“The Lord preserveth the simple; I was brought low, and he helped me.”  Psalm 116:6.

He who walks in godly simplicity and humility, accounting his own infirmities always the greatest, will best be preserved from being puffed up and sifted by the enemy of souls; and truly, nothing should humble us more than justification by free grace.  The more we consider and carefully cherish that, the more this simple, childlike, quiet temper will increase; for since there is nothing in ourselves which can be depended upon, but all must be freely received from Christ, this, at the same time cutting off all vain boasting, brings us low, settles our peace in Christ, who is our all, and is sure enough to be rested upon.  It is only from thee, O my dear Saviour, I can learn true simplicity; teach me, therefore, to turn mine eyes, not upon others, but upon myself.  Humble me to the uttermost, and fashion me after thy own mind, that I may be careful to avoid every thing that is contrary to love.  Keep me, O my Light, from all self-dependence and self-conceit, bridle my carnal reason, and pull down all vain imaginations.  Grant that my eye may be fixed only upon that one thing needful which lasts eternally; and that in word and deed I may always resemble a little child in simplicity, innocence, fidelity, and love.  Matt. 18:3.

Rich grace, free grace most sweetly calls;
Directly come who will,
Just as you are, for Christ receives
Poor helpless sinners still.

 ‘Tis grace each day that feeds our souls,
Grace keeps us inly poor;
And O, that nothing else but grace
May rule for evermore.
_________
(A Golden Treasury ~ February 18)

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