(Thomas Reade, "Christian Experience")

The leaven of pride is not wholly eradicated,
even in the bosom of the humble Christian.

There are seasons when it works with painful
violence; and then, the darkness of our minds,
and the deadness of our hearts, indicate that
the Holy Spirit is grieved, and that Satan has
gained an advantage over us.

Spiritual pride is a subtle evil.

It slides into our prayers, and
entwines itself about our praise.

It spoils our best duties, and creates that
fondness for human approbation, which puffs
up the heart, and steals it away from God.