The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-08-18

! can IS simply a terrific arrangement OF
the pompCus Pharisees and their
pride. as displayed even in prayer.
A reader marvels at Chrlsrs con-
slant condemnation of the ultrareli-
gious class of his day. He was severe
upon them without measure, for the
simple reason that they possessed the
form of goodness. but denied the pow
er thereof. Like all hypOcrites, they
barred the door into the kingdom TO
others who might enter They were
offenders against Righteousness in that
they made virtue repugnant to men Of
sound mind. While preserving the
pose and appurtenances and forms OF
religion. they were utterly deficient in
its fundamental spirit. So degenerate
had they become, spiritually, that they
even boosted of their goodness. They
were seIfsatisfied censOriOus of 9TH
ers, and churchly aristocrats.
When the man in the story struck
an attitude, in proud ostentauon, in a
conspicuous place in the temple, and
| began to brag to the Lord of his ex-
cellencies. he really, technically, spoke
the truth He had the particular
merits he claimed for himself. Ger
tainly he had a we'll developed for
nal religion. In this verify, he had
his reward for his religiosity was to
be seen of all men But he had not
the religion which Jehovah desired.
1t was a new heart he needed. A few
weeks ago a California man met with
an automobile accident, after which
The surgeons performed the remark
able feat of taking out his pulsating
heart and cleansing it of sand and dirt
That was the need of the PharlSee,
as. indeed, it is of most of US. a
! cleansed heart. made new.
Pharisaism is the peril of the Chris
tian. He is in constant danger of be
coming aware of his own goodness, ana
of taking pride therein He uncon-
/ sciOuSly begins to compare himself with
others, and to feel his superiority-in
/ which case, may God have mercy upon
him. and give him a sharp awakening.
/ For nothing is further removed from
{ the spirit of Jesus than q sense of self
{ Righteousness. They who have advanc-
ed farthest in the likeness of their Lord
best know themselves to be only sin
( ners, saved by grace.
The Poor Publican
Like the incident of the thief on the
cross. this story Of the despised tax
/ gatherer, to whom the Pharisee had
! pointed in contempt, who did not sc
4 much as lift his eyes unto heaven, but,
/ shifting his breast in cOntriti0n cried,
God be merciful to me sinneri'' has
! been the comfort of countless sin-snit-
ten spirits. The publican's very name
was synonym for the outcast and the
/ undeserVing. yet he. Jesus declared
had prayed acceptably. rather than the
proud Pharisee. The penitent had that
first requisite of a successful prayer. 4
sense Of need. AS the old hymn ex-
/ pressed it:
Let not conscience make you linger
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him"
The divine paradox is that the sin
cerely self-abased are exalted by Sod
In the words of the Master, ''Everyone
that exalteth himself shall be humhled
but he that humbleth himself shall bt
exalted - The SWiffest Dravar TO reach
the ear Of God is the ever ASCENDING
cry. God be merciful to me a sinner.
1.-TWO went to pray; or rather say
One went to brag. the other to pray;
One stands up close, and treads on high
Where the other dares not send his eye
One nearer to the altar trod,
The other to the affairs God"