There is no one gift which offers so strong a temptation both to vanity and to pride – as that of public speaking. If the orator really excels, and is successful, he is the immediate spectator of his success, and has not even to wait until he has finished his discourse; for although the decorum of public worship will not allow of audible tokens of applause, it does of visible ones – the look of interest, the tear of penitence or of sympathy, the smile of joy, the deep impression on the mind, the death-like stillness, cannot be concealed – all seem like a tribute of admiration to the presiding spirit of the scene; and then the compliments which are conveyed to his ear, after all the silent plaudits which have reached his eye – are equally calculated to puff him up with pride. No men are more in danger of this sin than the ministers of the Gospel; none should watch more sleeplessly against it.
— John Angell James (1785–1859), Prediger
Topics: Humility & Pride, Witness & Mission, Church & Congregation
Occasions: For Reflection
John Angell James
John Angell James war ein englischer kongregationalistischer Prediger und Schriftsteller, der von 1805 bis zu seinem Tod 1859 an der Carrs Lane Chapel in Birmingham wirkte. Bekanntheit erlangte er durch weitverbreitete Erbauungsschriften wie „The Anxious Inquirer“ sowie durch seinen Einsatz für persönliche Bekehrung, Seelsorge und Ernsthaftigkeit im Predigtdienst. Heutigen Bibellesern bieten seine Schriften praxisnahe Anregungen für die persönliche Glaubenspraxis und das geistliche Leben.
All quotes by John Angell James (26)
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.
C.S. Lewis
Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.
Philip Yancey
It is better to be a patient of Christ than a doctor of theology.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
There is a God, and I'm not him.
John Mark Comer
Humility is so shy. If you begin talking about it, it leaves.
Tim Keller
God loves to use people whom others believe are unqualified.
Craig Groeschel
I am just a small cable - God is the current.
Mother Teresa
Humility is the ability to look up even to the smallest things in life.
Albert Schweitzer