A41668:649
The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan…
The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan showing him how to carry himself Christian-like in the whole course of his life / by Tho. Gouge ...The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan shewing him how to carry himself Christian-like in the whole course of his life / by Tho. Gouge ...
London: printed by S. and B.G. for Nevil Simmons, 1676
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.
But as for the humble and lowly-minded man, he doth exceedingly gain the hearts and affections of others unto him. Humility is so comely and graceful a Grace, that it makes him who is decked therewith amiable, and gracious in every mans eye. Whereas none are more disdained than the proud, none are better respected both by God and Man, than the humble: for it is abundance ⟨p. 144⟩of Grace that makes men humble, as it is abundance of Fruit that maketh Trees most bow. God highly prizeth them, and accordingly bestoweth his choicest graces on them. Men usually lay up their richest Wines in the lowest Cellars; and God lays up his choicest mercies in the lowest hearts. Yea God himself delights to dwell in the humble Soul, Isa. 57. 15. God hath but two Thrones, the highest Heavens, and the lowest hearts: He overlooks the frame of Heaven and Earth, to look on a poor, humble heart, Isa. 66. 1, 2. not with a bare look of intuition, but with a look of favour, complacency, and delight. Though the Lord be the most high, yet hath he respect to the lowly, Psal. 38. 6. They are Gods Jewels, in high esteem with him: yea they are Gods Glory, Isa. 4. 5. They give all glory to God; and therefore God loves to exalt them to honour. So that Humility is the readiest way to Honour.
But as for the humble and lowly-minded man, he doth exceedingly gain the hearts and affections of others unto him. Humility is so comely and graceful a Grace, that it makes him who is decked therewith amiable, and gracious in every mans eye. Whereas none are more disdained than the proud, none are better respected both by God and Man, than the humble: for it is abundance ⟨p. 144⟩of Grace that makes men humble, as it is abundance of Fruit that maketh Trees most bow. God highly prizeth them, and accordingly bestoweth his choicest graces on them. Men usually lay up their richest Wines in the lowest Cellars; and God lays up his choicest mercies in the lowest hearts. Yea God himself delights to dwell in the humble Soul,