Asahel Nettleton reveals the key to humility:
Humility was a striking trait in the character of Dr. Nettleton. When a young man, he read in an old book this maxim: “Do all the good you can in the world, and make as little noise about it as possible.” This maxim had great influence in the formation of his character. He treasured it up in his memory, and believing it to be in accordance with the precepts of the Gospel, he made it a rule of conduct. Hence everything like ostentation he abhorred. Few men ever had greater temptations to the indulgence of pride. His great popularity as a preacher, and the almost unparalleled success which attended his labours, even while he was but a youth, constituted a source of great danger. Many of his fathers and brethren in the ministry trembled for him, lest he should be lifted up with pride. But he seems to have been remarkably delivered from the power of this temptation. Notwithstanding his great popularity, he seems not to have been elated. He was modest and unassuming, and always sensible that the success which attended his labours was not owing to any goodness in himself, but to the sovereign grace of God. He was aware of his danger. Once, when asked what he considered the best safeguard against spiritual pride, he replied: “I know of nothing better than to keep my eye on my great sinfulness.”
—Bennet Tyler, The Life and Labours of Asahel Nettleton (Banner of Truth, 1975), 420–421.
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