CHAP. CXIX .

Lowliness what , Negatively in Five Particulars . 1. Not in Poverty . 2. Nor in Words only . 3. Nor Carriage . 4. Nor Habit. 5. Nor Baseness of Spirit .

WE have Finished that great and excellent Doctrine of Meekness , we are now to come to the next lesson that we are to Learn of Christ , Lowliness of Heart , and this of a lowly Heart , is of very near affinity unto a meek heart yea the truth is , a lowly Heart is the Mother of Meekness , though Meekness is set before in my Text , yet in some other Scriptures , where we have Meekness and Humility joyned together , we have Meekness set after , and Humility , and Lowliness set before , as in Coloss. 3. 12. Put on therefore as the Elect of God , Holy and beloved , Bowels of Mercy , Kindness , Humbleness of mind , Meekness , Humbleness of mind , Meekness , there Humbleness is set before , and that is indeed the true Christian Meekness , that doth come from Lowliness , Lowly in heart , The word here Lowly ( in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) it signifies one even lying upon the ground ready to be Trodden on , as some Learned observe , Lowly in Heart . In 2 Cor. 7. 6. There you have this word here Translated Lowly , Cast down , one Cast down . Nevertheless God that comforteth those that are Cast down , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the same word that is here Translated in my Text Lowly , is there Cast down , such whose Heart is Cast down . And in 2 Cor. 10. and the first . Now I Paul my self beseech you , by the meekness and gentleness of Christ , who in presence am Base among you , Who am Lowly or Base , so you have the signification of the word , and what it is , in other Scriptures , Lowly .

But Lowly in Heart , Learn of me , for I am Lowly in Heart .

First , Not in a low condition , I do not require of you that you should be in the low condition of Poverty , and the like , as I am , some falsly would imitate Christ to be in such a low condition , because that he had possest nothing in the world , therefore they would not , and so ground their superstitious vows of a voluntary poverty . Indeed , the word Translated , in Heart , signifies somtimes the low condition of a man . As in 1 James , 9. Let the Brother of Low degree , Rejoyce in that he is Exalted , That is , in a Low condition . But many men are in a low condition , and yet far from being Lowly in Heart , There may be a very low condition , and yet a very high , proud Heart ; there may be Humiliation where there is no Humility , Humiliation , and Humility are two several things , a man or Woman may be Humbled , and yet not at all Humble ; Many people , that are very low in their condition , Yet , Oh! the pride of their Heart in their low condition , what vexing and fretting of Heart is there against the waies of Gods providence towards them , and disposing of them ? Now thou art in a low condition , and thy Heart vexing and froward , thy heart is not a whit low by thy condition . Many men that heretofore have been in a high condition , and God hath brought their estates lower , but not their hearts a whit , Oh , Happy , happy were it for those Men and Women if he had brought their hearts low ; this is the way to make Gods bringing them low in condition to be a great blessing to them . You that are marriners , when you meet with storms and tempests , you would think it a very absurd and foolish thing to have your top Gallent , and top sailes spreading to the ful all open in a storme , No , now you narrow your Sailes , and take them all in , and take them down when the storm is up . Now this is a foolish condition of many that God pleaseth to bring into a low condition , that when God causeth storms and tempests to be upon a Soul , they keep up their sailes stil , it is just indeed that they should be drowned that will not pul down their Sails when the Lord causeth a grievous storm to come upon them , how many that are in very low estate , and yet have extreame stubborn hearts , and stout Spirits , as stout and stubborn as ever before they were , they have envious Spirits at those that are above them , because others are not as low as themselves , and have sullen Spirits , and sinking Spirits , and froward Spirits in their low condition , all these argues a great deal of pride , that though their condition is low , yet their hearts are not low , the Devils themselves , they are low enough , they are cast down to Hell it self , and yet the proudest creatures that are , none so proude as the Devils are , and their pride appears much in their discontentedness , they are proude and discontented , and the most discontented spirit is the proudest Spirit ; so that a man may be of a low condition , and yet not lowly in Heart , Learn of me , for I am Lowly in Heart , it is the Lowliness of Heart that Christ would have us Learn of him .

Secondly , A man may be Lowly in words , submissive in words , and yet far from Lowliness in Heart , in Isai. 29. 4. There you may see what some afflictions may work to make us Lowly in words , in expressions , And thou shalt be brought down ; and shall speak out of the ground , and thy speech shall be low out of the Dust , and thy voice shal be as of one that hath a Familiar Spirit , out of the ground , and thy speech shall Whisper out of the dust , I will bring thee down saith God . Whereas in the time of mens prosperity , they speak swelling words , as the Apostle Jude , 16. Speaks , Great words , high Words , when they are in the ruffe of their pride , and the height of their prosperitty , but you shal have many of these brave spirits , that have such swelling words when they are in their jollity and prosperity , yet when God brings them down upon their sick Beds , Oh , then they Whisper and speak low , as one out of the dust , and then Oh! their words are very submissive and yeilding , and will hearken to any thing that you say , I but yet for al this , their hearts are not brought down , their Hearts remaine as stiff as before , which appears by this that assoon as ever the hand of God is off from them , they are as stout and stubborn as ever before . So that there may be Lowliness in expressions , where there is not Lowliness in heart .

