¹ but he reply'd, 'tis not everyman can live single, but only such as have the gift of continency.

¹¹ he answered, you are admitted into the secret of the gospel-dispensation: but to unbelievers every thing is couch'd in parables; because,

³⁹ now she had a sister, named Mary, who placed herself at the feet of Jesus, to attend to his discourse. ⁴⁰ but Martha perplex'd with the hurry of her affairs, came to him, and said, Lord, don't you observe my sister has left me to serve all alone: direct her therefore to give me some assistance. ⁴¹ but Jesus replied to her, Martha, Martha, you trouble yourself about a world of cares: ⁴² but the best and the most necessary concern is, what Mary has pitch'd upon, of which she shall never be deprived.

⁶⁵ and he said, therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my father.

¹⁷ if any man is inclin'd to do his will, he shall know whether the doctrine be from God, or whether I speak from my self.

¹⁴ so we took our places, and convers'd with the women, that came there. one of them was nam'd Lydia of Thyatira, a trader in purple, and a Jewish proselyte. she heard us: and the Lord inclin'd her heart to attend to what Paul said.

¹¹ the Jews there were of a more generous temper than those of Thessalonica: for they very readily embrac'd their doctrine, and daily examin'd, whether it was conformable to the scriptures. ¹² so that many of them believed, besides a considerable number of women of distinction, and of men, that were Greeks.

²⁵ Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, conformable to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret from antient times, but now is laid open,

⁷ but we explain that mysterious plan of divine wisdom, which God had contriv'd before the ages, for our glory:

⁹ but, as it is written, "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entred into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." ¹⁰ this is what God has revealed to us by his spirit: for the spirit penetrates into all things, even the profound counsels of God.

¹⁴ but the animal man does not receive the effusions of the spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him; neither can he understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.

¹ Let men consider us, as the ministers of Christ, who dispense the divine mysteries.

⁷ for who has distinguish'd thee above another? or what have you, that you did not receive? now if you did receive it, why do you glory as if you had not received it?

² and tho' I should have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and tho' I had all the faith necessary to remove mountains, and had no benevolence, it would signify nothing.

⁵¹ I shall now tell you a very great secret: we shall not all of us sleep, but we shall all be changed,

⁹ for he has discover'd to us the secret of his will, that out of his meer good pleasure, he had purposed in himself,

¹⁸ an enlightned understanding, that ye may see what great expectations he has called you to, and what abundant glory it is to the saints to be the lot of his inheritance.

³ having revealed to me the secret, I now mention'd in short, ⁴ by the reading whereof you may perceive how far I am let into the secret of Christ. ⁵ which preceeding was not discover'd to men, as now it is to his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit; to wit, ⁶ "that the Gentiles should be heirs as well as the Jews, make one body together, and partake of the divine promise in Christ by the gospel." ⁷ of this I was made a minister, according to the gracious gift God bestowed on me, by the effectual operation of his influence: ⁸ upon me, who am the meanest of all christians, is this favour bestowed, that I should proclaim to the Gentiles the undiscoverable advantages by Christ; ⁹ and display to all the world that mysterious dispensation, which from all past ages has been conceal'd in the secret purpose of God, who created all things:

³² these words contain a very mystical sense, I mean in reference to Christ and the church.

¹⁹ in particular for me, that I may have leave to speak without any restraint, and make known the mystery of the gospel,

²⁶ that mystery, which has been hid from ages and generations, but is now made manifest to his saints: ²⁷ to whom God does disclose the glorious advantages of this mystery to you Gentiles, to wit, "that by Christ you may have the expectation of glory."

² that their hearts might be comforted, and that being firmly united in love, they might possess the highest and fullest persuasion of the truth of this doctrine, by entring into this mystery, even of God the father, and of Christ,

⁹ but by their integrity maintain the reverence due to the gospel.

¹⁶ the mystery of piety is the pillar and basts of truth; and certainly most extraordinary. God has appear'd in the flesh, been justified by the spirit, seen by angels, proclaim'd to the Gentiles, believ'd by the world, and assum'd into glory.

⁵ If any of you is deficient in prudence, let him ask it of God, who liberally gives to all without upbraiding: and he will give it.

¹⁶ Don't be deluded, my brethren; ¹⁷ every thing that is valuable, every gift that leads to perfection is deriv'd from heaven, it descends from that original light, which knows no change, no shadow, or decline: ¹⁸ 'tis he that has voluntarily renew'd us by the oracles of truth, that we might be the first converts of the new creation.

²⁰ As for you who have receiv'd the unction of the holy spirit, you know the whole affair.

²⁷ but as the unction which ye have received from him, abides in you, you don't need any instruction: being then fully instructed by his unction, which is true and not fallacious, adhere to what that has taught you.

⁴³ wherefore I declare to you, the gospel dispensation shall be taken from you, and given to a nation that shall make a proper use thereof.

²⁹ for he that makes use of what he has, shall have more; but if he makes no improvement thereof, it shall be taken from him.

²⁴ And consider, said he, how you hear; for in proportion as you weigh what is communicated to you, new light shall be given: ²⁵ for he that makes use of what he has shall have more, but he that does not, shall be stript of what he has.

⁹ now what will the master of the vineyard do? on his return, said they, he will destroy those vine-dressers, and give his vineyard to others.

¹⁸ improve therefore what you hear: for he that improves what he has, shall have more; but he that does not, shall lose even that, which he thinks he possesses.

²⁶ for whoever shall be ashamed of me, and of my doctrine, of him shall the son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in the glory of his father, and of the holy angels.

⁴² but the best and the most necessary concern is, what Mary has pitch'd upon, of which she shall never be deprived.

²⁰ but God said to him, thou fool, this night shall thy soul be required of thee: who then shall enjoy what thou hast provided? ²¹ such is he, who heaps up his treasure here, and makes no provision for another world.

² upon making him appear, he said to him, what information is this, I hear against thee? give an account of your administration, for you must not be my steward any longer.

²⁵ but Abraham said, son, remember you had your enjoyments, when you were alive, and Lazarus his misfortunes: but now he has his consolation, and you your torments.

²⁴ then he said to his attendants, take the one pound from him, and give it him, that gain'd ten. ²⁵ but they objected, Lord, he has already ten pounds: ²⁶ I tell you, said he, that to every one who improves, more shall be given: and he that makes no improvement, shall be stript of what he has.

² every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he takes away: as for the branch that bears fruit, he prunes it clean, to make it more fruitful. ³ you are already clean by the instructions I have given you. ⁴ be attach'd to me, and I shall be so to you. as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self, except it be attach'd to the vine: so neither can you, except you continue attach'd to me. ⁵ I am the vine, you are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for independent of me ye can do nothing.

⁵ remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou repent.

¹⁵ I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. ¹⁶ but since thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

¹⁷ said, why do you trouble your heads about your having no bread? are you yet so void of sense, and understanding? are your minds so blinded? ¹⁸ have you eyes, and yet don't see? have you ears, and yet not hear? have you lost your memory too?

¹⁹ and this is the subject of their condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men have loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ for every one that doth evil, hateth the light, and shunneth the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

³⁹ and Jesus said, to execute justice am I come into this world: that they who see not, may see; and that they who do see, may become blind. ⁴⁰ some of the Pharisees who were then present hearing this, said to him, are we likewise blind? ⁴¹ Jesus said to them, if you were blind, you would be excusable; but since you own that you see, you stand convicted.

³ but if our gospel be obscure, it is so only to those who are lost: ⁴ to those unbelievers, whose minds the God of this world has so blinded, that the glorious lustre of the gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, does not enlighten them.

¹² tho' they see, they will not perceive, and tho' they hear they will not understand: as if they were afraid of parting with their vices, in order to be pardoned.

³⁹ therefore they could not believe, according to what Esaias said in another place, "he hath blinded their eyes, ⁴⁰ and hardned their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them."

²⁵ so not being able to agree, they retir'd, upon Paul's having told them, that the holy spirit had very justly said to our fathers by the prophet Esaias, ²⁶ "go to this people and say, hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive. ²⁷ for the heart of this people is become gross, their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted and I should heal them."

⁸ as it is written, "God hath given them up to a state of insensibility, so that their eyes could not see, and their ears could not hear." ⁹ and David says, "let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a gin, and a recompence for their iniquity. ¹⁰ let their eyes be darkned, so as not to see, and let their back be continually bowed down."

¹⁴ besides, their minds were greatly prejudiced: for that very veil would still have obstructed the understanding of the old testament, unless it had been taken away by Christ.

⁴³ why do not you understand my language? unless because ye cannot bear my doctrine? ⁴⁴ you, who have the devil for your father, will execute the designs of your father: he was a murderer from the beginning, and deserted the truth, since he has no love for the truth: when he lyes, he speaks like himself: for he is a lyar, and the father of a lyar.

¹⁹ repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshment shall come from the presence of the Lord, who shall send Jesus Christ,

⁵⁷ then they broke out into a loud cry, and stopping their ears, fell upon him all at once.

¹⁰ and with all the vile methods of imposture, to the ruin of those, who are averse to the truth, by which they might be saved. ¹¹ wherefore God will suffer a spirit of delusion to work them into the belief of a lye:

²⁵ with great temper and meekness informing those, who differ in opinion; because he does not know, but God may change their minds, by convincing them of the truth. ²⁶ and so they may rouze out of the snare of the devil, who leads them captive at his discretion.

⁴ which, while they are deaf to the truth, attentively listen to fables.

¹¹ On this head we have many things to say, not easily to be comprehended, because of your prejudices.

⁴ For it is impossible for those who were once enlightned, and have received the heavenly gifts, communicated by the holy spirit, ⁵ and have known by experience the truth of the divine promises, and the miracles of the age that was to come; it is impossible, ⁶ if they shall fall away, to re-instate themselves by repentance: seeing, as far in them lies, they crucify the son of God afresh, and expose him to open shame.

² in the midst of the area, surrounded by the river, was the tree of life, which had twelve fruit-seasons, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

³ Blessed are they, that are of an humble spirit, for of such is the kingdom of the Messias. ⁴ Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. ⁵ Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. ⁶ Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be satisfied. ⁷ Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. ⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. ⁹ Blessed are the pacific: for they shall be the children of God. ¹⁰ Blessed are they who are persecuted upon the account of righteousness: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. ¹¹ Blessed shall you be when men shall revile and persecute you, and falsely charge you with all manner of evil for your attachment to me.

²⁹ Lord, thou wilt grant thy servant a happy death, according to thy promise. ³⁰ for mine eyes have beheld the saviour,

²³ then addressing himself to his disciples in particular, he said, happy are they, who see what you see: ²⁴ for I assure you, that many prophets and princes have desired to see what you now behold, but they never saw it; and to hear what you have heard, which they never did.

²⁹ Jesus said to him, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed.

¹⁸ and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and partake of the inheritance of the saints, by believing on me."

⁶ for God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to enlighten others in the knowledge of the glory of God, which shines in the person of Jesus Christ.

¹⁷ that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, whereby ye may know him: ¹⁸ an enlightned understanding, that ye may see what great expectations he has called you to, and what abundant glory it is to the saints to be the lot of his inheritance.

²⁴ for I assure you, that many prophets and princes have desired to see what you now behold, but they never saw it; and to hear what you have heard, which they never did.

⁵⁶ your father Abraham long'd to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

⁵ which preceeding was not discover'd to men, as now it is to his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit; to wit, ⁶ "that the Gentiles should be heirs as well as the Jews, make one body together, and partake of the divine promise in Christ by the gospel."

¹³ These all died in faith, without receiving what was promised, having only a distant view of what they eagerly expected, professing to live as strangers and pilgrims in the land.

³⁹ Tho' these were all celebrated for their faith, they did not receive the reward that was promised: ⁴⁰ because God out of his distinguishing kindness to us, would not let them arrive before us to the enjoyment of perfect felicity.

¹⁰ 'Twas this salvation, that employ'd the most profound enquiries of those, who predicted the dispensation that was to be in your behalf: ¹¹ when the spirit of Christ inform'd the minds of the prophets of his future sufferings, and of the glorious consequences, they were solicitous to know the circumstances of the times pointed at: ¹² and were answer'd, that it was not they, but we, who were concern'd in the events which they predicted, events which have been now represented to you by those, whom the holy spirit from heaven inspired to preach the gospel to you: a secret which the angels desire to penetrate into.

¹¹ to whom he answered, because you are allowed to know the mysteries of the gospel-dispensation, but to them it is not allowed. ¹² for to him that uses what he has, shall be given, and he shall have abundantly: but from him that uses it not, shall be taken away, even what he hath.

