Exposition Upon 1 Peter, Biblical exegesis · Chapter 5 · Verse 5
Verse 5. Likewise ye yonger, submit your selves unto the elder; yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility, for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
THe Apostle proceeds to the duty of another special sort of people, namely, the yonger ones, shewing what duty they owed to their elders, and then goes to Exhortations to sundry particular duties.
Likewise ye yonger, submit your selves unto the elder;] Although I use to trouble you little with divers interpretations or mens judgements, taking it that my duty is to shew you, rather what God saith, then what men say; yet at this time it will not be amiss to propound fome: Elders may be taken as in the preceding uses, not for elders in years, but by office; and so by the yonger may be meant, not the yong in years, but inferior in place, namely the people; or if yong in years are to be understood,What we are to understand by the yonger and the elder. then a part for the whole is meant: All the people must submit themselves to their Ministers, whereof a great part are yong ones, and they commonly the most unruly, and so the duty of people towards their Ministers is here taught, as the word likewise seemeth to imply: Or Elders may well be taken for Elders in age properly, and so the yonger in like sort for the yong sort of people, and so the duty of youth towards them that are aged be here taught, as it may well be, and the more likely in my minde: But I will not spend any time to approve or disapprove the one more then the other, but speak something of both, as in some such cases is not unusual nor amiss, when both may very well stand, and it be difficult to say which is the true meaning of the place, this or that.
For the first;Wherein the duty of people towards their Ministers consists. The duties of people towards their Ministers laid down in the fifth commandment, stand in these four things: 1. They must reverence them for the dignity, highness, and excellency of their Calling, in which respect they are termed Angels, Stars, the light of the world,Heb. 13. 17. Gods Ambassadors. 2. They must yield obedience to them in their Ministery. 3. They must willingly allow them a sufficient maintenance, that they may wholly without distraction attend on their souls.Eph. 1. 16, 17. 4. They must pray for them, both that their Ministery may be fruitful,Heb. 13. 18. and that they may long continue amongst them, of those the second is the principal; Namely, that
People must submit themselves to the Ministery of the Word in the mouths of their Ministers;People must submit themsel…s to the Ministery of the Word. as we stand bound to preach, so do you to hear and obey: For, Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it, Luk 11. 28.that are doers as well as hearers: God hath not appointed us to Preach in vain, but for the conversion of people; The Ministery is ordained to work faith, to convert souls: it was the peoples request with promise to hear and do;Exod. 20. 19. God hath yielded and sanctified it to be the onelyonly ordinary means (not reading,1 Cor. 1. 21. not preaching by an Angel) even the foolishness of Preaching (by the hand of men) to save them that believe.
If Ministers must be called to an account for Preaching, shall not the people how they have profited? and if a wo to us if we preach not,Matth. 11. 20. is there not to them if they repent not? For this cause our Savior upbraided those Cities wherein his mighty works were done, not because they would not entertain him, nor hear him, as the Gadarens, but because they repented not: we have done you no good, nor have you heard well,Rom. 6. 17. till you have repented and be converted, till you have obeyed from the heart the form of Doctrine delivered you: The Law humbleth, the Gospel wo…th Faith, both bring to a reformed, new and godly life; we hear aright when we go away pricked in our hearts:Acts 2. 37. Till then there's no good wrought on us, as appears by the Prophets complaints,Acts 13. 48. Isaiah 49. 4. and 53. 1. Jer. 6. 10. else no mark of Election,2 Pet. 1. 10. faith being a demonstration hereof; we make sure our Election by our effectual calling:1 Thess▪ 1. 4, 5▪ The Apostle also termeth the Thessalonians Elect of God, because the preaching was not to them in word onelyonly, but in power, and they received the word in much affliction, and became followers of us, &c. and that they received his preaching, not as the word of man, but as it is indeed, the Word of God; not to hear and obey, is rather a mark of reprobation, as in Eli's Sons;1 Sam. 2. 25. If we be Christs sheep, we hear his voyce in the Ministery and follow him:Iohn 10. 27. O what an excellent harmony would this make, if Ministers preach faithfully, and the people become converted, and then built up in all obedience thereby!
1. Then this rebuketh the woful contempt of the world at most hands,Use 1. for how few yield obedience thereto? look in all Towns, how many ignorant persons that have no knowledge, neither will have any, give their mindes to none, but pul in their heads that they might not see the light that would glister in their faces; who so blinde as he that will not see?Iohn 3. 19. These are far from conversion: This is condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men love darkness rather more then light: So how many prophane persons that live in some known sin (though some more outragiously then others) as in Drunkenness, Whoredom, Malice, &c. That hear not, though the Charmer charm never so wisely, and do even stop their ears; God knocks at the door of their hearts, but they will not open; his Ministers cry out against their sins, yet they rush on every one after his own hearts lust, and hateth to be reformed; having a pardon brought and offered them, if they would come in, they stand out: What will become of these? having refused to hear a gracious voyce offering mercy, they shall hear a fearful voyce denouncing judgement, not hearing a voyce calling them to him, they shal hear a voyce commanding them from him, and as he called and they refused, so shall they call, but not be heard or regarded: What shall these have to say for themselves? Their iniquity shall stop up their mouth: How many civil persons are there also, that be not converted if they so continue, they shall perish, unless they be born again, truly humbled, planted into Christ; obey in all things, not in the duties of the second Table onelyonly, giving men their due, but of the first also, giving God his, they cannot be saved: What should I speak of worldlings that are so glued to the world, as they savor not at all of Heaven, or heavenly things? no such thing can enter into their hearts, either they hear not the Word at all, or the thorny cares of the world quickly choak that seed: What of Hypocrites, some professing outwardly, and yet living in some known sin; others not so bad, that yet fall far short, having gone some steps, and hoping that all is well? These were never as yet truly humbled, and so not converted, & so had not that that accompanieth Salvation; these hear, but not aright: Every man therefore must examine himself how he hath heard, and whether the Word hath been a means of his true conversion, and whether he make conscience to submit himself to the precepts thereof? They that can prove themselves thereby converted, how comfortably may they go on, walking in obedience thereto? Contrarily, the care of others is dangerous; for, think not that our preaching will go away unregarded, or that its no matter how you have heard: Oh! Preachings and Sacraments be dangerous things, life or death can do a great deal of good, or as much hurt: to them that obey, its Salvation, but to the disobedient, its the savor of death unto death: This is a fearful sin in this Land, and the cause of all our plagues,Matth. 11. 21. by reason whereof we may fear worse: Remember the wo pronounced against Chorazin and Bethsaida.