And again , many may be Low in Expressions of words in discommending themselves , and yet be proud in heart , either in accusing themselves of such things , as they hope others will not beleeve them , or denying such things as they hope others wil contradict them in , you shal have many people that wil have a seeming kind of humility , and be ready to speak very hard things of themselves , and say , they are very poor weak people , and have but little strength in them , and not fit for such and such imployments , and it is fit that others should be chosen in those imployments rather than themselves , and they have wretched , and vile hearts , and when they come amongst others they speak of their vile wretched heart , and they cannot do thus and thus , and very large they will be in speaking very ill of themselves , and deny that they have any excellency as others have ; and yet their hearts extreamly proud , which appears in this , because if any body else should be of their mind , they would be extreamly discontented , if any others should say , O! God hath given you great Gifts , this pleaseth them , whereas if others that are in Company and hear them charge themselves to have such vile and wretched hearts , and to say , they cannot do thus & thus . Suppose they should be of the same mind , and they should say , I thinke it is so , that you are a poor silly Creature , an ignorant Creature , and you have a very hard heart , and a proud and stubborn heart , now if any should be of their mind , they would be angry with them and be displeased . Doth not this argue a great deal of pride of heart ? I remember Bernard hath such an expression in his Books , saith he , if another should accuse me as I accuse my self , I were not able to bear it , he confessed this pride of his heart , though he did accuse himself , yet if another should say the same thing of him he were not able to bear it , and I am confident it would be fo with abundance of people , when they come in company and speak thus of themselves , it is but to fetch out commendations from them , that others might commend them , and they would be mightily displeased if others should say of them that which they say of themselves , in Prov. 17. 7. Excellent speech becometh not a Fool , much less do lying lips a Prince . Now the words that are thus read in your Books , you may in another way read them , they seem to carry another expression than is carried here , the word signifies Dignity ; So Arius Montanus , The lips of Dignity becomes not a Fool , that is , it is not fit for one that is a Fool to speak of excellent things , as if he had any excellent things in him , much less do lying lips a Prince , it is here , but the word doth not only signifie a Prince , but an Ingenious Man , a man that hath an excellency , and worth , so you may turn it , as a Lip of Dignity becomes not a Fool , so neither do lying Lips become one that hath an Excellency in him , one that is of an ingenious spirit , it is not for him to dissemble , it is a very unseemly thing for one that God hath given an excellency unto to dissemble . In Job 13. 7. It is said there , What wil you lie for God ? wil you speak that which is false even for God himself ? will you speak wickedly for God , and talk deceitfully for him ? We are not to walk deceitfully , no , not for God , not for the Glory of God , though we should think there might come the greatest good from it , yet we must not do it , and therefore certainly not for our own praise , to fish out praise for our selves , this is to be lowly in words , but not in heart .

Somtimes we do not only discommend our selves in a feigned manner to others , but even to God also . How do we in prayer tel God how wretched & vile we are ? and deserve to be cast into the nether most Hell , and what a wonderfull mercy it is , that we have the least crumb of bread , and unworthy of the least crumb of bread and drop of water , thus we speak very lowly before God ; and yet in the mean time have very proud , and stubborn hearts , this is not to be lowly in heart . Learn of me , not lowly words , not lowly speeches so much , but learn of me to be lowly in heart .

Thirdly : There may be a lowly carriage where there is not a lowly heart , many that have very proud and haughty spirits , yet will in their carriages seem to be very affable , and courteous , and very sweet , and very submissive , and very yeilding : so that those that are of weak spirits , they conclude , Oh , surely this man is a very humble man , he must needs be a very lowly man , mighty lowly , how sweet , and affable , and courteous , and submissive is his carriage ? It is true , for to have lowliness in words and carriage is good , and where there is a lowly heart , there will be these in some measure or other , but yet these may be much without a lowly heart , there may seem to be an excellency in these , and yet no lowliness in heart : there may be a complementing to the ground , a man may be ready to put his hands upon your feet , and yet have a very haughty spirit . I will give you these Sriptures for it . In 2 Sam. 15. It is the example there of Absolom , Absolom we know , was a most desperate proud spirited man , and he aspired to the Kingdom , and was so set upon pride , that he did plot the very death of his own Father , of David , that he might get up to the Kingdom , and yet mark this Absolom at verse 5. And it was so , saith the Text , that when any man came nigh to him , to do him obeisance , he put forth his hand , and took him , and kissed him , any man , the meanest man that came nigh to him to do him obeysance , he would put forth his hand , and take him , and kiss him , so at verse 6. So Absolom stole away the hearts of the men of Israel . A man by his deceitfulness this way , may steal away the hearts of simple people . Certainly , the men of Israel thought Absolom a very humble and lowly man , and thought : O! might we but have this man Absolom to be our King , how happy should we be ? and yet at this very time , the very heart of a Devill in him for pride . And another Scripture is that in Psalm . 10. 10. He croucheth , and humbleth himself , that the poor may fall by his strong ones . Who is that He ? mark , it is the same that is spake of in verse 2. The wicked in his pride persecutes the poor . And again at verse 4. The wicked through the pride of his countenance will not seek after God . And ye● at ver. 10. He croucheth and humbleth himself . He wil seek for his own Glory , and that his own ends may be brought about , he will crouch so low as you will have him , submit to any thing though never so base and vile , rhat he may accomplish his own ends . And therefore all those that will submit to very low things , you must not think presently they a●e lowly in heart , a man may seem to be very lowly in words , and submit to very low things for his own ends , but then he will be proud enough when once he hath got into the saddle , he will rule you then , he will tell you , he will do any thing in the w●rld you would have him to do , till once he gets power over you , and then is the time for the manifestation of the pride of his heart . But there may be lowly carriage , and not lowliness in heart .

