Vol. 2

CHAPTER XI. 511God ought not to eat at the tahle of others, eitheroften, or of his own accord. He may sometimesyield to importunity, and to considerations of usefuhiess,decency, or charity : but never to his ownincHnation, or to the desire of good cheer." 88. And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelledthat he had not first washed before dinner."This Pharisee, by immediately showing his Pharisaism,discovers the reason which brought the Son ofGod to his house : it was more to instruct than tobe entertained. It is easy to pass from the practiceof some external action to a fondness for it, fromfondness to superstition, from superstition to a condemnationof those who do not practise it, from acondemnation to a contempt of them, and from a contemptto an open schism and separation."" 39. And the Lord said unto him, Now do yePharisees make clean the outside of the cup and theplatter ; but your inward part is full of ravening andwickedness."Christ here teaches his ministers not to be parasites,who purchase their good meals at the expenseof truth. He does not speak the language of onewho has sold his liberty, or who is lavish of his commendationsout of interest. My God ! who can saythat he is entirely free from this Pharisaical hypocrisy? Where is that person to be found, who, bythe inward purity of the motions of his heart,takesas much care not to offend the eyes of God, as hedoes not to displease men by his outward behaviour?" 40. Ye fools, did not he that made that whichis without make that which is within also?"This apparent severity of expression is often use-