in_o truth_n most_o proper_a and_o fit_a for_o criminal_n the_o only_a thing_n worth_a our_o esteem_n be_v virtue_n or_o that_o gracious_a disposition_n of_o soul_n whereby_o the_o righteous_a be_v indeed_o more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n prov._n 12._o 26._o those_o moral_a habit_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n have_v a_o intrinsic_a dignity_n in_o they_o for_o they_o be_v noble_a perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o such_o resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v as_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n himself_o of_o great_a price_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 4._o but_o yet_o even_a these_o excellent_a endowment_n be_v argument_n for_o our_o humility_n because_o they_o be_v not_o the_o production_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n it_o be_v by_o his_o free_a and_o gracious_a energy_n that_o we_o be_v make_v the_o child_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v transform_v in_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o mind_n without_o christ_n assistance_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o can_v do_v nothing_o john_n 15._o 5._o it_o be_v he_o that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n phil._n 2._o 13._o upon_o this_o account_n our_o spiritual_a grace_n be_v reason_n for_o our_o thankfulness_n but_o not_o for_o our_o pride_n because_o we_o stand_v indebt_v to_o the_o mere_a goodness_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n for_o they_o who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o say_v the_o apostle_n or_o what_o have_v thou_o that_o thou_o do_v not_o receive_v now_o if_o thou_o do_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o glory_n as_o though_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 7._o debtor_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o be_v proud_a of_o the_o obligation_n and_o bond_n they_o be_v force_v to_o lie_v under_o poverty_n carry_v such_o shame_n with_o it_o as_o serve_v to_o debase_v man_n when_o hardly_o any_o thing_n else_o will_n and_o though_o god_n give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o jam._n 1._o 5._o yet_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o necessitous_a and_o miserable_a condition_n by_o nature_n and_o of_o our_o dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o the_o mend_n of_o our_o fortune_n be_v a_o very_a powerful_a motive_n to_o humble_v all_o of_o we_o especial_o before_o that_o infinite_a be_v to_o who_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n we_o owe_v all_o that_o we_o have_v and_o all_o that_o we_o be_v the_o ancient_a moralist_n among_o the_o heathen_a thought_n it_o a_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o virtue_n for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v himself_o right_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o source_n of_o this_o virtue_n humility_n for_o there_o be_v very_o little_a if_o any_o thing_n in_o we_o or_o about_o we_o but_o what_o teach_v we_o to_o despise_v ourselves_o and_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o due_a and_o just_a reflection_n that_o people_n be_v great_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n i_o know_v that_o in_o i_o that_o be_v in_o my_o flesh_n there_o dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n say_v st._n paul_n in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n rom._n 7._o 18._o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o vile_a body_n a_o sinful_a soul_n a_o corrupt_a mind_n a_o vain_a imagination_n there_o be_v a_o weak_a mortal_a necessitous_a nature_n there_o be_v foolishness_n and_o wretchedness_n in_o great_a variety_n there_o be_v enough_o and_o abundance_n of_o such_o thing_n for_o he_o to_o boast_v of_o if_o it_o be_v worth_a his_o boast_n such_o glory_v will_v be_v in_o one_o shame_n and_o as_o for_o those_o bless_a principle_n of_o virtue_n which_o by_o the_o sweet_a and_o kindly_a insinuation_n of_o christ_n spirit_n the_o soul_n of_o every_o regenerate_a person_n be_v endow_v with_o they_o be_v so_o many_o borrow_a talent_n for_o which_o the_o holy_a man_n live_v stand_v behold_v to_o our_o great_a creditor_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o and_o though_o we_o ought_v to_o rejoice_v that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o communicate_v his_o riches_n to_o we_o yet_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v precarious_a loan_n for_o the_o obtain_n whereof_o our_o chief_a business_n be_v to_o beg_v and_o receive_v with_o all_o humility_n we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o