"Two men went up into the Temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
"The publican would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me, a sinner.
"I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other."
John Harman read the story twice.
"This man went down to his house justified rather than the other."
The other! he fasted, and gave alms, and thanked God that he was not as this publican—this publican, who was a sinner.
But the Bible words were clear enough and plain enough. He, the sinner, was justified.
John Harman covered his face with his hands. Suddenly he fell on his knees.
"God be merciful to me a sinner," he said.
He said the few words twice aloud, in great anguish of spirit, and as he prayed he wept.