Con. I think it to be more agreeable to Christian Simplicity, not to judge of any Man by his Habit, if it be but sober and decent.
Innk. Why don't you cast away your Cowls then?
Con. Why did not the Apostles presently eat of all Sorts of Meat?
Innk. I can't tell. Do you tell me that.
Con. Because an invincible Custom hinder'd it: For whatsoever is deeply rooted in the Minds of Men, and has been confirm'd by long Use, and is turn'd as it were into Nature, can never be remov'd on a sudden, without endangering the publick Peace; but must be remov'd by Degrees, as a Horse's Tail is pluck'd off by single Hairs.
Innk. I could bear well enough with it, if the Monks had all but one Habit: But who can bear so many different Habits?
Con. Custom has brought in this Evil, which brings in every Thing. Benedict did not invent a new Habit, but the same that he wore himself and his Disciples, which was the Habit of a plain, honest Layman: Neither did Francis invent a new Dress; but it was the Dress of poor Country-Fellows. Their Successors have by new Additions turned it into Superstition. Don't we see some old Women at this Day, that keep to the Dress of their Times, which is more different from the Dress now in Fashion, than my Dress is from yours?
Innk. We do see it.
Con. Therefore, when you see this Habit, you see only the Reliques of antient Times.
Innk. Why then, has your Garment no Holiness in it?