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The highest grace that can
adorn the Christian character
(J. C. Ryle, "The Gospel
of Luke" 1858)
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has
been mindful of the humble state of His servant."
Luke 1:46-48
Mark Mary's deep humility. She who was chosen
of God to the high honor of being Messiah's mother,
speaks of her own "humble state," and acknowledges
her need of a "Savior."
She does not let fall a word to show that she regarded
herself as a sinless, "immaculate" person. On the
contrary, she uses the language of one who has been
taught by the grace of God to feel her own sins, and
so far from being able to save others, requires a Savior
for her own soul. We may safely affirm that none would
be more forward to reprove the honor paid by the Romish
Church to the Virgin Mary, than the Virgin Mary herself.
Let us copy this holy humility of our Lord's mother,
while we steadfastly refuse to regard her as a mediator,
or to pray to her. Like her, let us be lowly in our own
eyes, and think little of ourselves.
Humility is the highest grace that can adorn the
Christian character. It is a true saying of an old
divine, that "a man has just so much Christianity
as he has humility."
Humility is the grace, which of all is most
suited to human nature.
Above all, humility is the grace which is
within the reach of every converted person.
All are not rich.
All are not learned.
All are not highly gifted.
All are not preachers.
But all children of God may be clothed with humility.
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