A Rare Grace

from Thomas Brooks "The Legacy of a Dying Mother"

"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the
greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matt. 18:4

Humility is a rare grace. Whoever is little in his
own account--is always great in God's esteem.
A humble person looks upon himself . . .
as "not worthy of the least mercies," with Jacob, Gen. 32:10;
as "dust and ashes," with Abraham, Gen. 18:27; and
as "a poor worm," with David, Psalm 22:6; and
as "less than the least of all saints," with Paul, Eph. 3:8.

The more high in spiritual worth a person is--the more
humble in heart that person is. God delights to pour
grace into humble hearts. Humility makes a person . . .
peaceable among brethren,
fruitful in well-doing,
cheerful in suffering,
constant in holy walking,
precious in the eyes of God.

Be humble Christians. As ever you would be holy
--be humble. Humility is of the essence of the "new
creature." He is not a Christian--who is not humble.

The more grace--the more humble. Those who have
been most high in spiritual worth--have always been
most humble in heart. Humility does not only entitle
to happiness--but to the highest degree of happiness.
Humility is that Jacob's ladder--which reaches from
earth to heaven.

"All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward
one another, because God opposes the proud but
gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5