then said Jesus, O incredulous, and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? bring hither your son.

and all the people were astonished at such an instance of divine power: and as they were admiring whatever Jesus did, he said to his disciples,

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.

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.

but Jesus turn'd, and rebuked them, saying, you don't know by what spirit you are moved.

At another time, as they were walking in the road, a man said to him, I will be your follower, wherever you go.

Jesus answered him, foxes have their kennels, and birds of the air their nests, but the son of man hath not where to lay his head.

another likewise said, I will be your follower; but let me first go home, and settle the affairs of my family.

After this the Lord nominated seventy disciples more, and sent them before by two and two, into all the cities, and towns, where he himself design'd to go.

and he said to them, the harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few: intreat therefore the Lord of the harvest to send forth labourers into his harvest.

at your entrance into any house, first say, prosperity be to this family.

if any be there, who deserve your benediction, it shall have its effect upon them; otherwise, it shall redound to your own advantage.

when you come to any city, where they receive you, eat without scruple, whatever food is set before you,

and cry, "we shake off the dust, that sticks to our feet, against you: but take notice, the kingdom of God has been near you."

At length the seventy return'd with great joy, saying, Lord, even the demons have been made subject to us by virtue of your name.

however, let not this be the matter of your rejoicing, that the spirits are subject to you: but rejoice, that you have a title to the joys of heaven.

then addressing himself to his disciples in particular, he said, happy are they, who see what you see:

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

but a certain Samaritan being on the road, came where he was, and when he saw him, he took compassion on him,

went up to him, dress'd his wounds by applying oil and wine, then set him upon his own mule, and brought him to an inn, where he took care of him.

upon his departure the next day, he took out two denarii, and gave them to the master of the house, take care of him, said he, and I will repay you all the charges you are at, upon my return.

Another time, as they were on a journey, Jesus enter'd into a village, where a woman, named Martha, entertain'd him at her house.

he said therefore to them, when ye pray, say, "our father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. thy kingdom come. thy will be done, on earth, as in heaven.

give us every day our portion of bread.

and forgive us our sins: since we forgive every one that has offended us. and leave us not under temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."

and he within should give this answer, don't trouble me now: the door is made fast, and my family are all in bed: I can't get up to supply you.

what father among you would give his son a stone, when he asketh for bread? or if for a fish, instead of a fish would he give him a serpent?

or instead of an egg will he offer him a scorpion?

if ye then, wicked as ye are, know how to give what is proper to your children: how much more shall your heavenly father give the holy spirit to them that ask him?

for you assert, that I cast out demons by Beelzebub. but if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? wherefore they shall be your judges.

when a man that is stout and well arm'd guards his palace, his possessions are safe.

but rather, said he, happy are they who hear the word of God, and put it in practice.

However, when a man has once lighted his lamp, he does not hide it in a by-place, or under a bushel; but sets it on a stand, that all who come in may have light.

the eye is the light of the body: if therefore your eye be clear, every member of your body will have the benefit of the light: but if it be spoil'd, they must all rest in darkness.

for if thy whole body be enlightned, and no part dark, your whole conduct will be regulated, just as the light of a lamp directs all your motions.

While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine his house, where he went, and sat down at table.

upon which the Lord said to him, you Pharisees won't leave any filth upon the outside of a cup or a platter: while your consciences are abandon'd to rapine, and sensuality.

be but charitable to the utmost of your ability, and every thing will be pure to you.

