Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

2. In regard of Propriety. And this doctrine is no less an abatement of pride in the highest, as well as in the meanest, it lowers pride in point of Propriety, as well as in point of Authority. ^*Is any proud of his possessions, how many Lords of those possessions have gone before you? How many are to follow you? Your Dominion lasts but for a short time, too short, to be a cause of any pride and glory in it. God by a sovereign power can take you from them, or them from you, when he pleaseth. The Traveller refresheth himself in the heat of Summer under a shady Tree; how many have done so before him the same day, he knows not, and how many will have the benefit after, before night comes, he is as much ignorant of; he and the others that went before him, and follow after him, use it for their refreshment, but none of them can say, they are the Lords of it. The property is invested in some other person, whom perhaps they know not; the propriety of all you have, is in God, not truly in your selves. Doth not that man deserve scorn from you, who will play the proud fool in gay Clothes and attire, which are known to be none of his own, but borrowed? Is it not the same case with every proud man, though he hath a property in his Goods by the Law of the Land? Is any thing you have your own truly? Is it not lent you by the great Lord? Is it not the same vanity in any of you, to be proud of what you have as Gods loan to you, as for such a one to be proud of what he hath borrowed of man. And do you not make your selves as ridiculous to Angels, and good Men who know, that though it is yours in opposition to man, yet it is not yours in opposition to God, they are granted you only for your use, as the Collar of Esses and Sword, and other Ensigns of the chief Magistrate in the City, pass through many hands in regard of the use of them, but the propriety remains in the Community and body of the City. Or as the Silver plate of a person that invites you to a Feast, is for your use during the time of the invitation. What ground is there, to be proud of those things, you are not the absolute Lords and Proprietors of, but only have the use of them granted to you, during the pleasure of the sovereign of the World?

2. In regard of Propriety. And this doctrine is no less an abatement of pride in the highest, as well as in the meanest, it lowers pride in point of Propriety, as well as in point of Authority. ^*