2. This may be for exhortation to all,Use 2. that as they come and hear, so to submit themselves,Isaiah 11. 6. and pray God to make his word effectual by his Spirit;Acts 26. 18. So shall God be glorified, if of Lyons we become Lambs; If won from Satan to God: The Ministers shall rejoyce, as having the greater Crown; The Angels in Heaven will rejoyce, having new fellow Servants; yea, God himself will rejoyce, the Father as having a new Son, Christ as having another member, the Holy Ghost another Temple; onelyonly the Devil will be sorry, as who loseth all, but your selves shall have the benefit both here and for ever. Further,
Being converted, we should still listen and stoop to whatsoever commandment we have thence of renouncing and forbearing this or that evil, or doing whatsoever good, without reasoning, delays, excuses, saying, Now I see what the Word saith, I have done, I will yield and become obedient: Thus it ought to carry us contrary to our profit, pleasure, ease, custom of our selves, fashion and example of others, which yet but few do.
Thus of the first sence.
For the second, The duties of youth to the aged; As the Apostle hath been before in hand, with Subjects, Wives, Husbands, Servants duties, and now with Ministers, so doth he proceed to inform the yonger of theirs towards their elders.Gods Ministers must particularly inform every one of their duty. Gods Ministers must not onelyonly teach things generally belonging to all, but even special things belonging to every age, sex and condition of persons: They must not onelyonly labor that people may become Christians, but that they may be good in their special calling; like good husbands they must be in every corner, instructing each in their duties, they must finde out what be the special faults of youth, as rashness, pride, unconstancy, speaking against them, and laboring to prevent or cure them; so what be most needful for them, as sobriety, humility, discretion, stayedness, accordingly calling for these; thus must they do with the aged, speaking against their testiness and covetousness, and calling upon stayedness and soundness in all good judgement and conversation: So they must take notice of the faults most incident to women, as niceness, curiosity, loquacity, accordingly endeavoring to cure them thereof; for even in those that be good Christians, yet there may be some such particular and special failings, as whereby the name of God and his Gospel may be ill spoken of: Thus did the Apostles, being herein good and wise stewards, to give to every one of the Lords Family their portion of meat in due season, workmen that needed not be ashamed: The Scripture teacheth every man his duty, wherein accordingly (revealing every piece of Gods councel) we are to instruct them; for want of this the Gospel hears ill, even of those that have some good things in them.
Therefore as Ministers must be wise,Use. prompt Scribes taught of God, and careful herein; so people must be content, nay, like well hereof; not repining nor finding fault with their Ministers, for such weaknesses and faults as our nature is prone to: Neither must people dislike, and say, What, cannot the Minister be content to open his Text, and teach us general things, but he must meddle how we Husbands live with our Wives, we Wives with our Husbands, how we behave our selves in our Families, how we Servants should do our work, &c? This is an ill sign; a good hearer is desirous the word should come home close to him and tell him of his duty, yea, ere thou come to the hearing of the Word, pray, O that the Minister may come home close to my corruptions! O that I may be so instructed in my duty, that I may please God by performing the same! yea, if the Minister come not home so close as we would,Luke 3. 10, 12, 14. we should go and enquire of him of our duties, and what shall we do?
In particular;Wherein the duties of the yonger towards their elders consists. The yonger must honor their elders (as its in the fifth Commandment) here called submiting themselves, under which be these duties: 1. They must reverence them inwardly in their hearts, and declare it by countenance, gesture and behavior; and this they must do, because old age is a piece of Gods image, and of his eternity, who is termed the Ancient of days: See Lev. 19. 32.If there be gray hairs alone,Dan. 7. 9. they require reverence,See Prov. 16. 31. but if with godliness, then double honor, for that is a great piece of the image of God. 2. They must haste towards them when they are called,Iob. 32. 4. and looking on them reverently, answer them soberly and dutifully. 3. When they speak, they must have their ears open,Iob 12. 12. &c. for which the ancient is wisdom. 4. They must be obedient to them, to their good councels, admonitions, rebukes; and follow their good example, and thank God they have those that have experience, and have trod the way before them, and who it may be have bought it dearly to tell them their duty freely:Simile. As if one that had passed a dangerous water with much difficulty, should tell another Travellor which way to go safely through. 5. To pray for them, to have all graces increased in them, and they fitted more and more to do good to many, and that they may live long to that end, and to help on yong ones. Alas, if all were Colts in a Plough or Cart, what work would be there? usually therefore old ones are joyned to hold in and guide the yong:Simile. So doth God in wisdom and mercy by those that are old, guide and direct them that are yong; so that youths must not behave themselves rudely or saw…ily in countenance, word or deed, neither babble nor prate, nor shake off their counsel and example which God hath given them to follow.
