Humility follows Him, from His unhonored birthplace to His borrowed grave. It throws a subdued splendor over all He did. "The poor in spirit,"--the "mourner,"--the "meek,"--claim His first beatitudes. He was severe only to one class--those who looked down upon others. However He is employed; whether performing His works of miraculous power, or receiving angel-visitants, or taking little children in His arms, He stands forth "clothed with humility." Nay, this humility becomes more conspicuous as He draws nearer glory. Before His death, He calls His disciples "_Friends_;" subsequently, it is "_Brethren_," "_Children_." How sad the contrast between the Master and His disciples! Two hours had not elapsed after He washed their feet, when "there was a strife among them which should be the greatest!" Let the mental image of that lowly Redeemer be ever bending over us. His example may well speak in silent impressiveness, bringing us down from our pedestal of pride. There surely can be no labor of love too humiliating when _He_ stooped so low. Let us be content to take the humblest place; not envious of the success or exaltation of another; not, "like Diotrephes, loving preeminence;" "but willing to be thought little of;" saying with the Baptist, with our eye on our Lord, "He must increase, but I must decrease!" How much we have cause to be humble for! the constant cleaving of defilement to our souls; and even what is partially good in us, how mixed with imperfection, self-seeking, arrogance, vain-glory! A proud Christian is a contradiction in terms. The Seraphim of old (type of the Christian Church, and of believers) had six wings--_two_ were for errands of love, but "with _four_ he _covered_ himself!" It has been beautifully said, "You lie nearest the River of Life when you _bend_ to it; you can not drink, but as you _stoop_." The corn of the field, as it ripens, bows its head; so the Christian, as he ripens in the Divine life, bends in this lowly grace. Christ speaks of His people as "lilies"--they are "lilies of _the valley_," they can only grow in the shade! "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God." "Go" with what Rutherford calls "a low sail." It is the livery of your blessed Master; the family badge--the family likeness. "With this man will I dwell, even with him that is _humble_." Yes! the humble, sanctified heart is God's _second Heaven_! "ARM YOURSELVES LIKEWISE WITH THE SAME MIND." Eighteenth Day. PATIENCE. "He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter."--Isa. liii, 7.