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The next apostolical precept here given is to women, concerning their apparel and attire, that at all times, but especially in public worship, they use such apparel as becometh modest and chaste women, expressing by their garb the inward gravity and modesty of their minds; not like proud and alluring persons, with embroidered hair, gold, and pearl, to attract the eyes and hearts of the simple.
Note, 1. That the attire which all persons wear, ought to be such as may answer the end for which apparel was appointed, which was to hide and shroud our nakedness, for differencing and distinction of sexes, as also for distinguishing between the qualities and ranks of persons. Garments also are for defence and protection, and for decency and ornament.
Note, 2. That though persons of quality are not prohibited to wear such garments, though costly, as becometh their degree, yet none are to study the external adorning of the body, so much as to neglect the inner man by good works.
Note, 3. That all that attire is forbidden,
(1.) Which suspected women use, either to provoke to lust in others, or to show inclinations to it in themselves.
(2.) All such attire as by the richness and costliness of it shows pride under mean apparel, and oft-times is.
(3.) All such attire as is unsuitable either to the time or place of worship.
Note, 4. That this precept ought not to be slighted by women, as of small moment; because the two great apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul, do both give it in charge unto them.
Note, lastly, That the men are by no means to look upon themselves as unconcerned in this apostolical precept given to women. It is much more inexcusable in them to affect gaiety and gaudy dress; for it is vain and foolish, troublesome and uneasy, the nurse of idleness attended with luxury and wantonness, and very often with immodesty and lewdness; and is the great bane very often of justice and charity. How many are fine and gay, but at the expense, and sometimes at the ruin, of the poor tradesman. And how oft is that spent in vain decking, which ought to be laid out in the poor's clothing.