(2.) When they do not deny, but lessen the Gifts and Graces of others. To extenuate and clip another's due Praise, is Envy; but in honour to prefer them above our selves, is Charity and Humility. Phil. 2. 3. In lowliness of Mind let each esteem others better than himself. Humility is content to sit in the lowest place. Rom. 13. 10. In Honour preferring one another. Some say, this is not to be understood of that Opinion we have of others, but the Respect we put upon them. We are to honour others, non sententia Mentis, sed Actionibus & Officiis; that is meant of Offices of Love and outward Respect, but not of the Sentiments of the Mind. Certainly it is just, that we should contemn no Man, but give every one all agreeable Honour and Respect. But that a rich Man should judge a poor Man to be in Place and Estate before him; a learned Man, an ignorant Man more knowing; a godly Man, a wicked more holy; is impossible, and sometimes inconvenient. Therefore they understand it of condescending to mutual Offices of Love and Respect, or rather detracting from our selves than others. But though this Exposition might fit the latter Place, yet not the former, Esteeming others better than our selves, must relate to the Opinions and Sentiments of our Minds: therefore the Meaning is, We should carry all things with that quietness and humility, as if every one had a better opinion of others Wisdom and Godliness than his own. And this is reasonable enough for every one that is acquainted with himself. Humility will teach him to think meanly of himself, or any thing that is his. And his Charity will prompt him to give others all that possibly can belong to them, without any Retrenchment or Defalcation.
(2.) When they do not deny, but lessen the Gifts and Graces of others. To extenuate and clip anothers due Praise, is Envy; but in honour to prefer them above our selves, is Charity and Humility. Phil. 2. 3. In lowliness of Mind let each esteem others better than himself. Humility is content to sit in the lowest place. Rom. 13. 10. In Honour preferring one another. Some say, this is not to be understood of that Opinion we have of others, but the Respect we put upon them. We are to honour others, non sententia Mentis, sed Actionibus & Officiis; that is meant of Offices of Love and outward Respect, but not of the Sentiments of the Mind. Certainly it is just, that we should contemn no Man, but give every one all agreeable Honour and Respect. But that a rich Man should judge a poor Man to be in Place and Estate before him; a learned Man, an ignorant Man more knowing; a godly Man, a wicked more holy; is impossible, and sometimes inconvenient. Therefore they understand it of condescending to mutual Offices of Love and Respect, or rather detracting from our selves than others. But though this Exposition might fit the latter Place, yet not the former, Esteeming others better than our selves, must relate to the Opinions and Sentiments of our Minds: therefore the Meaning is, We should carry all things with that quietness and humility, as if every one had a better opinion of others Wisdom and Godliness than his own. And this is reasonable enough for every one that is acquainted with himself. Humility will teach him to think meanly of himself, or any thing that is his. And his Charity will prompt him to give others all that possibly can belong to them, without any Retrenchment or Defalcation.
