Pharisee And Publican

Tune: Christchurch

('Now is eternal life')

Luke 18 v.10-14

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Two men went to Temple

To prayer, they heard the call

And one a Pharisee

Other publican* be

They prayed there, trusting in their Lord

That He would hear their every word

(*Publican = tax collector, not one in charge of a pub!)

 

The Pharisee did stand

His good deeds not disband

But prayed thus with himself

Of his self-righteous wealth

Of how he was not like others

Nor like his publican brothers

 

He thanked God he was not

Like them, sinners their lot

They extort, are unjust

Adulterers with lust

But I fast twice in the week, do

Give tithes of all I possess too

 

The publican did stand

Not his good deeds expand

But stood afar off, eyes

Did not to heaven arise

He beat upon his breast, saying

I not worthy in anything

 

God be merciful to

Me a sinner, 'tis true

Our Lord said this man, he 

Was justified, so be

And it was not the Pharisee

But was the publican, here see

 

Each one that exalts self

Speaking of own pride, wealth

Shall be abased, made low

And humbling they shall know

But each one that does self humble

Shall be exalted and not fall