Luke xviii. 13, 14. And the Publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other.
MANY express their regret, that religion is so generally neglected; and doubtless, a considerate man cannot reflect upon it but with grief. But it is common also to substitute a formal and mistaken religion in the place of that which is spiritual and saving. Nor is there sufficient jealousy entertained on this subject. The Pharisees of old were extremely diligent in the observance of outward duties : but, while they " trusted in themselves that they were righteous," they were as far from the kingdom of God as if they had been openly profane. For the con- viction of such persons, our Lord contrasted, in a parable, the spirit of a self-righteous Pharisee with that of a repenting Publican. He represented them as engaged in prayer, which is a season when most of all they discover their true character. He then de- clared the very different acceptance they met with from God. In pursuance of our Lord's design, we will open more fully,
I. The different dispositions they manifested in prayer —
The Pharisee, with apparent devotion, gave thanks to God —
[The Pharisee might with propriety bless God for his preventing grace, and acknowledge with gratitude whatever God had wrought in him. Nor was it sinful to feel a pleasure in reviewing his past life. St. Paul, on proper occasions, spake of his disinterestedness and generosity1. He thanked God also that he had laboured more than all the Apostles b, and received much satisfaction in reflecting on his own integrity c.]
But on a more attentive survey of his spirit we shall find him actuated by a most hateful disposition. Mark,
1. His pride —
[He came professedly with an intention to pray to God ; but he was so full of his virtues that he forgat all his wants. His acknowledgment of God was manifestly no more than a mere compliment. His thanksgiving was one continued eulogium upon himself: yet, after all, his freedom from gross sins was but a small matter to boast of, and the duties he had practised were only the means of gratifying his vanity.]
a Acts xx. 33, 34. b 1 Cor. xv. 10. <= 2 Cor. i. 12.