April 15

Monday after Second Sunday in Lent

Be clothed with humility. 1 S. PETER v. 5.

HUMILITY is the great ornament and jewel of Christian religion; that whereby it is distinguished from all the wisdom of the world. "Learn of Me," saith the Saviour, "for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Think not of thyself better for anything that happens to thee from without. Humility consists not in railing against thyself, or wearing mean clothes, or going softly and submissively, but in hearty and real evil or mean opinion of thyself. Whatsoever evil thou sayest of thyself, be content that others should think to be true. Love to be concealed and little esteemed; be content to want praise, never being troubled when thou art slighted or undervalued; for thou canst not undervalue thyself.

Humility is the softening shadow before the statue of Excellence,

And lieth lowly on the ground, beloved and lovely as the violet: Humility is the fair-haired maid that calleth Worth her brother, The gentle silent nurse that fostereth infant virtues:

Humility bringeth no excuse; she is welcome to God and man; Her countenance is needful unto all who would prosper in either world;

And the mild light of her sweet face is mirrored in the eyes of her companions,

And straightway stand they accepted, children of penitence and love.

As when the blind man is nigh unto a rose, its sweetness is the herald of its beauty;

So when thou savourest humility, be sure thou art nigh unto merit.