¹³ but if, said he, you don't comprehend this easy parable, how can ye understand any of the rest? ¹⁴ the sower is he that soweth the word. ¹⁵ they who receiv'd seed by the wayside, are those in whom the word is sown, who no sooner have heard it, but satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. ¹⁶ in like manner, they who receive seed on stony-ground, are such as upon hearing the word, do immediately receive it with joy. ¹⁷ but having no root at the bottom, they are only occasional professors, for if they meet with any trouble or persecution upon account of the word, immediately they revolt. ¹⁸ as for those, who receive seed as among thorns: they are such as hear the word. ¹⁹ but the cares of this life, the deceitful love of riches, and a crowd of different passions, stifle the word, and it becomes unfruitful. ²⁰ they who receive seed as on good ground, are such as hear the word and entertain it, and bring forth fruit, some in one degree, and some in another.

¹¹ now the meaning of the parable is this: the seed sown signifies the word of God. ¹² by the beaten road is meant, they who only hear: the word, by the lurking wiles of the devil, being hinder'd from taking root in their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. ¹³ by the stony ground is understood such persons as receive indeed the doctrines they hear, with joy: but for want of resolution, believe only occasionally, and desert when the trial comes. ¹⁴ the ground over-run with thorns denotes such as have embraced the doctrine, but are so immerst in the business, enjoyments, and pleasures of life, as not to improve it to any real advantage. ¹⁵ but by the good ground is meant such persons as have received the doctrine with simplicity and sincerity, abide by it, and practise it with perseverance.

²³ Thus went Jesus about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all sorts of diseases and infirmities among the people:

³⁷ but let your communication be, yes, yes; no, no: for whatever goes beyond this, is evil.

³⁸ the field is the world: the good seed are the children of the kingdom: but the tares are the children of the wicked one:

¹⁵ they who receiv'd seed by the wayside, are those in whom the word is sown, who no sooner have heard it, but satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.

² then sent them to proclaim the reign of the Messiah, and to heal the sick.

⁹ and heal the sick you find there. tell the inhabitants the kingdom of God is drawing nigh unto them.

⁴³ why do not you understand my language? unless because ye cannot bear my doctrine?

³⁸ what is truth? said Pilate. and upon saying this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, I don't find he is guilty of any crime.

³² When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some made it a matter of ridicule: others said, we will hear you again upon this subject;

¹⁵ but since it is about disputable matters, about names, and your own law, you may decide that among yourselves: for I won't take cognizance of such affairs."

²⁵ and now I am persuaded you will none of you see my face any more: whilst I have been among you, I have proclaim'd the kingdom of the Messias:

²⁵ but as he was treating of justice, temperance, and a future judgment, Felix greatly alarm'd, said, "withdraw for the present; and when I am at leisure, I will send for you." ²⁶ this he frequently did, and convers'd with him upon the presumption that Paul would have

¹⁹ they objected certain articles that related only to their superstition, and to one Jesus that was dead, but Paul asserted he was alive. ²⁰ being at a loss how to determine such an affair, I ask'd him if he would go to Jerusalem, and take his tryal there.

³¹ they declar'd to one another, "this man has done nothing that deserves either death or imprisonment:" ³² nay, Agrippa said to Festus, "this man might have been discharg'd if he had not appeal'd to Cesar."

²³ Having therefore set him a day, they came in great numbers to his lodgings; where he explain'd and confirm'd the reality of the gospel-dispensation, from morning to night, enforcing what the writings of Moses and the prophets had affirm'd concerning Jesus.

²⁸ As they did not seek the favour of God, by worshipping him, God gave them over to a depraved sense, to act unworthy of human nature;

⁸ but unto those who are contentious, and do not yield to the truth, but give way to injustice, indignation and wrath,

¹⁷ for the gospel dispensation does not consist in meats and drinks, but in piety and peace, and spiritual joy.

² renouncing all secret dishonesty, and void of all artifice, I deliver the word of God unadulterated, and recommend my self by urging the truth home to every man's conscience, as in the presence of God. ³ but if our gospel be obscure, it is so only to those who are lost:

⁸ upon me, who am the meanest of all christians, is this favour bestowed, that I should proclaim to the Gentiles the undiscoverable advantages by Christ;

¹² to the condemnation of all those, who instead of embracing the gospel, had pleasure in iniquity.

¹ Therefore we ought to give the greater attention to the things we have heard, for fear we should abandon the gospel.

¹³ I write to you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked spirit. I write to you, little children, because ye have known the father. ¹⁴ I write to you, fathers, because you have known him that is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked spirit.

¹² not acting like Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother: but why did he slay him? because his own actions were evil, and his brother's were virtuous.

¹⁸ we know that a true christian will not commit such a sin, for he that is the child of God keeps upon his guard, so that the wicked spirit does not approach him.

²⁰ We know that the son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding to know him that is true: and we are with him that is true, by his son Jesus Christ. "he is the true God, who is the author of eternal life."

⁵ another part fell upon stony places, where it had not much earth: and it soon sprung up, because the soil was shallow: ⁶ so that as the sun arose it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away.

¹⁶ in like manner, they who receive seed on stony-ground, are such as upon hearing the word, do immediately receive it with joy. ¹⁷ but having no root at the bottom, they are only occasional professors, for if they meet with any trouble or persecution upon account of the word, immediately they revolt.

²⁰ because Herod had a respect for John, knowing him to be a very honest good man, and therefore protected him; having reform'd many things upon his remonstrances, which he us'd to receive very graciously.

³⁵ he was a burning and a shining light: and you were willing to be entertain'd for a while with his light.

¹³ nay, Simon himself became a proselyte: and after he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and was transported at the sight of the miracles and prodigies which he perform'd.

¹⁴ yet you did not despise me for the trial which attended my person, nor treated me with scorn; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ what benedictions did you then pour out upon me! for I bear you witness, that, had it been practicable, you would have pulled out your very eyes, and given them to me.

¹⁰ Blessed are they who are persecuted upon the account of righteousness: for their's is the kingdom of heaven. ¹¹ Blessed shall you be when men shall revile and persecute you, and falsely charge you with all manner of evil for your attachment to me. ¹² Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great will be your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

²² many will cry out to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? have we not cast out devils in thy name? and in thy name have we not wrought many miracles? ²³ and then will I make this declaration to them: I never knew you: depart from me ye that have practised iniquity.

²² and ye shall be hated by all the world for professing my name: but he that perseveres unto the end, shall escape.

³⁷ he that loveth father or mother more than me, is unworthy of me: he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is unworthy of me. ³⁸ and he that does not take his cross, and so follow after me, is unworthy of me. ³⁹ he that would preserve his life, shall lose it: and he that exposeth his life for my sake, shall save it.

⁶ and happy is he who does not stumble at my appearance.

⁶ so that as the sun arose it was scorched, and for want of root, withered away.

⁵⁷ and they were scandaliz'd at him. but Jesus said to them, a prophet is not without honour, except in his own country and in his own family.

²⁴ Then addressing himself to his disciples, if any man, said he, would follow me, let him renounce himself, take up his cross, and so follow me. ²⁵ for whosoever will save himself, shall be a looser: and whosoever shall suffer loss for my sake, shall be a gainer. ²⁶ what advantage is it to a man to gain the whole world at the price of his life? or what would not a man pay down to preserve his life?

⁹ then shall they deliver you up to torments, and to death: and ye shall be hated by all nations upon my account. ¹⁰ then shall many relapse, and shall pursue one another with mutual treachery and hatred.

¹³ but he that shall persevere unto the end, shall be preserved.

³¹ then said Jesus to them, I shall be the occasion of your revolting all from me this night: for it is written, "I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered."

³³ Peter thereupon said, tho' all the rest should abandon you, I never will.

¹⁷ but having no root at the bottom, they are only occasional professors, for if they meet with any trouble or persecution upon account of the word, immediately they revolt.

³⁴ Then addressing himself to the people, and his disciples, he said, he that desires to be under my conduct, let him renounce himself, and follow me. ³⁵ for he that would save his life, shall lose it; and he that would lose his life out of love to me and the gospel, he shall save it. ³⁶ what advantage is it for a man to gain the whole world with the loss of his life?

¹² then the brother shall betray his brother to death, and the father his son: children shall prosecute their parents, and be the instruments to take away their lives: ¹³ you will be the object of universal hatred upon my account; but he that shall persevere unto the end, shall be saved.

²³ Then he said to the whole company, if any one will be my follower, let him renounce himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. ²⁴ for whoever would save his life, shall lose it: and he that would lose his life, out of love to me, shall save it. ²⁵ what advantage is it for a man to have gain'd the whole world, if he himself runs into utter loss and ruin?

²⁶ and said, he that can't abandon his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, nay, even his own life, cannot be my disciple. ²⁷ and he that does not bear his cross, and tread in my steps, cannot be my disciple. ²⁸ for who of you would resolve to build a tower, without taking the trouble first of all to compute the expence, and whether he is able to finish it? ²⁹ for fear he should be made the jest of every spectator, for laying the foundation, without being able to carry it on. ³⁰ this man, will they say, began to build, but wanted stock to finish. ³¹ or where is the king, that will march to give battle to another king, without setting himself first to deliberate, whether he is strong enough with ten thousand to withstand an army of twenty thousand? ³² that in case he is not, he may send an embassy, and desire conditions of peace, before the other approaches. ³³ in like manner every one of you must count upon renouncing all that he has, otherwise he cannot be my disciple.

¹² but before all these events, they will seize upon you and persecute you, drag you to the synagogues and to prisons, being accused before kings and governours, for professing my name. ¹³ and that shall be one proof of the truth of your profession. ¹⁴ fix it therefore in your mind, not to think beforehand about your defence. ¹⁵ for I will make you speak with such strength of argument, as all your adversaries shall not be able to contradict or withstand. ¹⁶ you will be betrayed even by your very parents, and brethren, and kindred, and friends. nay, some of you they will prosecute even to death. ¹⁷ you will be hated by all mankind for professing my name, ¹⁸ however a single hair of your head shall not be lost.

²⁶ Jesus answered them, I declare unto you, you seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye had loaves to eat, and were filled.

⁶¹ Jesus perceiving in himself, that his disciples murmured at it, said to them, doth this offend you? ⁶² what if you should see the son of man ascend up where he was before? ⁶³ it is the action of the mind that vivifies, that of the body profits nothing: the words that I have delivered to you, spiritually understood, give life. ⁶⁴ but there are some of you who do not believe. (for Jesus knew from the beginning, who they were that did not believe, and who should betray him.) ⁶⁵ and he said, therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my father.

⁷⁰ Jesus answered them, have I not chosen you all twelve, and yet one of you is an avowed enemy? ⁷¹ meaning Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that would betray him, altho' he was one of the twelve.

²⁵ he that loveth his life, shall lose it: but he that sacrifices his life in this world, shall preserve it to eternity. ²⁶ if any man would serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there also shall my servant be: whoever serves me, him will my father reward.

⁵ I am the vine, you are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for independent of me ye can do nothing. ⁶ if a man abide not in me, he is cast away as withered branches that are gather'd up to be thrown into the fire, where they are burned. ⁷ if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask what ye will, and you shall obtain it.

²¹ thou hast no manner of share in this gift: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. ²² repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray to God, to forgive, if it be possible, this suggestion you have entertain'd. ²³ for I perceive you are upon the brink of misery, led captive by your sin.

⁷ who by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory, honour, and immortality;

⁶ for in the christian-dispensation, neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but an active benevolent faith.

¹² they who desire to make a figure in the world, constrain you to be circumcised, only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.

¹⁵ for in the dispensation of Jesus Christ, neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but the new creation.

⁶ he who has begun this good work in you will bring it to perfection against the appearance of Christ. it is but just

¹⁵ You know that I have been abandon'd by all the Asiatics, by Phygellus and Hermogenes among the rest.

¹⁰ for Damas, out of love to this world has abandon'd me, and is gone to Thessalonica: Crescens, to Galatia: and Titus, to Dalmatia.

³⁵ don't therefore quit that resolution you have, which will be attended with so great a reward. ³⁶ for it is necessary you should persevere, that after having perform'd what God has commanded, you may receive what he has promised. ³⁷ only wait but a little while, and he that is to come, will come without delay. ³⁸ the just shall have life by trusting in me, but if he revolt, he will be the object of my displeasure. ³⁹ as for us, we are not such as desert to their own destruction; but such as persevere in the faith, to the saving of our souls.

