but Mary considered these things very attentively, and weigh'd every circumstance in her mind, while the shepherds return'd,

and the child grew in stature and in all the improvements of the mind; he was stor'd with wisdom, and was the object of divine favour.

As the people were in suspence, every man imagining in his own mind that John might be the Messiah;

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.

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.

but he being desirous to clear himself, said to Jesus, but what is meant by our neighbour?

but wo unto you Pharisees: for you will pay the tythes of mint, and rue, and all sorts of herbs, but as for justice and true piety, those you neglect. these you ought to have practised, without omitting however the other.

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.

but Abraham replied, they have Moses and the prophets, let them mind them.

fix it therefore in your mind, not to think beforehand about your defence.