A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

Mark, the vain World is not to give you a Precedent, but the Use of the Churches, and the Practice of godly Christians, and their Sobriety.

(3.) When our Apparel exceeds the Proportion of our Callings and Abilities. There is more due to Persons of a higher Rank than to those of inferior place; Matth. 11.8. They that wear soft Clothing, are in Kings Houses. It is more commendable in them that stand before Princes, than in others; and therefore our Rank and Place, and Estate, must be considered. It is a wrong to the Family, and the Poor, when our Garments exceed our Abilities. Nay, but take them both together, though they do not exceed our Abilities; yet if they exceed our State, Place and Calling, it is a Sin. As for Instance, For Ministers who should be mortified to the Glory and Pomp of the World, it is not fit for them to shine in Bravery as others do. So for Ministers Wives, the Scripture is pleased to take notice of Women in that Relation, above all other Women; 1 Tim. 3.11. Their Wives must ⟨p. 78⟩be grave, sober. And for Servants it is odious to see them strive to be in a Garb exceeding their Station, and to do as others of better Rank and higher Place. As Habits were given for Necessity, so for Distinction of Ranks and Orders of Men: and as odd a Sight it is to see an Inferior exalting in Pomp, as to put the Attire of the Head upon the Feet, and Shoes on the Head.

(3.) When our Apparel exceeds the Proportion of our Callings and Abilities. There is more due to Persons of a higher Rank than to those of inferiour place; Matth. 11.8. They that wear soft Clothing, are in Kings Houses. It is more commendable in them that stand before Princes, than in others; and therefore our Rank and Place, and Estate, must be considered. It is a wrong to the Family, and the Poor, when our Garments exceed our Abilities. Nay, but take them both together, though they do not exceed our Abilities; yet if they exceed our State, Place and Calling, it is a Sin. As for Instance, For Ministers who should be mortified to the Glory and Pomp of the World, it is not fit for them to shine in Bravery as others do. So for Ministers Wives, the Scripture is pleased to take notice of Women in that Relation, above all other Women;