and he that does not take his cross, and so follow after me, is unworthy of me.

for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them."

Again, the heavenly kingdom is like a merchant-man, who is in quest of curious pearls:

then giving orders for the company to sit down on the grass, he took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks; then breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave them to his disciples, and the disciples to the company: who all of them eat,

Presently after Jesus obliged his disciples to embark, and cross over to the other side before him, whilst he dismiss'd the people.

Then addressing himself to his disciples, if any man, said he, would follow me, let him renounce himself, take up his cross, and so follow me.

As they were going along, they met a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: and compelled him to carry the cross.

and cry'd, you that could destroy the temple, and rebuild it in three days, now save thy self: if thou art the son of God, come down from the cross.

he saved others, said they, but cannot save himself: if he be the king of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.