A treatise of self-denial. By Richard Baxter, pastor of the church at KidderminsterA treatise of self-denial. By Richard Baxter, pastor of the church at Kederminster

what would you think of one that should go up and down the street, telling all that meet him, [I am a thief, or I am a fornicator] would you not think that he were a compound of foolery and knavery? And how little do you come short of this that write upon your own backs, [Folly, Pride and Lust] or tell them by your apparel, [Take notice of me: I am foolish, Proud, and lustful?]

3. And if you be so silly as to think that bravery is a means of honour, you should withal consider that it is but a shameful begging of honour from those that look upon you, when you show them not any thing to purchase or deserve it. Honour must be forced by desert and worth, and not come by begging; for that is no honour that's given to the undeserving. It is but the shadow of desert, and will constantly follow it among the wise and good, but never go without it. Your bravery doth so openly show your desire of esteem and honour, that it plainly tells all wise men that you are the less worthy of it. For the more a man desireth esteem, the less he deserves it. And you tell the world by your attire that you desire it: even as plainly and foolishly as if you should say to folks in the streets [I pray think well of me, and take me for an handsome comely person, and for one that is above the common sort.] Would you not laugh at one that should make such a request to you? Why, what do you less, when by your attire you beg estimation from them? And for what I pray you, should we esteem you? Is it for your clothes? Why I can put a silver lace upon a mawkin, or a silken coat on a post, or on an Ass. Is it for your comely ⟨p. 179⟩bodies? why a wicked Absalom was beautiful, and the basest harlots have had as much of this as you: A comely body, or beautiful face doth oft betray the soul, but never saveth it from hell. And your bodies are never the comelier for your dress, whatever▪ they may seem. Is it for your virtues that you would be esteemed? Why pride is the greatest enemy to virtue, and as great a deformity to the foul as the Pox is to the body: And he that will think you ever the honester for a new suit, or a silver lace, doth as little know what honesty is as your selves. For shame therefore give over begging for esteem, at least by such a means as inviteth all wise men to deny your suit; But either let honour come without begging for, or be without it.