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Selected Messages Book 2
example, teach young men to stand erect in devotion as did the Phar-
isees? Shall we look upon this as significant of their self-sufficiency
and self-importance? Are these traits to become conspicuous?
“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves
that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into
the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The
Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that
I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as
this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess”
(
Luke 18:9-12
). Mark you, it was the self-righteous Pharisee who was
not in a position of humility and reverence before God; but standing in
his haughty self-sufficiency, he told the Lord all his good deeds. “The
Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself” (
Luke 18:11
); and his
prayer reached no higher than himself.
“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much
as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be
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merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house
justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall
be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (
Luke 18:13,
14
).
We hope that our brethren will not manifest less reverence and
awe as they approach the only true and living God than the heathen
manifest for their idol deities, or these people will be our judges in
the day of final decision. I would speak to all who occupy the place
of teachers in our schools. Men and women, do not dishonor God by
your irreverence and pomposity. Do not stand up in your Pharisaism
and offer your prayers to God. Mistrust your own strength. Depend
not in it; but often bow down on your knees before God, and worship
Him.
On Bended Knee
And when you assemble to worship God, be sure and bow your
knees before Him. Let this act testify that the whole soul, body, and
spirit are in subjection to the Spirit of truth. Who have searched the
Word closely for examples and direction in this respect? Whom can
we trust as teachers in our schools in America and foreign countries?
After years of study shall students return to their own country with