⁵ whom the divine power preserves through faith for that salvation, which is going to be made manifest in the latter time.

⁸ for if you are possess'd of these virtues and improve therein, they will prevent the knowledge you have of our Lord Jesus Christ from being useless to others, and unprofitable to yourselves. ⁹ but he that is destitute of them is blind or short-sighted, having forgot he was purified from his past sins.

¹⁹ they went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that it might be manifest, that they were not all of us. ²⁰ As for you who have receiv'd the unction of the holy spirit, you know the whole affair.

¹³ I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where the throne of satan is: thou maintainest my name, and hast not renounced your faith in me, even at a time when Antipas my faithful martyr was slain among you, where Satan dwells.

²⁴ no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or he will be attach'd to the one, and neglectful of the other. ye cannot serve God and Mamon. ²⁵ I therefore direct you, not to be sollicitous, with regard to life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor with regard to the body, what clothes ye shall wear: Is not life it self a greater gift than food; and the body a greater gift than rayment?

⁷ another part fell among thorns: and the thorns grew up and choked it.

¹⁶ Immediately one came near him, saying, good master, what good shall I do, to obtain eternal life? ¹⁷ and he said to him, why do you stile me good? there is but one that is good, that is God. but if you would enter into life, keep the commandments. ¹⁸ he reply'd, which? Jesus said, "thou shalt do no murder, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, ¹⁹ honour thy father and thy mother: and, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." ²⁰ the young man answer'd, all these things have I practis'd from my youth: what is it that is further required? ²¹ Jesus said, if thou wilt be perfect, go sell your estate, give the value to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: then come and follow me. ²² but when the young man heard that, he went away dejected: for he had great possessions. ²³ then said Jesus to his disciples, I declare unto you, it will be difficult for a rich man to enter into the gospel kingdom. ²⁴ I tell you again, it is easier for a cable to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the divine kingdom.

²³ then Jesus looking round about, said to his disciples, how difficult a thing is it for those who have riches to enter into the gospel kingdom! ²⁴ at this expression the disciples were much surpriz'd. but Jesus reassum'd the discourse, and said, how difficult a thing is it for those, who place their trust in riches, to enter into the divine kingdom? ²⁵ it is easier for a cable to pass thro' the eye of a needle, than for such a rich man to enter into the divine kingdom.

¹⁴ the ground over-run with thorns denotes such as have embraced the doctrine, but are so immerst in the business, enjoyments, and pleasures of life, as not to improve it to any real advantage.

¹⁵ then he said to them, take care to be clear of all avarice: for the enjoyment of life does not depend upon the having large possessions.

²¹ such is he, who heaps up his treasure here, and makes no provision for another world.

²⁹ therefore don't be concern'd about what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; but lay aside all your anxiety: ³⁰ for it is enough that the Gentiles are so concern'd about these things: as for you, your father is acquainted with all your wants.

¹⁶ upon which Jesus said, a certain man made a great entertainment; where many were invited. ¹⁷ at supper-time he sent his servant to tell the guests to come, because every thing was ready. ¹⁸ but they were all of a mind in making some excuse: the first said to him, I have bought a piece of ground, which I must needs go and see: therefore pray excuse me. ¹⁹ another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, which I am going to prove: I beg you to excuse me. ²⁰ another said, I have married a wife: 'tis therefore impossible for me to come. ²¹ so the servant return'd, and related the whole matter to his master, who in resentment said to his servant, go immediately into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring hither the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind. ²² at length the servant said, sir, your orders have been executed, and still there is room. ²³ the master reply'd, go then to the high-ways and by-paths, and compel them to come in, that my house may be full. ²⁴ for I tell you that not one of those, who were invited, shall taste of my supper.

²⁴ Jesus perceiving him so very dejected, said, how difficult is it for those, who have riches, to enter into the kingdom of God! ²⁵ it is easier for a cable to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

³⁴ set a guard upon yourselves, that ye be not stupified by surfeiting and drunkenness, or by the disquietudes of this life, and so that day come upon you with a surprize.

¹ Now there was a certain man named Ananias who with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, ² and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought the rest which he laid at the apostles feet. ³ upon which Peter said, Ananias, how could satan inspire thine heart to lye to the holy ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? ⁴ was not the estate your own estate? and was not the price for which it was sold, all in your own hands? how came such a design as this in your heart? thou hast not lyed unto men, but unto God. ⁵ at these words Ananias fell down dead upon the spot: which struck the minds of all that heard of it with great dread. ⁶ and some young men came and wound him up, then carried him out, and buried him. ⁷ about the space of three hours after, his wife, not knowing what had happen'd, came in. ⁸ when Peter addressing himself to her, tell me, said he, have you sold the land for such a price? yes, said she, for so much. ⁹ then Peter said to her, how comes it that you have conspir'd together, to tempt the spirit of the Lord? see there at the door the men that are come from burying thy husband, and they shall carry thee out likewise. ¹⁰ in the instant she fell down dead at his feet: and the young men came in, found her dead, carried her out, and buried her by her husband. ¹¹ which affected the whole assembly, and all that heard of it with great dread.

¹⁸ when Simon saw that the holy spirit was given by imposition of the hands of the apostles, he offered them money, saying,

⁹ themselves to temptations and snares, and to many foolish noxious passions, which plunge men into ruin and perdition. for the love of money is the root of all evil: ¹⁰ which some having obtain'd, have revolted from the faith, and brought upon themselves variety of piercing pains.

¹⁷ Charge those that are rich in this world, not to be elated, not to depend upon their perishable wealth, but upon the God of life, who furnishes us with every thing in plenty for our enjoyment;

¹⁴ their eyes are inflam'd with adultery, and unextinguishable vice: they insnare the souls of the inconstant. their minds are practis'd in the arts of avarice: an execrable race, who have deserted the right way, ¹⁵ and are gone astray to follow the practices of Balaam of Bosor, who loved the wages of iniquity;

¹⁵ Love not the world, nor let worldly things engage your affections. he that is worldly affected is a stranger to divine love. ¹⁶ for what the world is so full of, sensuality, avarice, and pride, is not deriv'd from the creator, but is the offspring of a vicious world.

¹¹ unhappy creatures! they have followed the practices of Cain, they have addicted themselves to the mercenary illusions of Balaam, and perish in their rebellion like Core. ¹² they are a disgrace to your love-feasts, they indulge themselves at your festivals without reserve: clouds without water, transported with every wind: trees whose fruit soon withers and is useless, twice dead and rooted up:

⁸ Let your actions then show your repentance:

¹⁰ the ax is already laid to the root of the trees: every tree then which does not produce good fruit, will be hewn down, and cast into the fire.

³³ Either allow the tree to be good, and its fruit good; or else say the tree is corrupt, and its fruit corrrupt: for a tree is distinguished by its fruit.

⁸ but another part falling upon good soil, became fruitful, some grains yielding an hundred, some sixty, and some thirty.

²⁰ they who receive seed as on good ground, are such as hear the word and entertain it, and bring forth fruit, some in one degree, and some in another.

¹⁵ I declare unto you, he that shall pretend to be admitted into the kingdom of God, and has not the temper of a little child, shall not enter therein.

⁴³ Certainly a good tree does not produce bad fruit: nor does a bad tree produce good fruit. ⁴⁴ for every tree is known by its fruit: it is not on thorns that men gather figs, nor do they gather grapes on a bramble bush.

⁹ perhaps it may bear fruit: if not, you may after that hew it down.

¹¹ he came unto his own, and his own received him not. ¹² but to as many as received him, and believed on him, he granted the privilege of being the sons of God. ¹³ a birth which they had not from circumcision, nor from the constitution of the body, nor the institution of man, but from God.

⁴⁷ he that is of God, does therefore observe what God says: which you do not observe, because ye are not of God.

²⁶ but, as I said before, you do not believe; because ye are not of my sheep. ²⁷ my sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me.

¹ I am the genuine vine, and my father is the vintager. ² every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he takes away: as for the branch that bears fruit, he prunes it clean, to make it more fruitful. ³ you are already clean by the instructions I have given you. ⁴ be attach'd to me, and I shall be so to you. as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self, except it be attach'd to the vine: so neither can you, except you continue attach'd to me. ⁵ I am the vine, you are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for independent of me ye can do nothing. ⁶ if a man abide not in me, he is cast away as withered branches that are gather'd up to be thrown into the fire, where they are burned. ⁷ if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask what ye will, and you shall obtain it. ⁸ my father will be honour'd by your bearing much fruit, and you will have the honour of being my disciples.

¹⁶ it was not you that chose me, but I that chose you, and establish'd you, that your travels may be fruitful, and your fruit be lasting: so that whatever ye shall ask of the father for my sake, he will give it you.

⁷ now they believe that the instructions you gave me came from thee. ⁸ for I have given to them the instructions which you gave me; and they have received them; and have sincerely believ'd that I came from thee, and are persuaded that thou didst send me.

¹¹ the Jews there were of a more generous temper than those of Thessalonica: for they very readily embrac'd their doctrine, and daily examin'd, whether it was conformable to the scriptures.

¹ I must acquaint you, brethren, with the contribution which the churches of Macedonia have religiously made, ² who tho' labouring under great trial of affliction, and extreme poverty, have notwithstanding with exceeding cheerfulness contributed very liberally: being forward of themselves to the utmost of their power,

¹⁰ now he that furnishes seed to the sower, and bread for food, shall furnish and multiply what you sow, and increase the fruits of your liberality.

¹⁷ not that I desire a present; but what I desire is, that the fruits of your liberality may greatly redound to your own account.

⁶ which is not only come to you, but to all the world; where it produces its effects, and increases, as it does also among you, ever since you sincerely embrac'd the divine favour,

¹⁰ that your conduct may be worthy of the Lord, in every respect agreeable to him, being friutful in every kind of virtue, and increasing in divine knowledge:

¹ Finally, my brethren, we intreat and conjure you by the Lord Jesus Christ, to observe the instructions we gave you about your religious conduct, and to make continual progress therein.

¹⁰ and with all the vile methods of imposture, to the ruin of those, who are averse to the truth, by which they might be saved.

¹³ As for you, my brethren, the favourites of the Lord, we are oblig'd to render perpetual thanks to God, for having chosen you from the beginning, in purifying you by his spirit, upon your believing the gospel. ¹⁴ to this he has called you, to a life of glory with our Lord Jesus Christ.

² for to us was the good promise made, as well as to them: but the word address'd to them was not effectually receiv'd with faith by those that heard it.

⁷ for the earth which drinks up the frequent show'rs that fall upon it, and produces plants fit for the use of him that cultivates it, is stiled heavenly land:

¹⁰ but this is the alliance that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

¹⁵ Let our sacrifice then, which we are to offer to God by Jesus Christ, be that of incessant praises, the offering of our lips, which celebrate his name: ¹⁶ but don't forget to be beneficent to the community; for such sacrifice is acceptable to God.

²¹ throw off then your vices as dregs and scum: and receive with docility that genuine doctrine, which is effectual to your salvation. ²² Don't delusively content your selves with being of the audience, but put what you hear in practice:

¹ Renouncing therefore every kind of malice, and knavery, hypocrisy, envy, and detraction, as new-born infants desire that mystical milk, ² which is without any mixture, and will make you thrive. Since you have tasted how good the Lord is,

⁵ Do you on your part employ all your care in adding to your faith, fortitude: to fortitude, knowledge: ⁶ to knowledge, temperance: to temperance, patience: to patience, piety: ⁷ to piety, fraternal affection: and to fraternal affection, universal benevolence. ⁸ for if you are possess'd of these virtues and improve therein, they will prevent the knowledge you have of our Lord Jesus Christ from being useless to others, and unprofitable to yourselves.

¹⁸ on the contrary, may you increase in the favour, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! to him be glory both now and for ever. AMEN.

² and saying, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of the Messiah draws nigh."

¹⁹ when any one heareth the doctrine of the gospel, and considers it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away what was sown in his heart: he is the person meant by the high-way, where some of the seed was sown: but the stony ground,

³¹ He propos'd another parable to them, which was this; the gospel-state is like a grain of mustard-seed which a man took to sow in his field.

³³ Another of his parables was this; the gospel-state is like unto leaven, which a woman took and mixt with three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

³⁷ he answered them, he that soweth the good seed, is the son of man:

⁴⁴ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in a field: a man finds this treasure and buries it again, then goes in great joy, sells all that he hath, and purchases that field. ⁴⁵ Again, the heavenly kingdom is like a merchant-man, who is in quest of curious pearls:

⁴⁷ Again, the gospel-kingdom is like a net that is cast into the sea, and draws all sorts of fish:

²³ In this respect the gospel-kingdom may be represented by that of a temporal prince, who had a mind to call his servants to account.

