I have spoken concerning Corn, but thy duty is, to let thy moderation in all things be known unto all men, the Lord is at hand. [125e]
Atten. Well, Sir, now I have heard enough of Mr. Badmans naughtiness, pray now proceed to his Death.
Wise. Why Sir, the Sun is not so low, we have yet three hours to night.
Atten. Nay; I am not in any great hast, but I thought you had even now done with his Life.
Wise. Done! no, I have yet much more to say.
Atten. Then he has much more wickedness than I thought he had.
Wise. That may be. But let us proceed: This Mr. Badman, added to all his wickedness this, He was a very proud man, a Very proud man. [126a] He was exceeding proud and haughty in mind; He looked, that what he said, ought not, must not be contradicted or opposed. He counted himself as wise as the wisest in the Countrey, as good as the best, and as beautiful as he that had most of it. He took great delight in praising of himself, and as much in the praises that others gave him. He could not abide that any should think themselves above him, or that their wit or personage should by others be set before his. [126b] He had scarce a fellowly carriage for his equals. But for those that were of an inferior ranck, he would look over them in great contempt. And if at any time he had any remote occasion of having to do with them, he would shew great height, and a very domineering spirit. So that in this it may be said that Solomon gave a characteristical note of him, when he said: Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. [126c] He never thought his Dyet well enough dressed, his Cloathes fine enough made, or his Praise enough refined.
Atten. This Pride, is a sin that sticks as close to nature I think, as most sins. There is Uncleanness and Pride, I know not of any two gross sins that stick closer to men then they. They have, as I may call it, an interest in Nature; it likes them because they most suit its lusts and fancies: and therefore no marvel though Mr. Badman was tainted with pride, since he had so wickedly given up himself to work all iniquity with greediness.
Wise. You say right; Pride, is a sin that sticks close to Nature, [126d] and is one of the first follies wherein it shews it self to be polluted. For even in Childhood, even in little children, Pride will first of all shew it self; it is a hasty, an early appearance of the sin of the soul. It, as I may say, is that corruption that strives for predominancy in the heart, and therefore usually comes out first. But though children are so incident to it, yet methinks those of more years, should be ashamed thereof. I might at the first have begun with Mr. Badmans Pride, only I think it is not the Pride in Infancy, that begins to make a difference betwixt one and another, as did, and do those wherewith I began my relation of his life: therefore I passed it over, but now, since he had no more consideration of himself, and of his vile and sinful state, but to be proud when come to years; I have taken the occasion in this place to make mention of his pride.
Atten. But pray, if you can remember them, tell me of some places of Scripture that speak against pride. I the rather desire this, because that pride is now a reigning sin, and I happen sometimes to fall into the company of them that in my conscience are proud, very much, and I have a mind also to tell them of their sin; now when I tell them of it, unless I bring Gods word too, I doubt they will laugh me to scorn.