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

(1.) Consider, Curiosity in Clothes argues Deformity of Mind; a godly serious humble Christian is above these things. Therefore how can we choose but think that a Man or Woman hath Vanity in his Heart, that is so clothed with it upon his Back? Look, as Plasters argue a Wound or Sore; so do these exotic and vain Attires argue a Wound and Blot in the Soul; that there is Pride, Vanity and Levity there. Clemens Alexandrinus observes that the Lacedaemonians permitted only Harlots and infamous Women, and common Prostitutes to go in gorgeous Attire. Clothes then are the Flag and Ensign which Pride hangs out, and the Nest of Wantonness.

(1.) Consider, Curiosity in Clothes argues Deformity of Mind; a godly serious humble Christian is above these things. Therefore how can we chuse but think that a Man or Woman hath Vanity in his Heart, that is so clothed with it upon his Back? Look, as Plaisters argue a Wound or Sore; so do these exotick and vain Attires argue a Wound and Blot in the Soul; that there is Pride, Vanity and Levity there. Clemens Alexandrinus observes that the Lacedemonians permitted only Harlots and infamous Women, and common Prostitutes to go in gorgeous Attire. Clothes then are the Flag and Ensign which Pride hangs out, and the Nest of Wantonness.

(2.) To be proud of Clothes, is to be proud of our own Shame. Before Sin came in, Man did not need a Garment. Look as the Sun is adorned with Light, it needs no Trimming and Ornament; so Man in Innocency was adorned with Grace, and needed no other Robe; but when he sinned, he needed Garments. So then he that is proud of his Clothes, is but proud of the Rags with which his Wounds are bound up. Clothes are a Memorial that we were once disobedient to God. Shall a Thief be proud of his Shackles; or a Malefactor of his Brand or Mark in his Forehead? This is a time of Mourning, not of Triumph; therefore God at first clothed Adam with Skins, an Habit that becomes Mourning. We shall not need these things in Heaven: Clothes are only there in Use where Sin is.