¹ For the kingdom of the Messiah is like a family, the master whereof went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard.

³³ Hear another parable: a certain landlord planted a vineyard, hedged it round, set up a wine-press in it, and built a tower, then lett it out to tenants, and went into a foreign country.

² the kingdom of the Messiah is such, as when a certain king made a wedding-feast for his son.

¹ The kingdom of the Messiah will then be such, as when ten virgins took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom.

²⁶ Again, he said, the state of the gospel is like that of the grain, which a man sows in his land: ²⁷ however he takes his repose by night, or is employ'd by day, the grain shoots up and grows without his inspection. ²⁸ for the earth spontaneously produces, first the blade, then the ear, after that the grain of corn in the ear. ²⁹ but as soon as the fruit is ripe, the sickle is applied, because the harvest is come. ³⁰ Again he said, to what shall we compare the state of the gospel? or by what parable shall we represent it?

¹⁸ Then he said, what does the kingdom of God resemble? to what shall I compare it?

²⁰ again he said, to what shall I compare the kingdom of God?

⁵ for the sake of that happiness, which you hope for, and is reserv'd for you in heaven, of which you have already been inform'd by the preaching of the truth, that is, the gospel:

²³ since your regeneration is not owing to any corruptible principles, but to the unchangeable word of the immortal God.

³⁹ the enemy that sowed them is the devil: the harvest is the conclusion of the age: and the reapers are the angels.

⁵ while the bridegroom tarried, they were drowsy and slept.

³⁰ nay, among your own body some will start up to vent their intricate conceits, and draw a number of followers. ³¹ be then upon the watch, and remember, that for three years I have not ceased by night, or by day to warn every soul of you, even with tears.

¹³ for these are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguised so as to pass for true apostles. ¹⁴ and no wonder; for satan himself may put on the appearance of an angel of light. ¹⁵ therefore it is not strange if his agents are so disguised as to appear like ministers of the gospel; but their end shall be answerable to their actions.

⁴ and as to the false brethren, who insidiously crept in to spy out our liberty which we have by Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into servitude;

³ for the time will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine, but get teachers of their own corrupt taste, to sooth their ears that itch for flattery: ⁴ which, while they are deaf to the truth, attentively listen to fables. ⁵ be you then entirely upon the watch: be insensible to toil: perform the work of an evangelist, and discharge your ministerial function.

¹⁵ take care not to deprive yourselves of the divine favour: and that no poisonous root spring up, and spread a general infection among you.

⁸ Be temperate, be vigilant: for your adversary the Devil goes about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

¹ As there were false prophets among the people of Israel, there will likewise be false doctors among you, who by introducing pernicious sects, and by renouncing the Lord, who bought them, will bring upon themselves swift destruction.

²⁰ notwithstanding, I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezabel, who stiles herself a prophetess, and teaches and seduces my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.

⁹ the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, call'd the devil or satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were precipitated with him.

¹⁴ and he deceived the inhabitants of the earth, by the prodigys which he had power to effect by the influence of the beast, by telling the inhabitants of the earth, that he had made an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, but yet did revive.

²⁶ Again, he said, the state of the gospel is like that of the grain, which a man sows in his land: ²⁷ however he takes his repose by night, or is employ'd by day, the grain shoots up and grows without his inspection. ²⁸ for the earth spontaneously produces, first the blade, then the ear, after that the grain of corn in the ear. ²⁹ but as soon as the fruit is ripe, the sickle is applied, because the harvest is come.

¹⁷ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark those who cause divisions and revolts against the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them.

¹¹ for I have been inform'd, my brethren, by some of Chloe's family, that there are contentions among you. ¹² I mean that one or other of you cries out "I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas, ¹³ and I of Christ." is the school of Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized into the name of Paul?

⁵ who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye have received faith according to the divine gifts imparted to each of them? ⁶ I have planted, Apollos watered: but God gave the increase. ⁷ so then, neither is he that planted any thing, nor he that watered: it is God only that gives the increase. ⁸ he that planteth, and he that watereth, have the same design: and each shall receive his proper reward, in proportion to his own labour. ⁹ For we are fellow labourers employed by God: you are his field, and his mansion.

²⁸ which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages. ²⁹ are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

¹² Now if it has been declared, that Christ rose from the dead, how comes it, that some among you assert, "there is no resurrection of the dead?" ¹³ for if there be no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. ¹⁴ and if Christ be not risen, then our preaching is empty talk, and your faith even meer amusement. ¹⁵ yea, and we are no better than enthusiastic impostors by affirming that God raised up Christ, when he never did raise him up. ¹⁶ for if the dead are not raised, then was not Christ raised: ¹⁷ and if Christ was not raised, your faith is meer illusion, your sins are not yet forgiven. ¹⁸ then they too who died christians, are entirely lost. ¹⁹ if our expectations as christians all terminate in this life, we of all men are most to be pitied. ²⁰ But Christ is actually risen, as previous to those who were dead. ²¹ for since by man came death, by man the resurrection of the dead will likewise come. ²² for as by Adam all die, even so by Christ shall all be restored to life. ²³ but every one in proper order: Christ has the precedence, next they who were Christians shall rise at his advent. ²⁴ and then will be the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God even the father; after having abolished all rule, and all authority, and power. ²⁵ for he must reign, "till God has cast all his enemies under his feet." ²⁶ the last enemy that shall be destroyed, is death. ²⁷ for he hath subjected all things to him. but when it is said all things are subjected, it is plain that he is to be excepted, who did subject all things to him. ²⁸ and when all things shall be reduced under subjection to him, then shall the son also himself be subject to him that put all things under his subjection, that God may be all in all. ²⁹ If it be not so, what can they effect who are baptized for the dead? if the dead rise not at all, why are they then baptized for the dead? ³⁰ and why do we continually expose our lives to danger? ³¹ I am daily receiving new mortifications, witness your cruel boastings against me, which I bear for the sake of Christ Jesus our Lord; ³² besides, my engaging with those monsters, as I may say, at Ephesus, what advantage was it to me? if the dead don't rise, "let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die." ³³ be not deceived : "vicious conversation corrupts good morals." ³⁴ rouze from your sins, as is but just; for some of you have not the knowledge of God: I speak it to your shame.

¹⁰ If Timothy visit you, take care he may be perfectly safe: for he labours in the cause of christianity, as well as I.

¹⁸ Now this is all owing to God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath made us the ministers of this reconciliation; ¹⁹ for it is God that has reconciled the world to himself, by Jesus Christ, by not imputing their sins to them; and hath committed to us the gospel of reconciliation. ²⁰ we then are ambassadors for Christ, and 'tis God who makes you the offers by us: we pray you in the name of Christ, to make your peace with God.

¹ Invested then with such a commission, I beseech you let not the offers of divine favour be made to you in vain.

⁴ but in all things I approve myself as the minister of God, by great constancy in afflictions, in torments, in distresses, from stripes,

¹ O foolish Galatians, who hath deluded you, you that have had the crucifixion of Jesus Christ represented to your view? ² this one thing I desire to know of you, did you receive the spirit by the works of the law, or by the gospel preach'd to you? ³ have you so little understanding, as having begun in the spiritual doctrine of the gospel, to turn again to the law?

¹¹ It is he then that made some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists: and others, pastors, and teachers: ¹² thus fitly qualifying his servants for their respective offices, in order to build up the body of Christ:

¹⁵ such wisdom is not derived from heaven; but is terrestrial, sensual, demoniacal. ¹⁶ where false zeal, and a spirit of contention reign, there confusion and every vice prevail.

⁴ Degenerate race, don't you know that friendship with vice is hostility against heaven. he that is a friend to the vicious world, is an enemy to God.

⁴⁹ Then said John to Jesus, master, we saw one casting out demons in your name, and we oppos'd it, because he does not follow you with us. ⁵⁰ but Jesus said to him, don't oppose it: for he that is not against us, is for us. ⁵¹ Now the time of his assumption drawing nigh, he was fix'd in his resolution to go to Jerusalem: ⁵² and he sent messengers before, who went to a town of the Samaritans, to prepare a lodging for him. ⁵³ but they would not entertain him, because he appear'd to them, as if he was going to Jerusalem. ⁵⁴ his disciples James and John observing this, said, Lord, shall we command fire to descend from heaven, as Elias did, in order to consume them?

³ as for me, though I am absent in person, yet being present by my authority, with regard to him that has committed this fact, I am come to the same resolution, as if I was present, ⁴ that is, when you are assembled, and I virtually there, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ⁵ to deliver him up to satan, to suffer corporal punishment, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. ⁶ Your levity is very indecent: don't you know that a little leaven infects the whole mass? ⁷ purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new mass, since you should be without leaven. for Christ our paschal lamb has been sacrificed for us.

⁶ the punishment, which was inflicted by the community, is sufficient on this occasion. ⁷ so that now you ought rather to forgive, and comfort him, for fear he should be overwhelm'd by an excess of sorrow. ⁸ wherefore, pray, convince him of your affection to him: ⁹ for this was one view I had in writing, to have this trial of you, whether you are intirely obedient. ¹⁰ to whom you forgive any thing, I also forgive: for if I have forgiven any thing, I forgave it, for your sakes (as Christ is ¹¹ witness) lest satan should have got some advantage of us: for we are apprized of his artifices.

¹⁴ and we exhort you, brethren, reprove the disorderly, comfort the pusillanimous, support the weak, and be patient toward all men.

²² Make use of your discernment; some reprove: ²³ of others be compassionately tender, snatching them, as it were, out of the fire: and avoid even the garment of the infected.

¹² and with the fan in his hand, he will throughly cleanse his floor, and gather the wheat into his grainery, but the chaff will he burn with unquenchable fire."

³⁹ the enemy that sowed them is the devil: the harvest is the conclusion of the age: and the reapers are the angels. ⁴⁰ as then the tares are gathered and burnt in the fire; so shall it be at the conclusion of the age. ⁴¹ the son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all that make others offend, and those who do iniquity; ⁴² and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. ⁴³ then shall the just shine out like the sun, in the kingdom of their father. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

¹⁰ accordingly they went about the streets, and assembled all they met indifferently, both good and bad: so that the hall was furnished with guests. ¹¹ but upon the king's coming in to see the guests, he observ'd one there without a wedding garment: and he said to him, ¹² friend, how came you in hither, without a wedding garment? and he was speechless. ¹³ then said the king to the servants, bind him hand and foot, take him away, and turn him out in the dark: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ¹⁴ thus many are called, but few are converted.

⁶ and at midnight there was a sudden cry, see the bridegroom comes; go and meet him. ⁷ then the virgins all arose, and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ and the foolish said to the wise, give us of your oil, for our lamps are going out. ⁹ but the wise answered, for fear there should not be enough for us and you, go rather to those that sell; and buy for your selves. ¹⁰ and while they were gone to buy, the bridegroom came, and they that were ready, entred with him into the hall, and the door was shut. ¹¹ afterwards came the other virgins likewise, and cry'd, ¹² Lord, Lord, pray let us in. but he answered, I assure you, I know you not. ¹³ watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.

³² then all nations shall be assembled before him, and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats.

⁴¹ then will he say to those on the left, depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.

¹⁷ and with the fan in his hand he will thoroughly cleanse his floor, and will lay up the wheat in his grainery: but the chaff he will burn with inextinguishable fire.

⁶ if a man abide not in me, he is cast away as withered branches that are gather'd up to be thrown into the fire, where they are burned.

⁵ therefore suspend your judgment till the Lord comes, who will bring to light the secrets of darkness, and expose the counsels of mens hearts: and then shall every man have his due reward from God.

²⁴ The vices of some men are so notorious, they prevent any inquisition: others don't discover themselves till they have been ordain'd.

²⁴ Another parable he propos'd to them in these words. the state of the gospel in this world may be compar'd to a man who sowed good grain in his field:

²⁰ because of your incredulity, said Jesus: for I tell you truly, if ye had ever so little faith, ye might say to this mountain, remove hence to yonder place, and it should remove; and nothing would be too difficult for you.

³⁰ Again he said, to what shall we compare the state of the gospel? or by what parable shall we represent it? ³¹ it is like a grain of mustard-seed, which when sown in the earth, is less than any other grain that is sown there. ³² but after it is sown, it grows up, and becometh larger than other plants of the pulse kind, and shooteth out its branches so high, that the fowls of the air may lodge under its shadow.

