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

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

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

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

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.

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 many of the Publicans, and people of a bad reputation gather'd about Jesus to hear him;

but he propos'd to them this parable.

when he had spent all, there happen'd to be a severe famine in that country;

and he was reduced to want, which forc'd him to make his application to one of the inhabitants there, who sent him to his farm to look after his swine.

for he would have been contented to have liv'd upon the carruways, with which they usually fed the swine: but nobody would supply him.

I am no longer worthy to be called your son: treat me as one of your hir'd servants.

so he departed and went to his father. but while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him, and mov'd with compassion, ran and threw himself upon his neck, and kissed him.

and calling one of the servants, he ask'd what was the occasion of it,

so he sent for every one of his master's debtors in private, he ask'd the first, how much do you owe my master?

if therefore your fidelity has not appear'd in the use of these transitory enjoyments, how can you be trusted with what is more lasting?

if you have imbezel'd what another gave you in trust, how can he give you an estate in perpetuity?

the law and the prophets were the only rule till John's time: since when, the kingdom of God has been proclaim'd, and all sorts of people strive to be members.

yet heaven and earth may sooner pass away, than any part of the law be unaccomplish'd.

a certain beggar named Lazarus, was lying at his gate, and tho' cover'd with ulcers, the very dogs came and fawned upon him.

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.

it were better for him that a milstone were hang'd about his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should occasion any innocent person to relapse.

The Apostles having said to the Lord, increase our faith, he answer'd them,

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.

As Jesus was going to Jerusalem, he happen'd to pass between Samaria and Galilee.

and as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten lepers, who stood at a distance, and cry'd out aloud,

as soon as he perceiv'd them, he said to them, go shew yourselves to the priests. and on the way they found themselves cured.

one of them perceiving he was healed, turn'd back, praising God aloud.

is no body return'd to glorify God, but this alien only?

and he said to him, rise, go your way, your faith has sav'd you.

as see here! or see there! for even now the kingdom of God is commenc'd among you.

eating and drinking, marriages and matches was the business till the very day that Noah entred into the ark, when the flood came and overwhelm'd them all.

but the very day that Lot went out of Sodom, a storm of lightning and thunder fell from heaven and destroy'd them all.

Jesus propos'd likewise this parable to them, to show that they should persevere in prayer, and not be discouraged.

for some time he refus'd to do it: but at length he said in himself; tho' I neither fear God, nor regard man;

the Pharisee in a standing posture pray'd thus by himself, O God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men, a robber, a cheat, an adulterer, or like that Publican.

I tell you this man went home approv'd as just, and not the other. for whoever exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

And as they were presenting children to him, for the imposition of hands, his disciples observing it, rebuk'd those that brought them.

Then a person of distinction ask'd him this question, good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?

all these, said he, have I observ'd from my youth.

Jesus answer'd, by divine assistance men may do that which would be otherwise impossible.

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,

As they were near Jericho, a blind man happen'd to sit begging by the road,

who hearing the noise of a crowd passing by, ask'd what the matter was.

then he cry'd out, Jesus son of David, have pity on me.

those who led the way bid him hold his tongue. but he bawl'd out the louder, son of David have pity on me.

have sight, said Jesus, your faith has obtain'd you a cure.

so he ran before, and climb'd up a mulberry-tree to view him; for he was to pass that way.

as soon as Jesus came at the place, he look'd up, and seeing him, Zaccheus, said he, make haste down; for I intend to dine at your house to-day.

upon seeing this, they all murmur'd, saying, he is going to be treated by a dissolute person.

a nobleman, said he, was going to travel to a foreign country, in order to have his kingdom confirm'd to him at his return.

and he called ten of his servants, to whom he deliver'd ten pounds: improve that, said he, till I return.

he answer'd, honest servant, that's well: since your industry has made so much of so little, I give you the government of ten cities.

then the second came, and said, Lord, your pound has produc'd five more.

then he said to his attendants, take the one pound from him, and give it him, that gain'd ten.

they answer'd, because the Lord has occasion for it.