Now those that carry themselves courteoussy and lowly in carriage , and yet have proud hearts , you may judg of them .

First : Their lowly carriage is to them that are at some distance from them , such as they have n●t very much to do withall , you shall have many , that when they come abroad , and come into company with such as they have not very much to deal withall , they will be very lowly in their carriage to them , but may be in their Family they will be dogged enough , perverse enough , haughty enough , sullen and surly enough , though very courteous and yeildable to any thing , and very sweet unto others that are at a distance from them .

Secondly : They are lowly to Servants , or to those that have not had any occasion to cross them , Oh! how sweet is their carriage there , to people that never crost them : But now come to any that cross them , you shall find them as haughty , surly , and proud towards them , as any man whatsoever , if once they be crost , try but such as seem to be many times so sweet in their carriage to you . I do not mean to cross them wilfully , but observe them when they are crost , and see what a difference there is between the affableness and sweetness of carriage that is in them when all things please them , and when they come to be crossed .

Thirdly : Their carriage is to those that they may accomplish their own ends by somthing or other that they would accomplish , but if they have to deal with such as no way can further any ends of theirs , they shall have no such carriage from them , this is but to shew the distemper of the heart , there may be lowliness in carriage and not in heart : But do not think that I seem in the least manner to discommend lowliness in carriage , it is comely in Christians to be gentle one towards another .

Fourthly : There may be lowliness in habit , and yet not in heart , some will please themselves in this , in going very meanly clad , and in all their outward Garb are very mean , and they think they will not be so proud as others are , so high and brave as others . It is true , there is a great deal of pride to be seen in outward habits , but also there may be a great deal of pride seen in lowliness of habit , as well as in brave habits . As there is a great deal of pride in following every vain fashion , so certainly there may be much pride in a sullen resolution , that they will never wear any thing but thus and thus , in a fantastical singularity from other kind of people of their own rank , though never so holy ▪ yet they will have a singular Garb of their own ; this is out of fullenness , as no question there is in many a ●ullenness of resolution , or a fantasticall singularity , a ridiculous conceitedness , and stubbornness of spirit , that they will not alter their minds , that others must do as they do , and if every one do not wear the same Garb as they do , then they are proud , and themselves only are humble . Now there may be in the fullenness of others an extream vanity of spirit and pride , and many of these think to honor Christianity , whereas they do●hshonor it hereby , if thou beest so weak as thou dost not know what liberty thou hast in the use of the Creature ; Wilt thou judg others that do know ? You must take heed of Pride , and singularity in those things which you think to deny your selves . It was a speech that Socrates had concerning Antisthenes , saith he , I see the arrogancy of Antisthenes through the holes of his Coat , he would go ragged , and with holes in his Coat , but saith he , I see the very arrogancy and pride of Antisthenes through the holes of his Coat . And so when Diogenes came to Plato and he had a rich Bed , and Diogenes in his Cinickness and pride , tramples upon Platoes rich Bed , saying , I tread and trample upon the pride of Plato , I saith Plato , but it is with thy pride , it is pride that tramples upon this pride , it was the pride of his heart that did so disdain that another should have that he had not himself . There may be much vanity , and pride , and height of spirit , in lowliness of Garb and outward habit . But yet stil we shall come further to open the nature of Humility and the evil of pride that is contrary to it , and we shall come to discover the pride in Habits , and speech , and the like , but only now to make way to what we shall come to , now to get in a little into the point that we may not mistake what Christ would have us learn of him , when he saith , he would have us learn to be lowly in heart .

Fifthly : There may be a kind of lowliness of spirit which Christ disavows , and which Christ would not have us learn of him , not only a lowliness of words & habit , but a lowliness of heart , that they must take heed of a base fordid spirit , that is as uncomely for a Christian as any thing in the world . A Christian , though he must have the lowliness of the heart of Christ , yet there is the lowliness of a base fordid spirit that is infinitly unbecoming the excellency of a Christian . What is that base drossy , low spirit of many people ?

