Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1896-12-26
THE MODERN PHARIsEE.
Flourishes To-day just ~ He Did During
the Time Of Christ.

Rlourishes To-day just ~ He Did During
the Time of Christ.
II Christ should como upon this earth
In person once more He would tnd
many more pharisecs proportionste to
the population than when lie was here
and denounced them for their sins OF
omission and commission. He would
find them now. as Of yore, occupying
high seats in the synagogue, making
broad their phylacteries. robbing wild
ows' houses and for q pretense making
long prayers He would find them
making the outside Of the platter so
clean as to be radiant, while within
they are like unto ravening wolves.
The modern pharisec is no improve
ment upon the ancient one, although
he may wear more fashionable cloth
ing and live In more fortably-ar-
ranged house and dine from n much
more varied menu. He still wears the
odor Of sanctity, even II he doth not
possess the substance, and most OF his
leisure time is spent thanking God that
he Is not like other men.
He believes in Christ, but II Is one
dressed In purple and fine linen, one
with whom he Is on q perfect social
and business equality-nay, even q lit
tie superior to, perhaps, rs the vessel
often ontshincs the cunning potter
who formed II. He believes in the
cross of Calvary, but It Is made OF san
dial wood, spiced and fragrant and
cleaning with precious stones. Ho
believes in the divine sacrifice. but
with well.formed impression that 1t
was rather IN exclusive affair, de-
signed for an exclusive circle Of which
he Is the central and much admired
ornament
He believes in the resurrection, but
Is almost entirely satisfied that It's
power and glory will be exercised only
over those whose wealth has enabled
them to be laid away in costly mauso-
leums. much more grand and imposing
than the average dwelling place OF the
living. He believes in Heaven, but
features to his mind blend harmoni-
ously with the swell receptions and
banouets that he Is in the habit OF At
tending.
So the modern pharisee looks out
upon the world and condemns 1t and
upon himself and sees that oil is fair.
He charges some poor widow two per
cent. q month for loan on her furni-
ture and is thoroughly satisfied that
said widow is on the broad road to hell
because on hot summer day she takes
her children to the park instead OF oc-
cupying back seat In his church.
especially prepared for the poor by
having no cushions on the seats
Six days in week does he follow
the devil rs closely rs he can without
getting too near the penitentiary and
ON the seventh day he sits In q cush-
toned pew and feels O glow OF sweet
and precious peace surcharge his veins
rs well.paid pastor consigns to utter
darkness those who cannot believe that
Il was creed aud not fatted CALI
upon which the prodigal son Toasted.
He gives 81, 900 to send the Bible to
some alleged heather 10000 miles away
and buttons up his pocket with frown
when the beggar ut his own gates
holds out gaunt and pleading hand.
Such Is the modern pharisee, vainly
mouthing things very dear TO the
hearts OF humanity and casting dis
repute by all his actions upon the cause
of Him who said: Il am meek and
lowly."-N. Y. Advertiser