16 The gapping jaws of earth flew wide, and swallowed up their homes, their wealth, and they went down to rise no more. 17 So shall it be when comes the son of man in power. 18 I charge you men, as I will charge men then, Seek not to save your wealth, or you will lose your lives. Go forth, and look not back upon the crumbling walls of sin. Do not forget Lot’s wife. 19 Whoever tries to save his life will lose his life; whoever freely gives his life in serving life will save his life. 20 Then comes the sifting time. Two men will be in bed; one will be called, the other left; two women will be working side by side; one will be snatched away, the other left. 21 And his disciples said, Explain to us this parable; or is it not a parable? 22 And Jesus said, The wise will understand, for where the bread of heaven is, there you will find the pure in heart; and where the carcass lies will gather all the birds of prey. 23 But, lo, I say, before these days will come, the son of man will be betrayed by one of you into the hands of wicked men, and he will give his life for you and all the world. 24 Yea, more; the Holy Breath will come in power and fill you with the wisdom of the just. 25 And you will tell the wondrous story in Judea and in Samaria and in the farther lands of earth. 26 And then to teach that men should pray and never faint, he told this parable: 27 There was a judge who feared not God, nor yet regarded man. 28 There was a widow who oft implored the judge to right her wrongs and to avenge her foes. 29 At first the judge would hear her not, but after many days he said, 30 I fear not God, and I regard not man, yet, lest this widow wear me out by pleading every day I will avenge her on her foes. 31 When the disciples asked the meaning of this parable, the Lord replied, The wise can understand; the foolish have no need to know. 32 And then to teach a lesson unto certain of his followers who trusted in themselves and thought that they were holier than other men, he told this parable: 33 Two men went to the synagogue to pray; one was a Pharisee, the other was a publican. 34 The Pharisee stood forth and prayed thus with himself, O God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, who are extortioners, unjust, adulterers; 35 Not even like this publican. I fast two times a week, and I give tithes of all I get. 36 The publican came not a-near; he would not lift his eyes to heaven, but smote his breast and said, 37 O Lord, be merciful to me; I am a sinner in thy sight; I am undone. 38 And now, you men, I say to you, The publican knew how to pray, and he was justified. 39 The Pharisee knew how to talk, but still he went away condemned. 40 Lo, every one who lauds himself shall be abased, and he who does not praise himself shall be exalted in the sight of God. CHAPTER 146.