From the Deacon's desk . . . . . .

At Wittenberg, Melanchthon had issued an order that all the students should rise when Luther entered to lecture. Although this was an ancient college custom, yet the humble Luther was not pleased with it and said: "I wish Philip would give up this old fashion. These marks of honor always compel me to offer more prayers to God to keep me humble. If I dared, I would almost retire without having read my lecture." How different from the spirit of those who expect people to rise in mark of reverence for them when they are only ministers of the people and even have no personal qualities to command such external worship! The worthier a man, the more humility he usually has.

There is a moment in history when heroes of this world, such as Charles XII or Napoleon, decide their career and their renown; it is a moment in which their strength is suddenly revealed to them. An analogous moment exists in the life of God's heroes, but it is in a contrary direction; it is that in which they first recognize their helplessness and nothingness before God. Humility is the noblest uniform for a king and the finest robe for a beggar.