The Deceitfulness of Riches: Heathen Testimony to This
Mark 4:7
And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.


When Cyrus received intelligence that the Lydians had revolted from him, he told a friend, with much emotion, that he had almost determined to make them all slaves. His friend expostulated, begging him to pardon them. "But," he added, "that they may no more rebel or be troublesome to you, command them to lay aside their arms, to wear long vests and buskins, that is, to vie with each other in the elegance and richness of their dress. Order them to drink, and sing, and play, and you will soon see their spirits broken, and themselves changed to the effeminacy of women, so that they will no more rebel, nor give you any further uneasiness." The advice was followed, and the result proved how politic it was. While the advice is such as no good man could consistently follow, the incident shows the deteriorating influence of luxury in a very striking light.



Parallel Verses
KJV: And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

WEB: Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.




The Character of Worldly-Minded Hearers Considered
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