Wesley Corpus

I advise those who are able to receive this saying, Buy no velvcts, no silks, no fine linen, no superfluities, no mere ornaments, though cver so much in fashion. Wear nothing, though you have it already, which is of a glaring colour, or which is in any kind gay, glistering, or showy, nothing made in the very height of the fashion, nothing apt to attract the eyes of the by-standers. I do not advise women to wear rings, ear-rings, inccklaces, lace, (of whatever kind or colour,) or ruffles, which, by little and little, may easily shoot out from one to twelve inches decp. Neither do I advise men to wear coloured waistcoats, shining stockings, glittering or costly buckles or buttons, either on their coats, or in their sleeves, any more than gay, fashionable, or expensive perukes. It is true, these arc little, very little things, which are not worth defending; therefore, give them up, let them drop, throw them away without another word; else, a little needle may cause much pain in your flesh, a little self-indulgence much hurt to your soul. III. 1. For the preceding exhortation I have the authority of God, in clear and express terms: “I will that women” (and, by parity of reason, men too) “adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered” (curled) “hair, or gold, or pearls,” (one kind of precious stones, which was then most in use, put for all,) “or costly apparel; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (1 Tim. ii. 9, 10.) Again: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting” (curling) “the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparcl. But let it be the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” (1 Peter iii. 3, 4.) Nothing can be more express; the wearing of gold, of precious stones, and of costly apparel, together with curling of hair, is here forbidden by name: Nor is there any restriction made, either here, or in any other scripture. Whoever, therefore, says, “There is no harm in these things,” may as well say, “There is no harm in stealing or adultery.” 2. There is something peculiarly observable in the nauner wherein both St. Peter and St. Paul speak of these things. “Let not your adorning,” says St.