CONTENTS.

11

14

15

16

17

Chap.

Page

1. General explanation of Parables. - ..

II. The house built on a Rock, and the house

on the sand. - - - - -

III. The Sower. - - - -

The way-side hearers. - - - 13

The stony-ground hearers.

The thorny-ground hoarers. - .

The good-ground hearers. - -

IV. The tares in the field. . . .

V. The seed sown. - ..

VI. The two debtors. :

.

VII. The unmerciful servant. ·

VIII. The good Samaritan. - -

IX. The covetous rich fool. . .

X. The barren fig-tree. - ..

XI. The great supper. - ..

XII. 'The lost sheep. - - -

XIII. The prodigal son. ..

XIV. The unjust steward. - -

49

XV. The rich man and Lazarus. - . 62

CONTENTS.

XVI. The importunate widow. - - - 56

XVII. The Pharisee and Publican. .

XVIII. The shepherd and the sheep. -

XIX. The labourers in the vineyard. - 66

XX. The ten pounds and the ten servants. - 69

XXI. The two sons. · · · ·

XXII. The wicked husbandmen. - -

XXIII. The man who had not the wedding-garment.78

XXIV. The ten virgins. · · · ·

XXV. The talents. • - - - - 83

XXVI. The true vine. - - - . 86

1. What is a parable ?

A parable is a comparison, teaching spiritual things by natural things; it holds up a picture to the mind, and teaches something we do not know, by something with which we are familiar,

2. What are the particular advantages of parables ?

They easily secure the attention, and are remembered without difficulty; they pleasingly excite the mind to discover their meaning, and they carry conviction to the understanding.

3. How are Christ's parables distinguished ?

They are plain, easy, beautiful, and impressive, in their style; and clear, pointed, comprehensive, and divinely instructive and important, in their meaning.

4. How may we learn the meaning of Christ's parables.?

He often explains them; the context often shows their meaning; and by considering the occasion on which they were delivered, their general object will be discovered.

5. Is it necessary that every circumstance mentioned in a parable should have a particular meaning?

No: because some circumstances are introduced which are ornamental, or designed to make the similitude more interesting and attractive.

6. How do the parables show the excellency of Christ as a teacher?

They prove that Christ knew what was in man; that he was a divine teacher ; and that his simplest instructions contained such beauties, and imparted such knowledge, that, truly, “ never man spake like this man."

7. Are the parables peculiarly suited to the young?

Yes : because they are plain, easily remembered, pleasing, and instructive.