1. For Elders;Use 1. If the yonger must honor and reverence them, then they must be such as deserve it and procure it; they must speak so wisely and profitably, as yong ones may willingly lay their hand on their mouth and be silent; they must also give them godly and good counsel, and an holy example, which the yonger may follow: when they see you dissolute, disordered, given to this or that vice, Sabbath-breaking, lewd company, riot, they must advise and perswade them to beware, telling them from their own observation how many have by such means brought themselves to ruine; so about their matching, that they are to be ruled and guided by their Parents; so when they see any trifle out their time, and defer their repentance, and live riotously, they must thus from their own experience expostulate with them, O make use of your time while you have it! This is your freest time, if I had not got somewhat in my youth, it had been bad with me now, being so dull and forgetful: or if we lost our time then, and God hath since brought us to repentance, let us tell them from our own miserable experience, O take heed, do not as I did, I lost my time, and spent it away foolishly, when I should have learned goodness, and now how dull am I? Alas, I shall never come to any great matters, now I am past (and have lost) my youth; if it had not been Gods unspeakable mercy, I had perished, and he lets in a little light into me, but alas, how slow of capacity am I? what a bad memory have I? So if we see them that will not be advised by counsel, we must rebuke them, yea, carry such a gravity and godly hatred of sin,Iob 29. 8. as the wicked may stand in awe, and not dare abide our sight when they do evil: But the most part of old folks are so silly and ignorant, that they have no good counsel in them, nay, are blockish and unteachable; they spent their own time badly, and never made conscience thereof, therefore do not they call on others, not being converted, how can they strengthen others? Many also are so far from rebuking them for disorder, and making the wicked afraid, as they will sit still on their benches, and look upon youths rioting, dancing, &c. and laugh at them, aud so they strengthen them in their naughtiness; and if a yonger man reprove them, whether Officer or other, they do not make any reckoning▪ thereof, for why, such an ancient old man will stand and look on us, and when they see such coming, they are so far from fleeing as were meet, as they are the more emboldned, because they know they shall be countenanced by them; yea, these do in effect as Saul, who held the garments of those that stoned Stephen; others there are, who though they will not stand looking on them, yet will pass by, and say nothing to them, but rather bid them God speed, and so are partakers of their evil: These also should give good example, be paterns of piety, godliness, hatred of sin, zeal for Gods glory, love to the house of God, &c. as those that have had much time, many means, and now have but a while to live: If their example be good, it may do much good,Tit. 2. 2. if ill, then no hoe; Abraham, Isaac, Jacob were godly old men; so Noah, Job, Samuel, Simeon, their example did much good: But Oh, how vain, frothy and unsavory are the words of some, being so prophane, as youths might rather open their mouth to reprove them, then give any attention to hear them: Some talk as filthily, as if they had never repented of the whoredom of their youth; some talk and tell to youths, and laugh at the lewd pranks of their youth, so reading their Lectures of evil; they shew themselves zealous to do evil, that not onelyonly will do so themselves as long as they can, but would that others should after them; the contrary is a good sign: Some also even aged, are Swearers, Sabbath breakers, Al…househaunters, &c. some also, though for the time they might have been Teachers (though not publique ones, yet of the youths) had need to be taught even the easiest Principles of Religion; they can onelyonly tell you of old Stories, they can remember since King Henry went to Bulloign, and can remember the old learning, and that they helpt the Priest say Mass many a time: If they could remember that they had repented of it, it were well; or could remember of any good they did forty years ago; or that they were greatly moved at a Sermon, and ever since have made conscience of their ways, took such and such pains to hear, such delight to read in the Scriptures, and other good Books, have sate up half nights in doing good, O this were well: If they could talk of our Saviors birth, life, miracles, death; of his Apostles & their acts; of the Israelites carrying into captivity, coming out of Egypt, so of the Flood, of the Creation, &c. these things indeed would become them;See 1 Iohn 2. 13, 14. as they can tel you how old they are, and in what Kings Reign they were born; so if they could tell you when they were born again, and how old they are in Christ, it were happy: But alas, in such things they have no more skill then Nicodemus had when he first came to our Savior: They are dumb when they are put from their old Stories, I knew his Grand-father, his great Grand-father, Isa. 65. 20.&c. the older a man is, the worse he is, if he be not godly: O that such would consider why they came into the world, how near death is, what good counsel or good example they have given, whom they have kept from evil, or furthered in good, what good they have done for their own Souls, how they should have served God in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life, and that they have not thus served him, for which they have a fearful answer to make, Though there be no great hope in respect of your dullness, as also that God will not accept such a lame Sacrifice, and the Devils leavings, who requireth the firstlings, and lest the Devil will not be put out, nor sin accustomed unto be done away, yet nothing is impossible to God; therefore despair not, onelyonly ply you with exceeding haste, lest you be shut out; and that you may turn to God, get some assurance of his love, redeem the time, make some amends, do some good ere you dye, as the good Thief that rebuked his fellow. If old folks would not live, without being desired, nor be a burthen, nor dye without being mourned for, let them live to good use, and do good, so shall their age be honorable and honored: There be some good old ancient men, but alas, their …umber is but small, and they not so zealous as they should be; old men also in Towns must use their power and place to the good of the yonger and Church wherein they live, and not to ease their own bodies or purses, laying the burthen on their inferiors;See Tit. 2. 3. 4. and as old men, so are old women also here meant, who must give good instruction, and do good also by example; they must speak graciously, and to good purpose, not given to Tale-telling, Malice, idle Talking, &c. as most are.
2. For youths,Use 2. it rebuketh the notorious pride and malepart boldness of the youths of our times, in their gesture, carriage, speech to their elders, whether in publique or private; what a universal complaint do men make of their children? what a complaint, especially of Servants, that there were never the like for pride, idleness, untrustiness, &c. never looking for more maintenance, never less duty. In former times, when they had not the tythe of the means they now enjoy, servants were plain, diligent, trusty, careful to please, painful, &c. What a shame is this? Hereupon they that be ill minded blame us and the Gospel, never good servants since so much preaching: O woful mouth, is our preaching or the Word of God in the fault? Is there one word in the Bible, or doth any one come from us at any time, that teacheth them so to do? Do not we teach them the quite contrary? and do not you give God a good mends for the Gospel? There are some which do even profess Religion, that yet suffer civil servants to go beyond them in diligence, and trustiness, and gentleness, and good behavior: Oh, what may we not fear upon the Land, for the ungraciousness of this generation, seeing they will not bear the easie yoke of Government of their Elders, they may look for some heavy yoke or other; God will set up houses of Correction for such. How few youths make any account that it belongs to them to be Religious? or that their youth should be otherwise spent then in vanity; but the Scriptures call for Religion, even at the hands of yong men. There are also Reasons to disswade yong men from tainting their yong years, and laying up matter for their age, to roar for the sins of their youth, from losing this freest and fittest time: The fittest, because they be fresh, and apt to conceive, remember, and are strong, which way they set themselves to good or evil:1 Iohn 2▪ 13. The freest, as not being incumbred with cares, worldly businesses, &c. old age also is dull, and unfit to learn; the trade of Christianity is to be learned betimes: You yong men and maids, and yonger women, shew your humility in being ready to listen and follow any good councel or example: If you have seen God go before you in your Elders, and follow them not, your judgement will be great, and sin without excuse: There be indeed Religious and sober good youths, and yong folks, married and single, and such as shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven before their Elders, children before their Parents, and Servants before their Masters, and yong men which be able to instruct, and be paterns to the aged:1 Tim. 6. 1. These are comely persons, but how few be of these? These also must remember to reverence their Parents, Masters, Elders, though they should not be for knowledge or grace as they ought, and themselves have more then they.
