iv. 9-14,) they lived poor, afflicted, self-denying lives; bidding

the churches to walk as they had them for examples. (Phil. iii. 1, 7; 1 Pet. ii. 21.) And to shut up this particular, they gave this pathetic account of the holy women in former times, as an example of godly temperance, (1 Pet. iii. 3, 4,) namely, that first they did expressly abstain from gold, silver, plaited hair, fine apparel, or such like; and next, that their adornment was a meek and quiet spirit, and the hidden man of the heart, which are of great price with the Lord; affirming that such as live in pleasure, are dead whilst they live: (1 Tim. v. 6; Luke, viii. 14:) for that the cares and pleasures of this life choke and destroy the seed of the kingdom, and quite hinder all progress in the hidden and divine life. Wherefore we find that the holy men and women of former times were not accustomed to these pleasures and vain recreations; but having their minds set on things above, sought another kingdom, which consists in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit: who having obtained a good report, and entered into their eternal rest; therefore their works follow, and praise them in the gates. (Rom. xiv. 17; Heb. xi. 2; iv. 9; Rev. xiv. 13.)