Luke 18:9-14 And he spoke this parable to certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:… The celebrated Professor Francke, who founded the great Orphan Asylum, in Halle, was walking one day in the fields with one of his colleagues. All at once the voice of a person praying drew their attention. They stopped, and on looking observed behind a bush two children on their knees, one of whom was praying fervently to God. The two professors listened, and were edified with the devotion which the young Christians seemed to possess. When the prayer was ended, the children rose. "Well," said the one who led the devotions, with a self-complacent air, "didn't I make a fine prayer?" This last remark caused Francke and his companion a painful surprise. But after a moment's reflection, one of them remarked: "This child has shown openly what often passes in our minds. How often, when God has disposed us to pray with some fervour in presence of our brethren, do we rise from our knees with a secret vanity; and if shame did not restrain us, we should ask with this child, 'have not I made a fine prayer?'" Parallel Verses KJV: And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: |
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