And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
Ver. 19. I have bought five yoke of oxen] This answers those that plead their necessities, and that they seek not superfluities (as farm upon farm, &c.), but only a sufficiency. What could be more necessary than oxen, since without them he could not follow his husbandry? Worldliness is a great hindrance to heaven, though a man cannot be charged with any great covetousness. These all excused themselves out of heaven, by bringing apologies why they could not go to heaven. Never yet any came to hell but had some pretence for their coming thither. Our vile hearts will persuade us that there is some sense in sinning, and some reason to be mad.