All of you be subject one to another] He lays not this duty on the yong onelyonly, as in the former words, but now requireth it of all, even of Superiors to Inferiors, and equalls each to other; not that he forgets himself, or would lay all common, and make a confusion, as if the Superior ought as much submission to his Inferiors, as they to him, and so equals each to other; not so, but they must submit themselves to them in another kinde, as Superiors to Inferiors, to care for them, and seek their good, and bear with them; and equals to stoop to do each other good, and to bear one with another, and yield and give way to each other, not standing stifly upon terms.
For Superiors,How superiors must be subject to their inferiors. they must submit to their Inferiors, even Princes. Councellors, Nobles, Judges, &c. must beat their heads, study and take pains for the good of the Subjects, as the Subjects must submit to them in reverence, obedience, tributes, &c. So they care for them, put themselves to pains to do them good, for God hath appointed no Calling to take all and pay nothing, but every honor hath a burthen of care going with it.Simile. As in the Members of the the natural Body, not one is allowed to be idle, but every one works for the good of the whole; the eye looks, the tongue talks, the foot walks, the hand works, &c. Now some may think that all these work, and the stomack and belly in the midst lie still and be idle, doing nothing; but its not so, for though they work not as the other, yet their work is as profitable and necessary, without which they could not long stir; namely, they concoct the meat, and nourish the whole body; the like may be said of Princes and Magistrates: So Ministers, even the greatest must stoop low, and take care publikely and privately of the meanest in the Congregation:Luke 22. 26. He that is chief, must thus be servant of all: So the chief men in Towns, must take care for the good of the poor; they must visit them into their poor houses, and look in their cupboards, &c. its their glory thus to do; The Angels tend on us, and scorn not, yea, God stoops to take care of us poor Creatures; He numbers the hairs of our heads, and makes all our beds in our sickness; So our Savior Christ, being rich, became poor for us; and the Holy Ghost takes up us miserable Creatures for his lodging; Housholders also, as they look for submission from their Families, so must they submit themselves to have care not of their bodies only, but to instruct, teach and admonish them for the good of their souls; so Husbands must bear with their Wives weakness, and not stand strictly upon every word amiss, when they are at sometimes disquieted: Neither is it any disparagement for a Superior to yield to his Inferior, but a commendation, for so did Abraham to Lot; let every one know we be the Lords Stewards, and therefore must lay out as well as take in.
For equals,] How equals must be subject one to another.There must be a doing good each to other, being not born for our selves: The useful man is the man that will be beloved and have comfort, we may stand in need one of another, and therefore must do good one to another; also we must yield each to other, not as they that will strive for the wall or way, and lay each other in the dirt; in reasoning we must not be stiff, and seek to have the last word; in fallings out, if our adversary will not come at us, we must go to him; In matter of commodity, if he will not yield an inch, we must; if he be angry, break off, be silent, or answer mildely, &c. This is so far from being any disgrace, as that its our honor and credit, what though we could master and subdue another? we are far wiser if we can overcome our selves, and subdue our own hearts to the word and will of God:Matth. 5. 9. This also tends greatly to peace, and blessed are the peacemakers, Simile.without this no peace. A flint and steel being the one beat against the other make fire, not so if we strike it against a cushion: The world thinks, shall I yield to him? O this great courage to stand out, but its carnal and beastly courage of Bulls and Bears, not of Christians; How many might have saved an infinite deal of trouble and charge, yea, haply their lives, if they would but have yielded a little at first, which afterwards they have wished, when it was too late.
Be cloathed with humility,] Humility the fountain of submission.He exhorts to another vertue, which is the mother and fountain of this submission; would you thus submit your selves, then be humble: whence as we may note, that where this submission is not, its for want of humility, and pride bears sway, (which its needful we should take knowledge of, that we may the better seek the cure) so we may learn, That
Whatsoever submission proceeds not from humbleness of heart,Whatsoever submission proceeds not from humility, is hypocrisie. is but dissimulation and hypocrisie; as Absolom, that behaved himself so lowly to all the people, which yet had a most proud heart in him, to aspire to the kingdom in his fathers life time:2 Sam. 15. 5. So the Pope calls himself Servus servorum Dei, when yet he lifts up himself above all, makes himself head of the Church, to have Supremacy over Princes, to set up and cast down at his pleasure, &c. So the Monks and Fryers that pretend great humility, in fasting and punishing themselves, which yet proceeds from a proud heart, thinking hereby to merit at the hand of God: So they that profess voluntary poverty, which yet live in abundance of all things; so many among us use low conges and crouches, which yet have all ensigns of pride upon them; so some that be mean enough in apparel, and will speak so lowly, and give so much to others, even more then is fit, and abuse themselves too much, which yet do it but in cunning and with a proud heart, as may appear by their gibing and jesting at those whom it may be they have thus spoken to and preferred; as also their jesting at others, whom if you shall stir a little, you shall finde them more like Lyons, and unappeasable, which is the sign of a proud heart; yea, some will put down themselves too low, that all may advance them the more, and dispraise themselves, to have others set out their commendations.
The cloathing which is here principally meant, is the inward: The filthy Soul must be cloathed with the white raiment of Christs Righteousness: The soul (behang'd with the filthy rags of beastly lusts) must be adorned with the sanctifying graces of Gods Spirit; The Church is all glorious within: Psal. 45. 13.Thus must both men and women of all sorts be adorned, and herein be paterns unto others. Here is not now present any naked body (you would be ashamed that there should) but I am afraid that there's here many a naked Soul, nay worse, even defiled with many noisom lusts of Pride, Ignorance, Hypocrisie, Prophaneness, &c.