be_v proud_a of_o they_o as_o a_o servile_a steward_n have_v of_o a_o trust_n for_o which_o he_o must_v give_v a_o strict_a account_n if_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v mention_v serve_v to_o keep_v we_o from_o all_o assume_n the_o consideration_n of_o those_o outward_a matter_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o thing_n and_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o help_v to_o take_v down_o our_o mind_n the_o more_o still_o for_o though_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wont_a to_o mind_v these_o thing_n most_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v elate_v most_o of_o all_o by_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v hardly_o a_o plain_a argument_n than_o this_o be_v of_o the_o great_a weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o of_o the_o folly_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o that_o man_n be_v so_o swell_v in_o their_o mind_n because_o their_o temporal_a fortune_n be_v bulky_a because_o they_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a than_o other_o i_o mean_v as_o some_o count_v riches_n and_o greatness_n who_o speak_v the_o dialect_n of_o the_o world_n and_o consider_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rich_a and_o great_a indeed_o alas_o these_o external_a matter_n be_v of_o a_o very_a mean_a trifle_a and_o contemptible_a nature_n phantasm_n and_o colour_n only_o like_o the_o feather_n of_o the_o athenian_a bird_n which_o help_v to_o give_v it_o face_n but_o do_v not_o make_v it_o better_o or_o weighty_a than_o a_o bird_n of_o a_o plain_a plume_n beside_o riches_n say_v solomon_n certain_o make_v themselves_o wing_n they_o flee_v away_o as_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n prov._n 23._o 5._o and_o this_o they_o do_v by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n because_o man_n set_v their_o eye_n on_o that_o which_o be_v not_o and_o set_v other_o at_o nought_o for_o that_o which_o be_v but_o vanity_n when_o they_o forget_v god_n and_o themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o very_a righteous_a thing_n for_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n to_o humble_v they_o by_o make_v the_o nest_n that_o be_v set_v on_o high_a empty_a and_o by_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o fire_n or_o of_o the_o extortioner_n which_o in_o effect_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n three_o though_o these_o external_a fortune_n stay_v with_o we_o and_o we_o with_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a for_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o god_n love_n to_o any_o no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o they_o say_v solomon_n eccl._n 9_o 1._o that_o be_v none_o can_v certain_o tell_v by_o his_o present_a worldy_a condition_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n or_o no._n for_o say_v solomon_n verse_n 2._o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n which_o word_n yield_v we_o thus_o much_o that_o since_o this_o wretched_a world_n be_v not_o a_o place_n for_o we_o to_o receive_v our_o reward_n general_o man_n share_v alike_o and_o without_o discrimination_n in_o the_o fortune_n of_o the_o world_n the_o divine_a providence_n scatter_v they_o promiscuous_o and_o with_o a_o indifferent_a hand_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o in_o god_n account_n they_o be_v such_o very_a inconsiderable_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n how_o or_o upon_o who_o they_o be_v throw_v away_o but_o four_o if_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o affluence_n of_o these_o poor_a temporal_a enjoyment_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o sad_a argument_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o than_o a_o signification_n of_o god_n love_n to_o they_o for_o all_o mankind_n be_v god_n creature_n and_o have_v for_o that_o reason_n some_o sort_n of_o title_n and_o right_n to_o his_o providence_n god_n be_v please_v to_o distribute_v the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n here_o below_o as_o he_o send_v his_o rain_n and_o sunshine_n upon_o the_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o upon_o the_o good_a nay_o because_o evil_a man_n can_v have_v no_o share_n of_o the_o felicity_n of_o a_o future_a state_n god_n do_v usual_o give_v they_o a_o more_o liberal_a allowance_n of_o
