The Bibles Abstract and Epitome, Part 85
Of Humilitie and Meeknesse.
HUmilitie is an Appeaser of wrath, a Quencher of envie, and a Mother to Peace and sacred Union: And an acknowledging of our selves to be utterly voide of all Goodnesse, like the Publican. Also it is the setling and quieting of the minde, freeing it from perturbations, especially in repressing revengefull affections1 Pet. 3. 4. (so as the Apostle saith) a meeke and quiet spirit are joyned together, of which we have a notable Example in Moses, who being provoked, in stead ofNumb. 12. anger shewed Meeknesse.
The signe of Meeknesse and Humilitie is willingly to suffer our selves to be taught of our inferiours, and to suffer admonitions, &c.
Humilitie is seen three wayes:
1. By lowlinesse of minde, which is when a man is not conceited of himselfe,Iob 37. 24. but retaines a sense of his own unfitnesse and unworthin…sse, so did Ioh.
2. By silence from our own praises, whereof Salomon speaketh.Prov. 27. 2.
3. By avoiding jangling, which ariseth out of envie, and contempt of others.
The ground or cause of Humilitie is affliction and povertie of spirit, for hardly1 Cor. 4. 21. can he be meeke and patient in spirit that hath not beene acquainted with theIsai. 53. 7. Crosse.Luk. 23. 9.
The Benefit of Meeknesse is such, as it maketh a man to yeeld of his own rightProv. 15. 1. to others, as also bridleth the tongue, pacifieth anger, and stilleth wrath, going beforeProv. 15. 33. honour, in that He that humbleth himselfe (as saith Christ) shall be exalted.Matth. 23. 12…
In Humilitie
Abraham
Said to the Lord, I have begun to speake, let not my Lord be Gen. 18. 27.angry, I am but dust and ashes▪ and coming to the HittitesChap. 23. 7. bowed himselfe unto them.Chap. 33. 6.
Ahab repented when he heard the plagues threatned.1 Kin. 21. 27.
Agur said he was more brutish then any man.Prov. 30. 2.
One Captain of the three sent to Elijah, prayed him to spare him.2 King. 1. 13.
The Centurion came to Christ, confessing that he was not worthy that Christ should come under the roofe of his house unto him.2 Sam. 9. 8. & 16. 21. & 24. 17. Psal. 25. 11. & 35. 13. & 51. 5. & 119. 176. & 69. 11.Matth. 8. 8.
David
Said, Who am I? and what is my life? or my fathers familie, that I Psal. 131. 1.should be sonne in law unto the king? and being derided by his1 Sam. 18. 18, 23 wife Michal for dancing before the Arke of God (said) that he2 Sam. 15. 26. would be more vile, and low in his own sight: And being told2 Sam. 6. 22. a Message by Nathan from the Lord, said, Who am I, O Lord, and 2 Sam. 7. 18.what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto?1 Chron. 17. 16. Psal. 22. 6.
Daniel was sound three times a day praying unto God.Dan. 2. 30. & 6.
Eli said, Let the Lord do what seemeth him good.Chap. 9. 3. 1 Sam. 3.
Elihu confessed that he was out of the clay formed.Job 33. 6.
The Eunuch confessed that he understood not what he read.Act. 8. 31.
The Elders fell down before him on the throne, and worshipped.Rev. 4. 10.
Gideon said to the Angel he was the least of his fathers house, and that hisIudg. 6. father was poore in Man…sseh, &c.
Hagar returned to her Dame, as the Angel willed.Gen. 16. Isal 32. 1. 2 Kin. 20. Chap. 38. 2. Isai. 39. 8. Gen. 47. …
Hezekiah answered, being by the Prophet reproved.
Iacob meeting his brother bowed himselfe unto him, and confessed he wasGen. 33. 5. not worthy the least of Gods blessings.Chap. 32. 4. 2 Ch…on 2…. 12. Iob 40. 4. & 1. 21. & 2. 10. & 4…. 6. & 1… 15. & 9. 21. & 17. 14. 2 C…ron. 34.
Iob said, I am vile, I have spoken that I understood not, I abhorre my selfe in dust and ashes.
Iosiah behaved himselfe, so that God stayed the plague threatned.
Ieremiah said, Behold, Lord, I cannot speake, I am a child.Jer. …. 6. Ier. 10. 19. Iudg. 1… Gen 38 26.
Iephthah answered the Eph…aimites being wrongfully accused.
Iohn confessed that he had need of Christ to be baptized: As also that heJoh. 3. 30 Joh. 1. 15 was not that Christ that should come, whose shooe latchet he was notMatth. 3. worthy to unloose from him.
