understanding bowed to every divine truth, and the will to every
I. There is MEEKNESS TOWARDS God, and it is the easy and quiet submission of the soul to His whole will, according as He is pleased to make it known, whether by His word or by His providence.
1. It is the silent submission of the soul to the word of God: the understanding bowed to every divine truth, and the will to every divine precept; and both without murmuring or arguing. The word is then an "engrafted word," when it is received with meekness, that is, with a sincere willingness to be taught, and desire to learn. Meekness is a grace that cuts the stock, and holds it open, that the word, as a shoot, may be grafted in; it breaks up the fallow ground, and makes it fit to receive the seed; captivates the high thoughts, and lays the soul like white paper under God's pen. When the dayspring takes hold of the ends of the earth, it is said to be turned as clay to the seal. Job 38:14. In the same way, meekness disposes the soul to admit the rays of divine light, which before it rebelled against; it opens the heart, as Lydia's was opened, and sets us down with Mary at the feet of Christ, the learner's place and posture.
The promise of teaching is made to the meek, because they are disposed to learn: "the meek He will teach His way." The word of God is gospel indeed, "good tidings to the meek;" they will entertain it and welcome it. The "poor in spirit" are evangelized; and Wisdom's alms are given to those that with meekness wait daily at her gates, and like beggars wait at the doorposts. Prov. 8:34. The language of this meekness is that of the child Samuel: "Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears;" and that of Joshua, who, when he was in that high post of honor, giving command to Israel, and bidding defiance to all their enemies—his breast filled with great and bold thoughts—yet, upon the hint of a message from heaven, thus submits himself to it: "What does my Lord say to His servant?" and that of Paul—and it was the first breath of the new man—"Lord, what will You have me to