man_n make_v a_o application_n of_o this_o to_o himself_o after_o a_o humble_a manner_n he_o can_v but_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o apostle_n argument_n heb._n 12._o 9_o 20._o if_o we_o have_v have_v father_n of_o our_o flesh_n which_o correct_v we_o and_o we_o give_v they_o reverence_n shall_v we_o not_o much_o rather_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o live_v for_o they_o very_o for_o a_o few_o day_n chastened_a we_o after_o their_o own_o pleasure_n but_o he_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n for_o this_o gracious_a purpose_n sake_n they_o who_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o desert_n and_o want_n as_o all_o humble_a person_n be_v can_v but_o possess_v their_o soul_n in_o patience_n under_o the_o hand_n that_o correct_v and_o with_o thankfulness_n too_o for_o stripe_n which_o be_v thus_o profitable_a and_o advantageous_a to_o they_o not_o only_o hear_v the_o rod_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v micah_n 3._o 9_o but_o kiss_v it_o also_o because_o there_o be_v honey_n on_o the_o end_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v on_o the_o top_n of_o jonathan_n rod_n 1_o sam._n 14._o four_o and_o last_o st._n paul_n give_v this_o character_n of_o temptation_n mean_v affliction_n that_o it_o be_v cammon_n to_o man_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 13._o and_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o general_a lot_n the_o humble_a in_o soul_n will_v sit_v down_o quiet_a and_o well_o content_v to_o have_v a_o share_n for_o how_o say_v he_o be_o i_o better_a than_o my_o neighbour_n indeed_o it_o be_v no_o comfort_n to_o good_a nature_n to_o see_v other_o in_o misery_n yet_o every_o man_n grief_n be_v much_o the_o less_o when_o discipline_n be_v administer_v impartial_o and_o of_o all_o other_o the_o humble_a man_n satisfaction_n be_v the_o great_a when_o compare_v his_o sin_n and_o his_o suffering_n with_o other_o man_n he_o find_v so_o vast_a a_o disproportion_n as_o if_o god_n be_v particular_o merciful_a to_o he_o in_o visit_v more_o and_o as_o he_o think_v more_o heinous_a offence_n with_o few_o and_o less-afflicting_a stripe_n it_o be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o murmur_n and_o impatience_n that_o we_o look_v at_o the_o prosperity_n not_o at_o the_o misfortune_n of_o other_o people_n at_o least_o that_o we_o do_v not_o lay_v they_o equal_o to_o heart_n their_o glitter_a condition_n strike_v the_o tender_a side_n and_o there_o make_v the_o deep_a impression_n the_o sense_n of_o their_o affliction_n go_v off_o with_o a_o easy_a and_o too_o often_o with_o a_o pleasant_a slide_n especial_o where_o nature_n be_v too_o hard_a for_o religion_n but_o be_v our_o humility_n commensurate_a to_o st._n paul_n when_o he_o own_v himself_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n ephes_n 3._o 8._o nay_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v very_o uneasy_a under_o our_o affliction_n can_v we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v in_o such_o a_o large_a register_n of_o they_o as_o he_o give_v of_o his_o own_o 2_o cor._n ii_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o which_o we_o find_v he_o still_o rejoice_v in_o short_a he_o that_o be_v vile_a and_o worthless_a in_o his_o own_o estimate_n can_v but_o learn_v in_o what_o state_n soever_o he_o be_v therewith_o to_o be_v content_a unless_o he_o will_v be_v so_o false_a to_o himself_o as_o to_o condemn_v his_o own_o opinion_n and_o reverse_v his_o own_o judgement_n which_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v what_o a_o inestimable_a blessing_n humility_n be_v to_o the_o soul_n amid_o all_o the_o various_a and_o troublesome_a encumbrance_n of_o this_o life_n at_o once_o it_o polish_v our_o nature_n and_o refresh_v we_o with_o delight_n that_o be_v it_o do_v we_o all_o the_o good_a that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v in_o a_o mortal_a state_n there_o be_v such_o a_o indissoluble_a union_n between_o this_o virtue_n and_o felicity_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v true_o humble_a but_o he_o must_v in_o spite_n of_o fortune_n be_v very_o happy_a too_o 2._o i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o of_o all_o affliction_n those_o which_o we_o pretend_v to_o discern_v aloof_o off_o do_v many_o time_n affect_v the_o mind_n with_o the_o great_a anguish_n and_o at_o the_o close_a of_o this_o consideration_n touch_v that_o peace_n and_o comfort_n wherewith_o humility_n endue_v the_o heart_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v how_o advantageous_a this_o virtue_n be_v when_o a_o calamity_n threaten_v and_o look_v terrible_a at_o a_o distance_n in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n especial_o which_o humility_n sugge_v to_o our_o mind_n for_o the_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o they_o 1._o first_o our_o