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8. Which of the three did the lawyer say was neighbour unto him that fell among thieves?

He that showed mercy on him.

9. What lesson did Christ then pointedly address to the lawyer?

Go and do thou likewise.

10. What dispositions are censured by the parable of the good Samaritan?

All bigotry, party-zeal, and indifference, which harden the heart against any one, of whatever creed or nation, who may be in distress.

11. What lessons should we learn from the parable of the good Samaritan?

The duty of compassion, sympathy, and benevolence to every one who needs our assistance.

CHAPTER IX.

THE COVETOUS RICH FOOL.

Luke xii. 13 to 21.

"And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.

And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth. not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

And he spake a parable unto them, saying. The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plenti fully:

And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

But God said unto him, Thou fool! this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

1. What is covetousness?

Fixing the chief affections on money or earthly possessions.

2. Are large possessions necessary for our happiness? No for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.-(ver. 15.)

3. Is it sinful to be rich?

Not in itself; but riches are a great temptation to covetousness, the love of the world, and the neglect of the soul.

4. Wherein did the sin of this rich man consist?

In the abuse of things lawful, through his covetous spirit; and in the neglect of things necessary, through his disregard to heavenly and eternal blessings.

5. How did the rich man show his real character? By being only anxious for his own indulgence, and boasting of his possessions, instead of acknowledging and improving the numerous blessings he had received,

for the proper use of which he was accountable to God.

6. How did Christ declare the folly of this rich man ? Thou fool! this night thy soul shall be required of thee.

7. Is it foolish to fix our affections on this world?

Yes: because we know not how soon we may be called out of it-it may be this very night; and it is the greatest folly to live in this dying world without being "rich towards God."

8. While life is so fading, and earthly riches so uncertain, where should we place our affections?

Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. (Col. iii. 2.) Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.-(Mat. vi. 20, 21.)

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THE BARREN FIG-TREE.

Luke xiii. 6 to 9.

He spake also this parable: A certain man had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.

Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig-tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?

And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:

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And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down."

1. What was the object of this parable of the barren figtree?

To alarm the Jews, and to excite them to repent

ance.

2. What does God require of us?

That we bring forth fruit to his glory.

3. Is Christ very long-suffering?

Yes: he waits from year to year, to see if we bring forth fruit, and uses various means to produce this effect.

4. Will this long-suffering be always continued?

No: if the tree do not bear fruit, it must be cut down and cast into the fire; so, if we despise the longcontinued mercy of Christ, and his intercession on our behalf, we must then certainly perish.

5. Did the parable of the barren fig-tree lead the Jews to repentance?

No: they continued in their sins till the command went forth to cut them down, and to destroy them as a nation.

6. What lesson should we learn from the parable of the barren fig-tree?

We should adore the long-suffering compassion of Christ, and rejoice in his intercession for us; we should grieve that we have been so unfruitful; and while God is yet sparing us, we should repent of our sins, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance.

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