Worldly Adornment Forbidden

Let us consider this part of the subject from the texts. Certain articles are here forbidden. Some might say that both texts speak only of the apparel of women, but no one could consistently contend that man is not included in this requirement. In the text quoted from Paul, he says, “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting”* (1 Timothy 2:8); and then follows, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves,”* (1 Timothy 2:9) etc. This proves that both are equally brought under the same Scriptural requirements. It is very likely that men in those days, as it is now, were not given to that feature of pride to the extent that women were.

The same natural tendency to worldliness exists equally in both, but it is evident that fashion makes a greater slave of woman than of man; while man naturally falls more readily into other sins of equally destructive effect to the spiritual, moral, and physical life.

The apostle here mentions “modest apparel” as the standard. There might be a great difference in judgment in the interpretation of this term, had he not explained his meaning; but he goes on and specifies what shall not be worn, first mentioning “broided hair.” In the parallel text from Peter it is termed “plaiting the hair,” which signifies the ornamentation of the hair as was the custom in those days. A writer says, “The Eastern women are remarkable for the great length and number of the tresses of their hair.” One lady was seen who had one hundred and ten tresses, all natural on her head. These are frequently braided in with gold or pearl ornaments. This was an object of much pride and vanity, and was doubtless what is forbidden in these texts.