whole_a dependence_n be_v upon_o the_o care_n of_o that_o infinite_a be_v who_o be_v the_o governor_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o nothing_o can_v befall_v we_o contrary_a unto_o or_o without_o his_o pleasure_n so_o that_o though_o we_o be_v little_a contemptible_a thing_n of_o ourselves_o yet_o consider_v who_o creature_n we_o be_v and_o who_o hand_n we_o be_v in_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o all_o ominous_a circumstance_n to_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n with_o such_o resignation_n and_o recumbency_n as_o become_v the_o condition_n of_o poor_a shiftless_a being_n that_o be_v leave_v entire_o to_o he_o and_o hang_v every_o minute_n upon_o his_o providence_n 2._o second_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a govern_v and_o order_v every_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n with_o constant_a respect_n to_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o our_o lot_n as_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o dispense_v they_o and_o to_o make_v his_o bless_a will_n our_o choice_n in_o regard_n that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v so_o very_a shortsighted_a and_o partial_a that_o we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v our_o own_o chooser_n because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o we_o shall_v but_o crave_v only_o for_o what_o we_o will_v have_v 3._o three_o however_o event_n prove_v it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o make_v a_o honest_a and_o religious_a use_n of_o they_o and_o then_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n rom._n 8._o 28._o these_o humble_a consideration_n must_v needs_o minister_v great_a rest_n and_o comfort_n to_o one_o soul_n though_o future_a contingency_n carry_v with_o they_o a_o terrible_a aspect_n and_o thereby_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o excellence_n of_o our_o duty_n appear_v of_o take_v no_o anxious_a cark_n thought_n about_o to_o morrow_n because_o god_n prefide_v over_o all_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o presage_v do_v not_o happen_v cloud_n usual_o drop_v before_o they_o advance_v over_o our_o head_n and_o how_o can_v the_o humble_a man_n answer_v it_o to_o his_o own_o mind_n to_o crucify_v himself_o beforehand_o for_o that_o which_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v may_v never_o come_v to_o to_o pass_v because_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a who_o can_v tell_v certain_o what_o be_v within_o the_o cloud_n or_o whether_o many_o blessing_n may_v not_o fall_v down_o together_o with_o the_o storm_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o humility_n to_o pry_v into_o god_n counsel_n after_o a_o distrustful_a manner_n and_o consequent_o to_o perplex_v one_o heart_n with_o a_o grievous_a apprehension_n of_o accident_n which_o perhaps_o may_v be_v for_o his_o great_a advantage_n or_o say_v it_o be_v a_o real_a calamity_n that_o be_v come_v it_o be_v a_o humble_a man_n part_n to_o leave_v god_n to_o his_o own_o time_n and_o to_o wait_v god_n leisure_n without_o go_v forward_o to_o meet_v a_o evil_a which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v patient_a under_o but_o not_o to_o anticipate_v sufficient_a unto_o the_o day_n be_v the_o evil_a thereof_o say_v the_o humble_a jesus_n matth._n 6._o 34._o to_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a i_o can_v but_o observe_v what_o religious_a principle_n some_o heathen_a moralist_n go_v on_o who_o place_v happiness_n in_o the_o study_n and_o exercise_v of_o virtue_n because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o bless_v a_o man_n soul_n with_o satisfaction_n and_o tranquillity_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n they_o discover_v three_o great_a truth_n which_o they_o prove_v too_o and_o urge_v the_o belief_n of_o they_o as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o a_o man_n happiness_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o as_o they_o themselves_o mean_v a_o sovereign_a incorporeal_a intellectual_a be_v that_o be_v uncompounded_a independent_a self-existent_a self-moving_a the_o most_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a good_a the_o supreme_a and_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n 2._o second_o that_o as_o god_n exact_o know_v all_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v make_v and_o have_v a_o power_n over_o all_o
