The Sixth of October.
IF I YET PLEASED MEN . . . --- Galatians 1:10.
"If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." --- Galatians 1:10.
"Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification." --- Romans 15:2.
Fear or love of men, and hypocrisy, very often, are nearly allied. "A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet." --- Proverbs 29:5.
But he that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue." --- Proverbs 28:23.
We are ever inclined to extremes, even then when God has begun his work in our soul. At one time we are apt to run into a false activity for the conversion of others, trusting too much to our own sufficiency and strength; at other times, perhaps, we fall into too much remissness and inactivity for the salvation of others.
May the Lord therefore always guide me to steer the middle course, so as to walk in all singleness and humility of heart, as well as in true fervency of spirit, faith, and love, that it may be said, "I believe, therefore do I speak." Grant, O my dear Saviour, that I may shine as a light, and be useful to all about me: never seeking my own but only the salvation and good of others, with unfeinged love. Oh that thy love may constrain me in all things! Amen.
My own glory still I seek,
And must that which is so good,
Oh forbid it, humble love!
Still I covet human praise;
Still in all I do or speak,
Thee I wrong, and rob thy grace.
Evil prove to sinful me?
Poison shall I draw from food,
Sin from grace, and pride from thee?
Hide me, O Father, hide!
Far away this snare remove,
Save me from the sin of pride.
Devotion for October 6