Observations Divine and Moral, Chapter 58
CHAP. LVIII. Of Modestie.
MOdestie adorns other vertues, and goodCicero. things in a person; as blushing doth a comely countenance. And though many vertues (of which it is a very unperfit Ambros.one, as some call it; and as others, the keeper of other vertues) be more serviceable; yet none is more gracefull, in the eyes of others, then this mayden, and sw…et grace, modestie. For this, some have thought our saviour bare that singular affection to the beloved disciple. And what a loadstone it is to draw mens affections, we all finde in our own experience; as being prone in matters, of comparison, and controversie between others, rayther to favour the more modest, then the more able, or more worthy eyther otherwise. Where it is, it covers many faults, and inabilities from being seen: and where they do appear, procures sometimes excuse, and alwayes commiseration. It commends a Man not onelyonly for that which he hath; but often even for that which he hath not: For as some by arrogateing to themselvs something which they have not, or know not, give others occasion to think them destitute of that which they have, or know indeed: so others modestie in the things, which they have receaved, procures unto them often times, the opinion, from other men, of having that which in truth they want. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, (which modestie will teach him to do)Prov. 17. is accounted wise.
It is an odious thing to see men deserving litle to arrogate much to themselvs: which yet is as usuall, as for a wyndy stommack to swell; and that specially, in vain confidence, and conceipt of knowledg: whereas men of understanding indeed, are more modestly mynded. The formers brayn, by streytnes of apprehension, can hold but one thing at once: whereas men of larger discourse so apprehend this, or that reason for, or against a matter, as that at the same instant, other things also offer themselvs to their consideration, which may justly occasion modest doubting about it. And as an advised person by the reflection of his understanding, knows his knowledg; so doth he his ignorance; as we see a shadow by the light about it, without which, all would be black darknes. So Menedemus was wont to say, that men comeing to studie in Athens, were at first wise men, after that, very punyes, and ignorants:Plutarch. for that, as leather vessels, or bags, being emptie, are stiffe, and hard: but being filled with …quour, are soft and plyable: so is it with men commonly, as they have lesse, or more knowledg.
This tincture of vertue, as Diogenes cals it, though it be more usefull for the young, then old; and for women, then men, for the covering of their infirmities; which through immodest boldnes, irrespectivenes, and want of fear of shame, and reproof, (in which modestie consists) theyScaliger. proclaym to the world: yet is it necessarie for all states, sexes, and persons, at all times; whether alone, or in company with others▪ whether conversing with God, or men. The Apostle testifies of himself, that he served God amongst Act. 20.the Ephesians in modestie of minde, and many tears: giveing therein an ensample to all, how far they ought to put from them a secure, and impudent heart, & countenance. And though that monster of men Caligula accounted it the most commendable thing in his nature, that he was ashamed of S…etoni… ▪nothing: yet doth both nature, and grace teach it, to be a most odious thing for a man to have a dogs face, as the proverb is: or as the prophet speaks, a wh…res forehead, Ier. 3.that refuses to be ashamed.
It is pi…ttie any should speed so well, by mere boldnes, without reason or other defect, as many do: who become thereby of audacious impudent, having once broken Cicero.the bounds of modestie, specially to their advantage. Towards men of such foreheads the proverb must be put in practise, A bold begger must have a bold nay-sayer. It was the unrighteous judg, that did that for the widows importunitie, Luke 18.which conscience would have had him done, for the goodnes of her cause, and povertie of her person. Though to speak, as the thing is; to be overcome by importunitie argues no… so properly injustice, in what case soever, as impotency of minde to resist.
Peter and Iohn with the other Apostles prayed to theAct. 4. Lord for boldnes in the speaking of his word. Many others also pray for boldnes, as they did; but forget, that they are not Apostles, nor infallibly directed, as they were. Who, if they knew themselvs aright, and how prone they are to speak their own word in stead of Gods, would rayther pray for modestie and advisednes, that they rush not upon the rock of errour. Besides, they so prayed in regard of the threatnings of unbeleevers, with whom they had to do. But amongst brethren, and christians, let us rayther affect the lambs bleat, then the Lions roar.