April 16
Daily Gleanings of the Saintly LifeTuesday after Second Sunday in Lent
God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves. I S. PETER v. 5, 6.
OFTEN meditate upon the effects of pride on one side, and humility on the other. First, pride is like a canker, and destroys the beauty of the fairest flowers, the most excellent gifts and graces; but humility crowns them all. Secondly, that pride is a great hindrance to the perceiving the things of God; and humility is an excellent preparative and instrument of spiritual wisdom. Thirdly, pride hinders the acceptance of our prayers; but humility pierceth the clouds, and will not depart till the Most High shall regard them. Fourthly, that humility is but a speaking truth, and all pride is a lie. Fifthly, that humility is the most certain way to real honour, and pride is ever affronted or despised. Sixthly, pride turned an angel into a devil, and humility exalted the Son of God above every name, and placed Him eternally at the Right Hand of His Father. Seventhly, that God resisteth the proud, professing open defiance and hostility against such persons; but giveth grace to the humble.
O may that mind in us be formed Which shone so bright in Thee!— A humble, meek, and lowly mind, From pride and envy free.
May we to others stoop and learn To emulate Thy love; So shall we bear Thine image here And share Thy throne above.