Another section of the 1806 Philadelphia YM Discipline:
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                            PLAINNESS

     Advised, that all Friends, both old and young, keep out of
the world's corrupt language, manners, vain and needless things
and fashions, in apparel, buildings, and furniture of houses,
some of which are immodest, indecent, and unbecoming.  And that
they avoid immoderation in the use of lawful things, which though
innocent in themselves, may thereby become hurtful; also such
kinds of stuffs, colours and dress, as are calculated more to
please a vain and wanton mind, than for real usefulness; and let
tradesmen and others, members of our religious society, be
admonished, that they be not accessary to these evils; for we
ought to take up our daily cross, minding the grace of God which
brings salvation, and teaches to deny all ungodliness and worldly
lusts, and to live soberly, righteously and godly, in this
present world, that we may adorn the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ in all things; so may we feel his blessing, and be
instrumental in his hand for the good of others.--1682, 1694,
1695, 1766.
     We tenderly exhort all, seriously to consider the plainness
and simplicity which the gospel enjoins, and to manifest it in
their speech, apparel, furniture, salutations and conversation,
into which our forefathers were led by the Spirit of Christ, in
conformity with his precepts and example; and for which they
patiently suffered long imprisonments, and great persecutions;
being convinced that it was their duty thus to bear a testimony
against the vain spirit of the world.--1746.
     The spirit of truth, which led our ancients to lay aside
every thing unbecoming the followers of Christ, still leads in
the same path, all who submit to its guidance; we therefore
earnestly entreat all Friends to watch over themselves in this
respect.  The example of our blessed Saviour, his immediate
followers, and of virtuous and holy men in all ages, ought to
make a due impression on every considerate mind, and especially
on such as have had the advantage of a guarded education.
     We also tenderly advise, that Friends take heed, especially
those who should be exemplary to others under their care, that
they exercise plainness of speech without respect of persons, in
all their converse among men; and not balk their testimony by a
cowardly compliance, varying their language according to their
company; a practice of very ill example, rendering those who use
it contemptible, and looked upon as a kind of hypocrites, even by
those with whom they so comply; this seems to be cautioned
against by the apostle, when he advises, 1 Tim. "That the deacons
be grave, not double tongued;" plainly importing that it is
inconsistent with the gravity of the gospel.--1743.
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Next week: POOR

Licia Kuenning
Friends of Truth/Glenside Friends Meeting/Quaker Heritage Press