The Parables of Our Lord Explained in Familiar Conversations Between a Mother and Her Children, by the Wife of an Irish Clergyman

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1837. Excerpt: ... CONVERSATION VIII. THE IMPORTUNATE Widow.--Luke xviii. 1--5. xi.21--27. Emily. 'Mamma, there is something like a parable, but I am not sure whether it is one, which George and I wish you to explain to us to-night, if you please: we have some notion of what it means, but do not understand it clearly.' George. 'Here it is, mamma. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest: and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house, whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits, more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.' Mrs. M. 'First let us see upon what occasion this was said. It was after our Saviour had cast out a devil, and the people said he had cast it out by the power of Beelzebub, which means the devil himself; and our Saviour shews them the folly of that idea, as if Satan would use his own power against himself.' Emily. 'And then, mamma, there is something about the strong man armed; shall I read it?' Mrs. M. 'By all means.' Emily reads. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he shall come, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. Who is that strong man, mamma?' Mrs. M. 'I think that it is very plain, Emily.' Emily. 'It is the Devil, I suppose, but what is his palace?' M Mrs. M. 'The heart of man: --of which he is always anxious to keep possession. The sinner feels secure and at ease; and will ever be so, till the devil is driven out by the stronger one. Who is that stronger one, Emily?' Emily. 'Jesus Christ, I think, mamma.' Mrs. M. 'Yes: ...