First thus : It is a base fordid spirit to imploy themselves in things beneath their Condition in which God hath set them : As for instance , suppose a Magistrate , or a Minister , should fill a Dung-cart , and he should plead thus , it is true , others are so proud they will not do it , but I am content to do the meanest thing , Is this a lowly heart ? No , it is a base fordid heart , for men that are of any quality to mingle themselves with poor mean things , to be in the Ditches , in places that are beneath them , to imploy themselves in things that are beneath the condition that God hath set them in , this is not Humility but fordid and base spiritedness .

And then , when men likewise , shall seek low and mean things , and bless themselves in things that are very low , and mean , and allow themselves in them , as if so be they were enough to make them happy , when they shall feed upon others , as the Scripture speaks of that Idolatry : And so wicked men when they shall feed upon ashes , this is a base thing , for a man to have his belly cleave to the earth , to seek to scrape for a little of the world , and bless himself in this , and think himself a happy man if he can get a little money , and if he have a little applause in the world , this is that he placeth his happiness in , and seeks after no higher good , and this he would be content should be his portion , if he can get a little money together , and have House and Lands ; this is a low spirit , for one that professeth himself a Child of God , for him to seek after the things of the world , and satisfie himselfe in them , it is as if a Prince should leave the Throne of his Father , and go and scrape in the Kennels , Wil you say , it is the Humility of a Prince ? Were it the Humility of a Prince , to leave the Court , and all the Glory there , and those excellent imployments about State affairs , and scrape in the Kennels ? Were this the lowliness of a Prince ? No , it were a base spirit . As I have heard of some great Heirs , when they have been yong , and stolen by Beggars , afterwards when they have been taken away from Beggars and put into good Cloaths , yet they have got such a base spirit , that they would leave off all to put on Rags again , and go a begging . Thus the greatest men , that seem to be lofty in their aims and designs , they have low spirits , for they do but scrape Kennels in this world , and with the Prodigall feed upon Husks and Swil : whereas the People of God , though they are to be lowly in heart , yet do aim at high things , to seek after eternity of Glory , to seek after a Crown , after Heaven , to seek after God himself , to live for ever with God in Glory , and though they are to acknowledg themselves unworthy of the least crumb of Bread , yet they are not to be satisfied with all the world for their portion , they are to have such high Spirits , as not to satisfie themselves with all the world for their portion . You will say , here is a high Spirit indeed , thus it is , nothing will satisfie him except he have the infinite God to be his portion . Your proud men , that are esteemed to be the highest spirited , they will be satisfied with a little Muck in the world , but the Child of God hath such a generous Spirit ; that if God should offer him the possession of Heaven and Earth for his portion , he wou●d count a little pittance , and he would say , Lord , there are higher things that I look for to be my portion ; and God is very well pleased that his people should have such high Spirits in that sence , to seek after a Kingdome , to seek after Glory , and to think themselves too good for a Lust , for sin to rule over them to think themselves in a higher Condition , than that these poor , mean things should be enough to be their portion , and their happiness .

Thus I have only shewed you the Negative , what it is that Christ doth not mean , when he saith , Learn of me , for I am Meek , and lowly in heart , he means none of these five things .

CHAP. CXX .

Lowliness of heart what it is positively , and what it is in Christ in six particulars . 1. He became Mediator . 2. Man . 3. Born of a poor Virgin . 4. A Servant . 5. A Curse : Yea , Sin . 6. He was lowly in his carriage to men .

QUEST.

YOU will say , What is the lowliness of heart that Christ would have us learn of him .

Answ. It is to be considered two waies .

The first is this , That disposition of spirit whereby one that is in a high , and excellent condition , yet is content to become low for God , and for the good of his Brethren ; though he be in an excellent estate , yet is content to be in a Low condition , so it be for God , and the good of others ; and this is that Lowliness that belongs only to Christ himself , he was thus Lowly . And also God the Father is lowly , that God is of a Lowly Spirit , thus to be content to be low for his own Glory , and for the good of others . Ye have it in Psalm . 113. 5. and 6. Who is like unto thee , Lord our God , who dwelleth on high , who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in Heaven , and in the Earth , God is on high and yet God humbleth himself to behold , to have regard to things that are in Heaven and Earth . Observe the Phrase , I beseech you , it is Gods humbling himself , if it be but to behold the things that are in Heaven , God is so high , that if he doth but vouchsafe to look upon the things in Heaven , he doth humble himself , he b●ings himself Low to behold them , much more upon the things in Earth , Oh! How doth God humble himself then to regard the things on Earth as he hath done . And so Christ , that was from all eternity infinitly blessed , with the Father , yet for the Salvation of mankind , was willing to bring himself into a Low condition , and so Lowliness belongs to the Father , and Jesus Christ .

