Mark 4:17

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. "Immediately" the seed in such case "springs up" - all the quicker from the shallowness of the soil - "because it has no depth of earth." But the sun, beating on it, as quickly scorches and withers it up, "because it has no root" (), and "lacks moisture" (). The great truth here taught is that Hearts superficially impressed are apt to receive the truth with readiness, and even with joy (); but the heat of tribulation or persecution because of the word, or the trials which their new profession brings upon them quickly dries up their relish for the truth, and withers all the hasty promise of fruit which they showed. Such disappointing issues of a faithful and awakening ministry-alas, how frequent are they!

THIRD CASE: THE THORNY GROUND

In it reads: "And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit." This case is that of ground not thoroughly cleaned of the thistles, etc., which, rising above the good seed, "choke" or "smother" it, excluding light and air, and drawing away the moisture and richness of the soil. Hence, it "becomes unfruitful" (); it grows, but its growth is checked, and it never ripens. The evil here is neither a hard nor a shallow soil-there is softness enough, and depth enough; but it is the existence in it of what draws all the moisture and richness of the soil away to itself, and so starves the plant. What now are these "thorns?"