Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
Ver. 5. Some fell upon stony places, &c.] Our Saviour, his own best interpreter, explains all this to his disciples, Matthew 13:18,19. The intent of these various parables seems to have been to confirm that which was said in the former chapter, Matthew 13:50, that they that do the will of his heavenly Father shall be owned and crowned by him as his dearest relations and alliances. As also to teach the people not to rest in hearing, since three parts of four hear and perish. Which loss is yet sweetly repaired by the fruitfulness of the good hearers, some whereof bring forth a hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty, the fertility of one grain making amends for the barrenness of many; so that the sower repents not of his pains. It is well worth while, if but one soul be gained to God by a whole life's labour.