Just as he advanc'd to the declivity of the mountain of Olives, the whole troop of disciples began to express their joy in loud acclamations, praising God, for the many miracles they had seen.

but he answer'd them, if they should be silent, the stones would exclaim.

as he drew nigh, he beheld the city, and bewail'd its fate,

they will level you to the ground, extirpate your inhabitants, and bury your buildings in ruins: because you have not consider'd the overtures I made you.

but they could not find the means of effecting it; for all the populace were strongly attach'd to his doctrine.

Jesus answer'd, I will ask you one question;

but they reason'd thus with themselves, if we should say, it was divine, he will reply, why then did not you believe him?

they answer'd then, they did not know which it was.

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.

so they kill'd him, and threw him out of the vineyard. what punishment now will the master inflict upon them?

show me a penny: whose image and inscription is this? they answer'd, Cesar's.

so not being able to take any advantage from his words, before the people, they said no more, being surpriz'd at his answer.

now there were seven brothers, the first of which marry'd, and died without children.

now that the dead are raised, may be inferr'd from Moses's relation concerning the bush, where he stiles the Lord, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

who under the pretext of their long prayers devour the fortunes of widows. wherefore they shall be punish'd with greater severity.

for they have offer'd only part of their superfluous wealth; but she has given all that was then left for her subsistence.

And when ye shall hear of wars, and seditions, be not alarm'd. for these must first happen: but the end will not be so soon.

in like manner, when you shall see these events, be assur'd that the kingdom of God is nigh.

Thus Jesus used to teach in the temple by day, and retir'd to the mountain of Olives by night.

now satan had inspired Judas surnam'd Iscariot, one of the twelve, what to do.

accordingly he went and conferr'd with the chief priests and officers of the temple, about the method of seizing him.

they were pleas'd with his proposal, and agreed to give him a certain sum.

they ask'd him, where would you have us prepare it?

but as for thee, I have pray'd that you faith may not fail. do you in return establish thy brethren.

Peter answer'd, Lord, I am ready to accompany you both to prison, and to death.

When I sent you, added Jesus, without either purse, or bag, or shoes, was you in any want? not at all, answer'd they.

for take notice, that scripture, "and he was number'd among the transgressors," is yet to be accomplished in my person: and all that relates to me is going to be consummated.

Lord, said they, you see, we have two swords. he reply'd, that's enough.

he pray'd in these words, father, "O that you would divert this cup from me! nevertheless not my will, but thine be done."

then an angel from heaven appear'd to him, and comforted him.

then rising from prayer, he came to his disciples, and finding them asleep, oppress'd with grief, why do you sleep?

Before he had done speaking, the company appears, Judas one of the twelve marching in front, who advanc'd to Jesus to give him a kiss.

and one of them struck a servant of the high priest, and slash'd off his right ear.

I was daily with you in the temple, and you never offer'd to seize me: but now you have your hour, and the prince of darkness his day.

but one of the servants seeing him by the fire, star'd him in the face, and said, this man was with him too.

but he renounc'd Jesus, saying, woman, I don't know him.

about an hour after another confidently affirm'd, saying, this fellow was certainly with him; for he too is a Galilean.

Peter reply'd, man, I don't know what you would say, and immediately while he was yet speaking, the cock crew.

whereupon the Lord turned about, and look'd upon Peter. then Peter remembred what the Lord had said to him, "before the cock-crowing you shall deny me thrice."

they made him blind-fold, they slapt him on the face, and cry'd out, divine who it was that smote thee.

As soon as it was day, the rulers of the people, the chief priests and the Scribes being assembled, they order'd him to be brought before their council,

and said to him, if you are the Christ, say so. but he answer'd, if I should tell you so, you will not believe it.

then said they all, art thou then the son of God? you are in the right, answer'd he, for I am so.

upon this they cry'd, what occasion have we for further evidence? for we ourselves have heard enough from his own mouth.