¹⁸ Then he said, what does the kingdom of God resemble? to what shall I compare it? ¹⁹ it is like a grain of mustard-seed, which a man took, and sowed in his garden: it grew, and became so large, that the birds of the air built their nests in its boughs.

⁶ if your faith improv'd like a grain of mustard-seed, you might say to this sycamine-tree, be thou rooted up, and planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

¹¹ Their attention being raised by this, Jesus pursued his discourse with a parable, occasion'd by their thinking, that, because he was advanc'd so nigh to Jerusalem, the kingdom of God would immediately commence.

⁹ Then he propos'd this parable to the people, a man planted a vineyard, let it out to husbandmen, and then went a travelling for some time.

¹⁵ At that time the disciples being assembled, to the number of about an hundred and twenty, Peter rose up in the midst of them,

²⁰ upon hearing this, they gave glory to God: and thus address'd Paul, you see, brother, how many thousand believing Jews there are, all however zealous for the law.

¹⁸ for I will not offer to mention any thing, but what Christ has wrought by me, to make the Gentiles christians, both in profession and practice: ¹⁹ by virtue of the miracles and prodigies wrought by the power of the divine spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and the neighbouring country, quite to Illyricum,

¹⁵ The seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, crying, "the kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever."

²⁰ so that if the Lord should suffer it to last, no man could escape: but he will not suffer the time to last long, out of regard to his elect. ²¹ it is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leaven'd.

² every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he takes away: as for the branch that bears fruit, he prunes it clean, to make it more fruitful.

¹² I have yet many things to tell you, but ye cannot bear them now; ¹³ but when he, the spirit of truth shall come, he will inform you of all those truths: for he will not speak from himself; but the information he shall receive will he communicate: and acquaint you with what is to come.

⁹ a little leaven affects the whole mass.

⁹ and the favour I ask of him is this, that your kindness to me may be crown'd with farther improvements in knowledge and all prudence;

¹³ for it is God that influences your desires and endeavours, out of his benevolence to you. ¹⁴ do every thing without murmuring and disputes: ¹⁵ that you may be without reproach, the inoffensive spotless children of God in the midst of a depraved and perverse generation (among whom you should shine as stars in the world,

²³ Now may the God of peace make you intirely holy: may every part of you, your spirit, soul, and body be preserved irreprovable at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ he that has called you, is faithful, and this he will effect.

¹³ therefore speak I to them in parables: because they over-look what they see: and are inattentive to what they hear, neither will they comprehend. ¹⁴ and in them is fulfilled that prophecy of Esaias, "by hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand: and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive.

⁴ all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, ⁵ saying, " tell ye the daughter of Sion, behold, thy king cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting on an ass, even a colt, the fole of an ass."

³⁴ the king shall say to those on his right hand, come, ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

¹⁴ therefore Tyre and Sidon shall be treated with less severity in the day of judgment, than you.

²⁴ father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me, may be with me where I am going; that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me: for thou didst love me before the foundation of the world; yet,

¹⁸ he that does all these things, is the Lord himself that has said it." for the works of God are all known to him from the beginning of the world.

²⁵ Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, conformable to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret from antient times, but now is laid open, ²⁶ and by the writings of the prophets (according to the commandment of the eternal God) made known to all the Gentiles, to induce them to obey the faith:

⁵ which preceeding was not discover'd to men, as now it is to his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit; to wit,

⁹ and display to all the world that mysterious dispensation, which from all past ages has been conceal'd in the secret purpose of God, who created all things:

²⁵ of which I have been established a minister, according to the charge which God has given me to preach his gospel faithfully among you. --- ²⁶ that mystery, which has been hid from ages and generations, but is now made manifest to his saints:

⁹ who has saved us, and by the gospel hath called us to holiness, not in consideration of our works, but in pursuance of his own resolution, and the favour, which having been promised us by Jesus Christ several ages ago, ¹⁰ has now been display'd by the coming of Jesus Christ our saviour, who has defeated the power of death, by bringing a life of immortality to light thro' the gospel.

² and gives the expectation of eternal life, which the God of veracity promised so many ages ago; ³ and has in due time manifested by the preaching of his word, which is committed to me according to the commandment of God our saviour:

¹ God who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in time past to the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his SON,

²⁰ who was destin'd before the creation of the world, tho' 'tis of late only that he has appear'd, upon your account: ²¹ it is by him that you believe in God, who has raised him from the dead, and invested him with glory, that your faith and your hope might be in God.

⁸ all that dwell upon the earth will worship him, whose names are not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the lamb, that was slain.

⁸ the beast that thou sawest, was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, shall wonder when they behold the beast that was, and is not, but shall be.

¹ The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea-side.

¹¹ to whom he answered, because you are allowed to know the mysteries of the gospel-dispensation, but to them it is not allowed.

²² Presently after Jesus obliged his disciples to embark, and cross over to the other side before him, whilst he dismiss'd the people.

¹⁵ then Peter said to him, tell us the meaning of that expression. ¹⁶ and Jesus said, are ye also yet without understanding?

³⁹ then dismissing the multitude, he embark'd, and came to the coast of Magada.

³⁴ his stile in publick was figurative, but he explain'd every thing to his disciples in private.

⁴⁵ Soon after Jesus obliged his disciples to embark for Bethsaida, on the opposite shore, while he was dismissing the people.

¹⁷ When he withdrew from the people into the house, his disciples ask'd him the meaning of that maxim.

⁹ now they that had eaten were four thousand: and then he dismissed them.

¹⁷ then said some of his disciples among themselves, what is the meaning of his saying, "within a little while ye shall not see me: but within a little while ye shall see me again, because I am going to the father?" ¹⁸ for, said they, we cannot comprehend the meaning of that expression, "within a little while?" ¹⁹ now Jesus perceiving that they had a mind to ask him, said to them, are you sollicitous about what I said, "within a little while ye shall not see me: but within a little while ye shall see me again?" ²⁰ verily, verily I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

²⁰ Jesus replyed, the foxes have kennels, and the birds of the air have nests; but the son of man hath not where to lay his head.

⁴⁰ He that receives you, receives me; and he that receives me, receives him that sent me.

²⁷ so the servants of the yeoman came and said, Sir, did not you sow your field with good grain: how comes it then to have tares?

⁴¹ the son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all that make others offend, and those who do iniquity;

¹³ As Jesus was going to the district of Cesarea-Philippi, he asked his disciples, what do people say of me? that I am a common man? ¹⁴ they replied, some think you are John the Baptist, some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets. ¹⁵ but what, said he, do you take me to be? ¹⁶ Simon Peter made answer, thou art Christ the son of the living God.

¹⁶ he that adheres to you, adheres to me; he that rejects you, rejects me: and he that rejects me, rejecteth him that sent me.

²⁰ I declare unto you, he that receiveth him that I send, receiveth me: and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me.

²¹ then said Jesus to them again, "peace be with you: as my father hath sent me, even so send I you."

⁸ but ye shall receive the influence of the holy spirit, which will descend upon you: and ye shall be witnesses for me, in Jerusalem, in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the remotest part of the earth.

¹⁸ for I will not offer to mention any thing, but what Christ has wrought by me, to make the Gentiles christians, both in profession and practice:

⁵ who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye have received faith according to the divine gifts imparted to each of them? ⁶ I have planted, Apollos watered: but God gave the increase. ⁷ so then, neither is he that planted any thing, nor he that watered: it is God only that gives the increase.

³ how shall we escape, if we neglect that salutary doctrine? which was first published by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those that heard him;

¹⁴ and this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world, to testify to all nations, that the end will then come.

¹⁸ and Jesus came, and said to them, all power has been given me in heaven and in earth. ¹⁹ go and instruct all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy ghost: ²⁰ teaching them to observe every thing which I have enjoin'd you: and be assured I shall be always with you to the end of the world.

¹⁵ Then he said to them, go ye into all parts of the world, and preach the gospel to all mankind. ¹⁶ he that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that disbelieves, shall be condemned. ¹⁷ they that believe shall be endued with these miraculous gifts: in my name they shall cast out demons: they shall speak new languages: ¹⁸ they shall handle serpents, and if they drink any mortal poison, it shall do them no hurt: they shall lay hands on the sick, and the sick shall recover. ¹⁹ Now after the Lord had convers'd with them, he was assum'd up to heaven, where he sat on the right hand of God. ²⁰ as for the disciples, they went and preached the gospel in all parts: the Lord co-operating with them, and confirming their doctrine by the miracles that accompany'd it.

⁴⁷ and that repentance and remission of sins should be preach'd in his name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

⁴⁴ you, who have the devil for your father, will execute the designs of your father: he was a murderer from the beginning, and deserted the truth, since he has no love for the truth: when he lyes, he speaks like himself: for he is a lyar, and the father of a lyar.

²⁴ verily, verily I say unto you, when a corn of wheat is thrown into the ground, there it lies a single grain unless it dies: but if it die, it becomes very fruitful.

¹⁰ and said, "thou heap of imposture and mischief, offspring of the devil, and enemy to all justice, wilt thou not cease to pervers men from the right ways of the Lord?

¹⁷ and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; although we now suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him.

¹⁸ I reply, have they not heard? on the contrary, "their voice spread thro' all the earth, and their words to the remotest inhabitants thereof ."

²⁶ and by the writings of the prophets (according to the commandment of the eternal God) made known to all the Gentiles, to induce them to obey the faith:

¹⁸ for there are many that wander about, of whom I have frequently told you, and now repeat it with tears, that they are enemies to the cross of Christ: ¹⁹ who in the. end will be ruin'd, who place their religion in sensuality, their glory in that which is their shame, and fix their thoughts upon this earth.

¹⁸ 'tis he that has voluntarily renew'd us by the oracles of truth, that we might be the first converts of the new creation.

⁵ consider, my dear brethren, has not God chose the poor of this world to be rich by faith, and to inherit the kingdom he has promised to those who love him?

² beloved, we are now the sons of God, tho' it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know, that when this change shall be, his immediate presence will give us a divine resemblance.

⁸ he that lives in sin, imitates the devil; for the devil was a sinner from the beginning. for this purpose the son of God appeared, that he might destroy the works of the devil. ⁹ whosoever is born of God, does not commit sin; for the divine principle remaineth in him: he will not sin, because he is born of God. ¹⁰ In this the children of God are distinguished from the children of the devil: he that does not practise virtue, and fraternal benevolence, is not of God.

⁶ Then I saw another angel fly in the mid-heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those that dwell on the earth, to every nation, tribe, province, and people, crying with a loud voice,

²⁵ but while the people slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

²⁸ 'tis some enemy, said he, has done this. the servants replied, shall we go then and pull them up?

⁴⁹ so it shall be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and after they have separated the wicked from the just,

³ And when he was upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came to him in private, and said, tell us when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of this age?

³¹ When the son of man shall come in his majesty, accompanied with all his holy angels, he shall sit upon the throne of his glory.

²⁰ teaching them to observe every thing which I have enjoin'd you: and be assured I shall be always with you to the end of the world.

¹⁷ for we are not like others, who adulterate the word of God; but we preach the pure gospel of Christ, as I receiv'd it from God, and as in the presence of God.

³ but I fear lest by some means or other, as Eve was beguiled by the subtilly of the serpent, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is due to Christ.

² in which you formerly liv'd, influenc'd by the customs of this world, and by the prince of the aerial powers, the spirits that now actuate the incredulous:

¹¹ put on the set of divine armour, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² for our conflict is not barely with men, but with principalities, with potentates, with the princes of darkness, with wicked aereal spirits.

⁷ and that you, who are distress'd, should obtain your repose, together with us, when the Lord Jesus, with his angels, the ministers of his power, shall descend from heaven, ⁸ in flaming fire, to take vengeance on those, who know not God, and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: ⁹ the Lord shall punish them with everlasting destruction, when he shall appear in the glory of his power, ¹⁰ and come to be glorified by his saints, and to be the object of admiration to all who believed, that the testimony we gave you, would be justified in that day.

⁸ and then the lawless will be discover'd, whom the Lord will extirpate by the spirit of his mouth, and at his glorious advent, will intirely abolish him, ⁹ who by the instigation of satan will make his parade with various arts, with fallacious signs and prodigies,

²⁶ for then must he have suffered several times since the beginning of the world, when in the consummation of the ages, he has appeared once for all to expiate sin by offering himself as a sacrifice.