In particular,What humility is. the vertue exhorted unto, is Humility, which hath his place in the heart, and sheweth it self outwardly by fruits in the countenance, gestures, speeches and actions of the life: This is a vertue and grace of Gods Spirit, whereby a man not out of cunning, melancholly, carelesness, or discontent with himself, but from a true knowledge of God, himself and others, doth with an unfained, voluntary, free meekness of minde, set a low value of his own worth, or doth esteem meanly of himself:Matth. 11. 29. Though the natural man may seem more humble,Rom. 12. 16. then some Christians,Eph. 4. 1. yet the proudest Christian hath more humility then the humblest carnal man:Phil. 2. 3. This is often called for in Scripture,Luke 14. 10. and taught by our Savior Christ in the matter of the guests, and is also commended much in the Proverbs: Besides, pride, which is opposite to it, is continually forbidden and condemned, all which are of many commendations of humility.
To point it out the better, see it by the fruits thereof, and then by examples.
The fruits may be considered,The fruits of humility in respect of God. either in respect of God or men. In respect of God, 1. It makes a man, seeing his own woful state by nature, by his guiltiness in Adam, by his actual sins also, and bondage under sin, and all the curses due thereby, to renounce and abhor himself, and to flee for pardon, mercy and deliverance; and having nothing at all in himself but wretchedness and deformity, to desire to finde all in another; which if he do, he counteth himself infinitely bound to God for ever,See Luke 9. 23 as the poor Publican and Prodigal childe, the Patriarchs shewed it in sackcloath and ashes: This is the first step to Heaven, and without which there is no coming to the Kingdom of God. 2. It makes a man acknowledge himself unworthy of any of Gods favors; as Abraham, Jacob, Peter, with others: See Gen. 18. 27. and 32. 10. 2 Sam. 7. 18. Psal. 8. 4, &c. 3. It makes a man acknowledge whatsoever good thing he hath, to proceed from God and his meer grace, and therefore to give God the glory thereof in Thanksgiving: See Dan. 2. 27. Act. 3. 12. and 14. 15. 1 Cor. 4. 7. As they in an Hospital,Simile. they are not ashamed of the Founder thereof, but keep the memory of him; neither are they fit to receive any thing, who will not acknowledge it: Nebuchadnezzar was seven years in learning this. 4. It makes a man to see his own weakness and frailty, his unability to do good, and proneness to evil, and that he hath no strength to stand one blow in the Spiritual Warfare, so that he doth always fear and suspect himself, and craves continually of God to be kept from the one, and enabled to the other; as David, Open mine eyes, stay my feet in thy ways, …ead me forth, forsake me not, teach me, quicken me, &c. so that the humble man is full, as of thanks, so of Prayers. 5. It makes a man prest, and ready to yield obedience to God, seeing both his Soveraignty over us as his poor creatures, and then that he hath been so undeservedly merciful:See Ier. 43. 2. Thereupon he saith, Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth. Iam. 5. 21.Humility is the mother of Obedience, as pride of disobedience; therefore we are willed to receive the word with meekness. 6. It makes a man, if he have done amiss, exceedingly grieved, and to confess and humble themselves; even Ahabs counterfeiting the same, did him good. 7. It makes a man meekly to bear the hand of the Lord, as well in respect of his Soveraignty over us, as 1 Sam. 3. 18. 2 Sam 15. 26. Psal. 39. as in respect of our own unworthiness,Iam. 3. 22. as Mic. 7. 9. knowing that we have deserved a thousand times more, and that its of his mercy, we are not consumed. If we be reproached or wronged by men, we will bear it quietly, as David being raised upon by Shimei, 2 Kings 6. 33.because we know we have deserved to be made a threshold for all to tread on, and therefore we will wait patiently on God for deliverance; when the proud will withdraw, and lift up their mindes, and wait no longer; or mur… as the …, or blaspheme, as those mentioned Rev. 16. or … means, as Ahakia and Sa…t: If poverty seize on them, they will stoop to it,See Iob 1. and onelyonly use diligence and prayer: If their Goods, Children, Friends be taken away, humility will say, He hath taken but what he gave or lent me for a season. 8. It makes a man that as he dare not curiously pry into the Ark▪ and meddle with things not revealed, but to content himself to be ignorant where God hath not spoken, so to rest himself satisfied without any further doubting, or cav…ing, or enquiring, when he knows what is Gods will.