so_o he_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o the_o mean_a creature_n not_o except_v 3._o three_o that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o inspect_v the_o world_n but_o do_v moreover_o administer_v and_o govern_v all_o affair_n according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n from_o which_o principle_n those_o wise_a philosopher_n conclude_v that_o as_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o honour_n and_o worship_n god_n so_o we_o must_v set_v ourselves_o to_o obey_v he_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o determination_n to_o follow_v his_o conduct_n with_o cheerfulness_n to_o be_v well-pleased_a with_o what_o he_o do_v as_o be_v the_o result_n of_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o providence_n if_o you_o do_v no_o dispose_v your_o mind_n thus_o your_o life_n say_v they_o will_v be_v not_o only_o irreligious_a but_o full_a of_o sadness_n and_o misery_n too_o whereas_o if_o you_o resign_v your_o will_n to_o god_n and_o be_v content_v with_o event_n as_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o order_v they_o you_o will_v be_v happy_a therefore_o socrates_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v if_o god_n will_v have_v it_o thus_o then_o thus_o let_v it_o be_v and_o epictetus_n his_o prayer_n be_v lead_v i_o o_o god_n according_a to_o thy_o will_n and_o i_o will_v ready_o obey_v and_o submit_v to_o thy_o providence_n for_o say_v arrian_n every_o good_a man_n who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o deity_n and_o a_o providence_n will_v submit_v his_o own_o mind_n to_o god_n pleasure_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o universe_n as_o good_a citizen_n submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o city_n they_o live_v in_o totum_fw-la concern_v all_o this_o see_v epictetus_n cap._n 38_o 77_o 79._o arrian_n on_o epictet_n lib._n 1._o c._n 12._o and_o especial_o simplicius_n his_o comment_n 38._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la these_o be_v great_a notion_n for_o heathen_n to_o entertain_v such_o a_o complexure_n of_o good_a divinity_n and_o morality_n together_o as_o one_o will_v think_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o the_o result_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v this_o that_o as_o all_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n be_v lodge_v in_o virtue_n so_o this_o virtue_n of_o humility_n do_v contribute_v towards_o it_o after_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n and_o in_o a_o singular_a degree_n because_o it_o resign_v up_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n wisdom_n and_o pleasure_n in_o all_o condition_n so_o that_o in_o all_o afflict_a circumstance_n whether_o actual_o feel_v or_o apprehend_v only_o the_o true_o humble_a person_n possess_v his_o soul_n in_o patience_n and_o be_v bless_v with_o tranquillity_n in_o as_o great_a measure_n as_o a_o frail_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v such_o as_o be_v so_o proud_a that_o they_o care_v not_o for_o the_o almighty_a and_o think_v themselves_o too_o big_a for_o his_o rod_n in_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o distress_n aggravate_v the_o smart_n from_o without_o by_o be_v their_o own_o tormentor_n within_o and_o the_o most_o inhuman_a tormentor_n because_o the_o pain_n they_o inflict_v be_v hardly_o curable_a and_o seldom_o intermit_a every_o odd_a chance_n be_v magnify_v into_o a_o great_a affliction_n and_o every_o affliction_n gnaw_v and_o eat_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o affront_n to_o their_o singular_a merit_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o injustice_n and_o partiality_n in_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o thus_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o vain_a wretch_n breed_v worm_n which_o like_o those_o engender_v in_o a_o dead_a carcase_n never_o leave_v till_o they_o have_v devour_v their_o parent_n and_o all_o at_o last_o produce_v the_o worm_n which_o die_v not_o chap._n v._o the_o usefulness_n of_o humility_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o proficiency_n in_o virtue_n hitherto_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o usefulness_n of_o humility_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o contentment_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o it_o let_v we_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n and_o observe_v how_o instrumental_a it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o progress_n and_o perfection_n in_o virtue_n now_o there_o be_v very_o many_o way_n whereby_o it_o help_v to_o promote_v this_o inestimable_a advantage_n but_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o four_o way_n follow_v 1._o first_o by_o oblige_v we_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o