IT is of great importance, to have and to cherish right views of our own littleness and insignificance; of our vileness and unworthiness; and of our own absolute and constant dependence on the mercy of our God. To possess a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price; that so we may be humble under cross providences, considering our sin and ill-deservings,how we have requited the Lord; seeing the hand of God working all in all; acknowledging Divine providence, let who or what will be the instruments; to be contented with our lot, with such things as we have, uniting godliness with contentment; to be habitually looking at the Lord Jesus, what He was in His ancient glorywhat He became for uswhat He now isand what we shall soon be with Him. Humility is the best garment for a justified sinner to wear, for God has said He will look to and dwell with the humble. He giveth grace unto the humble. He that humbleth himself shall be exalted. He will hear the cry, grant the desire, and save the humble person.
Jesus, from my proud heart remove The bane of self-admiring love! Oh, make me feel and own with shame, I less and worse than nothing am! The least of saints with pity see, The chief of sinners save, in me!
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
IT is of great importance, to have and to cherish right views of our own littleness and insignificance; of our vileness and unworthiness; and of our own absolute and constant dependence on the mercy of our God. To possess a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price; that so we may be humble under cross providences, considering our sin and ill-deservings,how we have requited the Lord; seeing the hand of God working all in all; acknowledging Divine providence, let who or what will be the instruments; to be contented with our lot, with such things as we have, uniting godliness with contentment; to be habitually looking at the Lord Jesus, what He was in His ancient glorywhat He became for uswhat He now isand what we shall soon be with Him. Humility is the best garment for a justified sinner to wear, for God has said He will look to and dwell with the humble. He giveth grace unto the humble. He that humbleth himself shall be exalted. He will hear the cry, grant the desire, and save the humble person.
Jesus, from my proud heart remove The bane of self-admiring love! Oh, make me feel and own with shame, I less and worse than nothing am! The least of saints with pity see, The chief of sinners save, in me!