st, because of the
quantity of food and drink so many persons would need; and second,
because under such protection it would be difficult to lay hands on the
demagogue. But in order to get the one, there was nothing for it but
to include the others. They were respectfully received and
entertained. The host testified to his joy at entertaining under his
roof the "Saviour of Judaea," and was delighted with the Master's
principles. He gave a great banquet in His honour with the choicest
viands and costliest drinks to which the disciples, who were somewhat
hungry and thirsty, heartily did justice, while the Master, who never
spoiled a glad hour, cheerfully did the same. When tongues were
loosened, the host wanted straightway to begin with artful allusions
and questions, but his guest was a match for him.

Jesus had observed that, while they were feeding so luxuriously in the
hall, needy folk were harshly turned away in the courtyard, to slink
off hungry and embittered. So He suddenly said that good stories
suited good wine, and He would tell one. "That is delightful!"
exclaimed the host. And Jesus related the following:

"There was once a rich man who wore the most costly garments, and
enjoyed the most luxurious food and drink, and lived in complete
contentment. One day there came to his door a sick, half-starved man,
who begged for a few of the crumbs that fell from the table. The proud
man was wrathful that the miserable wretch should dare to disturb his
pleasure, and let loose his hounds. But instead of worrying the man,
the dogs licked his ulcers, and he crawled ashamed into a hole. On the
very day on which the wretched creature died, death came also to the
rich man, casting his well-fed body into the grave and his soul into
hell. And there his wretched soul endured most horrible torture,
gnawing hunger and parching thirst, and the pain was increased when the
dead man looked into Paradise and saw there the man he had sent away
despised from his door sitting by Abraham. He saw how ripe fruits grew
there, and clear springs gushed forth. Then he called up, 'Father
Abraham. I implore you, tell the man sitting by you to dip his
finger-tips into the water and cool my tongue, for I suffer unbearable
torture.' To which Abraham answered, 'No, my son, that cannot be. You
received all that was good on earth and forgot the poor, now he forgets
you. There is no longer any connection between him and you.' Then th