God's terrible voice in the city

Thus some also out of a secret design of pride have discommended others behind their backs, that they might be thought to exceed them, whom they could correct, and find fault withal; they have laboured to bring down others that they might set up themselves. And the same design of Pride they have had in commending others to their faces, and exalting them in words above themselves, not from a real esteem which they have had of them above themselves, but ⟨p. 152⟩only that they might draw forth a commendation from them.

Thus some also out of a secret design of pride have discommended others behinde their backs, that they might be thought to exceed them, whom they could correct, and finde fault withall; they have laboured to bring down others that they might set up themselves. And the same design of Pride they have had in commending others to their faces, and exalting them in words above themselves, not from a reall esteem which they have had of them above themselves, but ⟨p. 152⟩only that they might draw forth a commendation from them.

Such expressions of pride have been to be found in Professors, and have been more latent; but I shall speak of the more gross and open expressions, which have been general in the City. We read of the pride of the Daughters of Jerusalem, Isa. 3. 16, &c. They were haughty, and walked with stretched forth necks, and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they went, and making a tinkling with their feet: and what was it they were proud of? See from v. 18. to v. 25. Their ornaments, their Cauls, their Tires, their Chains, their Bracelets, their Mufflers, their Tablets, their Head-bands, their Rings, their Jewels, their changeable suits of Apparel, and the like. And hath there not been this pride in London? Were not the Daughters of London like the Daughters of Zion for pride, and haughtiness? Was there any place in England that could show such pride of Apparel as London could show, which the Female sex were not only guilty of? Was there any fashion, though never so antic and apish, which London did not presently imitate? Who can count the Cost which hath been lavished out in Clothing, and rich Apparel? some pinching their Bellies and Families to lay it out on this Lust.