In Humilitie
The Keeper of the prison and people asked, how they might be saved.Act. 16 & 2. 27. Matth. 8. Exod. 4. 10. & 6. 30 Numb. 12. 2 Sam. 19. 2 Chron. …3. Luk. 1. 38. 2 Sam. 9. Luk. 7. 38. Ionah 3. 5. Dan. 4. G…n. 43. & 50. 18. & 41. 9. Luk. 5. 8. Act. 3. 11. Act. 10. 25.
The Leper worshipped, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, I may be cleansed.
Moses behaved himselfe, so that he was called a meek man.
Mephibosheth answered David, Ziba having falsly accused him.
Manasseh was humbled, by being in Babylon fettered.
Mary said, According to thy word so be it to thine handmaid.
Mephibosheth said to David, Why shouldest thou look on a dead dog as I am?
Magdalene kneeled behinde Christ, washing his feet with her teares.
N…evites fasted repenting of their sinnes and iniquities.
Nebuchadnezzar confessed God, being restored to his Kingdome.
The Patriarchs bowed themselves to Ioseph coming to buy of him.
Peter said, Lord, go from me, for I am a sinsull man: and seeing the people give glorie to him, confessed that what he had done was by the power of Christ alone: and seeing Cornelius fall down before him, said, Stand up, for even I my selfe am as thy selfe a man.
Paul confessed to be the least of the Apostles, and the most chiefe of all sinners,2 Cor. 15. 9. 1 Tim. 1. 11. 15. Eph. 3. 8. Publican, Luk. 18. 13. Pharach, Exo. 9. 27. not worthy of Heavens joyes.
Paul and Barnabas seeing men going about to sacrifice unto them, they cryedA…t.14. 15. Luk. 15 2 Chro. 12. Iosh. 21. 22. Rom. 7. 14. 1 Cor. 4. 4. & 9. 19. 2 Cor. 11. 7. A…t. 20. 19. & 14. 15. 1 Sam. 9. 21. 1 Sam. 1 Sam. 2. 21. 15. 24. Chap. 25. 21. Luk. 15. out confessing that they were but men.
The Prodigall confessed that he had against his father sinned.
Rehoboam and his Princes were before the Lord humbled.
Reuben's children answered the Israelites, being by them reproved.
Saul
Before he was king confess…d he was of the smallest tribe;
Saul
And pursuing David, that he had exceedingly erred.
The woman of Canaan continued her suit to Christ for her daughter.
The wise men fell downe before Christ, offering gold, frankincense, andMatth. 2. 11. Myrrhe.
Christ
Who was equall with God, became man, being borne of a woman,Phil. 2. 7, 8. Iohn 1 & 5. Chap. 13. Luk. 23. 41. 5. 14. Iob. 7. 16. Iob. 18 23 Matth. 2…. 5. Isai 5…. 4. Joh. 13. 4. Luk. 22. Psal. 11…. 5. living in Galilee, not in a famous Citie, being subject to Ioseph and Mary: Rode to Jerusalem on an Asse, washed the feet of his disciples, passed his life in the company of poore and sinners: And in his passion was as a sheep before the shearer, praying, lastly, for them that persecuted him, and now humbleth himselfe to behold the things on earth from heaven.
Abraham, Aaron, Moses, The people, Iohn,
Fell downe on their faces before God.G…. 17. … Gē 2…. 12 Romb. 14. Ezek. 1. 28. 1 King. 18. Rev. 1. 7.
Ioshua fell downe to the earth upon his face before the Arke of the Lord, he and the Elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.Iosh. 7. 6.
Iob Fell down On the ground, and worshipped.Iob 1. 20. Mark 5. 22. Ioh. 11. 32. 2 Chro. 20. 13. 2 Chro 6. Isai. 38. 2. Mat. 17. Mar. 10 Act. 9. Luk. 22.
Iairus Fell down At the feet of Christ praying him.
Magdalene Fell down Behinde Christs feet washing them.
All Iudah stood before the Lord with their young, wives, and children.
Salomon kneeled down on his knees before the Congregation.
Hezekiah turned his face to the wall being sick, and prayed.
The father of the Lunatique, and many other, before Christ kneeled.
Peter, Paul, and Christ himselfe often kneeled, and prayed.
Serve the Lord in feare, and rejoyce before him▪ trembling.Zeph. 2. 3. Rom. 12. 16. Psa. 113. 6. & 138. 6. & 144. 4.Z…ph. 2. 3 Psal. 2. 11. Col. 3. 12. Psal. 25. 9. Iam. 4. 10. 1 Pet. 3. 5.
God will guide the meeke with judgement, and the humble in his way.
