" Understand the word thus, and it shows you how muddy how
dark those of Israel are, and how little they are acquainted with
the goodness of their God who stand shrinking at his door like
beggars, and dare not in a godly sort be bold with his mercy.
Wherefore standest thou thus with thy ifs and thy O-buts, O thou
poor benighted Israelite? Wherefore puttest thou thy hand in thy
bosom, as being afraid to touch the hem of the garment of thy Lord?
THE PUBLICAN'S PRAYER.
"God be merciful to me a sinner." Herein the publican showeth
wonderful wisdom. For,
1. By this he thrusts himself under the shelter and blessing of the
promise; and I am sure it is better and safer to do so than to rely
upon the best excellencies that this world can afford. Hosea 14:
1-4.
2. He takes the ready way to please God; for God takes more delight
in showing mercy than in any thing that we can do. Hosea 6:6; Matt.
9:13; 12:7. Yea, and that also is the man that pleaseth him, even he
that hopes in his mercy. Psalm 147: 1. The publican, therefore,
whatever the Pharisee might think, stood all this while upon sure
ground, and had by far the start of him for heaven. Alas, his dull
head could look no further than to the conceit of the pitiful beauty
and splendor of his own righteousness; nor durst he leave that to
trust wholly to the mercy of God.
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