O the pride of man's heart! How it will work and show itself even under a guise of religion and holiness!
Few can see that in religion, what are considered great things-are really very little; and what are considered little-are really very great.
How few can see that. . .a broken heart, a contrite spirit, a humble mind, a tender conscience, a meek, quiet, and patient bearing of the cross, a believing submission and resignation to the will of God, a looking to Him alone, for all supplies in providence and grace, a continual seeking of His face, a desiring nothing so much as the visitations of His favor, a loving, affectionate, forbearing, and forgiving spirit, a bearing of injuries and reproaches without retaliation, a liberal heart and hand, and a godly, holy, and separate life and walk—are the things which in God's sight are great.
While a knowledge of doctrine, clear insight into gospel mysteries, and a ready speech are really very little things and are often to be found side by side and hand in hand with a proud, covetous, worldly, unhumbled spirit, and a living in what is sinful and evil.
~J. C. Philpot~