the oath which he made to our father Abraham, to grant us this favour,

Lord, thou wilt grant thy servant a happy death, according to thy promise.

he is like a man who in building a house, digg'd deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: an inundation came, the current beat impetuously upon that house, but could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

but he that does not practise what he hears, is like a man who built his house upon the loose earth without any foundation: the current beat impetuously against it: in the instant down it fell, and great were its ruins.

some fell upon very stony ground, which no sooner sprung up, but it wither'd away, for want of moisture:

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.

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.

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.

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

then he said to the vine-dresser, you see, I have been looking these three years for fruit from this fig-tree, but find none: hew it down, why should it cumber my ground?

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.

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.

and being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was like grumes of blood falling to the ground.

Pilate determin'd to grant their request.

upon which they were frightned, and bowed themselves to the very ground: but the men said to them, why do you look among the dead for one that is alive?