A Biblical and Theological Dictionary
Dictionary entry
CORNERS OF. Our Lord reproves the Pharisees for praying in the
corners of the streets, that is, choosing public places for what ought
to have been private devotion. The Hindoos, Mohammedans, and others
still have this practice. “Both Hindoos and Mussulmans offer their
devotions in the most public places; as, at the landing places of
rivers, in the public streets, and on the roofs of boats, without the
least modesty or attempt at concealment.” “An aged Turk,” observes
Richardson, “is particularly proud of a long flowing white beard, a well
shaved cheek and head, and a clean turban. It is a common thing to see
such characters, far past the bloom of life, mounted on stone seats,
with a bit of Persian carpet, at the corner of the streets, or in front
of their bazaars, combing their beards, smoking their pipes, or drinking
their coffee, with a pitcher of water standing beside them, or saying
their prayers, or reading the Koran.”
corners of the streets, that is, choosing public places for what ought
to have been private devotion. The Hindoos, Mohammedans, and others
still have this practice. “Both Hindoos and Mussulmans offer their
devotions in the most public places; as, at the landing places of
rivers, in the public streets, and on the roofs of boats, without the
least modesty or attempt at concealment.” “An aged Turk,” observes
Richardson, “is particularly proud of a long flowing white beard, a well
shaved cheek and head, and a clean turban. It is a common thing to see
such characters, far past the bloom of life, mounted on stone seats,
with a bit of Persian carpet, at the corner of the streets, or in front
of their bazaars, combing their beards, smoking their pipes, or drinking
their coffee, with a pitcher of water standing beside them, or saying
their prayers, or reading the Koran.”
Source: A Biblical and Theological Dictionary · View data sources