To move to Humilitie consider
Christ was an Example thereof: many excellent Promises are made to themMat. 11. 29. Z…ph. 2 3. Psal. 25. 9. Prov. 22 4. Prov. 15. …3. 1 Pet. 3 4. Ma…. 5. …. by God, it is a vertue that God maketh a great account of, without which we cannot savingly heare Gods Word. The Lord will releeve the meek, honour shall follow them: And blessed shall they be, for they shall inherite the Land, and the Lord himselfe shall dwell with them, that he may heale their brokenIsai. 57. 1…. Psal. 14…. 6. Psal. 25. 9. & 5…. …5. minde.
Walke therefore in humblenesse of minde, and meeknesse, with long-suffering,Phil. 2. 3. Ephes. 4. 2. P…l. 2. …▪ 8. Pro. …. 33. Gal. 6. 1. Prov. 16. 19. supporting one another, and it shall bring you honour.
Reade Prov. 15. 1. Iames 1. 21. Isai. 66. 5. Ecclus. 3. 19. Matth. 18. 4. Phil. …. 3. Gal. 6. 1. Zeph. 2. 3. Psal. 37. 9. Psal. 25. 9. Syr. 3. 19. Chap. 10. 28. Wisd. 9. 5. Psal. 113. 6. 2 Chron. 2. 6. Prov. 16. 13. Luk. 14. 7.
Gods Justice Ungodly Derision punished.
There are three kindes of Derision: by gesture, by words, by works:
By Gesture, By Making mowes, nodding the head, sharpening the eyes, castingJob 16. 4. 9. Psal. …5. …9. Psal. 12. 5. Psal. 35. 16. Tit. 3. 2. Rom. 14. 10. Iam. 4. 11. Gal. 5. …5. Prov. …2. 8. Psal. 4. 1…. Psal. 5. 6. Psal. 96. …6. Psal. 41. 9. Psal. 38. 20. the countenance, putting out the finger, and gnashing of the teeth.
By Words, By Speaking evill of any man, by censuring, by reviling, and reproching, by whispering evill of others, and by wresting thier words.
By Works, By Practising the hurt of others, by adding afflictions to the afflicted, by betraying of our friends unfaithfully, and by wronging those persons from whom we have received any good at all.
Amaziah
The Prophet saying, Have they made thee of the kings counsell.2 Chro. 25. 16.
Athenians
Paul preaching unto them the Resurrection.Act. 17. Ezek. 25. Psal. 137. Lam. 1. 9. Chap. 3. 6….
Ammonites
Gods Sanctuarie, saying, Ha, ha, being polluted.
Babylonians
Israelites and I…remiah Making them their …ong and by-word, for which David called him blessed that their children dashed against stones.Psal. 123▪ ….
Children
Elisha, calling him bald-head, they were by Bears destroyed.2 King. 2. 1 Sam. 17.
Goliah
David, disdaining him, notwithstanding he overcame him.
Gaal
Abimelech, saying, What is Abimelech that we should serve him?Judg. 9. 28. Gen. 6. 2 Ki. 10. …. & 9. 11.
Cham
Noah discovering his nakednesse, he was cursed of him.
Herod
The wise men, not purposing what he said, they did the like by him.Matth. 2.
Derided and mocked
The Israelites
The prophets prophesying, they were by the Caldeans slain.2 Chron. 36. 16. Ezek. 11. & 1…. & 22. Chap. …9. 49. & …. Jer. 23. 33. Is. 8. 18. Jer. 20. Psal. 106. 24. Gen. 21. 1 Ki. 21. I…. 17. 15. Eze…. …. 9. Ezek. 11. 15. & 1…. …2. & 1…. 3. Mat. 27. Act. 2. Gen. 4. 24. Gen. 19. 2 Sam. 6. Ier. 48. 26, 27. Iudg. 8. 1 Sā. 25. Act. …. 1…. Matth. 19. 23. Gen. 6. 1 Sam. 14. Iudg. 16. Gen. 37. Act. 26. Act. 17. 18. …9. 32. Ioh. 18. 38. Matth. 27. Luk. 16.
Gods Word, calling it Gods burthen, it fell heavie on thē.
Isaiah & his children, making thē wonders among them.
Ieremiah, everlasting shame fell on them.
The l…nd of Canaan, God permitted thē not to enter in.
Ishmael
Isaac; And Iezebel Ahab, saying, Dost thou govern? &c.
The Jewes
Christ, the Apostles and Disciples sent among them.
Lamech
Gods long-sufferance of Cain murthering.
Lots sons
Lot, admonishing them to depart out of Sodome.
Michal
David dancing before the Ark, she was made barren.
