An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-eighth, thirty-ninth, fortieth, forty-first, and forty-second,…

Fourthly, In that these goodly wings given to the Peacock, are by some rendered proud wings, and by others boasting wings.

Fourthly, In that these goodly wings given to the Peacock, are by some rendred proud wings, and by others boasting wings.

Note; There is a temptation in gay worldly things, to puff up the mind with pride.

The very Peacock having fine feathers, over-weens himself, and is proud of them. As we say, Fine feathers, make fine birds, ⟨p. 390⟩so we may say, Fine feathers, make proud birds. And no wonder if it be so with silly birds; for even wise men, if they receive any thing that is goodly from the hand of God, are very apt to be as proud of it, as the Peacock of his goodly wings. If the Lord doth but give us a few gay feathers, a little more riches than others, a little more honour than others (these are gay feathers) or if the Lord give us better and higher parts than others (these are gayer feathers) How hard is it for us to keep down high thoughts, or not to soar high upon these wings and feathers, in admitting thoughts and airy conceits of our selves, though the holy Ghost every where way-layeth the pride of our hearts by many arguments, by this especially, because all we have is given us by God, and we have nothing of our own. The Lord hath given man many goodly feathers, beauty and strength of body to many, riches and honour to not a few, wit, learning, eloquence to some, and to others spiritual gifts and graces, which are the goodliest feathers of all. Now seeing, all these are given us, why should we be proud of any one of them? yea, how humble should we be, though adorned with them all! Hence that Apostolical check to proud ones (