(2.) The Work of Sobriety is not only to moderate the Affection, but to moderate the Use of Apparel and outward Ornament, that we may not be pompous and excessive. That there is such a Sin as Excess in Apparel, appears by the frequent Dissuasives of the Word. The Scripture takes notice of it chiefly in Women, but Men have their Share. The Holy Ghost by the Prophet Isaiah is pleased to give us an Account of the Fashions of those Days, and to make an Inventory of their Wardrobe; chap. 3.18, to 24. In that Day the Lord will take away the Bravery of their tinkling Ornaments about their Feet, and their Cauls, and their round Tires like the Moon. The Chains, and the Bracelets, and the Mufflers, the Bonnets, and the Ornaments of the Legs, and the Head-bands, and the Tablets, and the Ear-rings; the Rings, and Nose-Jewels, the changeable Suits of Apparel, and the Mantles, and the Wimples, and the crisping Pins, the Glasses, and the fine Linen, and the Hoods, and the Veils: and therefore threateneth an heavy Judgment, ver. 24, 25. And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet Smell, there shall be Stink; and instead of a Girdle, a Rent; and instead of well-set Hair, Baldness; and instead of a Stomacher, a girding with Sackcloth; and Burning instead of Beauty. Thy Men shall fall by the Sword, and thy Mighty in the War. Mark the Judgment, a Scab, which meeteth with their Aim, which was to set off their Beauty; and the Violence, Incivilities and Rudeness of the Soldiers, to meet with the matter of their Sin, who shall strip them of their Garments, that they should not have Rags to cover their Nakedness. So 1 Pet. 3.3. the Spirit of God takes notice of the outward Adorning, of plaiting the Hair, and of wearing of Gold, and of putting on of Apparel. By which he reproves, not a decent dressing, but a laying of it forth in Curls and Locks, and wanton Plates. So Luke 16.19. there it is taken notice of as a Luxury in the rich Man, that he was clothed in Purple and fine Linen, and fared sumptuously every Day. Curious Clothing is made to be one of his Crimes as well as Gluttony, and Neglect of the Poor: Usually they go together: And the Experience of all Ages showeth that there is such a Sin, and in these times more abundantly, when all Distinctions of Ranks and Place, and Superiors and Inferiors are taken away.
(2.) The Work of Sobriety is not only to moderate the Affection, but to moderate the Use of Apparel and outward Ornament, that we may not be pompous and excessive. That there is such a Sin as Excess in Apparel, appears by the frequent Disswasives of the Word. The Scripture takes notice of it chiefly in Women, but Men have their Share. The Holy Ghost by the Prophet Isaiah is pleased to give us an Account of the Fashions of those Days, and to make an Inventory of their Wardrobe; chap. 3.18, to 24. In that Day the Lord will take away the Bravery of their tinkling Ornaments about their Feet, and their Cauls, and their round Tires like the Moon. The Chains, and the Bracelets, and the Mufflers, the Bonnets, and the Ornaments of the Legs, and the Head-bands, and the Tablets, and the Ear-rings; the Rings, and Nose-Iewels, the changeable Suits of Apparel, and the Mantles, and the Wimples, and the crisping Pins, the Glasses, and the fine Linen, and the Hoods, and the Vails: and therefore threatneth an heavy Judgment, ver. 24, 25. And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet Smell, there shall be Stink; and instead of a Girdle, a Rent; and instead of well-set Hair, Baldness; and instead of a Stomacher, a girding with Sackcloth; and Burning instead of Beauty. Thy Men shall fall by the Sword, and thy Mighty in the War. Mark the Judgment, a Scab, which meeteth with their Aim, which was to set off their Beauty; and the Violence, Incivilities and Rudeness of the Souldiers, to meet with the matter of their Sin, who shall strip them of their Garments, that they should not have Rags to cover their Nakedness. So 1 Pet. 3.3. the Spirit of God takes notice of the outward Adorning, of plaiting the Hair, and of wearing of Gold, and of putting on of Apparel. By which he reproves, not a decent dressing, but a laying of it forth in Curls and Locks, and wanton Plates. So Luke 16.19. there it is taken notice of as a Luxury in the rich Man, that he was clothed in Purple and fine Linen, and fared sumptuously every Day. Curious Clothing is made to be one of his Crimes as well as Gluttony, and Neglect of the Poor: Usually they go together: And the Experience of all Ages sheweth that there is such a Sin, and in these times more abundantly, when all Distinctions of Ranks and Place, and Superiours and Inferiours are taken away.
