“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

SURELY there was great need that the prisoner of the Lord should put these qualities first, before those whom he besought “to walk worthy” of their vocation, and to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Can any say it is a distinguishing feature amongst us now? Are we to whom the third verse is so precious ignoring the force of the second? Is there not a quiet self-assertion, a tone of superiority often shown in speaking to other Christians, that only betrays to them, and to our Lord, how far we are in heart from the spirit of the apostle. We find that his ministry (who was gifted and honored above all others,) was marked by “humility of mind” (Acts 20:19). Is ours?

We find the Lord was “lowly in heart.”

He “humbled Himself.” Is “this mind” in us? Have we put on “as the elect of God, humbleness of mind”?

Are we all of us “clothed with humility”?

It is greatly to be feared that such a spirit, such a state, is becoming rare amongst us. Time was, when the ruin of all was so felt, that our only position was in the dust. But the truth of the “One Body,” accepted in the head instead of searching the conscience, has “puffed up” instead of humbling those who thus hold it. How painful must it be to Christ, who loves and yearns over His whole Church, that those whom, in His grace, He has called around Himself to feel and own its utter ruin on earth, should sometimes carry a high head, a self-satisfied air, and be “exalted” by the very greatness of His love. Is not this indeed in principle the Laodicean brand?

May God give us to shun and dread spiritual pride (that subtile vice) in every shape and form, and enable us to show true brokenness of spirit, that His dear children around may see that there is a little company in their midst whose hearts deeply feel the ruin of all dear to Christ in this scene.

Surely, beloved brethren, He is allowing things to take such a course, even in our midst, that we have nothing left but shame and confusion of face, our only relief being to look upon His glory, that which nothing shall ever dim or mar.

The more Thy glories strike mine eyes,
The humbler I shall lie;
Thus while I sink, my joys shall rise
Immeasurably high.