To live as she does, is as truly suitable to the gospel of Christ, as to be baptized, or receive the sacrament.
Her spirit is that which animated the saints of former ages; and it is because they lived as she does, that we now celebrate their memories, and praise God for their examples.
There is nothing whimsical, trifling, or unreasonable in her character; but every thing there described, is a proper instance of solid piety.
14. It is as easy to shew, that it is whimsical to go to church, as that it is whimsical to observe any of these rules. For all Miranda’s rules of living to God, of spending her time and fortune, of eating, working, dressing, and conversing, are as substantial parts of an holy life, as devotion and prayer.
For there is nothing to be said for the wisdom of devotion, but what is as good an argument for the wise and reasonable use of apparel.
If you fancy that it is your only folly, and that therefore there can be no great matter in it, you are like those that think they are only guilty of the folly of covetousness or ambition. Now though some people may live so plausible a life, as to appear chargeable with no other fault than covetousness or ambition; yet the case is not as it appears, for covetousness or ambition cannot subsist in a heart that is in other respects rightly devoted to God.
In like manner, though some may spend most that they have in needless ornaments, and yet seem in other respects truly pious, yet it is certainly false; for it is impossible for a mind that is in a true state of religion, to be vain in the use of cloaths. Now to convince you of this, let us suppose that some eminent saint, for instance, the Virgin Mary was sent into the world for a few years, and that you was going to her to be edified by her piety, would you expect to find her dressed out and adorned in fine and expensive cloaths? No: you would know in your own mind, that it was as impossible as to find her learning to dance. Do but add saint, or holy, to any person, either man or woman, and your own mind tells you immediately, that such a character cannot admit of the vanity of fine apparel. A saint finely dressed, is as great nonsense, as an apostle in an embroidered suit. Every one’s own natural sense convinces him of the inconsistency of these things.
[♦]16. Now what is the reason, that when you think of a saint, you cannot admit the vanity of apparel? Is it not because it is inconsistent with such a right state of heart? And is not this a demonstration, that where such vanity is admitted, there a right state of heart is wanted? For as certainly as the Virgin Mary could not indulge herself, or conform to the vanity of the world in dress and figure; so certain is it, that none can indulge themselves in this vanity, but those who want her piety of heart; and consequently it must be owned, that all needless and expensive finery is the effect of a disordered heart.
[♦] Number 15 omitted in text.
Covetousness is not a crime, because there is any harm in gold or silver; but because it is a foolish and unreasonable state of mind, that is fallen from its true good, and sunk into such a poor and wretched satisfaction.