Page:The whole familiar colloquies of Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam.djvu/363

THE SERMO&. 359 is religion, to expect it from angels or saints is superstition. Paul, therefore, means that it is the part of an abject mind, and not that exalted mind of Christ, to swerve aside to the fictitious apparitions of angels, and it is the part of a mean mind to be led about by every- body's persuasion. Here you see that Tairtivofypoavvri is used in a bad sense. Le. I see it.

Hi. Again, in the same chapter, " After the commandments and doctrines of men, which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will- worship and humility." Here again raTrtivotypocrvvri is used in a bad sense. Le. It is plain. Hi. Again, in 1 Peter v. it is used for that virtue which is contrary to pride, rr/y rairtivofypocrvviiv ijKOfjifiwaaaOE, for which we read " be clothed with humility." And again, in Philip- pians ii., ry raTravo^pocruvrj aAA/;Aouc fiyov/uevot UTrep^oi/rae laurwi/, " In lowliness of mind let every one esteem another better than him- self." Le. You have made it out that rcnrfivotypoavvri is used both ways, when the Romans use modestia only by way of commendation ; but can you prove that Tcnrei voxrte is used for modesty ] Hi. There is no absurdity in using of it so. There is nothing hinders but that we may attribute submission and lowliness to the mind; but whether or no it be so used in the holy scriptures I cannot tell. Le. Consider if St. James uses it in that sense or not, James L 9, 10, "Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted, but the rich in that he is made low."

Hi. In that place it is ev Tcnreivutcrei, not TaTrsivot^pocriivr]. And if you will needs have it, that here humility is taken for modesty, it follows of consequence that we must take exaltation for pride, and then arises a twofold absurdity. For as he is no modest man that boasts of his modesty and brags of himself, so also he is doubly arro- gant that glories in his pride. Le. What, then, does the apostle mean ? Hi. He commands equality among Christians. The poor man is said to be low, in that he is of a meaner fortune ; the rich man. is said to be high in the eye of the world, because of the splendour of his fortune. This rich man debases himself to the condition of a poor man, and the poor man is raised to be equal with the rich man. They have both of them something to glory in the one rejoices in his helping the necessity of the poor with his riches; the other glories in the name of Christ, that He has inspired such a spirit into the rich. Le. But all this while the rich man enjoys the commendation of his modesty too. Hi. Perhaps he may, but it does not thence follow that TaTriivwaig signifies modesty. For there are some persons who bestow a great deal upon the poor that they may gain a good name among men. But, indeed, both of them may be modest if they are truly pious: the rich man, when it is not burdensome to him, for Christ's sake, to be made equal with the poor; and the poor man, that he does not become puffed p with the honour conferred upon him, but, giving thanks to Christ, glories in Him. It is beyond dispute that Tcnriivwaic; is fre- quently used in the holy scriptures to signify that lowliness of mind or dejection which proceeds from affliction or infirmity. Thus Paul, in Philippians iii., " Who shall change our vile bodies," TairtivtsHJiwQ. Jn like manner in Psalm ix. 13, "Consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me," Tcnrtivajaiv. And again, in Psalm i. 28, " This ,