Chapter 63
Of the estimation which we are to make of our good works that we may not fail thereby, in the knowledge of ourselves, and of true Humility; and of the marvellous example, which Christ our Lord doth give us, for this purpose.
THE second thing that thou art to observe concerning this knowledge, is, that although it be good, and profitable (since thereby we come to have a contrite and humbled hart) yet hath it this fault, that it is ever grounded, upon our having committed sin. And it is not to be much marvelled at, if a sinner do know, and esteem himself to be a sinner. For being such, he should withal, be a hideous monster, if he would esteem himself for just; as if a man, who were all full of leprosy, should account himself to be in health. We1 must not therefore be contented to esteem only little of ourselves, in respect of our sins; but much more are we to do so, in our good works Profoundly knowing, that neither the fault of sin is of God, nor the glory of our good deeds, of ourselves. But that of all the good that may be in us, we are perfectly to give the glory, to the Father of lights, from whom all good and perfect gifts descend. So that, although we may have a thing that is good, we must look upon it as none of ours; and we must use it with so great fidelity, as not to pretend for the glory which is due to God, nor that the honey (as the Proverb saith) may be found sticking to our finger's ends. This humility is not of sinners, as the first was, but of just persons.
Not only is this kind of humility in this world, but in heaven also. For by occasion thereof, it is written, Who is like our Lord God, who dwelleth in the Altitudes, and looks upon humble things, both in heaven, and in earth. This kept the good Angels fast on foot; and disposed them fitly for the enjoying of God, since they would be subject to him. And the want thereof, did thrust down those wicked Angels, because they had a mind to rob God of his honour. This was possessed by the sacred Virgin Mary, our B. Lady; who being preached for happy, and blessed by the mouth of S. Elizabeth, she puffed not up, nor did she attribute to herself any glory, for the graces which were in her; but with2 an humble, and most faithful hart, she teacheth S. Elizabeth, and the whole world, that the glory of the greatness to which she was raised, was not due to her, but to God; and with profound reverence, she beginneth to sing, My soul doth magnify our Lord.
This very humility (and that which was yet more perfect) did inhabit the most blessed soul of Jesus Christ our Lord; which (for as much as concerned the personal being, that he had, did not rest upon itself, but upon the person of the Word) as it exceeded all the souls and celestial spirits, in other graces; so did it exceed them, in holy humility; being further off from giving glory to itself, and from relying upon itself, than all those others put together. And from this hart did that proceed, which so often he most faithfully preached to the world, That he had received his works, and words, from his Father and that to him, he gave the glory. And he said, My doctrine is not mine but of him that sent me; and again The3 words that I speak, I speak not of myself but the Father who is in me, is he that doth the works. And so it was fit, that the redresser of mankind, should be very humble, since pride was the roo●e of all misery and mischief. And our Lord, resolving to make us know how necessary it is, for us to have this holy and true humility, he maketh himself a master of it, in particular manner; and he puts his own example before our eyes, saying thus, Learn4 of me for I am humble and meek. To the end, that men, seeing their so wise Master, recommend this virtue so particularly, they might labour much in the purchase thereof. And seeing that our Lord, being so sovereign, doth not attribute the good to himself, there may be no man so frantic, as to presume upon the committing of so great a wickedness.
Learn therefore, O thou servant of Christ, of this thy Master, and Lord, this holy humility, to the end, that according to his word, thou mayst be exalted, For he5 that humbleth himself shallbe exalted. And keep in thy soul, this holy Poverty; for of this it is understood, Blessed6 are the poor in spirit, for of them is the kingdom of heaven. And of this be sure, that since Jesus Christ our Lord, was exalted by the way of humility, he that hath not this, doth lose his way. And he must unbeguile himself, and believe, that which S. Augustine saith; If thou ask me which is the way to heaven, I shall answer thee, Humility; and if thou ask me till the third time, I shall answer thee the same; and if thou ask me a thousand times, a thousand times shall I answer, that there is no other way7 but of Humility.
Footnotes
Chapter 65 of 115