The Letter of January 23, 1935

On January 23, 1935, British Bible expositor Arthur W. Pink wrote to a correspondent, “Growth in grace is like the growth of a cow’s tail—the more it truly grows, the closer to the ground it is brought.” At a time when religious life could be measured by platform, reputation, or public “success,” Pink directed attention to a quieter test: whether grace is lowering a person, not enlarging his self-importance.

Arthur W. Pink and His Setting

By the mid-1930s Pink lived far from the centers of influence, laboring in relative isolation in the Hebrides of Scotland (notably around Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis). Much of his ministry flowed through careful writing, private correspondence, and the steady distribution of Bible exposition rather than crowds and campaigns. There is a kind of heroism in that hidden faithfulness: choosing truth over applause, and endurance over novelty, when few are watching.

Humility as Measurable Maturity

Pink’s country image is pointed. As a tail grows, it hangs lower; so, as believers truly grow, they become more aware of God’s holiness and their own need, more ready to listen, repent, forgive, and serve. Scripture ties spiritual progress to this downward path: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18). Growth that ends in self-congratulation is not the growth the Spirit produces.

Grace That Slays Pride

Pink’s counsel also echoes a hard promise and a sweet one: “But He gives us more grace. That is why it says: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6). The believer’s hope is not in personal brilliance, but in fresh supplies of grace—grace that corrects, cleanses, and makes the heart gentle toward others.

Enduring Counsel

Pink’s line endures because it is practical. The question is not merely what a person knows, but whether knowledge is making him lowly, teachable, and kind. Where pride is being slain, grace is growing—often quietly, often slowly, but truly.