Comlinefs andBeauty to be denied. 237 CHAP. XLIV. Comlinefs andBeauty to be denied. 4. AMother part oftheHonour that felfmull be denied, is, The Reputation ofjour perfonal comlinefr, or beauty: For fuch fools and children fin bath made folks, that many much let by the Reputation of thefe. And hence is molt commonly the abufe of Apparel. Every proud perfon is defirous of that which will make them feem the hanfomeil: or beautifulliett perfons untoothers; andmake it their care to fet forth them- felves to the eyes of beholders. What they indeed are , we can fee as well in the meaneil attire : but what they would be thought to be, we maybelt fee in this. But of this I fpoke be- fore; yea fome that think they arenot Proudof their comeli- nefs, yet cannot endure tobe elleemed ill-favouredor uncom- ly, and to thew that Pridewhich they would deny. I confefs thefe are commonlybut the temptations of women,and proca- cious youth. But one would think it should be eafie for a few fober thoughts to cut their combs, and let them fee how little caufe they have to be proud of beauty or comelinefs of the flefh. Alas what is that body that you are proud of ! Filth and corruption covered with a cleaner skin then fome of your neighbors. Ah, but the skin is thin, and if that be all you have to glory in, it is as frail, as contemptible. There's many a pretty flower in the common field that's troddendownby the feet of beafts,that have a glofs and hue incomparably beyond your beauty. I askedyou before, what beauty you will have to glory of,when youhave dwelt but a few months in the grave ; or ifthe fmall Pox, orLeprofie should clothe you with ano- ther coloured skin or ifaCancer should but feize upon your face, and turn it into fuch an ugly thape, as makes men tremble to behold it : or when wrinkled age hath made You as another perfon : or whendeath hathdeprivedyou of that foul, which wasyour beauty, and laid you out as a prey and facrifice to corruption.. Ali that ever fuch a skin full of dirt, fuch a bag. E h 3 of
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