But the lowlines that is most proper unto us , that we may yet learn of Christ , that we may gather from Christs Example arguments to further it in our own hearts , I would describe it thus . It is that grace , whereby the Soul doth behave it selfe towards God , and towards it selfe , and towards others , according , or answerable unto that right esteem and sence that he hath of his own vileness , and meanness . Formally this was not in Christ , but only thus far , Christ being once willing to take upon him that low condition , of being a Mediator for mankind , so there was a meanness that was in Jesus Christ , and Christs demeanour of himselfe , walking answerably unto God , and to others , suitable unto that mean condition that he knew himself was in ▪ through his willingness to be a Mediator for mankind ▪ that was Christs lowliness , though Christ as the second person in the Trinity , cannot have the Rule of his Low liness to be the esteem of his own meanness , and so of God ; and therefore I gave you such a description of Lowliness , that may belong to the Father and the Son ; but now this only belongs to Christ as Mediator , and that Lowliness that should be in our hearts , that we may gather abundance of Arguments from Christs low condition to further it in our own Soul . The measure of our humility , it doth consist in the right esteem of our own meanness , when a man or Woman hath a right esteem , that is , come to know themselves in that mean condition that they are in , and to be truly sensible of that mean condition that they are in , and accordingly come to behave themselves towards God , and towards themselves , and towards others ; these are such as indeed have lowly hearts . Now in this description that I have made of Lowliness , or of humility , you wil find ( when we come to open it , and to shew the workings of an humble heart that ought to be in Christians ) there will be very much discovered that nearly concerns us , but all that I shal do now is , to shew how Jesus Christ was lowly in heart himself . And then what Arguments may be drawn from the Lowliness of Christ , for the furtherance of Lowliness in our hearts . There is one thing in the Point that I am spared from speaking off , to handle this Lowliness of Chirst , as Christ is a Teacher , that we have spoken of .

Learn of me , for I am Meek and Lowly , That is , be willing to Learn of me , for I am a Meek Teacher , and a Lowly Teacher , and therefore be willing to be my Schollers , Now that I have already spoke of , when I spake of being taught by Jesus Christ , and shewed you what a fit Teacher he was , and I think this hath reference unto him , that he is not scornful , but he will Teach the meanest ; and suite himself to all , but now we are to speak of what Lowliness was in Christ , and how we should Learn to be Lowly as he was .

Now for the Lowliness of Christ , that you have in divers Scriptures , in Psalm . 22. is a Prophetical Scripture concerning Christ , and mark what is said of Christ there , verse , 6. But I am a Worm , and no man , a Reproach of Men , and despised of the people . But I am a Worm , They are even the speeches of Christ concerning himself , it is apparent it is a prophetical Psalme , concerning Christ , In the beginning of the Psalme you have the very same words that Christ spake upon the Cross , My God , My God why hast thou forsaken me , And here I am a Worm , and no Man , Oh! How Lowly was Christ , that was God blessed for ever , it were lowly enough , one would think , to be a Man , but to be a Worm , and no Man in his own apprehension , Oh , what Lowliness was this ? And then in Isai , 53. 2. There you may see the Lowliness of Christ , that likewise is prophetical concerning Christ , that he should grow up before him as a tender plant , and as a Root out of a dry ground he hath no form nor comliness , and when we shall see him , there is no Beauty that we should desire him , he is despised and rejected of men , a man of sorrows , and acquainted with grief , and we hid as it were our Faces from hi … he was despised , and we esteemed him not . I y … will say , this shews the Lowness of his condition , but how doth this argue the Lowliness of his Heart ? For you told us even now , that a man may be in a low condition that is not Lowly in Heart . For Answer , Christ was not compelled to it , but freely took upon him to be in this condition , for the Glory of his Father , and the good of Poor S●uls , surely , it is a lowly heart that was willing to be put into such a condition as this was .

But above all Scriptures , that is remarkable to this purpose , in Phillip. 2. 5. Let this mind be in you , which also was in Jesus Christ , What mind was that ? There is not only the condition of Christ , but the mind of Christ , a lowly Heart , and let that Lowly heart be in you , What was that ? verse , 6. Who being in the form of God , thought it no robbery to be equal with God , but made himself of no Reputation : He made himself , he did e●pty himself , ( as the word hath it in the original ) empty himself of the Excellency that was in him , And took upon him the form of a Servant , and made himself in the likeness of men , and being found in fashion as a man , he humbled himself , and became obedient unto Death , even the Death of the Cross . Here is the Lowliness of the Heart of Christ set out unto us , and that as a pattern unto al Christians , to have the same mind that was in Christ . Now to stand upon things largely , to open the Lowliness of Christ , that wil not be needful , but to speak generally of it , for that is necessary , forwe cannot bring it home with power to our Point , if we do not open it in general , for it would ask many exercises to open the Lowliness of Heart that was in Jesus Christ . You know in opening his Meekness we shewed you , what Meekness was in him , And now for Lowliness . As thus ,

First , There was Lowliness in him to undertake to be Mediator between God , and mankind , it was a great Lowening of himself , as we may speak after the manner of men .

