²²撒 在荆棘 里 的，就是 人 听了 道 ，后来有世上 的思虑 、钱财 的迷惑 把道 挤住了 ，不能结实 。

²² Verse 22. He also that received seed among the thorns] In land

ploughed, but not properly cleared and seeded. Is he-

represents that person who heareth the word, but the cares, rather

the anxiety, ημεριμνα, the whole system of anxious carking cares.

Lexicographers derive the word μεριμνα from μεριζειντοννουν,

dividing, or distracting the mind. Thus a poet,

Tot me impediunt curae quae meum animum diverse

trahunt.



"So many cares hinder me which draw my mind

different ways." Terence.

The deceitfulness of riches] Which promise peace and pleasure,

but can never give them.



Choke the word] Or, together choke the word, συμπνιγει

meaning, either that these grow up together with the word,

overtop, and choke it; or that these united together, viz. carking

worldly cares, with the delusive hopes and promises of riches,

cause the man to abandon the great concerns of his soul, and seek,

in their place, what he shall eat, drink, and wherewithal he shall

be clothed. Dreadful stupidity of man, thus to barter spiritual

for temporal good-a heavenly inheritance for an earthly portion!

The seed of the kingdom can never produce much fruit in any heart,

till the thorns and thistles of vicious affections and impure

desires be plucked up by the roots and burned. The Persic

translator renders it [Persic] asle kalme-ra khube kund, chokes

the root of the word: for it appears the seed had taken root, and

that these cares, &c., choked it in the root, before even the

blade could show itself.