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XXXVII.

St. MATTH. Chap. XVIII. Ver. 28,

29, 30..

28. But the fame fervant went out, and found one of his fellow-fervants, which ought him an hundred pence: : and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, faying, Pay me that thou owest.

29. And his fellow-fervant fell down at his feet, and befought him, faying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

30. And he would not but went and caft him into prifon, till he should pay the debt.

XXXVIII.

Chrift's Tenderness to little Children.

Some pious Parents did our Lord address,

And their dear Infants bring for him to blefs.
Whom his officious Follow'rs did oppose,
Why should he troubled be with fuch as those ?
With Anger and Displeasure in his Eyes,
Such as they feldom wore, our Lord replies,
O, do not Little Children turn away,

But let 'em to me come, and with me stay!
My Father Crowns of Light for them prepares,
A glorious heav'nly Kingdom fhall be theirs.

He fays, and kindly takes them in his Arms, Nor with their Infant-Blandishments and Charms Remains unmov'd: His Hands upon their Head He laid, which Grace, and heav'nly Virtues shed: By Words and Deeds his tender Care exprefs'd, Nor willingly difmifs'd, nor fent 'em thence unblefs'd.

XXXVIII.

St. MATTH. Chap. XIX. Ver. 13,

14, 15.

38.

13. Then there were brought unto him little chil dren, that he should put his hands on them, and pray and the disciples rebuked them.

14. But Jefus faid, Suffer little children, and forbid them not to come unto me: for of fuch is the kingdom of heaven.

15. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

XXXIX.

The Difficulty of Salvation to rich Men.

WIth eager Haft a youth to Jefus ran,

Fell proftrate at his Feet, and thus began: What shall I do, for none can better tell, T'arrive at Bliss, and scape the Flames of Hell? To whom our Lord-- You must not steal nor kill, Adult'ry fhun: Obey your Parents Will. These I've obferv'd from Childhood, he rejoyn'd, What is there of Perfection yet behind? With Love and Pity, him our Lord survey'd, And to the forward Learner thus he said, Sell all thou haft, if thou wilt perfect be, Give to the Poor, and come and follow me. As Thunder-ftruck with this reply he stands, Nor e're expected fuch fevere Commands: At length he did with much of Pain depart, His Wealth prevail'd and ftole away his Heart. Sighing, our Lord--- How ill doth Wealth agree With the neglected Crofs, and Pietie? As foon the loaden Camel may pass by A narrow Gate, or thred a needle's Eye; As he who trufts in Riches, Life obtain, Enter the Gates of Blifs, the Crown of Glory gain.

XXXIX.

St. MATTH. Chap. XIX. Ver. 16,

to 22.

16. One came and faid unto him, Good master, what good thing fhall I do that I may have eternal life? &c.

21. Jefus faid unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and fell that thou haft, and give unto the poor, and thou shalt have treafure in heaven: and come and follow me.

22. But when the young man heard that_saying, he went away forrowful: for he had great poffeffions.

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