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is at hand, I must therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light, Rom. xiii. 11, 12, 13. I must walk honestly as in the day. I am, by the light of grace and knowledge, to arise and walk in it, as well as by the light of the sun to walk by it. Think also of your awaking out of the sleep of death, and out of the grave, 1 Cor. xv. 55; at the sound of the last trumpet, 1 Thess. iv. 16; even of your blessed resurrection unto glory, at the last day. It was one of David's sweet thoughts (speaking to God) When I awake, I shall be satisfied with thy likeness, Psa. xvii. 15.

4. When you arise, and dress yourself, lose not that precious time (when your mind is freshest) with impertinent and fruitless thoughts, as is the custom of too many to do. This is a fit time to think upon the cause why you have need of apparel; namely, the fall and sin of your first parents, which from them is derived to you. For before their fall, their nakedness was their comeliness, Gen. i. 31, and seeing it, they were not ashamed, Gen. ii. 25. It will likewise be to good purpose to consider what the wise providence of God hath appointed to be the substance of your apparel. The rinds of plants, the skins, hair, or wool of brute beasts, and the bowels of the silkworm; the very excretions and superfluous apparel of unreasonable creatures. Which, as it doth magnify the wisdom, power, and goodness of God, in choosing, and turning such mean things to such excellent use: so it should humble and suppress the pride of man. For what man in his senses would be proud of the badge of his shame, even of that apparel, for which (under God) he is beholden even to plants and beasts?

Now also is a good time to call to mind what rules are to be observed, that you may dress yourself as becometh one that professeth godliness: namely, 1. That your apparel, for matter and fashion, do suit with your general and special calling, 1 Tim. ii. 9, 10, and with your estate, sex, and age, Deut. xxii. 5.

2. That your apparel be consistent with health and comeliness, 1 Cor. xi. 14, 15. 1 Cor. xii. 23.