Can you think of all this, and still be proud!
(George Mylne, "Lessons for the Christian's Daily Walk" 1859)
"Patience is better than pride." Ecclesiastes 7:8
Pride is the opposite of patience. Man is impatient, because he is proud.
Many are proud — who think themselves humble. But let vexations come — have they to bear reproof, to meet the faults, or ignorance of others — and impatience tells the truth; they are proud, not humble!
Pride argues ignorance of SELF.
Would you be humble? Then . . .
look at your own corruptions;
survey your features in the looking-glass of Scripture;
consider well your own spiritual deficiencies;
study the failings of your character.
Ah! if you know your heart — then none will appear so vile, so corrupt, so sinful, as yourself!
Would you be humble?
Then think of the cross of Christ.
What nailed Him to the tree?
The bloody sweat; the crown of thorns; the tears; the pains; the taunts; the buffetings; the piercing cry — what caused them all?
Your sins! Christian, remember this — your sins!
Can you feel this, and yet be proud?
Would you be humble?
Think of the pit, from which He snatched you!
Think of the price, at which He bought you!
Think of the grace, with which He clothes you!
Think of the bliss, with which He will crown you!