Scanty as are the indications of the places the Holy One now visited, it seems clear that the effect of His ministry was not inconsiderable: multitudes gathered about Him to hear the Word of Life[385] (Lk. xi. 16), and behold His works of power[386]. But the enmity of the Pharisees and the ruling body of the nation increased rather than lessened in intensity (Lk. xi. 53, 54). They still persisted in ascribing His power over unclean spirits to a secret collusion with the Evil One (Lk. xi. 14, 15; Mtt. ix. 32–34); reiterated their demand for _a sign from heaven_ (Lk. xi. 29–36); carped at His refusal to conform to their superstitious observances in respect to _divers washings_ (Lk. xi. 37–42); and stung to the quick by His denunciations of their hypocritical and bloodthirsty spirit[387], bent all their efforts to entangle Him in His talk, and find some matter for accusation against Him (Lk. xi. 54). Undeterred, however, by their ceaseless hostility, He persevered in His ministrations, warned His disciples in the presence of the multitudes, who crowded around Him in such numbers _as to tread upon one another_ (Lk. xii. 1), against the _leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy_ (Lk. xii. 1–4); reiterated His solemn words respecting blasphemy against the Holy Ghost (Lk. xii. 10); and, refusing to accede to a request to divide an inheritance amongst two brothers, took occasion to warn His hearers against covetousness, and delivered the striking parable of the _Rich Fool_ (Lk. xii. 13–21). Not merely, however, would He warn them against this common sin, but “knowing how often it springs from a distrust in God’s providential care[388],” He proceeded to teach them where they might find a preservative against over-anxiety[389] about the future, in the assurance of the loving care of a Father in heaven, who feeds the fowls of the heaven, though they _neither sow nor reap_, and have _neither storehouse nor barn_ (Lk. xii. 22–24), and clothes the _lilies[390] of the field_ with a beauty, such as _Solomon in all his glory_ never approached (Lk. xii. 27).