Wesley Corpus

But it is absolutely certain they would not, if they were not despised on other accounts. If they are valiant and wise, they will never be despised for the plainness of their dress. Was ever General or King more esteemed or beloved by his subjects and soldiers than King Charles of Sweden ? And it is sure he wore no gold or costly apparel, not so much as a common Officer. But we need not go so many years back. Who is the Prince that is now honoured and beloved both by his subjects and soldiers, far beyond any other King or General in Europe? There is no need to repeat his name. But does he gain this honour and love by the costliness of his apparel?. So far from it, that he rarely uses any other dress than the uniform of his own guards. 5. “But if all men were to dress like him, how would tradesmen live?” I answer, (1.) God certainly considered this before ever he gave these commands. And he would never have given them, had he not seen, that, if they were universally observed, men in general would live better than they otherwise could; better in this world, as well as that to come... But, (2.) There is no danger at all that they should be universally observed. Only a little flock in any civilized mation will observe them, till the knowledge of God covers the earth. (3.) If those who do observe them, employ the money they thus save in the most excellent manner, then a part of what before only served to fat a few rich tradesmen for hell, will suffice to feed and clothe and employ many poor that seek the kingdom of heaven. (4.) “And how will those tradesmen themselves live?” They will live like men, by honest labour; most of whom before lived like swine, wallow ing in all gluttony and sensuality. But, (5.) This is all mere trifling. It is only a copy of your countenance; for it is not this, it is not a regard to trade, or the good of the nation, that makes you disobey God. No ; it is pride, vanity, or some other sinful temper, which is the real cause of these sinful actions. 6.