f this Publican, nor of Zacchaeus, nor of Levi,
who are commended in the Gospel. Perhaps this Publican who was
praying, saw the Pharisee cast a contemptuous glance at him, perhaps he
even heard the words of his prayer, but if so, he made no attempt at
justifying himself. His prayer was not, "God, I am not what other men
say of me, unjust, hard-hearted, peculating, exacting: on the contrary,
I am strictly honest in my dealings, and I am very forbearing and
tender-hearted, and I do not press for payment when no money is to be
got." No! nothing of the sort! all he says is--"God, be merciful to
me, a sinner."

SUBJECT.--I would have those who are blamed by others, instead of
manifesting great eagerness to excuse themselves, and clamouring
against those who speak against them, look into their own hearts and
lives, and see if there be not something blameworthy there.

I. King Philip of Macedon was informed by some of his courtiers that
one of his officers, Nicanor by name, was always speaking evil of him,
that wherever Nicanor was, there he did nothing but grumble against the
king, and disparage and blame him. What was to be done? Should he be
arrested and thrown into prison. "No!" said King Philip, "Before
punishing Nicanor, I must look and see whether I have not given
occasion for this abuse of me." Then the king thought things over, and
it occurred to him for the first time that he had not rewarded Nicanor
for some signal services he had rendered him. By some oversight no
notice had been taken of Nicanor, though he had risked his life for the
king. Then Philip sent for him, and gave him a good appointment, which
brought him in a handsome income, and was one of great honour. Some
while after, Philip said to his courtiers, "How does Nicanor speak of
me now?" They answered that he was never weary of praising the king.
Then Philip said, "Do you not see? it lies in ourselves whether we are
well or evil spoken of."

It is seldom indeed that you will escape blame, that evil of some sort
will not be spoken about you. When that is the case, remember what
Philip said, "I must look and see whether I have not given occasion."
Always go to your own heart, always examine your own life, and see
whether, after all, there be not something there which is wrong or
unwise, and which may be altered, so as to cut off occasion from evil
speakers. As the proverb says, "There is no smoke without a fire," and
it is not often that b