Matthew 13:13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. Their sympathy and force gradually get concentrated around one object in life: around trade, or art, or science, or legislation; and what lies outside of that they do not see, or hear, or understand. In this way the higher or heavenward side of men's natures is often stifled and dimmed. It is hindered from coming role play. until, by and by, it becomes crystallized, fixed in its state of inaction and torpor. We are exceeding delicate and critical beings to keep in order. On the one hand, religiousness is apt to overshadow our lawful worldly activity — and that leads to asceticism, a morbid love of seclusion. On the other hand, our worldly activity is apt to overshadow and blight the religious side of our nature — and that leads to moral insensibility. It is exceedingly difficult to preserve a true balance. (T. Hammond.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. |