BEcause the nature of obedience stands in subjection, therefore in the next place we must treat of humility towards God in which there is a submission, In. 4. 6, 7. which is joyned with the feare of God, Pro. 2[gap]. 4.

The first Question is what are the signes of true humility towards God?

1. Ans. First, A serious acknowledgement of our owne imperfection before him, Psal. 30. 2. 3. Esa. 40. 6. 1 Pet. 1. 24. For pride stands in an imagination and affectation of excellency;

2. Secondly, an acknowledgement of that same great guilt which lies on us by reason of our [gap]ins committed against, him Rom. 3. 19. For pride doth exclude the serious confession hereof, Luke 18. 11.

3. Thirdly, a submission with silence to the judgements of God, Psal. 39 5. 1 Rom. 3. 18. Iob. 1. 21. & 39. 37. For a proud man answer[gap] againe, Rom. 9. 20.

4. Fourthly, an amplification of the grace and mercy of God in all his benefits, 1 Chron. 29. 14 For a proud man doth in some sort thinke himselfe worthy of all good things, and that they are no more then his due, Deutri. 8. 14. 17. & 9. 4.

5. Fifthly, an holy admiration of those wayes of God which are past finding out, Iob. 42. 3. Rom. 11. 33, 34. Psal. 13. 1. For a proud man thinks himselfe able to comprehend all things, and that all things ought to be communicated to him.

6. Sixthly, a laying aside all our dignity and excellency above others, in the presence of God and duties of his worship,

Apoc. 4. 10. For a proud man hath his thoughts upon his owne excellency, and doth contemne others even in the presence of God. Luke 18. 11.

7. Seventhly, an apprehension of our owne meanesse and basenesse in the presence of God, and a trembling because of of his Majesty, Ge[gap]. 18. 27.

8. Eighthly, an holy modesty in the worship of God, Eccles 5. 1, 2, 3.

9. Ninthly, a voluntary undertaking of those taskes which God puts upon us although they may [gap]eeme to be but men and ba[gap]e, P[gap]l. 2. 8. Iohn 13. 14.

The second Question is by what arguments a man may be stir'd up to the study of humility towards God?

10. Ans. First, if he se[gap] before his eyes the majesty and power of God, 1 Pet. 5. 6.

11. Secondly, if he consider of the nature of this humility to wit that it makes the soule of man fit, that it may become an house or temple of God, Esay. 66. 3. That it may be a sacrifice for God▪ Psal. 51. 19. that it may be a receptacle for the grace of God, pro. 3. 3. 5▪ that it may be capable of wisdome, pro. 11. 2. For this is the mother of all other vertues, and is also it selfe a singular ornament of the soule, 1 pet. 5. 5.

12. Thirdly, if he consider of the promises which are made to the humble. God will respect them, Esai 66. 2. He will give them his grace Iam. 4. 6. 1 pet. 5. 5. He will exalt them, Iam. 4. 10. 1 pet. 5▪ 6. Luke 18. 14. He will reward them with all kind of good things, pro. 22. 4.

13. Fourthly, if he consider that humility is necessary to the end that we may seeke God and turne away his anger, [gap]. 2. 3. 2 Chron. 12. 7.

14. Fifthly, if he consider that humility is required in every duty that we performe to God, M[gap]ca. 6▪ 8.