The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as an high wall in his own conceit. Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear? The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
If a man's gift which at the utmost must be of a scanty and transitory nature, hath such a power of opening the heart, what effect, ought the great, the glorious, durable, and eternal gift of God's dear Son to have in opening our souls to love him who hath so loved us? Qh! that a deep sense of this unspeakable Mercy may bring my soul continually before the Lord, with all the acknowledgments of love, and obedience, and faith, and praise.