BibleWare/BibWare.bin/bibref/wesley/serm_088.txt

Text File | 1996-12-03 | 28KB | 478 lines

John Wesley


SERMON 88


[text from the 1872 edition]


ON DRESS

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of--wearing
of gold, or of putting on of apparel; "But let it be the hidden man
of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament
of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great
price." 1 Pet. 3:3, 4.

1. St. Paul exhorts all those who desire to "be transformed by the
renewal of their minds," and to "prove what is that good and acceptable
and perfect will of God," not to be "conformed to this world." [Rom.
12:2] Indeed this exhortation relates more directly to the wisdom
of the world, which is totally opposite to his "good and acceptable
and perfect will." But it likewise has a reference even to the manners
and customs of the world, which naturally flow from its wisdom and
spirit, and are exactly suitable thereto. And it was not beneath
the wisdom of God to give us punctual directions in this respect
also.

2. Some of these, particularly that in the text, descend even to
the apparel of Christians. And both this text, and the parallel one
of St. Paul, are as express as possible. St. Paul's words are, (1
Tim. 2:9, 10,) "I will that women adorn themselves in modest apparel;
not--with gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh
women professing godliness) with good works."

3. "But is it not strange," say some, "that the all-wise Spirit of
God should condescend to take notice of such trifles as these? to
take notice of such insignificant trifles, things of so little moment,
or rather of none at all? For what does it signify, provided we take
care of the soul, what the body is covered with, whether with silk
or sackcloth? What harm can there be in the wearing of gold, or silver,
or precious stones, or any other of those beautiful things with which
God has so amply provided us? May we not apply to this what St. Paul
has observed on another occasion, that 'every creature of God is
good, and nothing to be rejected?'"

4. It is certain, that many who sincerely fear God have cordially
embraced this opinion. And their practice is suitable thereto: They
make no scruple of conformity to the world, by putting on, as often
occasion offers, either gold, or pearls, or costly apparel. And indeed
they are not well pleased with those that think it their duty to
reject them; the using of which they apprehend to be one branch of
Christian liberty. Yea, some have gone considerably farther; even
so far as to make it a point to bring those who had refrained from
them for some time to make use of them again, assuring them that
it was mere superstition to think there was any harm in them. Nay,
farther still: A very respectable person has said, in express terms,
"I do not desire that any who dress plain should be in our society."
It is, therefore, certainly worth our while to consider this matter
thoroughly; seriously to inquire whether there is any harm in the
putting on of gold, or jewels, or costly apparel.

5. But, before we enter on the subject, let it be observed, that
slovenliness is no part of religion; that neither this, nor any text
of Scripture, condemns neatness of apparel. Certainly this is a duty,
not a sin. "Cleanliness is, indeed, next to godliness." Agreeably
to this, good Mr. Herbert advises every one that fears God:--
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                Let thy mind's sweetness have its operation
                Upon thy person, clothes, and habitation.

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And surely every one should attend to this, if he would not have
the good that is in him evil spoken of.

6. Another mistake, with regard to apparel, has been common in the
religious world. It has been supposed by some, that there ought to
be no difference at all in the apparel of Christians. But neither
these texts, nor any other in the book of God, teach any such thing,
or direct that the dress of the master or the mistress should be
nothing different from that of their servants. There may, undoubtedly,
be a moderate difference of apparel between persons of different
stations. And where the eye is single, this will easily be adjusted
by the rules of Christian prudence.

7. Yea, it may be doubted, whether any part of Scripture forbids
(at least I know not any) those in any nation that are invested with
supreme authority, to be arrayed in gold and costly apparel; or to
adorn their immediate attendants, or magistrates, or officers, with
the same. It is not improbable, that our blessed Lord intended to
give countenance to this custom when he said, without the least mark
of censure or disapprobation, "Behold, those that wear gorgeous,"
splendid, "apparel are in kings' courts." (Luke 7:25.)

8. What is then the meaning of these scriptures? What is it which
they forbid? They manifestly forbid ordinary Christians, those in
the lower or middle ranks of life, to be adorned with gold, or pearls,
or costly apparel. But why? What harm is there therein? This deserves
our serious consideration. But it is highly expedient, or rather
absolutely necessary, for all who would consider it to any purpose,
as far as is possible to divest themselves of all prejudice, and
to stand open to conviction: Is it not necessary, likewise, in the
highest degree, that they should earnestly beseech the Father of
Lights, that, "by his holy inspiration, they may think the things
that are right, and, by his merciful guidance, perform the same?"
Then they will not say, no, not in their hearts, (as I fear too many
have done.) what the famous Jew said to the Christian, "Thou shalt
not persuade me, though thou hast persuaded me."

9. The question is, What harm does it do, to adorn ourselves with
gold, or pearls, or costly array, suppose you can afford it; that
is, suppose it does not hurt or impoverish your family? The first
harm it does, is, it engenders pride, and, where it is already, increases
it. Whoever narrowly observes what passes in his own heart will easily
discern this. Nothing is more natural than to think ourselves better
because we are dressed in better clothes; and it is scarce possible
for a man to wear costly apparel, without, in some measure, valuing
himself upon it. One of the old Heathens was so well apprized of
this, that, when he had a spite to a poor man, and had a mind to
turn his head, he made him a present of a suit of fine clothes.
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                _Eutrapelus, cuicunque nocere voiebat,
                Vestimenta dabat pretiosa._

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[The following is Boscawen's translation of this quotation from Horace:
--


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                Eutrapelus, whome'er he chose
                To ruin, deck'd in costly clothes."--EDIT.]

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He could not then but imagine himself to be as much better as he
was finer than his neighbour. And how many thousands, not only lords
and gentlemen, in England, but honest tradesmen, argue the same way!
inferring the superior value of their persons from the value of their
clothes!

10. "But may not one man be as proud, though clad in sackcloth, as
another is, though clad in cloth of gold?" As this argument meets
us at every turn, and is supposed to be unanswerable, it will be
worth while to answer it once for all, and to show the utter emptiness
of it. "May not, then, one clad in sackcloth," you ask, "be as proud
as he that is clad in cloth of gold?" I answer, Certainly he may:
I suppose no one doubts of it. And what inference can you draw from
this? Take a parallel case. One man that drinks a cup of wholesome
wine, may be as sick as another that drinks poison: But