the wretched worm of the earth,
Thomas Reed, the evil of pride. God resists the proud, James
4.6. Pride rules and governs the hearts
of natural men. It is continually in operation.
Pride militates against the soul-humbling doctrines of the gospel. Salvation
by grace, through faith in the blood of Christ, is most offensive
to the pride of the natural man. The idea of being wholly indebted
to another for admission into the kingdom of heaven is extremely
disgusting to self-love. Such an idea is rejected with
disdain by every heart, unhumbled and untaught by the Spirit of
God. Fallen man needs to have some
share in the great work of salvation, to have something whereof to
boast. But God has declared that this shall not be. No flesh shall
boast in his presence. Oh, what cursed pride dwells
in the heart of man! But what will become of proud
looks and proud pretensions, when Christ shall sit on the
throne of His glory, and render unto every man according to his
works? Then will the contrite soul,
who while on earth was trodden down by the foot of pride, be
exalted to the heights of glory. Then will the proud sinner, once
admired and applauded, be hurled into the depths of hell, The
wretched worm of the earth inflated with pride will sink into endless
woe. Pride goes before destruction
and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16 verse 18