of_o those_o religious_a endeavour_n we_o be_v encourage_v to_o use_v that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o end_n of_o they_o all_o be_v bottom_v on_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o thing_n we_o believe_v and_o look_v for_o be_v certain_a because_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o and_o it_o be_v humility_n that_o concur_v with_o right_a reason_n to_o settle_v our_o soul_n upon_o this_o principle_n how_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a soever_o some_o thing_n may_v seem_v to_o humane_a apprehension_n the_o daily_a sense_n which_o all_o humble_a man_n have_v of_o the_o weakness_n and_o fallaciousness_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o carnal_a reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v universal_o and_o with_o confidence_n in_o thing_n pertain_v unto_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n to_o take_v god_n word_n for_o all_o however_o the_o word_n speak_v may_v sound_v in_o our_o ear_n this_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o some_o pretender_n to_o reason_n that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o believe_v doctrine_n unless_o they_o appear_v rational_a as_o to_o all_o the_o part_n and_o modes_n of_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o unless_o they_o captivate_v our_o faith_n by_o suit_v with_o our_o capacity_n and_o by_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o plain_a evidence_n how_o those_o thing_n can_v be_v this_o proceed_v from_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o self-conceit_n and_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v reason_n not_o a_o assistant_n but_o a_o idol_n for_o the_o holy_a bible_n to_o be_v offer_v up_o unto_o humble_a man_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o many_o thing_n in_o religion_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v cover_v with_o a_o veil_n that_o it_o be_v not_o modesty_n to_o pry_v without_o light_n or_o without_o leave_n or_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o finite_a faculty_n that_o mystery_n ought_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o suffer_v to_o remain_v mystery_n that_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v belong_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n for_o ever_o deut._n 29._o 29._o and_o thus_o our_o faith_n will_v be_v infallible_a and_o unshaken_a our_o hope_n firm_a and_o our_o progress_n in_o a_o course_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v steady_a which_o otherwise_o may_v be_v fatal_o interrupt_v by_o our_o turn_n aside_o into_o maze_n and_o labyrinth_n with_o a_o design_n to_o discover_v thing_n which_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n have_v purposely_o hide_v from_o we_o 2._o that_o in_o this_o course_n of_o religion_n we_o may_v not_o travel_v with_o a_o tympany_n full_a of_o hope_n that_o will_v at_o last_o deceive_v and_o make_v we_o ashamed_a we_o be_v teach_v that_o beside_o a_o modest_a faith_n universal_a obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v necessary_o require_v and_o this_o be_v another_o improvement_n that_o come_v by_o a_o humble_a mind_n it_o dispose_v the_o soul_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o not_o only_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o veracity_n but_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n also_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n that_o transcendent_a authority_n which_o be_v stamp_v upon_o his_o law_n consider_v that_o he_o be_v our_o supreme_a absolute_a and_o only_o wise_a legislator_n that_o we_o be_v all_o make_v for_o his_o glory_n that_o we_o have_v no_o urgent_a business_n in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o glorify_v he_o that_o he_o be_v glorify_v in_o our_o happiness_n and_o that_o his_o law_n be_v intend_v to_o fit_a and_o prepare_v we_o for_o it_o what_o other_o thought_n can_v a_o humble_a mind_n suggest_v but_o that_o it_o be_v at_o once_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o true_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n before_o he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n such_o lowly_a thought_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v second_v with_o suitable_a resolution_n and_o thence_o proceed_v those_o various_a act_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o sobriety_n which_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o command_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o ancient_n in_o their_o encomium_n of_o humility_n frequent_o style_v it_o the_o foundation_n the_o original_a the_o root_n the_o mother_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o the_o great_a preserver_n of_o it_o because_o a_o submiss_a disposition_n
