ALBERT WEEKS by Albert Weeks

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 17, 1872

ALBERT WEEKS

By Albert Weeks

Humility.

LOWLINESS of mind, as Webster defines humility, is a Christian grace that is highly spoken of by the sacred writers. In fact, we cannot have the favor of God unless we have humility. We have the promise of “more grace,” as we need, to enable us to make our calling and election sure; but unless we are humble, we cannot claim that promise: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:6. Again, “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility.” Prov. 18:12.

The heart of Pharaoh was haughty, when he said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go.” Truthfully did his proud heart say, “I know not the Lord.” He might have known the Lord, had he in reality humbled himself before God, when, for a time, he would yield to the wonderful manifestations of God’s power; but his humility was transient. When not witnessing the power of God, his pride would assume its seat, and his heart was hardened.

Similar is the position of some at the present time. They listen to the truth as it is proclaimed by the servant of God. While listening, they see a beauty and harmony that convinces them. They decide to obey. The minister goes to another field of labor. They are not now listening to those convincing arguments, and pride steps in, hardening their hearts. Poor souls! they may not be as willful as the king of Egypt; but if they retain pride in their hearts, refusing to humble themselves, that God may exalt them, their destruction will be as certain.

The great God is very near to the humble person, even dwelling with him. Isa. 57:15: “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”

When the kings of Israel humbled themselves, the Lord was ready to meet them with mercy. See 2 Chron. 12:6, 7; 32:24–26; 33:11–13. When they did not humble themselves, judgment visited them. 2 Chron. 33:21–24. Thus it is with our God. As merciful as just, he wills not that any should perish. He says, “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” John 5:40.

Little children who know nothing but an implicit trust in their parents, are given as a pattern of humility. “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.” Matt. 18:3, 4. The little child, as it comes prattling to the Saviour, at his bidding, does it with confidence, expecting nothing but good. As an innocent babe expects a relief from all its woes when fleeing to its maternal parent, so should we be toward a parent that is much more willing to give good things to them that ask him than that fond mother is to give to her child.