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

(5.) When dressing of the Body takes up too much of our Hearts and Time, so as to cause us to neglect the inward adorning, and by it we are tempted to Pride. Certainly there is a Sin in Fashions themselves, but the greatest Sin in the Pride of the Heart. The Garment falls under a Rule; but Apparel is not the Offence, but Pride; Isa. 3.16. The Daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched-out Necks, and wanton Eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their Feet. Better never wear Jewels or costly Raiment more, than to be tempted by it to Pride. Therefore the spiritual Ornament you should still preserve, is, being humble in Spirit; 1 Pet. 3.4. Let your Adorning be the hidden Man of the Heart, even the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit. When you forget that, it is a sad Exchange. Outward Adornment belongs to the Pomp of the World, but the inward Adornment is our spiritual Glory and Excellency: The outward adorning is to please Men, but the inward adorning pleaseth God: Now we should rather please God than Men, better never please Men than offend God.

2. To offer some Helps.

(1.) Consider, Curiosity in Clothes argues Deformity of Mind; a godly serious humble Christian is above these things. Therefore how can we choose but think that a Man or Woman hath Vanity in his Heart, that is so clothed with it upon his Back? Look, as Plasters argue a Wound or Sore; so do these exotic and vain Attires argue a Wound and Blot in the Soul; that there is Pride, Vanity and Levity there. Clemens Alexandrinus observes that the Lacedaemonians permitted only Harlots and infamous Women, and common Prostitutes to go in gorgeous Attire. Clothes then are the Flag and Ensign which Pride hangs out, and the Nest of Wantonness.