Then a doctor of the law objected to him, saying, master, your discourse is an insult upon us also.

wo unto you, for you rebuild the sepulchres of those prophets, whom your fathers put to death:

they were guilty of slaughter, and you raise monuments to their memory.

are not five sparrows sold for two pence? however the divine providence extends to each of them.

nay, the very hairs of your head can't fall without being number'd: be not then afraid; there is no comparison between you and sparrows.

when you are brought into the synagogues, and before magistrates and rulers, be not sollicitous what to say in your own defence;

Then one of the company said to him, order my brother to give me my share of our inheritance.

but Jesus answer'd him, who made me a judge, or an arbitrator between you?

then I will say to my soul, soul, you have many enjoyments in reserve for a number of years; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

Wherefore (said he to his disciples,) be not sollicitous for your life, what ye shall eat; nor for the body, what ye shall put on.

consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap: nor have cellar or barn: are not you of much greater value than the fowls?

if then you can't effect so small a matter, why are you disquieted about a much longer time?

now if God thus cloaths the flowers, which exist to-day in the field, and to-morrow are thrown into the oven: how much more will he cloath you, O distrustful men?

therefore don't be concern'd about what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; but lay aside all your anxiety:

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.

therefore do you rather seek the kingdom of God, and then all your necessities will be fully supply'd.

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

sell your possessions and give alms. lay up for yourselves a stock not subject to decay, a treasure in the heavens that will never fail, where no thief can approach, nor moth can spoil.

for where your treasure is, there likewise will your affections be.

Let your loins be girt, and your lamps burning:

happy are the servants he finds in such a state, whether it be at the second or at the third watch of the night, when he comes.

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

I am come to purify the earth with fire, and how do I wish it were already kindled?

for the future, if there are five persons in one family, they will be divided; three against two, and two against three.

why can't you judge what is proper to be done in your own affairs.

When you are going with your adversary before the magistrate, pay the interest, and get your discharge, while you are on the way; for fear he should bring you before the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into jail.

At the same time, there were some present, who gave Jesus an account of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

upon which Jesus thus address'd himself to them. do you imagine that those Galileans were greater sinners than the rest of the nation, because they suffer'd in such a manner?

or those eighteen, upon whom the tower of Siloam fell, and slew them, do you think they were greater criminals than the other inhabitants of Jerusalem?

to which he made answer, sir, let it alone one year longer, till I shall dig about it, and dung it.

Jesus seeing her, called her to him, and said, woman you are freed from your disorder.

but the ruler of the synagogue being highly incensed at Jesus's healing on the sabbath-day, said to the people, there are six days for work, you should come therefore for cure on those days, and not on the sabbath.

to which Jesus replied, thou hypocrite, who is there among you that scruples to untie his ox or his ass, and lead him from the stall to water on the sabbath-day?

at which all his adversaries were confounded. but the people were highly pleased, at the glorious actions which he perform'd.

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.

Afterwards he pass'd thro' several citys and villages, where he taught the people, on his journey to Jerusalem.

when once the master of the family is enter'd in, and has fastned the door, you will stand without beating at the door, and cry, Lord, Lord, let us in: but he will answer, you are strangers to me.

then you will say, we have eat, and drank with you, and you have taught in our streets.

but he will answer, I tell you, you are strangers to me: depart from me, ye workers of iniquity.

then you will see those, who were last, become first: and those who were first, become last.

At the same time, some of the Pharisees came to him, and said, get away, retire from hence, for Herod designs to take away your life.

till then I must be stirring about, to-day, and to-morrow, and the next day: for a prophet cannot be put to death any where, but at Jerusalem.

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killest the prophets, and stonest those, who are sent unto thee: how often would I have gather'd thy children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and ye would not?"

you will soon find your aboad become desolate. I declare unto you, you shall not see me till the time, when you will say, "blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord."

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

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?

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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?

or if a woman, that has ten pieces of money, should lose one of them, will she not light a lamp, sweep the house, and carefully search, till she find it?

a little while after the younger son turn'd all he had into money, and travell'd into a foreign country, where he squander'd away his fortune in luxurious living.

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

then the son said to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and against you, I am no longer worthy to be called your son.

who reply'd, your brother is return'd, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him in good health.

how many years have I serv'd you, without having ever disobey'd your orders? and yet you never bestow'd a kid upon me, to make merry with my friends:

but it was necessary to feast and rejoice, because your brother here was dead, and is again alive: he was lost and is now found.

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.