In respect of men (and its most towards our Equals and Inferiors,In respect of men. and is not so much seen in the other, namely, To our Superiors, and there be that will stoop none so much or basely to Superiors, that will despise their Inferiors most of all) 1. It will make a man prefer others above himself;Rom. 12. 16. and do as our Savior Christ bids,Luke 14. 10. sit down below,Phil. 2. 8. not dissemblingly, but ingenuously; so inwardly, to esteem others better then our selves, knowing our own faults, and looking on the vertues of others. 2. To be sociable, friendly and helpful, taking pains to do others the good we can, not scorning to be beholding, especially to our Inferiors and Equals. 3. To submit our selves, yield and give way to our Equals, yea, if need be, to our inferiors, as Abraham to L…t, not standing stiffly upon terms, I am his b…ters let him come to me if he will: It makes also a man peaceable, not ready to provoke, not easily provoked, but innocent, patient, not apt to revenge, &c. 4. Not to be too ready to censure and condemn others, as knowing so much weakness in our selves; not to insult over one that hath offended, but rather pity him, knowing that as he fell yesterday, so we may (if God should leave us) fall to morrow; as also to see and acknowledge the grace of God in any, and give it the due commendation, not lifting up our selves above them, as Saul was higher by the head and shoulders then any of the people. 5. It will make one willing to receive counsel, and to submit himself to a reproof; as Moses followed the counsel of Jethro as his equal, and Naaman did not despise the advice of his servants. 6. Its seen in lowly countenance, humble gate, courteous salutations, yet without Apish mowings, or Fryerly duckings; so in lowly speeches and behavior, which though sometimes they may be counterfeited, yet usually the inside will be seen by the outside: Pride can hardly keep counsel. 7. In modest apparel, according to our calling, not excessive for the matter, nor vain, fond and curious for the fashion, yet without baseness or affected roughness, as the false Prophets, and as Monks and Fryers: This will be further seen into by examples of humility,Examples of humility. which will not onelyonly serve to perswade us thereto, but shew us further the nature thereof.Heb. 11. 7. Noah an humble man, moved with a reverend fear, without any contradiction,Gen. 18. 27. went about and finished that tedious and troublesome work of making the Ark. Abraham acknowledged himself to be but dust and ashes, and followed Gods command he knew not whither, yea,Exod. 4. 14. was ready to have sacrificed his onelyonly Son. Moses was very humble, refusing to be made Ruler over the Israelites, till he saw God was angry; also he followed the counsel of his Father in Law, and would have had him gone with him into Canaan, which would have somewhat darkned him, to have an Equal or Superior to go with him: So when the people murmured against him,Exod. 17. 4. and were ready to have stoned him, he prayed to God on their behalf. David acknowledged all his confidence to be from God, being continually in thanksgiving, or admiration at Gods bounty, or praying for grace, bearing the hand of God patiently:1 Sam. 18. 23. So to menward, What am I (saith he) that I should be son in Law to a King, &c. This grace also was eminent in Hezekiah, Gideon, John the Baptist, The Virgin Mary, Cornelius, The Centurion, Paul and Barnabas: Mat. 11. 29.but the most absolute patern of all, was our Savior Christ;Phil. 2. 8. who as he bad us learn it of him,1 Pet. 3. 18. so the Apostles Paul and Peter do often set forth his example to be followed of us. He was born of a woman of low degree, in a mean place, laid in a Cratch, subject to his Parents till he was of the age of thirty years, once onelyonly he shewed himself among the Doctors when he was twelve years old: At thirty years old he came to John the Baptist to be baptized of him: He chose mean Apostles, and who lived in a mean degree: He had not whereon to rest his head: Usually he went on foot, yea, till he was weary:Mat. 21. 7. When he did ride (which was but once as was foretold) it was meanly, on an Ass: He refused to be a Judge or Divider, or to be made a King: He eat his meat sometimes in the fields; he washed his Disciples feet; he humbled himself for our sakes to the death, even the death of the Cross;Humility an excellent vertue. all which shew forth his humility. This is a most excellent vertue, greatly pleasing to God, and greatly accounted of by men:Mat. 18. 9. Every man loves and likes them that are humble, though many will not so be: As its of absolute necessity to Salvation, so its greatly behoofful for a mans well passing his time: Hereby he shall escape many dangers and evils, and pass his time more safely, with more favor of God and men: The humble man hath this priviledge, that he cannot fall, he makes himself so low; he judgeth himself, and so shall not be judged of God: Humility gives glory to God, and God gives honor to the humble; its a beautiful Ornament wherewith we are to deck our selves: its the Ornament of all graces, have a man much or little: Let a man be empty and proud, its most odious, as often it falls out, the emptiest vessels make the loudest noise: If a man have but a little, yet walking humbly he is esteemed:Eph. 41, 2. If a man have never such good parts, if he be puft up with them, its a disgrace to them all, as dead Flies in a precious box of oyntment. This is an helpful vertue, also a peaceable vertue, tending greatly to a quiet life.
1. This should teach us to examine our selves by the forementioned notes,Use 1. that we may finde to our comfort that we have attained the same in some good measure: He that hath it, hath an ornament, hath a jewel indeed.
2. As those that have it are to labor by all means to encrease therein;Use 2. so for those that want it, they must labor for it: To this end we must pray for it, we must set the forementioned examples before our eyes, and often think of them: We must look into our own vileness and wretchedness, by reason of our many great sins, and the curse due thereto, and this will drive us to God; into our own baseness, and this will make us thankful into; our own inability to good, and this will make us pray; into our own meanness, and Gods greatness and goodness, and this will make us stoop to his Commandments, and to his Cross: Also to men-ward, we must look on our own faults and others vertues, and aggravate our evils above theirs, and the good things in them above those in our selves. O let us walk humbly both in respect of God and men: Let us not be proud of our gifts, not trust to our selves, nor despise, reject and condemn others; else whereas great honor might redound to our profession, and we might do much good, we shall do much hurt.
For God resisteth the proud, &c.] The Reason of the Exhortation taken from the benefit, and illustrated by the contrary. Pride and Humility are like Esau and Jacob, Ier. 42. 8. and 48. 11.hates the one, as much as he loves the other: The proud man either gives Gods glory to another, or detains it from God, which cannot be without his wrath: This is in respect of God and men, as was said of humility, and by the notes of that, this may be discerned.The fruits of pride in respect of God.
