One sabbath-day, Jesus went to dine with a Pharisee of the first distinction, where he was strictly observ'd.

After this a great multitude being gather'd about him, he address'd himself to them,

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.

One of the company hearing that, said to him, happy is he that shall be entertain'd in the kingdom of God.

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?

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

and he that does not bear his cross, and tread in my steps, cannot be my disciple.

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.

Then he said to the Pharisee, that had invited him, when you give a dinner, or a supper, don't call your friends, or your brethren, or kinsmen, or wealthy neighbours; lest they invite you again, and make you a requital.

at supper-time he sent his servant to tell the guests to come, because every thing was ready.

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.

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.

this man, will they say, began to build, but wanted stock to finish.

for I tell you that not one of those, who were invited, shall taste of my supper.

another said, I have married a wife: 'tis therefore impossible for me to come.

at length the servant said, sir, your orders have been executed, and still there is room.

another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, which I am going to prove: I beg you to excuse me.

for fear he should be made the jest of every spectator, for laying the foundation, without being able to carry it on.

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?

that in case he is not, he may send an embassy, and desire conditions of peace, before the other approaches.

upon which Jesus said, a certain man made a great entertainment; where many were invited.

Afterwards observing how eager the guests were for the first places, he gave them this instruction:

salt is good, but if the salt has lost its savour, with what shall it be recovered?

for he that exalteth himself, shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted.

Then continuing his discourse, which of you, said he, if his child or his ox fell into a pit, would not immediately draw him out, though it were on the sabbath-day?

and you shall be happy in not receiving a requital: for you shall be recompenc'd at the resurrection of the just.

but when you make a feast call the poor, and maimed, the lame and blind:

now there happen'd to be a man just by him, who had a dropsy.

but when you are invited, go place your self last; that he, who invited you, when he comes, may say to you, friend, go up higher: and that will do you honour before all the company at table.

when any one invites you to a wedding, don't put yourself in the highest seat: for fear some person of greater distinction should be a guest,

Jesus therefore addressing himself to the doctors of the law, and to the Pharisees, said, is it allowable to perform a cure on the sabbath-day? to which they made no answer.

but he laid his hand upon the man, cured him, and dismissed him.

and they could not tell what to reply to it.

and he that invited you both, should come and bid you give place to him; and you should have the disgrace of taking the lowest seat.

it would be fit neither for the land, nor for the dunghil, but only to be thrown away. he that hath ears to hear, let him hear.