A treatise of mans imaginations Showing his natural evil thoughtsA treatise of mans imaginations Shewing his naturall euill thoughts

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.