Moab
Israel, for which they were brought in derision.
Succoth men
Gideon asking reliefe of them, they were slain by him.
Nabal
David, saying, Who is David? that I should give him.
Old world
Noah building the Ark, till the floud took them.
Philistines
Ionathan and Samson, many were by them slain.
Patriarchs
Ioseph, calling him the dreamer: famine punished them.
Festus
Paul▪ saying, much learning had made him mad.
Philosophe…s
Paul, calling him a babler in disputing with them.
Pilate
Christ Asking of him what truth was tauntingly.
People
Christ Scourging and crucifying him unjustly.
Pharisees
Christ For speaking against their covetousnes used by thē.
Derided and mocked
Sarah
Gods Promise, hearing that she should beare a son.Gen. 18. Nehem. 4. Gen. 19.
Sanballat
The Jewes, going about to reedifie Jerusalem.
Sodomites
Gods long patience in suffering, till he had destroyed them.
Sennacherib
Jerusalem, and the holy One of Israel, for which foure hundred fourescore and five thousand of his company2 Kin. 19. were slain.
Syrians
God, calling him the God of the mountaines, not of the1 King. 20. vallies, many were slain by the Israelites.
Tyre
Jerusalem, the Lord brought many nations on them.Ezek. 26.
The wicked
God, Saying, The Lord hideth his face, he will not see us,Prov. 1. …5. Psal. 10. 11. Prov. …4. 9. Isai. 22. 13. Ps. 73. 11. Psal. …9. 7. & 94. 7. …sa…. …6. 12. 2 Pet. 3. 4. Prov. 14. 9. Chap. 10. 28. Psal. 10▪ 1…. making a mock of sinne, and of Gods threatnings▪ saying, Let us eat and drinke, for to morrow we shall dye: as also, How doth God know it? Is there knowledge in the most High? and again, Come we will bring wine, and we will fill our selves, &c. Not knowing the judgements that God hath prepared for them.
Reade Prov. 17. 5. Chap. 30. 17. Psal. 37. 13. Psal. 59. 8. Prov. …9. 8. Syr. 27. 28.
The Person
That mocketh the poore, reprocheth him that made him,Pro▪ 17. 5 Prov. 1. 22. Chap. 3. 34. Isai. …9. 20. Prov. …4. 17, 18. Prov. 1. 16. Isai. …8. 22. 2 Pet. 3. 4. Iude 18. Psal. 1. 1. Isai. …9. …. Syr. …. 11. Ephes. 5. 4.
And he that rejoyceth at destruction shall not be unpunished.
And he that scorneth another, shall …e scorned himselfe.
And he that rejoyceth at the fall of his enemie, and is glad in heart when he slumbleth, the Lord when he seeth it will be angry, and …urne his wrath upon him.
There shall come in the last dayes mockers, which will walk after their lusts in Isai. 28. 22.u…god…y wayes: Blessed then is he that sitteth not in the seat of the scornfull: for sc…rners (saith the prophet by the mouth of the Lord) shall be rooted out, and consumed.
Let not filthinesse, neither foolish talking, neither jesting, which are not comely, be once named among you.
Reade Psal. 80 6. Psal. 89. 50, 51. Lam. 1. 8▪ Ier. 30. 17. Prov. 1. 22. Chap. 9. 12 Chap. 13. 1. Chap. 14. 6. Isai. 8. 18. Ier. 18. 18. Chap. 21. 13. Isai. 28. 14, &c. Ezek▪ 11. 3, 15. Ier. 20. 10.
Derision and mocking used by God, and Godly men.
Derided and mocked
Saying,
God
Adam Behold▪ the man is become as one of us.Isai. 23. 16. Tyre.Gen. 3. 22.
Babelbuilders Behold, the people is one, they cannot be stopped from doing what they have imagined.Gen. 11. 6.
The Edomites Is wisdome no more in Teman? is counsell perished?Ezek. 38. 7. Gog.Ier. 49. 7.
Egyptians Take balme▪ O virgin, go up into Gilead.Ier. 46. 11.
The Israelites Come to Bethel and transgresse, Where are thy gods, which did eat the fat of thy sacrifices? Amos 4. 4. Nah. 3. 4 Deut. 32. …8. Psal. 59. 8.Amos 4. 4.where are those gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise if they can helpe thee. Deut. 32. 38.Cry to the gods which thou hast chosen to save Iudg. 10. 14.thee in thy …lation; when thou cryest, let them that th… hast gathered together deliver thee, &c. And again▪ Is there no balme in Gilead? Is there no Physitian there? Why then is not the health of my daughter, and of my Ier. 8. 22. Ezek. 20. 39.people recovered?
