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

4. Consider also that excess of Apparel doth quite contradict the End that proud persons do intend it for. I confess it doth sometime ensnare a fool, and so accomplish the desires of the lustful: But it seldom attaineth the ends of the proud: For their desire is to be the highlier esteemed, and almost all men do think the meanlier of them. Wise men have more wit, than to think the Taylor can make a wise man or woman, or an honest man or woman, or an handsome man or woman: Good men pity them, and lament their folly and vice, and wish them wisdom and humility. In the eyes of a wise and gracious man, a poor self-denying, humble, patient, heavenly Christian, is worth a thousand of these painted posts and peacocks. And it so falls out that the ungodly themselves do frustrate the proud persons expectations. For as covetous men do not like covetousness in another, because they would get most themselves, so Proud persons like not Pride in others, because they would not have any to vie with them, or overtop them, and be looked upon and preferred before them. None look with such scorn and ⟨p. 180⟩envy at your bravery, as those that are as silly and sinful as your selves, who cannot endure that you should excel them in vanity; so that good and bad do ordinarily despise or pity you for that which you think should procure your esteem.

4. Consider also that excess of Apparel doth quite contradict the End that proud persons do intend it for. I confess it doth sometime ensnare a fool, and so accomplish the desires of the lustful: But it seldom attaineth the ends of the proud: For their desire is to be the highlier esteemed, and almost all men do think the meanlier of them. Wise men have more wit, than to think the Taylor can make a wise man or woman, or an honest man or woman, or an handsom man or woman: Good men pity them, and lament their folly and vice, and wish them wisdom and humility. In the eyes of a wise and gracious man, a poor self-denying, humble, patient, heavenly Christian, is worth a thousand of these painted posts and peacocks. And it so falls out that the ungodly themselves do frustrate the proud persons expectations. For as covetous men do not like covetousness in another, because they would get most themselves, so Proud persons like not Pride in others, because they would not have any to vie with them, or overtop them, and be look'd upon and preferr'd before them. None look with such scorn and ⟨p. 180⟩