Secondly , If he would undertake to be Mediator , then God ●els him he must become a man , and take Human Nature upon him , and that in a personal union , that Christ the infinite glorious Son of God , should be content to be made a Man , that it should be said of him , this person is a man , this is a mighty lowening of himself . In Hebrews , 2. 16. He did not take the Nature of Angels ▪ But the Nature of Man , The Seed of Abraham It had not been so much Lowening of himself , if he had taken upon him the Nature of Angels , No saith God , if you wil be Mediator for man , you must take the Nature of Man , This Poor Wretched Creature ; saith Christ , I will do it rather then man should Perish .

Thirdly , When he takes the Nature of Man , one would think he would be Born of the greatest Queen upon the Earth , if Christ must come , and take the Nature of man , and be Born in the Womb , it would be of the greatest Empress , No , of a poor Woman , a Poor Virgin , a Poor Maid , and therefore she saith , in Luke . 1. 48. For he hath regarded the Low Estate of his Hand-Maiden , It is not there Lowliness , as noting Humility , but the Low condition of his Hand-Maid , The Lord regarded the Lew condition of his Hand-Maid . Of purpose , to that end , to incourage those that are in a Low condition , that Christ should pass by al the Princesses , and Emperesses in the World , and be willing to be born of a poor Maid , for she was not a Rich Maid , nor had great things , that appears by the offering that she made for Her Purification , in Luke , 2. 22. and the 24. verses . When the daies of her Purification , according to the Law of Moses , were accomplished they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord , and to offer a Sacrifice according to that which is said in the Law of the Lord , a pair of Turtle Doves or two young Pidgeons . Her Sacrifice was a pair of Turtle Doves , or two young Pidgeons , but mark , it is said according to the Law of the Lord , do but compare this Text , with the Law of God that required an Offering of every Male that openeth the Womb , in Levit. 12. 6. When the daies of Her purifying are fulfilled , for a Son or for a Daughter , she shall bring a Lamb of the first year for a Burnt offering , and a young Pidgeon or a Turtle Dove for a sin offering unto the Door of the Tabernacle of the congregation , she shall bring a Lamb , here is no Lamb brought , for so indeed , the Law did so far indulge , that if they were poor , the Lamb might be spared , as in another Law , so that in this her offering , that she did not bring the Lamb , the Lamb that the Law did appoint , it was meerly from the indulgence of her Poverty , because she was a poor Maid , Noting , that if there be a poverty , and we do what we can , the Lord will not stand so much for great offerings , when we do what we are able , so the Virgin Mary , she had not Money to buy a Lamb , but she brings a pair of Turtle Doves , or two Pidgeons , And this is that which is accepted . And then his Low condition was not only in being born of her , but in being born in one of the meanest Villages , and places , not in the Metropolis Jerusalem , but in BETHELEM . And then it was in an Inn , you know he had no stately House , or Country House , or brave place for to be in , but it was in an Inn , and it was in her Journy . Great Women , when they are with Child , will not be travelling in Journies , but will take state ●pon them , and will not go forth a long while , but she was in her Journey , I , and when she was in an Inn , she could have never a Room , Surely she must be in a Low condition . If a begger Woman should be ready to cry out , if there were a poor Room that had but a Chimney in it ▪ they would grant it to her , but she was in a stable to be brought to Bed in a stable , your Vagrants and Rogues that go up and down cannot be worse then this , and she had no provision it seems , but was fain to lay her Child in the Manger ; this infinite God , and Lord of Heaven and Earth , behold him lie in a Stable and a Manger . And besides he was willing to be in this condition , he chose this condition , surely he had a Lowly Heart .

Fourthly : And further Observe , It may be said , but if he doth come as a man , and come into the world in a Low condition yet he may be some body in time , Nay , but he must be a Servant in the world he might have had possession of the world , and might have had the honor to have been a King , but he must live as a Servant . So the Scripture saith , in Philip. 2. In the Form of a Servant . Nay , he was not only in the Form of a Servant , but in the Form of an evil Servant , a Servant to be beaten , that is a Low condition to be in the state of a Servant , but to be in the state of an Evil Servant , to be beaten , that is a Low condition indeed , so was Christ .