Idolater… Stand to your cause, bring forth the strong reasons, Isai. 41. 21. & 45. 20, 21. &c. Ch. 47. 1…. Isai. 57. 13. Ier. 51. 8.b…ing forth your gods, and let them tell you what shall come hereafter, &c.
The wicked Whē thou criest, let thy chosen heap deliver thee.
Babylon Take balme for her pain, if so be she may be healed
Elijah
Baals prophets Cry aloud; for he is a God, either he talketh, or pursueth his enemies, or is in his journey, or it 1 Ki. 18. 23.may be he sleepeth, and must be awaked.
Elisha
The Syrians This is not the way, neither is this the towne, 2 Kin. 3. 13.follow me, I will bring you to the man whom you seek. He being the man, they stricken blind.2 King. 6.
Derided and mocked
Saying
Ezekiel
The King of Tyre. Behold thou art wiser then Daniel, there is no Ezek. 28. 3, 12.secret that they can hide from thee: thy wisdome and understanding hath gotten the riches: Thou sealest up the Sunne and art full of wisdome
Ioshuah
The Israelites. If it seeme evill to you to serve the Lord,Iosh. 24. 15▪ then choose you this day whom you will serve.
Ioash
The Midianits Will ye pleade Baals cause? will you save him? Iudg. 6. 31.If he be a god, let him pleade for himselfe against him that cast downe his Altar.
Iephtah
The Ammonites Would not ye possesse that which Chemosh your Iudg. 11. 24.God giveth you to possesse.
The Egyptians Where are the wise▪ men that may tell thee what Isai. 19. 12.the Lord hath determined upon thee.
Isaiah
The B…blonians Goe to thy Inchanters and witches, and see if they Isai. 47. 12.can helpe and strengthen thee.
The Israelites
B…hold all you kindle fire and are compassed aboutIsai. 50. 11. with sparkles, walke in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that you have kindled.
Syrians Thy cords are loosed, therfore it cannot makeIsai. 33. 23. fast the mast nor spread the saile.
The men of Judah Let your Prophets in…reate the Lord of Hostes, Ier. 27. 18.that the vessels which are left in the house of the Lord may not be carried …o Babel.
Ieremiah
Idolaters Where are now the gods that thou hast made Ier. 2. 28.thee, bid them stand up and helpe thee in the time of this thy need.Ier. 51. 8.
The Edomites Oh daughter Edom be glad and rejoyce, for the cup shall come unto thee also, thou shalt be Lam. 4. 21.drunken and discover thy nakednesse.
Iob
his friends Indeed wisdome must needs die with you.Iob 12. 2. 1 King. 22.
Michaiah
King Ahab Goe up and prosper at Ramoth Gilead.
The Preacher
The young man Let thy heart …heare thee in the dayes of thy Ecc. 11. 9.youth, follow the lusts of thine eyes, &c. But remember thou shalt come to judgement.
Christ
the Scribes Fulfill ye the measure of your Father.I…h. 10. …2. M…t. …. …2
St Paul
The Corinthians Y…e are full, ye are made rich, ye raigne: And1 Co 4. 8 C. 14 38 Gal 1. 6. Re. 22. …. 2 … 12 13. 2 …. 1…. 7. & 11. 7▪ 1…. C 4 1…. againe, If any …e ignorant, let him be ignorant.
S. Iohn
Wicked men He that is unjust, let him be unjust still, and bee that is filthy, let him be filthy still.Nah. 3. 14. Eccl. 11. 9.
The Lord
Will laugh at the destruction of the wicked: He that dwelleth in Heaven Prov. 1. 26. Psal. 2. 4. Psal. 37. 12. Psal. 59. 7. Iob 2…. 1…. Psal. 52. 6, 7.shall laugh them to scorne, the Lord shall have them in derision: Hee hath seene that his day is come.
The right…ous saw it and was glad, the innocent laughed them to scorne, saying: Loe, this is the man that tooke not God for his strength.
Use.
To make the tree good, and h…s fruit good, or else make the tree evill, and hisMat. 12. 23. fruit evill: for the tree is knowne by his …ruit:
Reade Obad …. 8. … Sam. 19. 17▪ Isai. 16. 1. Iudg. 16. 15. Isai. 48. 26 Psal. 55. 8. Luk. 16▪ 14. Psal 115. 4, 5. Isai 28. 9. Chap 46. 6. Chap. 40. 18. & 44. 12. 2 Cor. 4 12 Mat. 26 45. Iudg 5. 28, 29. Ezek. 38. 7. 2 Cor. 12. 13. Chap. 13. 7.