Satan’s apes – Thomas Brooks
Pride sets itself against the honor, being, and sovereignty of God. Other sins strike at the word of God, the people of God, and the creatures of God but pride strikes directly at the very being of God. He bears a special hatred against pride.
It was pride which turned angels into devils. They would be above others in heaven and therefore God cast them down to hell.
Pride is a sin which of all sins, makes a person most like Satan. Pride is Satan’s disease. Pride is so base a disease, that God had rather see His dearest children to be buffeted by Satan, than that in pride they should be like Satan.
Humility makes a man like to angels and pride makes an angel a devil. Pride is worse than the devil, for the devil cannot hurt you until pride has possessed you.
If you would see the devil portrayed to the life look upon a proud soul; for as face answers to face, so does a proud soul answer to Satan.
Proud souls are Satan’s apes, and none imitate him to the life like these. And oh that they were sensible of it, before it is too late, before the door of darkness be shut upon them!
The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” Prov. 16:5