The higher a man is in grace, the lower he will be in his own esteem.
“ Vessels of Mercy. ”
God’s chosen ones are spoken of as “vessels of mercy.” Now we know that
a vessel is nothing but a receiver . A “vessel” is not a fountain, but
only a container and holder of that which is poured out into it. Such
are the redeemed of God; they are not fountains by nature, out of whom
there springeth up anything which is good; they are simply receivers. At
one time they are full of themselves, but grace empties them, and then
as empty vessels they are set in the way of God’s goodness; God fills
them to the brim with His lovingkindness, and so they are proved to be
the vessels of His mercy. They may as “vessels” afterwards give out to
others, but they can only give out what God has put in them; they may
work out their own salvation with fear and trembling, but they cannot
work it out unless God worketh in them both to will and to do of His
good pleasure. They may run over with gratitude, but it is only because
God has filled them with grace; they may stream forth with holiness, but
it is only because the Lord keeps the supply overflowing. They are
receivers, and receivers only.