The highest grace that can adorn the Christian character

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("http://www.gracegems.org/Ryle/books.htm">J. C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Luke" 1858)

And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour , for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant."

Luke 1:46-48

Mark Mary's deep humility. She who was chosen of God to the high honour of being Messiah's mother, speaks of her own "humble state," and acknowledges her need of a " Saviour."

She does not let fall a word to show that she regarded herself as a sinless, "immaculate" person. On the contrary, she uses the language of one who has been taught by the grace of God to feel her own sins, and so far from being able to save others, requires a Saviour for her own soul. We may safely affirm that none would be more forward to reprove the honour paid by the Romish Church to the Virgin Mary, than the Virgin Mary herself.

Let us copy this holy humility of our Lord's mother, while we steadfastly refuse to regard her as a mediator, or to pray to her. Like her, let us be lowly in our own eyes, and think little of ourselves.

Humility is the highest grace that can adorn the Christian character. It is a true saying of an old

divine, that "a man has just so much Christianity as he has humility."

Humility is the grace, which of all is most suited to human nature.

Above all, humility is the grace which is within the reach of every converted person.

All are not rich.

All are not learned.

All are not highly gifted.

All are not preachers.

But all children of God may be clothed with humility.

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