Fifthly : Yea , not only to be a Servant that was beaten ▪ but to be made a curse , so in Galath. 3. 13. not only Cursed , but a Curse , in the abstract . Yea , more then this , not only to be a Servant , and to be beaten , and made a curse , but to be made Sin , that that is lower , So in 2 Corinth. 5. 2. He that knew no Sin , was made Sin for us : we wil not stand to open these Particulars , only so far is expressed the Low condition that Christ was in , how Lowly in Heart Christ was . And all the way as we go , you cannot but see , that there will be a great many Arguments to work Lowliness of Heart in al that profess Christ . After he came into the World , and was put into such a condition , he was fain to flie for his Life , to flie into Egypt to save his Life , and being delivered , then he lives Thirty years in a Low , Poor , Mean condition . He is reputed Low in his parentage , his Father a Poor Carpenter , and his Mother a poor Woman , not able to live in the world , and yet he lives Thirty years together in subjection to this poor Father and Mother , to live in obed●ence to them , and seeks to live upon his Trade , to live as a Carpenter , Hewing of Timber , for this is the Reason they cal him the Carpenters Son , he lived not Idly . And when he came to be manifested the Redeemer of the World , even then the Devil himself had some power over him , he was in some kind under him as you may Read in Matth. 4. He was carried by the Devil , and Set upon the Pinacle of the Temple . It is a great matter for the Devil to carry any of our Bodies up and down , for Christ to be carried by the Devil , this was very Low. And when he enters upon his office , he wanted bread Fourty daies together , thus he was brought low & al this was free . And then in the constant way of his Poverty , you know what he said of himself . Matth. 8. 20. The Foxes have Holes , and the Birds of the Air have Nests , but the Son of man hath not wherein to put his Head , Christ had not so much as Birds , and Foxes , No little Cottage . Many of you think it hard that you are fain to live in a poor Smoakey hole , a poor Cottage ; you have more then Christ had , Christ had not so much as a Gave to hide his Head , though he was possesser of all the world , he was brought in such a Low condition and all for thee , and to teach thee . And when he came to choose his Disciples , See the lowliness of his spirit there , he did not choose the great ones , Emperors , and Kings , and high ones of the world , but chose a company of illiterate men , Publicans and sinners , Illiterate and despised men Christ chose , and Galileans , yea , Men of Galilee , the worst place in all the Country , Can any good come out of Galilee ? And for the other Disciples that should follow . Who were they ? When Christ came to his own they rejected him : For a man to be rejected when he shall come out of another Countrey , and come home : Suppose one of you should have a Friend come out of another Countrey , and when he comes home , all h●s Friend ; should reject him , cast him out , that he should ●ot have a nights lodging amongst all ; Thus it was with Christ , his own cast him out , and his Kindred laid hand ; on him . And those that did regard him , Who were they ? Not the Scribes and Pharisees , not the great ones , not the learned ones of the world , But this Multitude , a cursed Generation , a company of poor Wretches , a company of Women that were with Christ , and poor Creatures that did follow him ; How loathsome were they in the Eies of all those that did behold Christ . And when he wrought Miracles , there was not many Miracles that he wrought at Jerusalem , but his Miracles was for the most part wrought in obscure Villages . When he was transfigured in his Glory , many must not see him , he carries only those to see him in his Glory that must suffer for him , those that saw him in his Agony , and he charges them not to tell any man at all , which shews the lowliness of his Spirit : And not only so but he goes yet further , and he humbles himself as the Scripture saith , to Death , a painfull Cursed Death , as he did upon the Cross , to be first despised , spit upon : They spate upon his face before , and scorned him , and put Thorns upon his Head , and Buffetted him . Yea , his own Disciples forsake him in his sufferings . And then he must die among Theevs , and a Murderer must be chose , before he must be chose , and the●e he must hang , and he is scorned : we seldome wil scorn Malefactors upon the Gallows , we pitty Malefactors when they go to be hanged : but now to see one upon the Cross , to be hanged there , and Crucified , and yet to be scorned and contemned then , and dying the Death as if he had been the greatest Malefactor upon the face of the Earth . And then he was put into the Grave , and there his Humility was seen : and then what his Spirit felt then , was more than all . Certainly , when he cryed , If it be possible let this Cup pass , and My God My God why hast thou forsaken me ? Oh! the Spirit of Christ was in a low condition at that time : Now that Christ should be content to put himself into this condition , Surely , the heart of Christ was very low . Not to speak of the lowly carriage of Christ in his life , and his tenderness towards those he met withall , that we shewed in opening the Meekness of Christ , but all this you have in the Story of his life .

Sixthly : But further consider what kind of lowliness it was , to omit the consideration of his Person , who he was , that was hinted in speaking of his Lowliness , for that is indeed the greatest consideration of all to set forth the Lowliness of Christ that such a Person , that is the Brightness of the Father , the Character and ingraven Image of his Person to be in such a low condition , it is ten thousand times more , then if all the Kings , Princes , and Emperors in the world , should have been Dogs and Toads , they should not have been so much humbled as Christ was humbled , in being made man for mans sin . But now besides the Person , Consider further this , That his Lowliness in all his carriage was not only towards his Father , but towards men , when he was a man , yet he carries himself as if he were under man ; there is many my Brethren will carry themselves lowly unto God , and when they come into Gods presence they will have low thoughts , but towards man they cannot , Christ was lowly towards men : You may observe in the spirits of men , many will be very crouching and submissive to those that are above them , but unto those that are under them , of the most domineering spirits that are . I have observed of others , that when they are to deal with those that are Noble men , and above them , they will crouch , and be very submissive and hukmble towards them , but when they come to those that are under them , those that are poor Servants , or Children , they will be as Tyrannicall as can be . But Now Christ was low towards man , as well as towards God , low towards his Inferiors , as well as towards his Superiors . And that is observable : Christ was low when he was to have Honor and Glory ; as when you know they would have come and by force have made him a King , they would have compelled Christ at one time to be a King , and laid hand● upon him , but he would by no means regard it , and he continues in this lowliness : And so the Devill shewed him all the Glory in the world , and saith , All this will I give thee , but it was nothing to him . And there was another time that is very observable for the lowliness of Christ Person , as observable as any time , that in Luk. 23. 8 , 9 , 10. It was the time when Christ was brought to Herod , the Text saith , When Herod saw Jesus , he was exceeding glad , for he was destrous to see him of a long season , because he had heard many things of him , and he hoped to have seen some Miracles done by him . Herod had a very high esteem of Jesus Christ , he had heard great fame of Jesus Christ , that he had wrought many Miracles , and when he came to him , he made account surely , I shall see some great Miracles done by him , and therefore Herod is preparing to Honor Christ , but Mark : because Herod was a vile , and a base man , he would not answer him a word , at verse 9. Then he questioned with him in many words , but he answered him nothing , And the chief Priests , and Scribes stood , and vehemently accused him , and Herod with his men of war set him at naught and mocked him , and arrayed him in a gorgeous Robe , and sent him again to Pilate . As if Herod should say , What a poor silly man do you bring before me , I had thought you would have brought me a man that would have wrought Miracles , but I see he is a poor silly Fellow ? Now Christ he was tempted to have sought Glory at Herods Court , and of men , Christ might have shewed himself to have had that excellency in him , that Herod should have had more regard to him than to the Scribes and Pharisees , but Christ would not do this , but suffered himself to be accounted a poor , sleight , mean , Person , and to be scoffed and mocked at , and puts up all .

