A20547:453
A plain and familiar exposition of the eleventh and twelfth chapters of the Proverbs…A plaine and familiar exposition of the eleuenth and twelfth chapters of the Prouerbes…
A plain and familiar exposition of the eleventh and twelfth chapters of the Proverbs of SolomonA plaine and familiar exposition of the eleuenth and twelfth chapters of the Prouerbes of Salomon
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for Henry Sharpe, 1607London: printed by Felix Kyngston for Henrie Sharpe, 1607
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Thirdly, their own amiable and lovely behaviour allureth the liking of men towards them, and obtaineth their good testimony of them. This wisdom that is from above, this heavenly wisdom which the spirit of God worketh, is first pure, then peaceable, 1gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without judging, and without hypocrisy. The sight of these graces, the very report of them doth win mens hearts, and draw their affections to those that exercise them, and much more when they feel the fruit and benefit thereof to themselves.
Thirdly, their owne amiable and louelie behauiour allureth the liking of men towards them, and obtaineth their good testimonie of them. This wisedome that is from aboue, this heauenly wisedom which the spirit of God worketh, is first pure, then peaceable, 1gentle, easie to bee intreated, full of mercie and good fruits, without iudging, and without hypocrisie. The sight of these graces, the very report of them doth winne mens hearts, and draw their affections to those that exercise them, and much more when they feele the fruite and benefit thereof to themselues.
Now where wisdom is wanting, and folly is flowing; where meekness is a stranger, and frowardness a commander, what is to be looked for, but reproach and contempt? Are the poorest servants and handmaids commended on the other side? then ⟨p. 137⟩the wealthiest Lords and Masters are despised on this side. Doth the Lord praise all such as be godly wise? then doth he disgrace all those that be sinfully foolish. Doth he derive mens testimonies and favours to those? then will he drain and draw them away from these. Is soft, and gentle, and merciful behaviour a means to procure the good will of men? then sour, and churlish, and cruel demeanour, will provoke their offence and displeasure. Generally, that which God spake concerning Eli's house, holdeth true to all of both sorts: Them that honour me, I will honour, and they that despise me, shall be despised.