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The true Nature of Humility. [ 1651]

RUffin•••• the Companion of S. Francis, having a Revelation that a Crown of glory was laid up for that holy Man,* 1.1 told him one day that it would very much rejoyce him, if he would let him understand, What he thought of himself; To whom S. Francis gave this answer; I esteem my self the greatest Sinner of any in the World, and that I serve God lesse then any other man: How can that be, said Ruffinus,* 1.2 seeing some are Thieves, some Murtherers, some Adulte∣rers,

and many most prophane and Wicked wretches, such as are in the very gall of bitternesse, such as never think of God or goodnesse; and thou art not onely free from all these, but withall a Man of much sanctity, and holinesse? But he replying, said; Out of doubt if God had been so mercifull to them, as he hath been to me,* 1.3 they would have shewed themselves more thankfull then I have been; And besides if God had forsaken me, I should have committed far greater Sins then they have done. Here was a good Man though a Papist, a rare pattern of Humility, so far imita∣••le as being a Man arrived at a most excellent degree of self-denyal coming from an inward and high knowledg of God and himself, so that all the Vertues that he hath, and all the good works that he doth, though never so worthy and deserving, yet they seem unto himself little or none at all;* 1.4 And such is the Nature of every man that is truly humble, He admires every thing in another, whiles the same or better in himself he thinks not unworthily contemned; His eyes are full of his own wants, and others perfections. No man sets so low a value of his worth as himself; not out of ignorance or carelesnesse, but of a voluntary and meek dejectednesse. Well may it be said of him, that he is a lowly valley sweet∣ly planted, and well watered; the proud Man's earth, whereon he trampleth, but secretly full of Wealthy Mines, more worth then he that walks over them; a rich stone set in lead; and lastly, a true Temple of God built with a low roof.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Bonavent. in legenda S. Francis.
• * 1.2

  Marul. lib. 2.
• * 1.3

  Recta facere, et inutilem se re∣putare, apud pauc••s inveni∣tur. Bein.
• * 1.4

  Jos. Hall Chara••••. of Virlues and Vices.