Fire and brimstone from heaven, from earth, in hell, or, Three discourses I. Concerning…

1. It reproves the Udgodly, and that for the practice of such Sins as were the cause of Sodom's ruin. Such as

1. It reproves the Udgodly, and that for the practice of such Sins as were the cause of Sodom's ruine. Such as

First, Pride and Haughtiness; I believe many in our age and Nation will vie with any of the Sodomites of old for▪ Devilish Pride and haughty spirits▪ (if we may guess at the pride of the heart by the garbs, the look and the speech,) there are some and those not a few, who seem to have outgone all former generations, and may well be styled the First-born of the Devil for this Sin, although they have been brought forth at the later end of the World.

First, Pride and Haughtiness; I believe many in our age and Nation will vye with any of the Sodomits of old for▪ Devilish Pride and haughty spirits▪ (if we may guesse at the pride of the heart by the garbs, the look and the speach,) there are some and those not a few, who seem to have outgone all former generations, and may well be stiled the First-born of the Devil for this Sin, although they have been brought forth at the later end of the World.

What shall we say, when men of the higher rank do so generally▪ without need disguise and hide their heads in others hair, and that of the womanish length, and for the most part of another colour than their own; and when woman disguise and hide the natural colour of their faces with pain• and patches? what shall we think of the flaunting apparel, the Antique and Apish fashions, of the ruffling Gallants in our Nation? not to speak of the excessive cost bestowed in their changeable raiment, more being spent upon one suit worn by some but a few days, then would be sufficient to cloth the backs and fill the bellies of some scores of poor Christians, nor to insist upon the excessive time spent or rather misspent in dressing, wherein some do consume near half the time, which they spare from the bed and sleep. What shall we say of the taunting language, the scornful and reproachful speeches, which some do fill their mouths withal, and which they spit forth upon the people of God, and that because of their holiness and likeness unto God, whereby they despise not only them, but also him whose image they bear? what shall we think of the stately building, the excessive shows and flourishes without, and expensive furniture within, and that when those houses are newly risen out of their ashes and when the Church lieth wast, and so many poor Families are brought to a morsel of Bread? what do these things with many more, which I might mention; signify, but that pride doth compass such persons about like a chain, whereby they are enthralled and captivated; and let me say this, that the Devil hath hold of the end of this chain, and is thereby dragging them downwards,