Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself,
Luke 18:10–13God, 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.
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto Heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me, a sinner.
Words: Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book 1, 1707, number 131. The Pharisee and the publican.
Music: Emmanuel Carl C. N. Balle, 1850 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Balle (head-and-shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), would you ?
Behold how sinners disagree,
The publican and Pharisee!
One doth his righteousness proclaim,
The other owns his guilt and shame.
This man at humble distance stands,
And cries for grace with lifted hands;
That boldly rises near the throne,
And talks of duties he has done.
The Lord their different language knows,
And different answers He bestows;
The humble soul with grace He crowns,
Whilst on the proud His anger frowns.
Dear Father! let me never be
Joined with the boasting Pharisee;
I have no merits of my own,
But plead the sufferings of Thy Son.