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Publican was the name given to an employe of low degree, whose duty it was to get in the tribute money. He was the agent of the farmers-general, great personages who lived by their depredations, after the publicans themselves had kept back an exorbitant percentage on the money levied. The Talmuds often betray the scorn felt for the publicans. Their testimony was not accepted in a court of justice. Probable that the publicans were allowed no more rights than the heathen, and that the Court of the Gentiles alone was open to them.

(E. Stapfer, D. D.)The Jews, who bore the Roman yoke with more impatience than any other nation, excommunicated every Israelite who became a publican; and the disgrace extended to his whole family. Nobody was allowed to take alms from one, or to ask him to change money for them. They were even classed with high-way robbers and murderers, or with harlots, heathen, and sinners. No strict Jew would eat, or even hold intercourse, with them.

(Dr. Geikie.)

AT THE RECEIPT OF CUSTOM.

From fishers' net, from fig-trees' shade,

God gathers whom He will;

Touch'd by His grace all men are made

His purpose to fulfil.

But not alone from shady nooks,

Fresh with life's noontide dew

From humble walks or quiet books,

Calls He His chosen few.

Out of the busiest haunts of life,

Its most engrossing cares,

Its mighty travail, daily strife,

Self-woven golden snares —

He for His vineyard doth provide,

His gentle voice doth move

The world's keen votaries to His side,

With its persuasive love.

ST. MATTHEW THE APOSTLE.

At once he rose, and left his gold;

His treasure and his heart

Transferred, where he shall safe behold

Earth and her idols part;

While he beside his endless store

Shall sit, and floods unceasing pour

Of Christ's true riches o'er all time and space,

First angel of His Church, first steward of His grace.

(J. Keble.)

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KJV: And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

WEB: After these things he went out, and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax office, and said to him, "Follow me!"