¹⁴ Of these did Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesy in these words, "see! the Lord is coming with ten thousand of his saints,

¹⁵ and a sharp sickle in his hand. and another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, "thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the reaping time is come; for the ¹⁶ harvest of the earth is ripe." so he that sat on the cloud, stretch'd out his sickle to the earth; and the earth was reaped. ¹⁷ Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, ¹⁸ he also having a sharp sickle. and another angel came out from the altar, who presided over the fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, "stretch out thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are full ripe." ¹⁹ so the angel stretch'd out his sickle to the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and cast it into the great wine-press of the divine vengeance.

²⁰ and the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles in his favour, by which he seduc'd those that had received the mark of the beast, and those that worshipped his image. these were both cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

² and he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the devil and satan, and bound him for a thousand years, ³ then cast him into the bottomless pit, there shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should seduce the nations no more, till the thousand years should he fulfilled: and after that, he was to be loosed for a short time.

⁷ When the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, ⁸ and shall go out to seduce the nations, which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to assemble them to battle: they will be as numerous as the sand of the sea. ⁹ they will spread on the surface of the earth, and encompass the camp of the saints, and the beloved city: and fire shall descend from God out of heaven, and devour them. ¹⁰ the devil that seduced them, shall be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

⁷ wo unto the world, because of such scandals: tho' it cannot be, but that such occasions of relapsing should happen: yet wo to that man by whom the scandal cometh.

³¹ and he shall send his messengers, who with the shrill sound of a trumpet, shall gather together his select from the four winds, from one end of the heaven to the other.

²⁷ then will he send his angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the remotest part of the earth, to the remotest part of heaven.

²⁶ then you will say, we have eat, and drank with you, and you have taught in our streets. ²⁷ but he will answer, I tell you, you are strangers to me: depart from me, ye workers of iniquity.

⁸ but unto those who are contentious, and do not yield to the truth, but give way to injustice, indignation and wrath, ⁹ tribulation and anguish to every one that doth evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.

¹⁶ in the day, when according to my gospel, God shall judge the secret actions of men by Jesus Christ.

¹⁷ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark those who cause divisions and revolts against the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them. ¹⁸ for such as these serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own selfishness; and by flourish and flattery, deceive the open-hearted simple.

⁶ and when he re-introduces the first-begotten into the world, he saith, " and let all the angels of God worship him." ⁷ and of the angels, he saith, who employs his angels like the winds, and flames of fire as his ministers."

¹⁴ are not all those spirits dispatch'd as ministers to take care of those who shall belong to the christian church.

¹ As there were false prophets among the people of Israel, there will likewise be false doctors among you, who by introducing pernicious sects, and by renouncing the Lord, who bought them, will bring upon themselves swift destruction. ² many will follow their destructive maxims, and by their means christianity will be traduc'd.

¹¹ Then in my vision I heard the voice of many angels which surrounded the throne, the animals, and the elders: to the number of ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; ¹² saying with a loud voice, "worthy is the lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."

²⁷ and nothing that is impure, no one that is guilty of any abomination, or a lye, shall ever enter there: but they alone who are written in the lamb's book of life.

¹² but the heirs to the kingdom shall be cast into the darkness without: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

⁵⁰ they shall cast the wicked into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

¹³ then said the king to the servants, bind him hand and foot, take him away, and turn him out in the dark: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

⁴³ if even thy hand should make thee transgress, saw it off, and cast it away, it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than to have both hands and go into Gehenna, the unextinguishable fire: ⁴⁴ where their worm does not die, and the fire is not extinguished. ⁴⁵ and if thy foot make thee transgress, saw it off, it is better for you to enter into life, tho' lame, than to have both feet, and be thrown into Gehenna, the unextinguishable fire: ⁴⁶ where their worm does not die, and the fire is not extinguished. ⁴⁷ and if your eye make you transgress, pull it out; it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God, with but one eye, than to have two, and be thrown into the Gehenna of fire: where the worm does not die, ⁴⁸ and the fire is not extinguished. ⁴⁹ such a one shall be consumed by fire, but the offering that is salted shall be preserv'd from corruption.

²⁸ there will be weeping, and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

²³ and being in the infernal regions of torments, he lift up his eyes, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bower. ²⁴ and he cry'd out, saying, father Abraham, take pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

² and he opened the bottomless pit, and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkned by reason of the smoke of the pit.

¹⁰ he shall drink of the wine of the divine vengeance, the strongest wine that can be poured out of the cup of his indignation; He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone, in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the lamb:

¹⁰ the devil that seduced them, shall be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

¹⁴ and death and the grave were cast into the lake of fire: this is the second death. ¹⁵ and whosoever was not found written in the book of life, was cast into the lake of fire.

⁸ but the fearful, and incredulous, the abominable, the murderer, the licentious, the poisoner, the idolater, and every lyar shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: this is the second death."

³⁶ naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye took care of me: I was in prison, and ye visited me.

²⁹ but this I tell you, I shall not drink any more wine with you from this time forth to the day, when I shall drink with you, of the spiritual wine, in my father's kingdom.

³² fear not, ye little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to grant you the kingdom.

²⁹ I commit the kingdom to you, as my father committed it to me;

⁴¹ the glory of the sun is of one kind, the glory of the moon of another, and the glory of the stars still different; nay, one star differs from another star in glory. ⁴² such will be the resurrection of the dead: the body is sown corruptible, it will be raised incorruptible. ⁴³ it is sown in dishonour, it will be raised in glory: it is sown in decay, it will be raised in power: ⁴⁴ it is sown an animal body, it will rise a spiritual body. there is an animal body, and there is a spiritual body. ⁴⁵ and so it is written, the first man Adam was made an animating soul, the last Adam was made a vivifying spirit. ⁴⁶ but the spiritual body was not first, but the animal; and afterwards the spiritual. ⁴⁷ the first man was formed from the dust of the earth: the second man was from heaven. ⁴⁸ as was the terrestrial, such are they also that are terrestrial: and as is the celestial, such also shall they be who are to be celestial. ⁴⁹ for as we have born the image of the terrestrial, so we shall bear the image of the celestial. ⁵⁰ this I say, my brethren, because the body, as it is at present, cannot possess the kingdom of God; and what is corruptible, can't enjoy incorruptibility. ⁵¹ I shall now tell you a very great secret: we shall not all of us sleep, but we shall all be changed, ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the sound of the last trumpet (for the trumpet shall sound) and the dead shall rise incorruptible; but as for us, we shall be changed. ⁵³ for this corruptible body must be invested with incorruptibility, this mortal be invested with immortality. ⁵⁴ but when this corruptible shall be invested with incorruptibility, and this mortal with immortality, then shall be fulfilled that passage of scripture, " death is swallowed up for ever."

⁵⁸ therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye inflexibly steady, and continually surpass others in the work of the Lord, knowing that he will not leave your christian labour unrewarded.

³ then I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, "behold, the tabernacle of God is with men: he will dwell with them, they shall be his people, God himself shall be with them, as their God. ⁴ God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; there shall be no more death, sorrow, or crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former state of things is passed away." he that sat upon the throne, said, ⁵ "behold, I make all things new." and he said write: "for these words are true and authentic."

²² I did not see any temple there: for the Lord God almighty, and the lamb are its temple. ²³ the city had no need either of the sun, or of the moon to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamb is the luminary thereof.

²¹ for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

²¹ Jesus said, if thou wilt be perfect, go sell your estate, give the value to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: then come and follow me.

²⁷ Then said Peter, but we, who have left every thing to follow thee; what advantage shall we get by it?

²⁹ and every one that abandons his family, his brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my sake, shall receive in that age an hundred times the value, and shall inherit hereafter everlasting life.

³³ in like manner every one of you must count upon renouncing all that he has, otherwise he cannot be my disciple.

²³ upon hearing this he was very sad: for he had a large estate. ²⁴ Jesus perceiving him so very dejected, said, how difficult is it for those, who have riches, to enter into the kingdom of God!

⁶ so down he came in great haste, and gave Jesus a joyful reception. ⁷ upon seeing this, they all murmur'd, saying, he is going to be treated by a dissolute person. ⁸ but Zaccheus address'd himself to Jesus, and said, Lord, half my estate I give to the poor; and if I have wrong'd any man, I will give him four times the value.

³⁵ Jesus answer'd, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me, shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me, shall never thirst.

⁴⁴ All that believed were united together, and had all things in common, ⁴⁵ so that they sold their possessions and goods, and distributed the money to every one as his occasions required. ⁴⁶ and continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they did eat their meals with gladness, and simplicity of heart, ⁴⁷ praising God, and showing benevolence to all the people. and the Lord encreased the church daily with new converts.

³² Now the whole body of believers were but one heart, and one soul: no one look'd upon what he possessed, as his own, but every thing was held in common. ³³ Great was the power by which the apostles attested the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and they were all greatly favoured by the people. ³⁴ for there was no poor among them, because as many as bad lands or houses, sold them, and brought the value, ³⁵ which they laid down at the apostles feet: and they distributed it to every man as his occasions required.

⁴ now whatever was heretofore writ, was writ for our instruction; that we through patience and the comfortable promises of the scriptures might have hope.

⁷ these advantages I renounce for Christ, ⁸ nay I think them disadvantages when put in competition with the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord: for whose sake I abandon all these things, and count them as straw, that I may gain Christ, ⁹ and be his true disciple, not professing that justification, which is derived from the law, but that which is from the gospel,

³ in whom are reserv'd all the treasures of wd om and knowledge.

³ for you are dead to them, and Christ has secured your life with God. ⁴ Christ is your life, and when he shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.

¹⁶ Let the christian doctrine be the familiar subject of your entertainment: in all wisdom instructing and exhorting one another, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, melodiously tuning your grateful praises to God.

³⁴ for you were passionately affected for those who were in bonds, and were pleas'd at the seizing of your goods, knowing that you have what is more excellent and lasting.

²⁴ by faith Moses when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; ²⁵ chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; ²⁶ esteeming the sufferings of Israel greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had an eye to the reward.

¹⁸ I counsel thee to purchase of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayst be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayst be cloathed, and that the shame of thy nakedness may not appear; and an ointment for thine eyes to make you see clear.

²⁶ what advantage is it to a man to gain the whole world at the price of his life? or what would not a man pay down to preserve his life?

⁵ but instead of showing any regard, they went their ways, one to his farm, another to his traffick.

⁴⁴ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in a field: a man finds this treasure and buries it again, then goes in great joy, sells all that he hath, and purchases that field.

²⁸ Then Peter thus address'd himself to Jesus, you see we have left every thing to follow you. ²⁹ Jesus answered him, I declare unto you, there is not a man who has forsaken his house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, out of love to me and to the gospel, ³⁰ but shall receive at present in this age, what will be a hundred times better to him, than houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, tho' with persecution: and in the age to come eternal life. ³¹ but they that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first.

²⁸ Then said Peter, you see that we have left every thing to follow you. ²⁹ Jesus answer'd, I declare unto you, no one has ever quitted house or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, upon account of the gospel-dispensation, ³⁰ who shall not receive abundantly more even in this age, and everlasting life in the age to come.

²⁴ things that little affect me, nor is life so much my concern, as to finish my course, and the charge I receiv'd from the Lord Jesus, to attest the declaration of the divine favour.

²¹ therefore, let no one glory in men: for all are yours: ²² whether Paul or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; ²³ all are yours; and you are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

¹⁴ but far be it from me that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world is as contemptible to me, as I am to the world.

¹¹ Now what is testified, is this, that God has given to us eternal life: and this life is by his son. ¹² he that receives the son, is intitled to life; and he that does not receive the son of God, has no title to life.

²¹ the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each single gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as splendid as glass.

¹⁹ and he said to them, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men:

²⁶ but when the blade was sprung up, and bore grain, the tares appeared too. ²⁷ so the servants of the yeoman came and said, Sir, did not you sow your field with good grain: how comes it then to have tares? ²⁸ 'tis some enemy, said he, has done this. the servants replied, shall we go then and pull them up? ²⁹ no, said he, lest in pulling up the tares, you should root ³⁰ up the wheat with them. let both grow together till the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will thus direct the reapers, first of all gather the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: then lodge the wheat in my barn.

⁹ go therefore into the high streets, and as many as ye find, invite to the marriage: ¹⁰ accordingly they went about the streets, and assembled all they met indifferently, both good and bad: so that the hall was furnished with guests.

