him. He
applauds, as it were, unto himself, and takes it in evil part to want the
approbation and _plaudite_ of others. Then he cannot so well endure
affronts and injuries as before, he is not so meek and condescending to
his equals or interiors. While he was poor he used entreaties, but now he
answers roughly, (Prov. xviii. 23,) as Solomon gives the character of him.
How many vain and empty gloriations are there about the point of birth and
place, and what foolish contentions about these, as if it were children
struggling among themselves about their order and rank! There is no worth
in these things, but what fancy and custom impose upon them and yet poor
creatures boast in these empty things. The gentlemen despise citizens, the
citizens contemn the poor countrymen, and yet their bloods in a basin have
no different colours, for all this hot contention about blood and birth.
"Boast not of thyself." Nay, to speak properly, this is not thyself,--_Qui
genus laudat suum, aliena jactat_.(277) Such parents, and such a house are
nothing of thy own; these are mere extrinsic things, which are neither an
honour to unworthy men, nor a disgrace to one who is worthy.

You see, beloved in the Lord, what is now the natural posture or
inclination of our souls in this degenerate and fallen estate. As the
rivers of paradise have changed their channels and course since the fall,
so hath man's affections, and so hath his gloriation, so that it may be
truly said, that our glory is our shame and not our glory. Many glory in
iniquity and sin, (Psal. x. 3, and xciv. 4), but that shall undoubtedly be
their shame and confusion before men and angels. How many godless persons
will glory in swearing heinous and deep oaths, and some have contended
about the victory in it! You account it a point of gallantry, but this
triumph is like the devils in hell upon the devouring of souls. Some boast
of drinking, and being able to drink others under the table, but we should
be humbled and mourn for such abominations. Certain I am, that many boast
of wicked designs, and malicious projects against their neighbours, if
they can accomplish them. They account their glory not to take a wrong
without giving a greater, nor to suffer an evil word without twenty worse
in recompense. Alas! this boasting will one day be turned into gnashing of
teeth, and this gloriation into that gnawing and ever-tormenting worm of
conscience. And what will ye do in the day of that visita