But further , That that I would observe for the lowliness of Christs Spirit , it was when he was among Proud Ones , many men will seem lowly when they are among Christians that are lowly : When they are amongst a company of Christians that are broken in heart , their hearts wil be broken too , and when a company of Christians are bemoaning their condition , and lamenting their state ; they wil do so too , this is nothing , but to be of a lowly , self denying , yeilding Spirit , when a man is among proud ones , when a man converseth with those that are proud in the world , than still to manifest lowliness , this is to be like Christ .

Yea , and further , that is another circumstance that is very observable , to be lowly and humble when our lowliness and humility shall be contemned , it is an ordinary thing for Men and Women to manifest humility , when their Humility shal bring credit to them , for there is a great deal of humility that brings credit to them , and they know it well enough , and therefore they will seem to be humble when they are among them that will honor them , and prize them the more for that humility ; but if they be in a place , where the more humble they appear , the more they shal be scorned , and they shall not be honoured for their humility , not esteemed the better for it , this is the tryall of thy Grace , and of others Grace , to manifest Grace in such a place , and among such company that no body wil take notice of it , so as to prize it , and prize you for it ; but on the contrary wil contemn you , & contemn you for it , you shal be scorned the more becaus you are humble , yet than to be humble at that time , & in that Company , Here is the Glory of a Christian indeed : In these three or four things especially consists Humility , To be humble towards our Inferiors , and when you are tempted to the contrary , many are humble many times when they have no temptation , but set a Beggar a Horse back , if he have any temptation , and then they will not be humble , Christ had the greatest temptation and yet was humble . And then to be in company where they will scorn you , and contemn you for your Humility , and yet to be Humble consists in this Humility . And al this in the constant course of your Life , to be humble at a fit , and a start , there is but few men and Women in the world , but take them in some fit or start , and they will be humble , but at other fits they will be proud ; but Christ had a constant Lowliness of Spirit , what ever the variety of his condition was that he was put into , yet stil his Heart was low , if the people did cry Hosanna to him , yet he carried himself with a Lowly Spirit : so for a man or Woman to have such a strength of Spirit , that though they be put into varieties of conditions , somtimes one way , and somtimes another way , yet to keep a constant Lowliness of heart in all conditions , this is to Learn of Christ , and this is but to set forth the Lowliness of Christs Spirit , Learn of me , for I am Meek and Lowly , Well , may Christ say of himself , that he was Lowly in Heart .

Yea and to add this one more .

He was lowly for others , Christ was lowly for the good of others , we may be lowly and crouch perhaps for some design of our own : but Christs Lowliness , His Emptying of himself was for the advantage of others , and therefore , as for himself in John 17. the beginning , saith Christ there unto his father in his praier , Father Glorifie me with the Glory that I had with thee before the beginning of the world . It seems Christ is content with the same Glory he had before the world was , What should become of all that Glory that he had purchased by his lowliness , It is as if Christ should say ? Let my people have all that , whatever Glory is purchased by my lowliness , by my humbling of my self I am content that they should have that Glory , but as for me , Father , The hour is come , Glorifie thy Son , I have Glorified thee on Earth , O Father Glorifie me with thine own self , with the Glory I had with thee before the world was , I will be content with the same Glory I had from thee before the world was , Surely there should be a great deal of Glory purchased by his Humility , yet saith he , Let me but have that , and as for the other Let my people have that , thus Christ is lowly , for us , to teach us to be lowly , and deny our selves for others as well as for our selves . But of this more when we come to shew how we should be lowly as Christ was in the opening of our Lowliness .