¹ The kingdom of the Messiah will then be such, as when ten virgins took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² five of them were wise, and five were foolish. ³ they that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: ⁴ but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

¹⁷ (for they were fishers) and Jesus said to them, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

¹⁰ so was James too, and John, the sons of Zebedee, both partners with Simon. but Jesus said to Simon, be not afraid; for the future you shall fish for men.

²¹ so the servant return'd, and related the whole matter to his master, who in resentment said to his servant, go immediately into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring hither the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind. ²² at length the servant said, sir, your orders have been executed, and still there is room. ²³ the master reply'd, go then to the high-ways and by-paths, and compel them to come in, that my house may be full.

¹ Now there was a certain man named Ananias who with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, ² and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought the rest which he laid at the apostles feet. ³ upon which Peter said, Ananias, how could satan inspire thine heart to lye to the holy ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? ⁴ was not the estate your own estate? and was not the price for which it was sold, all in your own hands? how came such a design as this in your heart? thou hast not lyed unto men, but unto God. ⁵ at these words Ananias fell down dead upon the spot: which struck the minds of all that heard of it with great dread. ⁶ and some young men came and wound him up, then carried him out, and buried him. ⁷ about the space of three hours after, his wife, not knowing what had happen'd, came in. ⁸ when Peter addressing himself to her, tell me, said he, have you sold the land for such a price? yes, said she, for so much. ⁹ then Peter said to her, how comes it that you have conspir'd together, to tempt the spirit of the Lord? see there at the door the men that are come from burying thy husband, and they shall carry thee out likewise. ¹⁰ in the instant she fell down dead at his feet: and the young men came in, found her dead, carried her out, and buried her by her husband.

¹⁸ when Simon saw that the holy spirit was given by imposition of the hands of the apostles, he offered them money, saying, ¹⁹ give me too this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands he may receive the holy spirit. ²⁰ but Peter said unto him, thy money perish with thee, for thinking that the gift of God may be purchased with money. ²¹ thou hast no manner of share in this gift: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. ²² repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray to God, to forgive, if it be possible, this suggestion you have entertain'd.

³⁰ nay, among your own body some will start up to vent their intricate conceits, and draw a number of followers.

¹ we have it from all quarters, that incest is practis'd among you, and such as is not among the Gentiles, that of a man's having his father's wife. ² this you have made a matter of levity, instead of being concern'd in discarding him that has done such an action. ³ as for me, though I am absent in person, yet being present by my authority, with regard to him that has committed this fact, I am come to the same resolution, as if I was present, ⁴ that is, when you are assembled, and I virtually there, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ⁵ to deliver him up to satan, to suffer corporal punishment, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. ⁶ Your levity is very indecent: don't you know that a little leaven infects the whole mass?

¹ I would not have you ignorant, my brethren, that all our fathers were under the Cloud, all passed thro' the sea: ² and were all baptized into the Mosaical institution by the cloud, and by the sea; ³ they all eat the same spiritual meat, ⁴ and all drank the same spiritual drink: (for they drank of what flowed from the spiritual rock: and that rock was Christ.) ⁵ but with the greater part God was not well pleased: for their carcasses were strown in the wilderness. ⁶ now these things were examples to deter us from longing after things that are pernicious, as they did. ⁷ be not idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, "the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play." ⁸ neither let us commit fornication, as some of them did, of whom three and twenty thousand fell in one day. ⁹ neither let us provoke Christ as some of them provoked him, and were destroyed by serpents. ¹⁰ neither murmur ye, as some of them murmured, and were slain by the destroying angel. ¹¹ All these things happened to them for examples: and are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come. ¹² wherefore let him that thinks he stands firm, take heed lest he fall.

¹⁹ for there must be factions among you, whereby it will appear who among you are the approved.

²⁶ in my voyages I have been frequently in perils from rivers, in perils from robbers, in perils from my own countrymen, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the country, in perils at sea, in perils among false brethren;

²⁰ yet I fear when I do come I shall not find you such as I would, and that you will find me such as you least desire: I am afraid there are among you debates, envyings, animosities, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, arrogance, tumults: ²¹ and I am afraid, God will humble me when I come again among you, and I shall bewail many who have formerly sinned, and have not yet repented of their impurity, their fornication, and dissoluteness.

² for men will be selfish, avaricious, vain, proud, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, ³ villainous, unnatural, perfidious, defamers, debauchees, ⁴ cruel, enemies to virtue, traitors, insolent, conceited, and more devoted to pleasure than to piety: ⁵ of which they wear the appearance, but disclaim its influence. have no intercourse with such.

³ for the time will come, when they will not endure sound doctrine, but get teachers of their own corrupt taste, to sooth their ears that itch for flattery: ⁴ which, while they are deaf to the truth, attentively listen to fables.

⁹ attach'd to the truth, that has been taught him, that he may be able to teach others sound doctrine, and to convince those who oppose it. ¹⁰ For there are many, especially among the Jews, who are obstinate, vain talkers and deceivers; ¹¹ who ought to be curb'd, who pervert whole families, teaching things which they ought not, for sordid lucre.

¹ As there were false prophets among the people of Israel, there will likewise be false doctors among you, who by introducing pernicious sects, and by renouncing the Lord, who bought them, will bring upon themselves swift destruction. ² many will follow their destructive maxims, and by their means christianity will be traduc'd. ³ By their artful discourses they will make you the tools of their avarice; but their condemnation has been a long time advancing, and their ruin is far from lingring.

¹³ they place their felicity in daily pleasure: they are a vile scandal to religion: when they are present at your love-feasts they indulge their luxury: ¹⁴ their eyes are inflam'd with adultery, and unextinguishable vice: they insnare the souls of the inconstant. their minds are practis'd in the arts of avarice: an execrable race, who have deserted the right way, ¹⁵ and are gone astray to follow the practices of Balaam of Bosor, who loved the wages of iniquity; ¹⁶ but he was rebuked for his transgression: for an ass, as dumb as it was, spoke with an articulate voice, and reprimanded the extravagance of the prophet. ¹⁷ These are wells without water; clouds agitated with a tempest, who are consigned to the obscurity of eternal darkness. ¹⁸ when their language swells with vanity, by applying to the sensual passions of the licentious, they allure those who were escap'd for a while, from such deceivers: ¹⁹ whilst they promise others liberty, they themselves are slaves to their corrupt passions. for he that is vanquished, is a slave to the conqueror. ²⁰ As for those who have renounc'd the pollutions of the world, by their owning Jesus Christ for their Lord and saviour, if they are prevail'd upon to be entangled therein again, their last state is worse than the first. ²¹ for it had been better for them, not to have made any profession of the gospel, than after they have embraced it, to abandon the holy injunction, that was delivered to them. ²² but the proverb is exactly verified in them, "the dog is return'd to his own vomit: the sow that was wash'd, is wallowing in the mire."

¹⁸ Dear children, the last time is come: as ye have heard that antichrist was to come, accordingly many antichrists have already appeared; whereby we know that we are now in the last times. ¹⁹ they went out from us, but they were not of us: for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that it might be manifest, that they were not all of us.

¹ Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. ² by this you may distinguish the spirit of God: "every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is from God. ³ and every spirit that does not own that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is not from God." this is that anti-christian spirit which you have heard was to come, and even now it appears in the world. ⁴ ye are of God, my dear children, and you have overcome them: because he that is in you, is superior to him that is in the world. ⁵ they are of the world: therefore their doctrine is worldly, and the world are their disciples. ⁶ we are of God: he that knoweth God, heareth us; he that is not of God, heareth not us. by this we distinguish the spirit of truth from the spirit of imposture.

⁴ For certain men have insinuated themselves among you, who were formerly proscrib'd to be punish'd; impious men, who pervert the divine favour to licentiousness, and renounce their only master, and Jesus Christ our Lord. ⁵ Now, I would call to your remembrance what you once were inform'd of, that when the Lord had delivered the people from the land of Egypt, he afterward destroyed those that were disobedient.

¹ And unto the angel of the church in Sardis, write, "THESE things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast the reputation of being alive, but art dead.

¹⁵ I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. ¹⁶ but since thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. ¹⁷ you say you are rich, and have increased your gain, and have need of nothing; but you do not consider that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.

³⁰ up the wheat with them. let both grow together till the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will thus direct the reapers, first of all gather the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: then lodge the wheat in my barn.

⁵ while the bridegroom tarried, they were drowsy and slept. ⁶ and at midnight there was a sudden cry, see the bridegroom comes; go and meet him. ⁷ then the virgins all arose, and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ and the foolish said to the wise, give us of your oil, for our lamps are going out. ⁹ but the wise answered, for fear there should not be enough for us and you, go rather to those that sell; and buy for your selves. ¹⁰ and while they were gone to buy, the bridegroom came, and they that were ready, entred with him into the hall, and the door was shut. ¹¹ afterwards came the other virgins likewise, and cry'd, ¹² Lord, Lord, pray let us in. but he answered, I assure you, I know you not.

¹⁹ after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reckoned with them. ²⁰ accordingly he that had received five talents, came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, you delivered to me five talents: besides those, there's five talents more, which I have gain'd. ²¹ his lord said to him, well done, thou art an honest faithful servant; thou hast been faithful in a small trust, I will give thee a much larger trust; go in and partake of thy master's diversions. ²² he also that had received two talents, came and said, Lord, you delivered to me two talents: here are two other talents which I have gain'd besides them. ²³ his lord said to him, well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful in a small trust, I will give thee a much larger trust: go in and partake of your master's joy. ²⁴ then came he who had received the one talent, and said, Lord, I knew that you were a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered: ²⁵ fear made me hide the talent under ground: but there you have what is your own. ²⁶ his lord answered and said unto him, thou vile slothful wretch, you knew that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not scatter'd: ²⁷ should not you then have lodged my money at the banker's, and so at my return I should have received my own with interest. ²⁸ here, take the talent from him, and give it to him that has the ten. ²⁹ for he that makes use of what he has, shall have more; but if he makes no improvement thereof, it shall be taken from him. ³⁰ take then that worthless fellow, turn him out in the dark, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ³¹ When the son of man shall come in his majesty, accompanied with all his holy angels, he shall sit upon the throne of his glory. ³² then all nations shall be assembled before him, and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats. ³³ and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

¹² and I saw the dead, small and great, stand before the throne; the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out. of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. ¹³ the sea gave up the dead which were in it; death and the grave delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every one according to their works.

⁴² and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

⁵⁰ the master of that servant will come in a day when he least expects it, and at an hour he is not aware of; ⁵¹ and shall turn him out of the family, and give him the reward due to such behaviour: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

²⁷ but he will answer, I tell you, you are strangers to me: depart from me, ye workers of iniquity. ²⁸ there will be weeping, and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

¹⁰ he shall drink of the wine of the divine vengeance, the strongest wine that can be poured out of the cup of his indignation; He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone, in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the lamb: ¹¹ the smoke of their torment shall ascend for ever and ever: they who worship the beast or his image, they who receive the mark of his name, shall have no rest either day or night."

¹⁰ And the FIFTH angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness, and they gnawed their tongues for pain. ¹¹ and blasphemed the God of heaven, because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

¹⁷ do not ye yet conceive, that whatever enters at the mouth, passes to the belly, and is discharged downwards?

¹¹ why, can't you perceive, that in cautioning you to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the Sadducees, I did not speak of bread?

¹⁵ When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, mention'd by Daniel the prophet, stand about the holy place, (let him that readeth,

¹⁸ and he said, are you likewise so void of understanding? don't you perceive that what passes from without into a man cannot defile him?

⁴⁴ give attention to what I now say, namely, that the son of man is to be delivered into the hands of men. ⁴⁵ but they did not comprehend that expression: it was as a riddle, which they could not understand, and they were afraid to desire him to explain the meaning of that expression.

³⁰ Philip ran to him, and hearing him read the prophet Esaias, said, do you understand what you read? ³¹ how can I, answer'd he, without some expositor? and he desired Philip to mount, and sit with him.

³⁵ a good man out of the good treasure produces good things: and an evil man, out of the evil treasure, produces evil things.

³⁴ wherefore I shall send you prophets, and wise men, and Scribes; you will kill some, and crucify others, many will ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city.

⁴⁹ agreeably to this, in the Wisdom of God 'tis said, "I will send them prophets and apostles: some they will kill, and others they will persecute:

³⁴ a new commandment I give unto you, "that ye love one another; that you would have the same love for one another as I have had for you."

⁴ It is by Christ that I have this confidence in God. ⁵ not that I am sufficient of myself to effect any thing by the strength of my own reason: but my sufficiency is from God. ⁶ who also hath enabled me to be a minister of the new covenant, not of the literal sense, but of the spiritual meaning: it is the letter that denounces death, but the spirit gives life.

