The Life of Faith. than Crcefus7, or idler his Apofllcs than the Prelates and Car- dinalsof Koine ; or to be of chofe poor that are poor in fpirit, who are rich in faith, and heirs ofHeaven, lames 2. 5. Mattb. 5. 3. Nor is it any defirable honour to have our fatvation fo much hindered and hazarded, as the rich have. God, and An- gds, and wife men, do think never the worfc of -a good man for being poor. 5. The high- minded arc therefore ufually addiéted to tome excels in ornaments and apparel, becaufe they would be taken to be rich and comely (unlefs when their Pride worketh forte other way.) Yea, if they be never fo mean and poor, they would fecm by their clothing to be fomewhat richer than they are or would be.rich in hypocrite, or outward appearance, except it hinder their relief. They that wear Eft clothing were wont to dwell in the houles of Kings, Z1atth. r d. S. but now they dwell in thehoules of moil Citizens, Tradefinen, Husbandmen; yea of Minificrs themfclvcs; wives, children and fervants are commonly fick at once of this difeafe :. And though it beone of the lowefl and foolitheti games, which Pride hath. to play ; yet women, and children, and light- headed youths, do make up the greater number for this vani- ty ; while the pride ofthe graver wafer fort, doth turn it felt to greater things. But the lowlywho are not afhamed to be poor, are not afhamed.of poor apparel : Though they are not for unclean- finds, nor for an affected fingularrty, for eflentation of humi- lity ; yet they had rather go below their rank, than above it, as-taking Pride tobe a greater fhame and hurt than poverty : If their clothing be convenient to their health and uCe, and not offeulive co others, it fufil ceth them : and a patch, or a . rent, or a garment that is old, will not mike them blufn : they have learnt, r Pet. 3. 3. [Whole adorning, let it not be that our- ward,. of plating the hair, or of wearing of g'ì/d, or ofputting on,of apparel ; but the bidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even of a meek_and quitt [pint, which is in the fight of God ofgreat price. 6. The high- minded have high thoughts of worlePy pomp, and wcahh, andgreatnefs ; and think of such as excel in chele, with great çfleetn and reverence : They bow to thethan chi, M m m 2 tart 459
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