right place. The Publican confessed plainly that he was a sinner. This is the very A B G of saving Ghristianify. We never begin to be good till we can feel and say that we are bad. — For another thing, it was a prayer in w^ch mercy was the chief thing desired, and faith in Gbd^s covenant mercy, however weak, displayed. Mercy is the first thing we must ask for in the day we begin to piBy. Mercy and grace must be the subject of our daily petitions at the throne of grace till the day we die. — ^Finally, the Publican's prayer was one which came from his keari. He was deeply moved in uttering it. He smote upon his* breast, like one who felt more than he could express. Sudi prayers are the prayers which are God's delighi A broken and a contrite heart He will not despise. (Psahn U. 17.)
Let these things sink down into our hearts. He that has learned to feel his sins has great reason to be thank- ful. We are never in the way of salvation until we know that we are lost, ruined, guilty, and helpless. Happy indeed is he who is not ashamed to sit by the side of the publican ! When our experience tallies with his, we may hope that we have found a place in the school of God.
Let us notice, lastly, in these verses, the high praise which our Lord bestows on humility. He says, '* Every one that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he thfit humbleth himself shall be exalted."
The principle here laid down is so frequently fouhd in the Bible, that it ought to be deeply graven in cmr memories. Three times we find our Lord using tbe words before us in the 'Gospels, and on three distuict occasions. Humility, He would evidently impress trpon