The life of faith in three parts, the first is a sermon on Heb.…

4. Another of Prides pretences is Decency, and the avoiding of reproach and scorn: If we live not as high as others, we shall be derided or contemned; or thought to be sordid, beggarly or base.

Answ. 1. This is one of the signs and effects of Pride, that it maketh a greater matter of other mens thoughts of you, than you ought to make: It cannot bear contempt and scorn so easily as Humility can do: Too careful avoiding of contempt, is the proper work of Pride. 2. It is granted that you should ⟨p. 452⟩not be contemptuous of your just reputation; and also that you must not by any causeless affected singularity, or by any practice which is indeed uncomely, make your selves the scorn of others. But it is as true that you must not desire a higher estimation than is really your due; nor yet be over solicitous for that which is your due indeed; nor must you follow the proud in any thing which is contrary to true humility, for the keeping of their good report, nor go above your rank to avoid contempt. 3. And forget not whose good word it is that you should especially regard: Your truest honour is in the esteem of God, and all good men, and not in the opinion or praises of the proud. They that are addicted to this vice themselves, perhaps may deride those that go below them (and yet they will more envy those that go above them:) But the humble will think much better of you for being humble, and nothing can make you viler in their eyes than Pride. If you were humble your selves, you would prefer your honour with humble, wise and sober persons, above the opinions of the proud, who know not good from evil.

Answ. 1. This is one of the signs and effects of Pride, that it maketh a greater matter of other mens thoughts of you, than you ought to make: It cannot bear contempt and scorn so easily as Humility can do: Too careful avoiding of contempt, is the proper work of Pride. 2. It is granted that you should ⟨p. 452⟩not be contemptuous of your just reputation; and also that you must not by any causless affected singularity, or by any practice which is indeed uncomely, make your selves the scorn of others. But it is as true that you must not desire a higher estimation than is really your due; nor yet be over solicitous for that which is your due indeed; nor must you follow the proud in any thing which is contrary to true humility, for the keeping of their good report, nor go above your rank to avoid contempt. 3. And forget not whose good word it is that you should especially regard: Your truest honour is in the esteem of God, and all good men, and not in the opinion or praises of the proud. They that are addicted to this vice themselves, perhaps may deride those that go below them (and yet they will more envy those that go above them:) But the humble will think much better of you for being humble, and nothing can make you viler in their eyes than Pride. If you were humble your selves, you would prefer your honour with humble, wise and sober persons, above the opinions of the proud, who know not good from evil.