Now touching this thought of pride, two things must be observed: the danger, and the highest degree of it.1 For the danger of this thought; The outward affecting of strange fashions in apparel is a wonderful pride; But the most vile and wretched pride of all, ⟨p. 122⟩is that spiritual pride of the heart whereby a man despiseth all other, in regard of himself, and thinketh himself far better then any. This I manifest by sundry reasons, as first, from the fruits of this inward pride: for hence do slow many damnable sins; in mens lives and conversations:2 §1as first, Ambition, whereby men are not content with that estate, wherewith God hath blessed them: but do seek by all means to be advanced to higher dignity & §2estate. Secondly, Presumption, whereby men dare enterprise things beyond their calling, and above their power, taking upon them more then §3they are able for. Thirdly, boasting, whereby a man speaks of himself more then is seemly, ⟨p. 123⟩& extolleth himself above his desert. Fourthly, Hypocrisy, when a man pretendeth he hath that grace, and religion §4which indeed he hath not, or else maketh show of more grace then is truly in him. Fifthly, Obstinacy, when a man persisteth in an error, & §5will not yield to the truth, though it be manifested unto him. Sixthly, Contention, whereby men strive one against another in word or deed, without §6relenting. And lastly, Affectation of Novelties, especially §7in outward attire, for when a mans conceives so highly of himself, then withal he thinks no manner of attire good enough to beautify, and adorn his body; and so begins to devise, and affect strange and foreign attire.
Now touching this thought of pride, two things must bee obserued: the danger, and the highest degree of it.1 For the danger of this thought; The outward affecting of strange fashions in apparell is a wonderfull pride; But the most vile and wretched pride of all, ⟨p. 122⟩is that spirituall pride of the heart whereby a man despiseth all other, in regarde of himselfe, and thinketh himselfe far better then any. This I manifest by sundrie reasons, as first, from the fruites of this inward pride: for hence doe slowe many damnable sinnes; in mens liues and conuersations:2 §1as first, Ambition, whereby men are not content with that estate, wherewith God hath belssed them: but doe seeke by all meanes to bee advanced to higher dignitie & §2estate. Secondly, Presumption, whereby men dare enterprise things beyond their calling, and aboue their power, taking vppon them more then §3they are able for. Thirdly, boasting, wherby a man speaks of himselfe more then is seemely, ⟨p. 123⟩& extolleth himselfe aboue his desert. Fourthly, Hipocrysie, when a man pretendeth he hath that grace, and religion §4which indeed he hath not, or els maketh shew of more grace then is truly in him. Fiftly, Obstniacie, when a man persisteth in an errour, & §5will not yeeld to the truth, though it be manifested vnto him. Sixtly, Contention, wherby men striue one against another in word or deed, without §6relenting. And lastly, Affectation of Novelties, especially §7in outward attyre, for when a mans cōceiues so highly of himselfe, then withall he thinkes no manner of attyre good enough to bewtifie, and adorne his body; and so begins to deuise, and affect strange and forraigne attyre.
- 1The danger of this thought.
- 2Fruits of inward pride.Fruites of inward pride.
