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History of the Church in all ages, from the first preaching of the gospel to the last general judgment, tracing the different steps of its advancement, both externally and internally, from its commencement to its consummation.

1. Sower — the preaching of the gospel, when the apostles and their successors went through the world, sowing everywhere the good seed.

2. Tares — the development of those evils of doctrine, the germs of which existed even in an earlier day.

3. Mustard seed-the extension and progress of the Church. It needs no support for itself, but affords a shelter to others who resort to it.

4. Leaven — the manner in which its vital spirit silently makes its progress, gradually changing the character of the whole mass into which it has been infused.

5. Hid treasure — action of Christianity upon some. In such a ease as this, some unlooked-for occurrence brings the man into contact with this treasure, for which he was not seeking. He finds it accidentally, and at once gives up all to possess it.

6. Pearl of great price — action of Christianity upon others. Here the man is engaged in the business of his life. He gains that for which he has all along been seeking.

7. Net — the solemn winding-up of the mighty drama — the separation — the consummation.

(Bishop Wn. Ingraham Kip.)

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KJV: While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

WEB: While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to him.