Part 88

This is a warning of which the importance can never be overrated. It was delivered by our Lord more than once, during his earthly ministry. It was intended to be a standing caution to His whole church in every age, and in every part of the world. It was meant to remind us that the principles of the Pharisees are deeply en- grained in human nature, and that Christians should be always on their guard against them. Pharisaism is a subtle leaven which the natural heart is always ready to receive. It is a leaven which once received into the heart infects the whole character of a man's Christianity. Of this leaven says our Lord, in words that should often ring in our ears, — of this leaven, beware !