This they do first, because any change beyond usefulness must be made
upon the plea of conformity to the fashions of the world.
Secondly, because any such deviation in their youth is considered to
shew, in some measure, a deviation from simplicity of heart. It bespeaks
the beginning of an unstable mind. It shews there must have been some
improper motive for the change. Hence it argues a weakness in the
deviating persons, and points them out as objects to be strengthened by
wholesome admonition.
Thirdly, because changes, made without reasonable motives, would lead,
if not watched and checked, to other still greater changes, and because
an uninterrupted succession of such changes would bring the minds of
their youth under the most imperious despotisms, the despotism of
fashion; in consequence of which they would cleave to the morality of
the world instead of the morality of the gospel.
And fourthly, because in proportion as young persons deviate from the
plainness and simplicity of the apparel as worn by the society, they
approach in appearance to the world; they mix with it, and imbibe its
spirit and admit its customs, and come into a situation which subjects
them to be disowned. And this is so generally true, that of those
persons, whom the society has been obliged to disown, the commencement
of a long progress in irregularity may often be traced to a deviation
from the simplicity of their dress.
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