PRIDE is one of our greatest evils: to indulge it is to nourish a serpent in the bosom. The grace of God always humbles us; and it is only as we are humble that we can be happy. God condescends to walk with the humble man, but He keeps the proud at a distance. Consider what you were by nature, what now lurks in your heart, what you would have been but for the grace of God, and be humble. All you have is the gift of free grace; all you do that is good, is the effect of God's working in you. What have you to be proud of? What reason to boast? Oh, lie low in the dust of self-abasement; cherish humbling thoughts of yourself; admire the mercy, condescension, and infinite compassion of God, in noticing so vile, so unworthy a worm! Study the character and conduct of the humble Jesus, learn of Him, and endeavour to walk as He also walked. Serve the Lord in all humility of mind. But beware of spurious humility; that is not humility which rests contented without seeking for the utmost God has promised, or aiming at the highest duties God has commanded.
By faith in Christ I walk with God, With heaven, my journey's end, in view; Supported by His staff and rod, My road is safe and pleasant too: Though earth and hell my course withstand, JEHOVAH guards me by His hand.
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.
PRIDE is one of our greatest evils: to indulge it is to nourish a serpent in the bosom. The grace of God always humbles us; and it is only as we are humble that we can be happy. God condescends to walk with the humble man, but He keeps the proud at a distance. Consider what you were by nature, what now lurks in your heart, what you would have been but for the grace of God, and be humble. All you have is the gift of free grace; all you do that is good, is the effect of God's working in you. What have you to be proud of? What reason to boast? Oh, lie low in the dust of self-abasement; cherish humbling thoughts of yourself; admire the mercy, condescension, and infinite compassion of God, in noticing so vile, so unworthy a worm! Study the character and conduct of the humble Jesus, learn of Him, and endeavour to walk as He also walked. Serve the Lord in all humility of mind. But beware of spurious humility; that is not humility which rests contented without seeking for the utmost God has promised, or aiming at the highest duties God has commanded.
By faith in Christ I walk with God, With heaven, my journey's end, in view; Supported by His staff and rod, My road is safe and pleasant too: Though earth and hell my course withstand, JEHOVAH guards me by His hand.