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¹ Jesus propos'd likewise this parable to them, to show that they should persevere in prayer, and not be discouraged. ² saying, in a certain city there was a judge, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. ³ a widow was likewise there, who frequently came to him, saying, do me justice against my adversary. ⁴ for some time he refus'd to do it: but at length he said in himself; tho' I neither fear God, nor regard man; ⁵ yet, because this widow importunes me, I will do her justice, that she may'nt be continually coming to teaze me. ⁶ observe, said Jesus, that language of this unrighteous judge. ⁷ and will not God avenge his own elect, who cry to him night and day? will he delay their cause? ⁸ I tell you, he will speedily avenge them. however, when the son of man comes, how few of the faithful will he find in the land?

⁹ Then he propos'd this parable, concerning those who had a great opinion of their own justice, and look'd with contempt upon others. ¹⁰ two men went to the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, the other a Publican. ¹¹ 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. ¹² I fast twice a week, and I pay the tythe of all I possess. ¹³ but the Publican, who stood a good way lower, not daring to lift up even his eyes to heaven, only smote his breast, and said, O God, be merciful to me, who am a sinner. ¹⁴ 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.

¹⁵ And as they were presenting children to him, for the imposition of hands, his disciples observing it, rebuk'd those that brought them. ¹⁶ but Jesus called the children to him, and said to his disciples, let the children come to me, without any hindrance, for they who belong to the kingdom of God, must be like them. ¹⁷ I declare unto you, he that does not come with the disposition of a child shall not enter into the kingdom of God.

¹⁸ Then a person of distinction ask'd him this question, good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life? ¹⁹ Jesus replied, why do you call me good? there is but one who is good, that is God. ²⁰ you know the commandments, "do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honour thy father and mother." ²¹ all these, said he, have I observ'd from my youth. ²² upon hearing that, Jesus said to him, one thing you have yet to do: sell all you have, and give it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: then come, and follow me. ²³ upon hearing this he was very sad: for he had a large estate. ²⁴ Jesus perceiving him so very dejected, said, how difficult is it for those, who have riches, to enter into the kingdom of God! ²⁵ it is easier for a cable to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. ²⁶ upon which the audience said, who then can be saved? ²⁷ Jesus answer'd, by divine assistance men may do that which would be otherwise impossible. ²⁸ Then said Peter, you see that we have left every thing to follow you. ²⁹ 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, ³⁰ who shall not receive abundantly more even in this age, and everlasting life in the age to come.

³¹ Afterwards Jesus took the twelve aside, and said to them, now we are going to Jerusalem where all that the prophets have writ concerning the son of man shall be accomplished. ³² for he shall be delivered to the Gentiles by the Jews, who will treat him with mockery, ³³ insult him, spit in his face, scourge him, and put him to death; and the third day he shall rise again. ³⁴ but they comprehended nothing of all this: his discourse was a riddle to them, and they could not find out the meaning.

³⁵ As they were near Jericho, a blind man happen'd to sit begging by the road, ³⁶ who hearing the noise of a crowd passing by, ask'd what the matter was. ³⁷ they told him, Jesus the Nazarene is passing by. ³⁸ then he cry'd out, Jesus son of David, have pity on me. ³⁹ those who led the way bid him hold his tongue. but he bawl'd out the louder, son of David have pity on me. ⁴⁰ then Jesus stopp'd, and order'd them to bring the man to him, who being come nigh, he ask'd him, ⁴¹ what would you have me do for you? he said, Lord, I desire to have sight. ⁴² have sight, said Jesus, your faith has obtain'd you a cure. ⁴³ and immediately he saw: and followed Jesus, glorifying God: and all the people, who were eye-witnesses, gave praise unto God.