HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div
And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.–Luke 15:28
Try Your Character by Your Attitude toward Your Equals
And so, as I closing, I would urge upon you to test and try your character that way. Be chary of accepting any verdict, except the verdict of equality. Distrust the subtle flattery of deference. There is no self-knowledge to be gained that way. Distrust the judgment of the poor and needy, whom in your warmth of compassion you have helped. If you want to know yourself go to your equals–find what you think of them, and they of you. Reckon yourself by what you are at home, or with your brother merchant or your brother minister.
It is thus and thus alone we learn the truth, and when we learn the truth we are never far from Christ. Seeing ourselves, we see our need for Him, and in that sight is the beginning of salvation. Driven from the rest of self-esteem, so easily fostered by our very pity, we hear Him saying to us irresistibly, “Come unto me …. and I will give you rest.”
