Ellsworth American., 1912-10-02
CHRISTIAN ENOEAvOR
Prayer Nesting Topic For the Week
Beginning Oct. 6, 1912.

seoinning Oct. 3, 1917.
Topic.--The Christian yirtues.-x. HUI
rnility.-Luke xviii, s-i7. Edited by Rev.
Sherman II, Doyle, D. p.
In this chapter Christ teaches two
lessons on prayer and illustrates each
by a parable. The first lesson con-
Germs perseverance in prayer and is
illustrated by the parable Of the i'm
Fortunate widow and the unjust judge.
The second lessen concerns humility
In prayer and is enforced by the para
BILE of the publican and the Pharisee.
In this paraGe humility and pride are
so contrasted that we are led to see
the contempt of pride and the beauty
of humility not only in prayer. but as
a Christian grace or virtue.
/. Pride and humility contrasted.
BY this contrast Christ sets forth most
strikingly the true character Of humil-
ity. The Pharisee standing and pray
ing with himself" rather than to God
and in reality congratulating himself
upon his personal worth and WORTH
ness is a picture of pride personified.
On the other hand, where have we
better illustration of sincere and true
humility than is presented In the pub
lican? Conscious Of his sinfulness and
absolute unworthiness he cannot even
look up to God; but, standing afar
of, would not lift up so much as his
eyes to heaven, but snote his breast,
saying, God be merciful to me. a sin
ner." Here is a picture of humility
In complete sincerity that has never
been surpassed. No one can doubt the
sincerity of this mans humbleness and
humility The pretepsion to conceal
pride is contemplate and abominable
both to God and man. Better the out
ward pride of a self boasting Pharisee
than the assumption of cringing hui
mility which in reality but hides
proud heart God sees the heart, and
no one need ever expect to deceive
him. Be humble, but ever let your
humility. like that of the publican, be
sincere.
2. The sources of pride and humility
contraste6. The Pharisee swells with
pride as a result of false comparison,
which led to a false estimate of him
self and his deeds. Pride usually has
its inception in some such comparison.
As compared with the weak and those
who have had few advantages in life,
we may be inclined to feel proud, but
If we viii examine our inmost hearts,
see the sinfulness that turks therein,
IL We VIII study closely the motives
of our deeds and their true unworthi-
ness, we can only be crushed with a
feeling of humility. This is what the
publican did. and we see the effect it
had upon him. Before him there was
only God. Gods hatred of sin and
consciousness of the sinfulness of his
own heart and humility resulted. Alone
with God. see yourself as God sees you,
and there will be no place for pride,
but only for the deepest and sincerest
humility, expressed in prayer for for
giyeness.
The results of pride and humility
contrasted. Pride has its punishment
humility its reward The publican
was justified. the Pharisee condemned.
Humility ever carries with it reward.
Christ Himself is the worlds greatest
example Of humility and becuse OF
His humility he was abundantly re.
warded. He humbled Himself and
therefore God highly exalted Him
"He that humbleth himself shall be ex
alted, and he that exalteth himself
shall be abased."