p. 452 | A Firework of Pride by A. C. Gilbert

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jul 27, 1915

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 29.

A Firework of Pride

By A. C. Gilbert

PRESUMPTION may be classed among the greatest sins of this age. In all places, we find this evil blinding the eyes of both men and women to the light of Christian duty, and depriving them of the fullness of blessing proffered in the condescension of divine love.

The character of the over-secure and self-confident person is the most subject to presumption. This heinous sin grows thriftily in the soil of disrespect for authority, and irreverence toward things divine.

It has been said that “presumption is a firework made up of pride and foolhardiness. It is indeed like a heavy house built upon slender crutches. Like dust, which men throw against the wind, it flies back in their faces, and makes them blind. Wise men presume nothing; presumption is hope out of her wits.”

When God makes known a duty, prejudice or pride leads many to presume that it does not make much difference whether they recognize the authority of Heaven or not. When a spiritual obligation is clearly revealed in the Bible, and admitted by the student of the Word, too often artful Presumption whispers low: “It will be a cross for you to obey strictly this injunction. God is not extremely particular in this matter.” And “because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Eccl. 8:11. A. C. GILBERT.