Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-18

sioereo, therefore, an honor. The Pharisee'S
prayer. II such It may be called consisted
In series Of self iaudations. designed, un-
doubtedly. for the ears Of men rather than
the ears OF God. It first disciaimed those
vices and crimes of which others Of his
fellow men were guilty-he was not an ex-
tortoner, he was not unjust, he was not
an adulterer, for all which he expressed
thankfulness to God. as II he had received
help from, God to lead such O correct life
Turning from this negative account of HIM
self, he recited his positive virtues-he fast
ed twice In the week and gave tithes of all
that he possessed. Here stood the man in
MS pride making these declarations Of his
formal goodness before witnesses.
PUBLICAN'S PRAYER Verse 49,
standing near the Pharsee while this boast
ful deliverance was made Jesus presented
another man engaged in prayer. He be-
longed to that odious class who collected
taxes Tor the Roman government (Matt.
TX, ~. AS class the publicans were
extortioners: and the Pharisee experienced
them. The publican had no high estimate
OF himself He did not lift up his eyes to
heaven, but stood with downcast and hum
Bile bearing. shifting upon his breast and
deeply conscious Of his unworthiness. The
contrast between his appearance and that
Of his self-righteous associate was great in
the extreme. His language was in keeping
with his demeanor. He boasted not, but
pleaded for mercy He confessed himself
a sinner and besought God to forgive He
felt burden from which he desired relief.
He was conscious Of ill-desert and besought
the divine favor Psalms, xxxi:5).
APPROVED PRAYER Verse 49,
Now appears the reason for introducing
this parable and presenting the Pharisee and
the publican In such direct and striking
contrast. Jesus desired to put His APP
prevail upon the prayer Of the latter and
His disapproval upon the prayer Of the
former, and to give the reason. The pub
ican, by his penitence and confession, had
been justified Il John. i:0). that is. pardoned
He obtained what he sought, what, In fact,
Is one end to be gained in every prayer.
We seek God that we may be restored
stated by Jesus in the broadest terms He
that humbleth himself, who feels and ac-
knowledges his sinfulness Matt ", 81, shall
be exalted. truth we'll understood in all
exalteth himself shall be abased James
Nv, 81. These two, the Pharisee and the
publican have gone into history and litera-
ture as opponents Of egotism and Of hui
mility.
SUMMARY SUPPLEMENTARY points
Of the lesson as thus presented may be
covered under three important heads
"a The ACCESSIBILITY Of prayer Verse u as
preventing encouragement (fainting) in
times of difficulty; (2) The answer to
prayer, assured because Gods goodness
In contrast with the tardy justice Of world
ly magistrates who grant requests for their
own love of ease and quietude; 60 The spirit
of prayer, not a boastful claiming of excel
lence superior to that of others, but an
humble confession of sinfulness and desire
for pardon. This is not all that might be
said concerning prayer, but it is all that
Jesus said here on the subject. We may
turn to other Scriptures and study more
fully on this highly important theme. But
we should put these three points together
and clasp them firmly with the three alb
stract, sentences Of Jesus-men ought al
ways to pray; God will avenge His elect;
he that humbieth himself shall be exalted.
Questions Answered.
Any person may mail any biblical ques-
ton to DR.. Gilbert. 1903 R street, this city,
and receive answer through The Star.
49, Why is the Bible held to be inspired?
Answer. The Bible Is not inspired. The
men who wrote it were inspired. There is
a vast difference between an inspired man
and an inspired book. That the writers of
Scripture were inspired is believed for sew
eral reasons: a. They themselves assert
1t. and they were evidently good men, for
they denounced sin. Good men will not lie.
CO These writers lived during sixteen CEN
turtles, spoke three different languages, and
yet they agreed on all spiritual matters. No
other writer's have been equally harmonious
on any subject. 90 There is in the book
itself a beauty and force, discovered by all
who study 1t, that plainly indicate a super
natural origin, SO that the most pious men
coming under its influence have held it as
exceedingly precious. az The book, carried
into all lands, has been a blessing to all
above every other volume, turning men
from sin to Righteousness, from life of
worldliness to the service Of God.
49, What was the significance of Naomrs
instruction to Ruth to lie at the feet of
Boaz?
Answer The act was virtually a matri-
monial proposal ruth Iii, ~. Had not
Boaz been a man Of remarkable chastity,
confluence. prudence and honor Ruth would
never have ventured into such a danger
in-law have advised it. although, in the
simple life OF that time liberties were al
lowed which now are not tolerated.