?FXII1i +GRAVITY, DECENCY, íitC. $$S -and not think themselves undressed, unless they are con- formed to all the niceties and vain fashions of the world. Sometimes, it may be, we are too much afraid we shall not look like the children of this world ; whereas the apostle advises us rather to look like strangers. We are travelling homeward through a foreign country, having the ornaments of holiness on us, which is the raiment of heaven. I confess, we are notrequired to affect singola- city, nor to seek a foolish and useless distinction from the customs of our country, where they areproper, innocent, and becoming ; for the kingdom of God does not con - sist in any affected peculiarities of dress or behaviour; but let us remember too, that it is below the glory ofour _character, and the dignity of our calling, to have our thoughts uneasy, if every pin and point that belongs to our apparel be not placed in the most fashionable man- .ner ; to fret and rage; if every fold of a garment be not adjusted in perfect conformity to the mode. Then we may be said to, fall short of that venerable de- cency in our apparel which .christianity should teach us, when we are among the first in any new devised and gaudy fashions : when we are some of the foremost in the gaieties of the age : Whenwe run to the extremes of every newmode, and affect to vie with the vainest ofoup sex : When the business of dressing is made one of the most frequent, important, and solemn enquiries and con- cerns of life ; and when it employs some of our Most serious thoughts, and our warmest passions : When we indulge a greater expence in finery than our circumstances .will allow, or our stations require : When we waste more time in adorning ourselves, than the duties we owe to God or man will reasonably permit; and especially if we intrench upon the hours which should be devoted to sacred purposes. I should add also, that then we cer- tainly break in upon christian sobriety, when we indulge, such sort of cloathing as in its own nature becomes a temptation to immodesty, and brings fuel, to the im- pure fire of the eyes, or. of the heart. I would not be thought to treat too largely upon this subject, or handle it too severely: but let. us remember, that our biggest danger in this age is excess, and luxury, and vanity of mind We are pretty secure now-a-days from too great a carelessness in this respect.
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