The Cloud of Witness Sunday

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Sunday.

Spiritual Pride.

Jesus spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others.--Gospel for the Day.

Some lead a life unblameable and just--
Their own dear virtues their unshaken trust!
They never sin!--or if (as all offend)
Some trivial slips their daily walk attend,
The poor are near at hand,--the charge is small,--
A slight gratuity atones for all!
Cowper.

We to our cost our bounds transgress
In Thy eternal plan;
Pride grasps the powers by Thee display'd,
Yet ne'er the rebel effort made,
But fell beneath the sudden shade
Of Nature's withering ban.
Newman.

Be assured
That least of all can aught--that ever owned
The heaven-regarding eye and front sublime
Which man is born to--sink, howe'er depressed,
So low as to be scorned, without a sin.
Wordsworth.

It may be that the suppliant's life
Has lain on many an evil way
Of foul delight and brutal strife,
And lawless deeds that shun the day;
But how can any gauge of yours
The depth of that temptation try!
--What man resists--what man endures--
Is open to one only eye.
Houghton.

How little thou canst tell
How much in thee is ill or well!
Nor for thy neighbour, nor for thee,
Be sure! was life designed to be
A draught of dull Complacency!
Clough.