of_o soul_n be_v natural_o pliant_a and_o never_o more_o obediential_a than_o when_o the_o pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v do_v the_o adore_a sense_n of_o the_o glorious_a nature_n attribute_n and_o work_v of_o god_n on_o the_o contemplation_n whereof_o the_o humble_a man_n mind_n be_v fix_v the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o infinite_a greatness_n and_o majesty_n the_o thought_n of_o his_o absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o all_o the_o amaze_a and_o profound_a consideration_n of_o his_o free_a goodness_n and_o love_n especial_o in_o redeem_v our_o miserable_a soul_n from_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o in_o bestow_v on_o we_o such_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a blessing_n as_o be_v argument_n of_o our_o adoption_n the_o preparative_n and_o earnest_a of_o a_o most_o bless_a future_a estate_n these_o thing_n carry_v such_o a_o charm_a power_n over_o a_o meek_a and_o lowly_a heart_n as_o be_v productive_a of_o the_o most_o cheerful_a and_o affectionate_a obedience_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n 3._o three_o as_o humility_n fit_v we_o for_o a_o entire_a and_o hearty_a compliance_n with_o god_n command_n so_o it_o possess_v we_o with_o a_o genuine_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o defect_n and_o want_n which_o be_v another_o way_n whereby_o it_o help_v our_o progress_n and_o perfection_n in_o virtue_n for_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o manner_n of_o improvement_n that_o we_o see_v first_o wherein_o we_o be_v defective_a that_o observation_n of_o seneca_n that_o many_o may_v be_v very_o wise_a in_o time_n but_o that_o they_o foolish_o think_v themselves_o wise_a enough_o already_o will_v hold_v true_a in_o all_o case_n man_n may_v easy_o be_v better_a artist_n better_a scholar_n better_a christian_n than_o they_o be_v if_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n do_v not_o supersede_n their_o industry_n and_o this_o be_v apparent_o the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o pride_n that_o it_o shut_v a_o man_n as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o himself_o make_v he_o uncapable_a of_o find_v out_o that_o blind_a side_n and_o ugly_a temper_n which_o require_v help_v but_o admit_v of_o none_o for_o want_n of_o discovery_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o such_o man_n take_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o fair_a view_n they_o overlook_v those_o manifold_a fault_n which_o deserve_v their_o eye_n and_o contemplate_v only_o those_o glitter_a object_n which_o dazzle_v it_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o great_a many_o flaw_n within_o they_o escape_v their_o observation_n and_o they_o be_v no_o proficient_n because_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o teacher_n but_o admirer_n of_o themselves_o only_o lift_v up_o with_o the_o vanity_n and_o confidence_n of_o those_o our_o saviour_n point_v to_o who_o trust_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v righteous_a and_o despise_v other_o luke_n 18._o 9_o that_o humble_a apostle_n who_o confess_v his_o sin_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o proclaim_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o though_o he_o speak_v as_o if_o he_o be_v blameless_a as_o touch_v righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n yet_o he_o throw_v aside_o all_o that_o righteousness_n of_o his_o own_o not_o conceive_v that_o he_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a but_o follow_v after_o stretch_v and_o strain_v hard_a like_o those_o that_o contend_v of_o old_a in_o the_o famous_a agonistical_a combat_n forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o he_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 3._o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_o humble_a will_v be_v thus_o mind_v thus_o zealous_a to_o run_v and_o to_o finish_v their_o course_n well_o because_o they_o be_v conscious_a of_o their_o former_a miscarriage_n of_o their_o present_a infirmity_n defect_n unworthiness_n encumbrance_n and_o natural_a proneness_n to_o slip_n and_o fall_v they_o know_v the_o better_a what_o care_n to_o take_v what_o temptation_n they_o be_v to_o avoid_v what_o weight_n they_o be_v to_o lay_v aside_o what_o aid_n of_o grace_n they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o what_o supply_n be_v most_o necessary_a for_o they_o they_o be_v always_o jealous_a over_o