The Pharisee's account of himself
What the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees really was, it is not difficult to determine. Our Lord has preserved an authentic account which one of them gave of himself. And he is clear and full in describing his own righteousness, and cannot be supposed to have omitted any part of it. He went up indeed into the temple to pray, but was so intent on his own virtues that he forgot the design on which he came. For it is remarkable that he does not properly pray at all. He only tells God how wise and good he was. God, I thank you that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector (Luke 18:11). I fast twice in the week (Luke 18:12). I give tithes of all that I possess (Luke 18:12). His righteousness therefore consisted of three parts. First, he says, I am not as other men are. I am not an extortioner, not unjust, not an adulterer, not even as this tax collector. Second, I fast twice in the week (Luke 18:12). And third, I give tithes of all that I possess (Luke 18:12).
1771 text
3. What the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees really was, it is not difficult to determine. Our Lord has preserved an authentic account, which one of them gave of himself. And he is clear and full in describing his own righteousness; and cannot be supposed to have omitted any part of it. He went up indeed into the temple to pray: but was so intent upon his own virtues, that he forgot the design upon which he came. For ’tis remarkable, he does not properly pray at all. He only tells God, how wise and good he was. 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. His righteousness therefore consisted of three parts, first, saith he, I am not as other men are. I am not an extortioner, not unjust, not an adulterer; not even as this Publican. Secondly, I fast twice in the week; and thirdly, give tithes of all that I possess.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 25 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 5:17-20.
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