In respect of God, 1. Pride makes men think themselves not so bad, but they have something in them, and can do something to commend them to God, and whereby to be saved; these be the whole and righteous whom Christ came not to call:Rev. 3. 17. These are like the yong man in the Gospel, like the Church of Laodicea: Thus the Papists think they have some natural strength in them to deserve the first grace, and with the help of that to merit the next, and eternal life: Thus many boast of their Civil Righteousness; Thus ignorant persons hope to be saved by their good meaning and good prayers, and that they have a good heart in them, and that they love God above all, and their neighbors as themselves. This is most detestable pride, for a base and woful creature, a lump of misery and sin, to think himself good enough for heaven, and to come into Gods presence, whereas the childe of God sees he is not worthy to think thereof, and wonders that he should be advanced thereto; yet numbers of civil poor people think themselves not proud, because they be not proud of apparel. 2. It makes a man think himself worthy of the benefits he hath, whereat he wonders not, but rather that he hath not more, and gives not daily thanks. What pride, for a poor woful creature, that deserves every day to be plagued with one judgement or other, yea, to be cast to Hell, that yet receiveth continual favors, and goes his way with the nine Lepers, and never returneth to give thanks. 3. It makes a man account of the gifts or graces he hath, that he hath them of himself; or if from God, yet for some worthiness in himself, and therefore he useth them as he will, to his own glory, and seeks himself in his wit, preaching, speeches, doings, &c. and so stands as it were in Gods light. The proud man thinks he hath that he hath not; as many a one thinks he knows much, that knows nothing, and that he hath faith, repentance, a good heart, when its nothing so, or that he hath more of a thing then he hath by much, more wisdom, strength, &c. or what he hath, he attributes it to himself, as if he had it of himself, or got it by his own wit and industry, when its onelyonly given him, and he but received it, and so is but proud of borrowed cloathes. 4. It makes a man think himself strong in himself to avoid this sin, or resist this temptation, or to do this or that duty, and therefore prays not; goes out in the morning upon all the temptations in the day,See Prov. 28. 14. goes to the Word and prays not; so into ill company, &c. 5. Pride makes a man that he stoops not to God in his Word: This is horrible pride, when a poor mortal creature shall shake off the commandments of the most glorious God,Ier. 13. 15. and 43. 2. and 44. 16, 17. yet many living in sins, even contrary to their knowledge, think they be not proud. 6. Pride makes men that they are not grieved when they have done wickedly, they cannot stoop and be humbled; they cannot see their sins, at least nothing as it is, and then pride hardens their hearts, as if they could finde many ways to escape the hand of God. 7. Pride makes men impatient under Gods hand; for either they murmure, blaspheme, use unlawful means, will not wait on God for an end (as hath been already said) or are full of revenge against those whom God hath raised up to punish them. 8. Pride makes men curious to pry into things forbidden, as the Israelites, that would go out and seek Manna on the Sabbath day, though they were told before they should finde none. The men of Beth-shemesh would pry into the Ark: Some there are that delight in curious questions, some meddle with matters beyond their reach, some with things out of the compass of their calling, some also will not rest satisfied, when they see what Gods Word saith in a thing, but cavil and make objections against the same. Thus in respect of God.
In respect of men:In respect of men. 1. It makes men prefer themselves before others, thinking more highly of themselves then of others, looking on their own vertues, and on other folks faults: It makes men look for great Titles, high Places, and to be preferred and set up, and strive, and be discontent if they have not the same, as Haman was vexed that Mordecai did not stoop to him. The Scribes and Pharisees did love greetings in the Market-places, and to be saluted, Rabbi; Saul would have Samuel honor him before the people, the Disciples strove who should be greatest. 2. It makes men unsociable and strange, either scorning to be beholding to any, or else too burthensom, loth to help, &c. 3. It makes men loth to submit themselves to their equals or inferiors: To their Superiors oftentimes they be most base and cunning, which yet be lordly and cruel to their Inferiors, and stiff and stern to their Equals; they will not yield an inch: If they take an Argument or an Opinion, they will carry it away, or else fall flat out: If they be fallen out with any, they will not yield a jot, but look they should be sought to: They are very contentious, ready to offer occasion of offence, thinking so highly of themselves, and meanly of others,Prov. 13. 10. that they are ready to embrace the least occasion, stand upon it, contend, and will not be pacified. 4. It makes men very ready to censure, finde fault, make light of others gifts, extenuate and deprave their good actions, aggravate their faults; not considering either their own faults that they daily commit, or their weakness and readiness to fall. 5. It makes a man that he will neither ask nor take counsel, being wise in his own eyes, but would have every body do as he doth, or follow his counsel, else he is ready with Achitophel, to hang himself in discontent, nor will he abide rebuke or admonition. 6. It shews it self in proud looks, haughty eyes, scornful speeches, imperious commands, stately carriage, jetting and mincing as they go. 7. Excessive apparel, for the matter, not fit for ones caling, nor according to ones place and ability, but quite beyond their degree; Ladies like Queens, Gentlewomen like Ladies, Waiting Maids like their Mistresses, poor Milk-maids, as if they were the wealthiest mens daughters in the Countrey, too garish and gawdy for the colour, too full of slashes and cuts, too soft and delicate, especially mens; so for the fashion, new, strange, garish: Fashion-devisers or followers cannot free themselves of pride.
Examples hereof,Examples of pride. The evil Angels, Adam and Eve, that would be as gods; The Builders of Babel, Pharaoh, Haman, Absolom, Achitophel, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, &c.
This is a most wicked and dangerous sin,How abominable it is. hateful to God, that which lieth open to his judgements,Prov. 6. 17. as the highest Trees and Pinacles are burnt down with lightning,Simil. stricken with thunder▪ or overturned with winds: This is odious to men; humble men see and mislike it, even proud men cannot abide it in others; Yonder, say they, goes one will not give his head for the washing, that thinks better of himself then all the Parish besides; He hath a good wit, but he knows it; She is very fair,How hurtful. but ye need not tell her thereof: It makes a man run into many sins, into many absurdities, and draws on many punishments: It disgraceth all good gifts, and so stains them, as they become unprofitable: It makes us uncapable of the grace of God, as the hilly ground shuts off the rain, therefore those profit not by the Word, nor by the Sacraments, nor can pray, &c.
This is naturally bred in our hearts,Whence it comes. and very hardly rooted out; it comes much, either of abundance, or of conceit and opinion of much; usually or abundance: If any have more Beauty, Wit, Strength, Skill in any Calling, Knowledge, Gifts, Wealth, Authority, or the like, this makes the heart swell, in a base or mean condition under affliction or misery to be humble (at least in shew) is nothing, but in abundance of gifts to be humble, this is a great grace and rare.
This is not onelyonly in the common sort and wicked,The very best not free therefrom. but haunteth even the Servants of God, and riseth of the ashes of other sins; when we have got the mastery over them, and grace and ability to do good duties, then pride thrusts in to make us think well of our selves, as if we had done them by our own power, and so even in our best duties; there's most danger of this. Hence it is that the Lord leaves corruptions and infirmities in the hearts of his Children to hold them under: Therefore are they so often foiled, when they seek themselves most. Hence many Christians of good parts are held in a poor estate,See Iob 33. 17 lest they should wax proud; yea, if it prove very rank, and bear a great stroke in them, he lets them fall into some foul sin, or some notable disgrace, to cure them of pride: for desperate diseases must have a desperate cure. Its the Devils practice, if he can no way else prevail with a man, to win him to evil, or to live in any sin, but that he hath got good gifts, and is careful in the use of them, then he seeks to blow them up with pride; as Enemies when they have long laid Siege to a Town,Simile. and can by no means win it, at last they undermine it, and seek to blow it up with Gunpowder.