themselves_o with_o godly_a jealousy_n still_o fear_v lest_o as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o their_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n they_o think_v their_o sin_n can_v never_o be_v mortify_v enough_o nor_o their_o heart_n be_v clean_o enough_o nor_o their_o repentance_n fruitful_a enough_o nor_o their_o devotion_n ardent_a enough_o nor_o their_o charity_n great_a enough_o nor_o any_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n worthy_a enough_o of_o his_o gracious_a acceptance_n who_o love_v they_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o they_o these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v discouragement_n that_o they_o be_v great_a motive_n to_o a_o course_n of_o proficiency_n for_o though_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v ourselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o come_v short_a of_o our_o duty_n though_o our_o mind_n and_o endeavour_n be_v sincere_a yet_o consider_v that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n lose_v its_o reward_n and_o consider_v the_o great_a goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n who_o be_v please_v with_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v as_o he_o say_v of_o that_o woman_n who_o anoint_v his_o head_n mark_v 14._o she_o have_v wrought_v a_o good_a work_n on_o i_o she_o have_v do_v what_o she_o can_v consider_v this_o i_o say_v the_o mean_a performance_n must_v afford_v such_o a_o comfortable_a prospect_n as_o will_v invite_v the_o humble_a to_o proceed_v from_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n while_o all_o the_o pomp_n of_o proud_a man_n with_o their_o stiff_a neck_n and_o inflexible_a heart_n serve_v only_o to_o alienate_v their_o mind_n from_o religion_n by_o degree_n till_o they_o come_v to_o that_o high_a pitch_n of_o insolence_n which_o david_n speak_v of_o psalm_n 10._o 4._o the_o wicked_a through_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o countenance_n will_v not_o seek_v after_o god_n god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o his_o thought_n 4._o four_o thly_a a_o humble_a mind_n help_v man_n on_o in_o their_o christian_a progress_n by_o prepare_v and_o incline_v they_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o holiness_n the_o mean_n of_o holiness_n i_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v prayer_n sacrament_n and_o instruction_n 1._o first_o for_o prayer_n it_o be_v a_o great_a instrument_n of_o grace_n if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n say_v st._n james_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o james_z 1._o 5._o and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o chap._n 4._o 6._o god_n give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a that_o be_v more_o grace_n great_a measure_n of_o divine_a assistance_n than_o he_o give_v to_o other_o because_o they_o be_v of_o a_o more_o devout_a spirit_n more_o ready_a for_o any_o opportunity_n of_o pray_v more_o constant_a and_o fervent_a and_o importunate_a at_o their_o devotion_n the_o want_n of_o this_o pious_a disposition_n proceed_v not_o more_o from_o a_o earthly_a heavy_a temper_n than_o from_o a_o secret_a principle_n of_o pride_n from_o a_o fastidious_a mind_n in_o people_n which_o make_v religion_n hang_v so_o loose_a about_o they_o that_o every_o puff_n of_o wind_n carry_v it_o away_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o have_v contemptuous_a thought_n of_o god_n who_o make_v so_o slight_a of_o his_o service_n as_o if_o to_o honour_v he_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o to_o bow_v down_o before_o he_o be_v a_o precarious_a matter_n to_o fold_v our_o arm_n in_o a_o soft_a bed_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v prostrate_a in_o our_o closet_n to_o rove_v about_o when_o the_o church_n want_v we_o or_o to_o be_v busy_a about_o many_o thing_n at_o home_n when_o we_o shall_v repair_v to_o the_o congregation_n and_o take_v a_o share_n with_o those_o who_o choose_v the_o better_a part_n this_o look_n as_o if_o we_o think_v almighty_a god_n behold_v to_o we_o for_o our_o service_n and_o so_o a_o indifferent_a sort_n of_o carriage_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n when_o we_o meet_v together_o for_o prayer_n a_o wander_a eye_n impertinent_a talk_n a_o stiff_a knee_n a_o irreverent_a gesture_n this_o look_n as_o if_o we_o count_v our_o bare_a attendance_n in_o the_o church_n civility_n and_o favour_n rather_o than_o obedience_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o humble_a soul_n who_o reckon_v no_o ground_n too_o vile_a no_o posture_n too_o lowly_a no_o thought_n too_o awful_a no_o