⁵ for we preach not our selves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, professing our selves your servants for his sake. ⁶ for God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to enlighten others in the knowledge of the glory of God, which shines in the person of Jesus Christ. ⁷ but this treasure is lodg'd in such earthen vessels as we are, that the exceeding efficacy of it may appear to be from God, and not from us.

¹⁰ as sorrowful, though always cheerful; as poor, tho' inriching many; as having nothing, though contented with every thing.

⁴ by the reading whereof you may perceive how far I am let into the secret of Christ.

⁷ which you heard was offer'd to you, by the instructions of Epaphras, our dear fellow-servant, who is to you a faithful minister of Christ:

⁶ nor must he be a new convert; for fear he should be elated with pride, and so involve himself in the same ruin as the devil.

¹⁵ you may know how to conduct yourself in the house of God, that is, in the church of the true God. ¹⁶ the mystery of piety is the pillar and basts of truth; and certainly most extraordinary. God has appear'd in the flesh, been justified by the spirit, seen by angels, proclaim'd to the Gentiles, believ'd by the world, and assum'd into glory.

¹⁶ for all divinely inspired writings are conducive to instruction, to conviction, to reformation, and the practice of virtue; ¹⁷ that the minister of God may be perfectly accomplished for every office of religion.

⁹ attach'd to the truth, that has been taught him, that he may be able to teach others sound doctrine, and to convince those who oppose it.

⁶ that the word of God may not be blasphemed. the young men likewise exhort to be modest. ⁷ In all things show yourself a pattern of virtue: in teaching shewing uncorruptness,

⁷ My brethren, I don't prescribe you any new commandment, but the antient precept which you had from the beginning: and that is no other than the word which was originally delivered. ⁸ however, it is really, in effect, a new commandment I write unto you, with respect to you: because the darkness is past, and things now appear in their true light.

²⁸ At length Jesus finished his discourse, and the people were fill'd with astonishment at his doctrine.

³³ Thus he instructed them by such a variety of parables as were adapted to their capacity. ³⁴ his stile in publick was figurative, but he explain'd every thing to his disciples in private. ³⁵ The same day in the evening, he said to them, let us cross over to the other side of the lake.

²³ and went to dwell in a town called Nazareth, so that those words of one of the prophets were fulfill'd, "He shall be called a Nazarene."

¹ Jesus leaving that place, went into his own country, attended by his disciples. ² when the sabbath was come, he preach'd in the synagogue, to the great astonishment of many, who upon hearing his discourse, said, how came he by all this? what strange endowment of knowledge is this, that he should work such miracles? ³ is not he the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses, of Juda and Simon? are not these his sisters, who are here with us? and they were scandalized at him. ⁴ but Jesus said to him, a prophet is never despis'd, except in his own country, among his own kindred, and in his own family: ⁵ so that excepting the cure of a few sick by the imposition of hands, he would not work any miracle there, ⁶ they were so marvellously incredulous. so that He went all about to teach in the neighbouring villages.

¹⁶ being come to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; according to his custom, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath-day, and standing up to read, ¹⁷ they delivered to him the book of the prophet Esaias, and upon opening the book, that passage occurr'd, where it is written, ¹⁸ "the spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, ¹⁹ to proclaim the favourable year of the Lord." ²⁰ then he closed the book, and returning it to the minister, he sat down: and as the eyes of the whole synagogue were fix'd with attention upon him, ²¹ he undertook to show them, how the passage they had heard, was actually then accomplished. ²² They all applauded him, and were surprized, that what he said, was delivered with so much grace. but they objected, is not this the son of Joseph? ²³ upon which he said, no doubt you will urge me with this proverb, "physician heal thy self. what we have heard you perform'd in Capernaum, do likewise here in your own country." ²⁴ but in truth, added he, no prophet was ever well received in his own country. ²⁵ I assure you, though there were many widows in Israel, when the heaven had furnished no rain for three years and a half, and a great famine spread through all the land: ²⁶ yet to none of them was Elias sent, except to one widow in Sarepta, a city of Sidon. ²⁷ and there were many lepers in the time of Elisha the prophet: yet none of them obtain'd a cure, except Naaman the Syrian. ²⁸ upon hearing this, the whole synagogue were incensed against him. ²⁹ and breaking up the assembly, they drove him out of the city, to the precipice of the hill, upon which it was built, in order to throw him headlong down. ³⁰ but he pass'd thro' the midst of them and went away.

¹¹ he came unto his own, and his own received him not.

¹⁵ at which the Jews were surprized, saying, how came be acquainted with the scriptures, a man of no education? ¹⁶ Jesus answered them, the doctrine I deliver is not my own, but his that sent me.

¹³ Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were illiterate, and of the lower rank of men, they were surpriz'd; but tho' they knew that they had been Jesus's disciples,

⁴⁶ but Paul and Barnabas told them boldly, you indeed were the first, to whom the word of God was to be preach'd: but since you reject it, and judge your own selves unworthy of eternal life, be assur'd, we shall make the same offer to the Gentiles:

¹⁷ three days after, Paul sent for the chief of the Jews: and when they were assembled, he said to them, "my brethren, tho' I have done nothing against the Jews, or against the customs of our fathers, I was made a prisoner at Jerusalem, and put into the hands of the Romans: ¹⁸ who, after my examination, would have discharg'd me, as having done nothing that was capital. ¹⁹ but the Jews opposing it, I was oblig'd to appeal to the emperor: not having however any design to accuse them. ²⁰ for this reason I desir'd to see and talk with you; it being for the expectation of Israel that I am subject to this chain." ²¹ they reply'd, we have receiv'd no letter from Judea concerning you; nor have any of our brethren that are arrived, said any harm of you. ²² but we should be glad to know your sentiments: for as to this sect, we are sensible it is every where inveigh'd against. ²³ Having therefore set him a day, they came in great numbers to his lodgings; where he explain'd and confirm'd the reality of the gospel-dispensation, from morning to night, enforcing what the writings of Moses and the prophets had affirm'd concerning Jesus. ²⁴ some believed what he had said, but others did not believe: ²⁵ so not being able to agree, they retir'd, upon Paul's having told them, that the holy spirit had very justly said to our fathers by the prophet Esaias, ²⁶ "go to this people and say, hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive. ²⁷ for the heart of this people is become gross, their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted and I should heal them." ²⁸ take notice therefore, that the offers of divine salvation are sent to the Gentiles, and they will receive them.

¹⁸ Now the manner of Christ's birth was this: his mother Mary being promised in marriage to Joseph, before they came together, she became pregnant by the holy Spirit. ¹⁹ but Joseph her husband, being a good-natur'd man, and unwilling to expose her to publick shame, he designed to put her away privately. ²⁰ but while he was revolving this in his mind, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, the off-spring of David, don't make any difficulty of taking Mary for thy wife: for her pregnancy is from the holy Spirit.

⁴⁶ Now while he was talking to the people, his mother and his brothers stood without, desiring to speak with him. ⁴⁷ then some body said to him, your mother and your brothers are without, and desire to speak with you. ⁴⁸ but Jesus answered the man that told him, who is my mother? and who are my brothers?

⁵⁶ among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and of Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.

³ is not he the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses, of Juda and Simon? are not these his sisters, who are here with us? and they were scandalized at him.

⁴⁰ there were likewise several women, who were spectators at a distance: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the minor, and of Joses and Salome:

⁴⁷ and Mary the mother of Joses, took notice where he was laid.

²⁷ to a virgin contracted to a man; whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. and the virgin's name was Mary.

⁵ in order to be registred with Mary, his espoused wife, who was then big with child. ⁶ now while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. ⁷ and being brought to bed of her first born, she swathed him, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

²³ Jesus was then about thirty years of age, being, as was suppos'd, the son of Joseph,

²² They all applauded him, and were surprized, that what he said, was delivered with so much grace. but they objected, is not this the son of Joseph?

¹⁰ it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and others with them, who gave the apostles this relation:

⁴⁵ Philip meeting with Nathanael, said to him, we have found him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. ⁴⁶ but Nathanael said to him, can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? come and see, said Philip.

⁴² is not this, said they, Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how comes he then to say, I came down from heaven?

⁴¹ some said, this is the Messias. but said others, shall the Messias come out of Galilee? ⁴² hath not the scripture said, that the Messiah is to rise out of the family of David, and out of Bethlehem, the village where David was born?

²⁹ we know that God commission'd Moses: as for this fellow, we don't know who sent him.

²⁵ In the mean time the mother of Jesus, and her sister Mary, the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene, were standing by the cross.

¹⁹ but other of the apostles saw I none, except James the Lord's brother.

¹⁴ In the mean time king Herod heard of Jesus, whose name was now celebrated, and he said, John the Baptist is risen from the dead, no wonder then that he works miracles.

³⁴ then Simeon gave them his benediction, and said to Mary his mother, "the child you now see, shall occasion many in Israel to fall and rise again; he will be the Object of calumny, ³⁵ which like a dart will pierce even thro' your own soul, that thereby the sincerity of many may be revealed."

²⁴ but in truth, added he, no prophet was ever well received in his own country.

²³ and blessed is he, who does not make me the occasion of his fall.

⁴⁴ (tho' Jesus himself had declared, that a prophet is not honoured in his own country.)

⁶¹ Jesus perceiving in himself, that his disciples murmured at it, said to them, doth this offend you?

²² for Moses said to the fathers, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me; observe whatever he shall say to you. ²³ and whoever he be that will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people."

³⁷ this is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear." ³⁸ 'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use. ³⁹ him our fathers would not obey, but rejected him, and they return'd to their Egyptian disposition.

⁵¹ stubborn people, whose hearts and ears like the uncircumcised, are always averse to the holy spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. ⁵² was there ever any prophet whom your fathers did not persecute? have they not slain those who predicted the coming of that just person whom you have so lately betrayed and murder'd?

²³ we preach Christ crucified, an obstacle to the Jews indeed, and to the Gentiles foolishness: but to those who believe, ²⁴ both Jews and Gentiles, he is the Christ, the power of God, and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ for this divine doctrine, as foolish and weak as men may think it, far surpasses all their wisdom, and baffles all their power. ²⁶ for consider, brethren, that not many worldly wise, not many men of power, not many men of birth are among you that are called. ²⁷ but God hath chosen those who are foolish in the opinion of the world, to confound the wise; and the weak men of the world to confound the mighty: ²⁸ those who were looked upon by the world as vile, as despicable, as nothing, these has God chosen to reduce their sufficiency to nothing.

²⁵ I assure you, though there were many widows in Israel, when the heaven had furnished no rain for three years and a half, and a great famine spread through all the land: ²⁶ yet to none of them was Elias sent, except to one widow in Sarepta, a city of Sidon. ²⁷ and there were many lepers in the time of Elisha the prophet: yet none of them obtain'd a cure, except Naaman the Syrian. ²⁸ upon hearing this, the whole synagogue were incensed against him. ²⁹ and breaking up the assembly, they drove him out of the city, to the precipice of the hill, upon which it was built, in order to throw him headlong down.

²⁰ well, be it so, for their incredulity they were broken off, and you by faith stand firm: be not then elated, but let this be your fear,

¹² Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you such incredulity as to make you desert the living God. ¹³ but exhort one another daily while the day lasts, lest any of you be hardned through the deceitfulness of sin. ¹⁴ for we were receiv'd into the communion of Christ, upon condition of inviolably maintaining the hope we had at the beginning even unto the end, ¹⁵ which is imply'd by, "to-day since ye hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as at Meriba." ¹⁶ for some when they had heard his voice, did provoke him: however, not all that were brought out of Egypt by Moses did so. ¹⁷ but with whom was he displeased forty years? was it not with those that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the desert? ¹⁸ and who were they, who, he sware, should not enter into his rest, but those that did not believe? so we see that they could not enter in, ¹⁹ because of their incredulity.

⁶ Since there remains then a rest which some are still to enter into, for they to whom the promise was first made, did not enter in, because of their incredulity; ⁷ he pointed out another time in the words, which were spoken by David, a long time after their going into Canaan, in the passage just now quoted, "today since ye hear his voice, harden not your hearts." ⁸ for if Joshuah had given them rest, David would not afterwards have mentioned another day. ⁹ which shows that the people of God have a sabbath still to come. ¹⁰ then he that enters into divine rest, will indeed rest from his works, as God did from his. ¹¹ Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any of us by imitating their incredulity, should fall short thereof like them.