Pope Self

(J. C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Luke" 1858)

"An argument started among the disciples as to
which of them would be the greatest." Luke 9:46

Astonishing as it may seem, this little company
of fishermen and publicans was not beyond the
plague of a self seeking and ambitious spirit.

There is something very instructive in this fact.
It ought to sink down deeply into the heart of
every Christian reader. Of all sins, there is none
against which we have such need to watch and
pray—as PRIDE.

No sin is so deeply rooted in our nature.

Pride cleaves to us like our skin!

Its roots never entirely die. They are ready,
at any moment, to spring up, and exhibit a
most pernicious vitality.

No sin is so senseless and deceitful.
It can wear the garb of humility itself!

Pride can lurk in the hearts of the ignorant,
the vile, and the poor—as well as in the minds
of the great, the learned, and the rich.

It is a quaint and homely saying, but only
too true—that no pope has ever received
such honor as "Pope Self."

Of all creatures, none has so little a right to be
proud as man; and of all men, none ought to be
so humble as the Christian. Is it really true that
we confess ourselves to be "miserable sinners,"
and daily debtors to mercy and grace? Are we the
followers of Jesus, who was meek and humble of
heart? Then let that same mind be in us which
was in Him. "Learn from Me, for I am gentle and
humble in heart." Matthew 11:29