1. Let us examine our selves concerning this sin;Use 1. this may be generally said, and too truly, that this Land is universally overspread with the same in a fearful maner. How is Christ preached, and how few imbrace him, at least in their hearts, and stoop to him? How few use the gifts they have to Gods glory, as acknowledging they come from him, but seek themselves onelyonly; using their wealth, wit, skill, &c. as they list? Universally men obey not, nor will stoop to the word of God, but do what they list, whatsoever God saith. How generally do men use unlawful shifts in their crosses? what contentions, stirs, …usts, are between some about places? what notorious pride and excess is there in apparel? whereby we may justly fear the Lord hath a quarrel against us; yea, though we are in such a fearful state, we think highly of our selves, and as if our care had never been better, cannot endure to be told that these are dangerous and evil times, yea, its dangerous to say that these are dangerous times: What measure soever we have of pride, its both dangerous and damnable. If men trust to something in themselves; if they stoop not to the word; if they use unlawful means in their afflictions, as good have Ratsbane in their bellies, as this pride in their hearts: If we be conceited of the good things in us, take too much to our selves, set too light by others, think too well of our own strength, lift up our selves above others, be contentious, censurers, such as will bear no reproof, proud in our speeches and apparel, the least of this will provoke God against us.
2. Let us labor to be purged of this deadly sickness:Use 2. The consideration of our matter,See Iob 17. 13. Dust and Ashes, our mortality and frailty, that we may be under the clods ere the morrow; our sinful state whereby we deserve that curse and all evils; our readiness to fall into any evil, the glory, power, justice, goodness, holiness and purity of God, may disswade us from pride. O take heed of pride, the worm and canker of any grace, and that which hinders the good our gifts might do.
God resisteth,] God sets himself against the proud.A warlike word; is up in arms, makes open war, and professedly sets himself against the proud, as the Angel that stood with a sword drawn to resist Balaam in the way: See to this purpose Prov. 6. 17. 16. 5. 18. Psal. 119. 21. Luke 1. 52. & 14.
Reasons. Reasons.This stands in Gods light, and robs him of his glory; its not Caesars friend, the arch-Traytor: Will God suffer himself to be spoiled of his glory by a poor creature? God delights to disgrace them that think so highly of themselves, and so lift up themselves above others; so, lest they should do too much hurt, for if proud men get wealth and authority, there is no hoe. This also will be more taken knowledge of, then if many inferior ones were cut off; and will also prevail more, for if God hath crossed and cut off those, others will beware.
God resists them,How God resists them. sometimes by taking away that they be proud of, wit (sending them phrensie) beauty (sending them deformity) gay clothes, sending them rags, &c. Sometimes he makes their pride become them ill, and so they be noted and disgraced thereby: Sometimes he makes their gifts unprofitable, and blasteth them, that they dye, foils them, when they seek themselves most, lets them fall into some foul sin, and so shames them, or crosseth them by some punishment or other, &c. God will cast dung in their faces, and besmear them; he delights to disgrace such. Call to minde the forementioned Examples, of the evil Angels, ths Builders of Babel, Pharaoh, Adonibezek, &c. and how God set himself against them.
1. If we observe any to be very proud,Use 1. do not we envy them, but rather pity them;Prov. 16. 5. for God is their enemy, and their destruction cannot be far off.
2. As we would avoid destruction, let us take heed of pride, and labor to be purged of it more and more; let us resist it and stamp it down. God will not give his graces to those that will rob him of the glory of them. If we strive not against this, but yield hereto, God will either let us fall into some foul sin, and so shame our selves to cure us, or at least he will thwart us with many crosses, which by humility we may avoid.
And giveth grace to the humble,] The direct Reason to move us to humility,See Ier. 57. 15. and 66. 2. Unto the humble, God giveth the gifts of his Spirit, temporal deliverances and favors,Luke 1. 53. respect among men, favor with him self;How God giveth grace to the humble. he dwells with such, and filleth them with good things. This may be shewed in all the properties thereof before mentioned: 1. They that be vile, and nothing in their own eyes, and be poor, mourning, sighing, hungring, &c. obtain mercy with God. They are fit objects thereof (witness the poor Publican) will be thankful,Luke 18. 14. and do any thing at Gods command. 2. Such as acknowledge themselves unworthy of any mercy, God honoreth with many; as Abraham, Jacob, the Centurion, the woman of Canaan▪ with others. 3. They that acknowledge, that whatsoever grace or gift they have, they have had it of God, and refer it to his glory, shall have more, as he that had gained five Talents: He is not worthy to be an Almsman, that will not acknowledge the Donor. 4. They that acknowledge their own insufficiency and inability to good, or resist evil, these will pray, and God will keep them, and give them the grace they want: they shall be satisfied,Psal. 119. 100. as the thirsty ground with rain. David prayed to be taught, and got more understanding then the Ancients; to this end also they will hear, read, come to the Sacraments, &c. as knowing the need they have of help, and so are holpen. 5. They that humbly submit themselves to the obedience of Gods word, them he will teach, and they shall profit:Psal. 25. 9. These shall save themselves from many a sin and sorrow,Ioh. 7. 17. which else with David, Jonah and Peter, they may bring upon themselves. 6. When having sinned, they humble themselves, God is near them to receive them to mercy (as to the Prodigal) and to turn away evil, as from Josiah. 7. Them that humble themselves under Gods afflicting hand, God graceth with deliverance, as David from Saul, from Absolom. 8. Them that keep themselves humbly within their compass, God teacheth, and keepeth in their places to do good, when others medling with matters above their reach, run into some error or heresie, and bring shame upon themselves. So 9. Them that be humble towards men, preferring others before themselves, and being low in their own eyes, God graceth with favor, credit, and a good report.
The Use followeth in the following words.