To the People call’d METHODISTS,
With regard to DRESS.
I. 1. I AM not fond of saying the same thing over and over: especially when I have so many things to say, that the day of life (which with _me_ is far spent) is not likely to suffice for them. But in some cases, it is needful for you that I should: and then, _it is not grievous_ to me. And it may be best, to speak freely and fully at once, that there may be the less need of speaking on this head hereafter.
2. When we look into the bible with any attention, and then look round into the world, to see who _believes_ and who _lives_ according to this book: we may easily discern, that the system of _practice_, as well as the system of _truth_ there delivered, is torn in pieces, and scattered abroad, like the members of _Absyrtus_. Every denomination of Christians retains some part either of Christian truth or practice: these hold fast one part, and those another, as their fathers did before them. What is the duty mean-time of those who desire to follow the whole word of God? Undoubtedly to _gather up_ all these _fragments, that_ if possible _nothing be lost_: with all diligence to follow all those we see about us, so far as they follow the bible: and to join together in one scheme of truth and practice what almost all the world put asunder.
3. Many years ago I observed several parts of Christian Practice, among the people call’d _Quakers_. Two things I particularly remarked among them, Plainness of speech and plainness of dress. I willingly adopted both, with some restrictions, and particularly plainness of dress. The same I recommended to _you_, when God first called you out of the world: and after the addition of more than thirty years experience, I recommend it to you still.
4. But before I go any farther, I must intreat you, in the name of God, Be open to conviction. Whatever prejudices you have contracted from education, custom or example, divest yourselves of them, as far as possible. Be willing to receive light either from God or man: do not shut your eyes against it. Rather be glad to see more than you did before; to _have the eyes of your understanding opened_. Receive the truth in the love thereof, and you will have reason to bless God for ever.
II. 1. Not that I would advise you, to imitate the people called _Quakers_, in those little particularities of dress, which can answer no possible end, but to distinguish them from all other people. To be singular, merely for singularity’s sake, is not the part of a Christian. I do not therefore advise you, to wear a hat of such dimensions, or a coat of a particular form. Rather, in things that are absolutely indifferent, that are of no consequence at all, humility and courtesy require you to conform to the customs of your country.
2. But I advise you to imitate them, first, in the _Neatness_ of their apparel. This is highly to be commended, and quite suitable to your Christian calling. Let all your apparel therefore be as clean as your situation in life will allow. It is certain, the poor can’t be so clean as they would, as having little change of raiment. But let even these be as clean as they can, as care and diligence can keep them. Indeed they have particular need so to be; because cleanliness is one great branch of frugality. It is likewise more conducive to health, than is generally considered. Let the poor then especially labour to be clean, and provoke those of higher rank to jealousy.
3. I advise you to imitate them secondly, in the _Plainness_ of their apparel. In this are implied two things; 1. That your apparel be cheap, not expensive; far cheaper than others in your circumstances wear, or than _you_ would wear, if you knew not God: 2. That it be grave, not gay, airy, or showy; not in the point of the fashion. And these easy rules may be applied both to the materials whereof it is made, and the manner wherein it is made or put on.
4. Would you have a farther rule, with respect to both? Then take one which you may always carry in your bosom. “Do every thing herein with a single eye:” and this will direct you in every circumstance. Let a single intention to please God prescribe, both what cloathing you shall buy, and the manner wherein it shall be made, and how you shall put on and wear it. To express the same thing in other words: Let all you do in this respect, be so done, that you may offer it to God, a sacrifice acceptable thro’ Christ Jesus. So that, consequently, it may increase your reward, and brighten your crown in heaven. And so it will do, if it be agreeable to Christian humility, seriousness and charity.