And the children of both,
from this time, began to be habited from their youth as their parents
were.
But though the Quakers had thus brought apparel under the disciplinary
cognizance of the society, yet the dress of individuals was not always
alike, nor did it continue always one and the same even with the
primitive Quakers. Nor has it continued one and the same with their
descendants. For decency and comfort having been declared to be the true
and only objects of dress, such a latitude was given, as to admit of
great variety in apparel. Hence if we were to see a groupe of modern
Quakers before us, we should probably not find any two of them dressed
alike. Health, we all know, may require alteration in dress. Simplicity
may suggest others. Convenience again may point out others; and yet all
these various alterations may be consistent with the objects before
specified. And here it may be observed that the society, during its
existence for a century and a half, has without doubt, in some degree,
imperceptibly followed the world, though not in its fashions, yet in its
improvements of cloathing.
It must be obvious again, that some people are of a grave, and that
others are of a lively disposition, and that these will probably never
dress alike.
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