e
"the sinner;" but as he acknowledged his guilt and turned to God in
penitence, he was accepted as righteous in the sight of God and received
pardon and peace.

There can be no misunderstanding as to the lesson which the Master wished
to impress. "This man went down to his house justified rather than the
other." A sense of guilt and a yearning for pardon and a cry to God for
mercy--this is the very beginning of a new life; and however far one may
progress in holiness there is ever need of similar humility. The nearer
one is to God, the more conscious is he of his sinfulness and the less
likely to boast of his own moral attainments. The more one acknowledges
his unworthiness, the better is he prepared to serve his Master and his
fellow men. The pride of Pharisaism on the part of nations, as well as in
the lives of individuals, stands in the way of helpfulness and brotherhood
and the favor of God. What is needed to-day is universal repentance, a
manifestation of the humble and the contrite heart; "For every one that
exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be
exalted."

5. Jesus Receiving Little Children. Ch. 18:15-17

15 And they were bringing unto him also their babes, that he
should touch them: but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked
them. 16 But Jesus called them unto him saying, Suffer the little
children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for to such
belongeth the kingdom of God. 17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever
shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall
in no wise enter therein.

This charming picture of Jesus blessing little children is sketched by
Matthew and Mark as well as by Luke. Its attractiveness has given it a
place on the canvas of many an artist. Its symbolic message is being
accepted by the modern Church, "They were bringing unto him also their
babes." The parents were probably carrying these children in their arms.
They realized that not only the lepers and the infirm needed the touch of
Christ, but that the power of the Master would bring blessing to the
children as well.

This touch may properly picture that personal relation and spiritual
contact with Christ which to-day, with equal eagerness, should be sought
for their children by all parents. "When the disciples saw it, they
rebuked them." They seemed to have felt that children were too
insignificant to be allowed to interfere with the work or t