Matthew Poole and continuators on Luke 18:10

10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publica[illegible: 1 letter]e.

Who these Pharisees, and who the Publicanes, were we have had frequent occasions before to tell. The Temple stood upon an Hill; therefore they are said to Ascend, or go up. They had in the Temple set Hours for Prayer, as may be learned from, Acts 3.1. At which some of all sorts went up to pay that homage unto God. Our Saviour mentioneth but two, having in it no further design than by this Parable to inform his Disciples, how much more acceptable to God, the Prayers of broken humble contrite Hearts are, though the Persons possessed of them be such as have been, or at least have been reputed, great Sinners, Than the Prayers of those who are Hypocrites, and proud, and come unto God pleading their own Righteousness, in order to the obtaining of his Favour.