SERMON XXIII. PRIDE AND HUMILITY
Eversley, 1869. Chester Cathedral, 1870.
1st. Peter v. 5. "God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the
humble."
Let me, this evening, say a few words to you on theology, that is, on the
being and character of God. You need not be afraid that I shall use long
or difficult words. Sound theology is simple enough, and I hope that my
words about it will be simple enough for the worst scholar here to
understand.
"God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." Now, this
saying is an old one. It had been said, in different words, centuries
before St Peter said it. The old prophets and psalmists say it again and
again. The idea of it runs through the whole of the Old Testament, as
anyone must know who has read his Bible with common care. But why should
it be true? What reason is there for it? What is there in the character
of God which makes it reasonable, probable, likely to be true? That God
would give grace to the humble, and reward men for bowing down before His
Majesty, seems not so difficult to understand.
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