John Trapp on Luke 18:13

Verse 13. [illegible: 1 word] upon his breast] In token of indignation, and that he would have smitten his sin so hard, if he could have come at it. God be mercifull, &c.] Here was much in few. The Publican [illegible: 1 word] much: though he spake little. As a body without a soul, much wood without fire, a bullet in a gun without powder, so are words in prayer without spirit. Oratio brevis penetrat caelum. The hottest springs send forth their waters by ebullitions.