A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

(4.) When it suits not with Modesty and Chastity. Garments were given to cover Nakedness, and the Deformity that was introduced by Sin: Therefore the Apostle saith, Let the Women adorn themselves in modest Apparel, with Shamefacedness and Sobriety, not with broidered Hair, or Gold, or Pearls, or costly Array, 1 Tim. 2.9. And therefore the leaving the Breasts naked, in whole, or in part, is a Transgression of this Rule; they uncover their Nakedness which they should veil and hide, especially in God's Presence: As the Apostle saith, 1 Cor. 11.10. The Woman ought to have Power on her Head, because of the Angels. In the Assembly there you meet with Angels and Devils; Angels to observe your Garb and Carriage, and Devils to tempt you; therefore be covered because of the Angels. Yet usually Women come hither with a shameless Impudence into the Presence of God, Men and Angels. This is a Practice that neither suits with Modesty nor Conveniency; nothing can be alleged for it but Reasons of Pride and Wantonness; it feeds your own Pride, and provokes Lust in others. You would think they were wicked Women that should offer others Poison to drink; they do that which is worse, lay a Snare for the Soul; uncover that which should be covered; lest you provoke others of your Rank to imitate your Vanity, if they should not by the Fear of God be guarded from unclean Thoughts and filthy Desires. Now Christians should be far from allowing Sin in themselves, or provoking it in others.

(4.) When it sutes not with Modesty and Chastity. Garments were given to cover Nakedness, and the Deformity that was introduced by Sin: Therefore the Apostle saith, Let the Women adorn themselves in modest Apparel, with Shamefac'dness and Sobriety, not with broidered Hair, or Gold, or Pearls, or costly Array, 1 Tim. 2.9. And therefore the leaving the Breasts naked, in whole, or in part, is a Transgression of this Rule; they uncover their Nakedness which they should vail and hide, especially in God's Presence: As the Apostle saith, 1 Cor. 11.10. The Woman ought to have Power on her Head, because of the Angels. In the Assembly there you meet with Angels and Devils; Angels to observe your Garb and Carriage, and Devils to tempt you; therefore be covered because of the Angels. Yet usually Women come hither with a shameless Impudence into the Presence of God, Men and Angels. This is a Practice that neither sutes with Modesty nor Conveniency; nothing can be alledged for it but Reasons of Pride and Wantonness; it feeds your own Pride, and provokes Lust in others. You would think they were wicked Women that should offer others Poison to drink; they do that which is worse, lay a Snare for the Soul; uncover that which should be covered; lest you provoke others of your Rank to imitate your Vanity, if they should not by the Fear of God be guarded from unclean Thoughts and filthy Desires. Now Christians should be far from allowing Sin in themselves, or provoking it in others.