The Godly Man's Picture

2. God loves an humble soul. 'Tis not our high birth, but our low hearts God delights in. An humble spirit is Gods prospect. Isa. 66. 2. To this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit; an humble heart is Gods Palace, Isa. 57. 15. I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of an humble spirit. Great Personages besides their houses of state, have lesser houses which upon occasion they retreat to. Besides Gods house of state in Heaven, he hath the humble soul for his retiring-house, where he takes up his rest, and doth solace himself. ⟨p. 114⟩Let Italy boast that it is for pleasure the Garden of the world; an humble heart glories in this, that it is the Presence-chamber of the Great King.

3. The Times we live in are humbling: The Lord seems to say to us now, as he did to Israel, Exod. 33. 5. Put off thy Ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do to thee. My displeasure is breaking forth, I have eclipsed the light of the Sanctuary, I have stained the waters with blood, I have shot the arrow of Pestilence, therefore lay down your Pride, put off your Ornaments. Woe to them that lift themselves up, when God is casting them down. When should a people be humble if not under the rod? 1 Pet. 5. 6. Humble your selves under the mighty hand of God. When God afflicts his people, and cuts them short in their privileges, 'tis time then to sow sackcloth on their skin, and defile their horn (or honour) in the dust, Job 16. 15.

3. The Times we live in are humbling: The Lord seems to say to us now, as he did to Israel,