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

5. Consider also, that Apparel is the fruit or consequent of sin, that laid man naked and open unto shame: and is it fit you should be proud of that which is ordained to hide your ••ame; and which should humble you by minding you of the sin that caused the necessity of it?

6. And you should bethink you better than most Gallants do, what account you mean to make to God for the money that you lay out in excess of bravery, will it think you be a good and comfortable account, to say, [Lord, I laid out so much to feed and manifest my Pride and Lust] when such abundance of pious and charitable uses did call for all that you could spare? Many a Lord, and Knight, & Gallant bestoweth more in one suit of clothes, or in one set of hangings, or in the superfluous dress of a Daughter, than would keep a family of poor people for a 12 month, or than would maintain a poor Scholar for higher service than ever they themselves will do; And many a poor boy or girl goeth without a Bible, or any good books, that they may lay out all they have on their backs.

6. And you should bethink you better than most Gallants do, what account you mean to make to God for the money that you lay out in excess of bravery, will it think you be a good and comfortable account, to say, [Lord, I laid out so much to feed and manifest my Pride and Lust] when such abundance of pious and charitable uses did call for all that you could spare? Many a Lord, and Knight, & Gallant bestoweth more in one suit of cloaths, or in one set of hangings, or in the superfluous dress of a Daughter, than would keep a family of poor people for a 12 moneth, or than would maintain a poor Scholar for higher service than ever they themselves will do; And many a poor boy or girl goeth without a Bible, or any good books, that they may lay out all they have on their backs.