EGOTISM by W. S. Foote

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 10, 1859

EGOTISM.

By W. S. Foote

"Egotism," says one, "what has that to do with present truth?" It has no connection with it brother, and if you or I are tinctured with it, the sooner we get rid of it, the better. Egotism is self-commendation; and a species of pride which will mar our spiritual enjoyment, drive away from us the Holy Spirit, and shut us out of the heavenly city. It is a sin which may be within our hearts while we are unconscious of it. The most common way for it to manifest itself is, for us to feel ourselves above most of our brethren, with regard to a knowledge of divine things, when at the same time there may be about us those who could (perhaps) instruct us in the first principles of christianity. And as to spirituality they may be far in advance of us. The Apostle Paul tells us that "they that compare themselves among themselves are not wise," and that "not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth." Let us remember that the humble publican went down to his house justified, rather than the proud Pharisee. The Bible tells us that "charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up," and that though we have all faith, so that we can remove mountains, and have not charity, we are nothing.

We have in the Bible many cases of the manifestation of God's displeasure towards those who were disposed to commend, or exalt themslvs. In Luke, ix, it is said that James and John were so much offended with the Samaritans, that they asked the Saviour if it was his will that they should command fire to come down from heaven and consume them? But Jesus turned and rebuked them saying, "Ye know not what spirit ye are of." The seventy disciples sent out by our Lord, returned, saying, among other things, "Even the devils are subject to us through thy name." "In this," said Jesus, "rejoice not that the spirits are subject to you, but rather that your names are written in heaven." In Num. xx, 10, we are told that at the water of Meribah, Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation of Israel together, before the rock, and said, "Hear now ye rebels; shall we fetch you water from the rock?" Shall we do it? In this they exalted themselves before the people, as if it was by their own power that the waters gushed forth. But what was the answer of the Lord? "Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them." Neither of them were permitted on account of this sin to enter the earthly Canaan, and if we are guilty of the same kind of sin, unrepented of, shall we be permitted to enter the heavenly Canaan? It illy becomes those who profess to believe that their Lord is coming, and that he is now even at the door, to indulge in pride and worldliness. Do not let us find fault with the sins and follies of Babel, and at the same time have our own garments stained with her filth! We have but a short time to work in, and oh, how much there is to be done! God is able and willing to give us grace, that we may be cleansed from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.

He that overcometh shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. Rev. xxi, 7.

W. S. Foote.

Pendleton, O.