_
Though George Fox never introduced any new or particular garments, when
he formed the society, as models worthy of the imitation of those who
joined him, yet, as a religious man, he was not indifferent upon the
subject of dress. Nor could he, as a reformer, see those extravagant
fashions, which I have shewn to have existed in his time, without
publicly noticing them. We find him accordingly recommending to his
followers simplicity and plainness of apparel, and bearing his testimony
against the preposterous and fluctuating apparel of the world.
In the various papers, which he wrote or gave forth upon this subject,
he bid it down as a position, that all ornaments, superfluities, and
unreasonable changes in dress, manifested an earthly or worldly spirit.
He laid it down again, that such things, being adopted principally for
the lust of the eye, were productive of vanity and pride, and that, in
proportion as men paid attention to these outward decorations and
changes, they suffered some loss in the value and dignity of their
minds. He considered also all such decorations and changes, as contrary
both to the letter and the spirit of the scriptures. Isaiah, one of the
greatest prophets under the law, had severely reproved the daughters of
Israel on account of their tinkling ornaments, cauls, round tires,
chains, bracelets, rings, and ear-rings.
Pages:
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241