The National tribune., 1896-04-30
INTRODUCTION.

ElUGy Inc paragraph from TIE HOY SSF'ptuiSs ~
indicated above.I
INTRODUCTION.
This paragraph illustrates somo OF the prin-
cipes 10 be observed in Prayer. 1t is import
ant since Prayer plays large part in normal
Christian life
What is Prayer?
Saint Augustine said Prayer is the Key OF
Heaven"
Another said Prayer is the Key to open
the day aud the bolt to shut i'll tho night"
Anonymous: What the key is TO the watch.
that Prayer is to religion; it winds it up and
sets it going"
DIR. McCosh wrote: prayer is like man in
a small boat laying hold of large ship; aud
who, if he docs not move the large vessel. at
least moves the small vessel toward the large
one"
An unnamed poet declared:
Prayer is the unburdeuiug Of the soul
The simp net by which weiol
Each trial. trouble. cross and care,
On shoulders able all To bear."
This Parable illustrates the true spirit of
Prayer 1t should be reverent, not vain, ar
rogaut; not sclfrghteous, but with conscious
sense of unworthiness; Ingenious not super
cilous. Sef-exalting prayer is debasing TO the
petitioner; humble prayer is elevating.
The PARABLE OF THE PUBLICAN AND THE
PHARlsEE.
Data.
Wo have only the one account, st. Luke,
SOFA
Time.
The Parable was spoken March, A. d. %.
Christ docs not pont to any particular time
in verse 10. stating when the two went to the
Temple. This is q parable, a nero illustration,
a supposablc case 1t was probably constantly
- fons rha aI, 10 In IN
il a narration in which the persons, places, cir
cumstanccs, etc, are probably fictitious. 1t IS
n fable. The moral is the latter part of verse
IA" for everyone > exalted" The prin
ciple of said moral is the lesson specially APP
Piled to the duty. privilege, and spirit of prayer.
The facts stated by Christ were doubtless true
to lie rs daily happening in the Temple.
Christ may have had no particular parties i'll
mind.
Tie hours of daily prayer at the Temple
were a. IN. and 3p. m.
The Pharsees were accustomed to fast twice
each week-Monaay aud Thursday. 1t was
their belief Moses assembled Mt. Sinai on Thurs
day to receive the Law, and returned oil don
day. So say Epiphanius and the Rabbis III
general.
The abasement Of the proud and the exalta-
ton OF the good (bumblc) will be specially at
the Judgment occasion. Shall be " in verso
IA relates probably to said time. This abasc-
meut and the exaltation are acts of Gods mind
decision in relation to the two characters. and
they must. therefore, be immediate acts Of said
divine Will. hut. the expression of such de-
examinations viii be made Income known, TIC
promulgated. announced to the respective par
ties at the Judgment Day.
To some extent the good effects OF humility,
and the evil consequences of pride are often
apparent in this life. God is NIL the time lower
ing tie self-exalted and lifting up the humble.
Every life shows this on the long run. The
principle is true also, of bodies of PERSONS, ma
tiOns, etc.
55 Place
Christ was going from Ephron to Jericho ria
Perea. When uttcring this parable lie was
probably in the vicinity o! Jericho. There was
{. custom Office there. and probably goodly
number Of publicaps freqnented the place.
The Pharisce aud Publican went to tire
Temple That wasat Jerusalem, OH Mt Moriah.
The Jews had but single Temple and hence
We can with certainty locate the scene of the
parable in the Capital of Palestine.
The two men went up" verse 10; went
down." verse II. The Temple was on very ele-
waited ground, while parts of the city lay in
valleys. Perhaps " his house" ". l4) was in
Jerusalem.
How shall we locate the far off, in verse
1872 We may III rough aud general way repre-
sent tho Temple in the following way: