Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/632

 it  was  not  done  for  love  of  Him,  but  only  for  the  gratification  of  his own pride;  and. he had  therefore  no  good  intention  in  doing  it.

We must  pray  with  humility. The  prayer  of  the  Pharisee  was worthless before  God,  because  he  extolled  himself,  and  judged  his fellow men  uncharitably. Only humble  prayers  please  God,  and  obtain a hearing.

The necessity  of  humility. The  chief  lesson  to  be  learnt  from  this parable is  contained  in  the  words  with  which  our  Lord  concluded  it: “Every one  that  exalteth  himself  shall  be  humbled,  and  he  that  humbleth himself shall  be  exalted." Without  humility  there  can  be  no  forgiveness of  sins,  no  grace,  no  future  happiness.  It  is,  therefore,  an  indispensable virtue.  Even  as  pride  lies  at  the  root  of  all  sin,  so  is  humility  the foundation  of  all  true  virtue  (chapter  XXXIX).  “God  resisteth  the  proud, and  giveth  grace  to  the  humble”  (James  4,  6).

APPLICATION. Ask yourself  whether  you  are  proud  or  self-willed? Do you  give  glory  to  God  when  you  succeed  in  anything? Do you  boast? Are you  fond  of  talking  about  yourself? Do you take pleasure  in  praising  others,  or  is  it  more  pleasing  to  you  to find  fault  with  them? No other  virtue  is  of  any  value  in  God’s sight, without  humility. You owe  to  God  everything  that  you are, or  have,  or  can  do;  therefore,  thank  God  and  do  not  offend Him by  pride. Be very  careful  to-day  to  utter  no  word  in  self-praise. Do not  tell  an  untruth  nor  feign  piety.

I. “My  doctrine  is  not  mine,  but  His  that  sent  Me. If any man will  do  the  will  of  Him,  he  shall  know  the  doctrine,  whether it be  of  God,  or  whether  I speak  of  Myself.”

II. “I am  the  Light  of  the  world;  he  that  followeth  Me , walketh not  in  darkness,  but  shall  have  the  light  of  life.”.