What Distance Ought We to Keep in Following the Strange Fashions of Apparel?

Puritan Vincent Alsop extensively explores the delicate topic of how wearing clothing might slip into wrongful behavior. Using the Biblical meaning of clothing from the Garden of Eden he defines the different functions of clothing, the decency of wearing clothing, inward principals involved, and what effect fashions have on others. He gives directions and cautions how not to fall into sin. He skillfully describes the temporary nature of this life as opposed to eternity. This sermon is an interesting treatment of the little explored topic of fashions and clothing. This puritan sermon is from the "Morning Exercise at Cripplegate" series. This edition includes an outline of the sermon and a biographical sketch of Vincent Alsop.Vincent Alsop (1629-1703) was born at Northamptonshire, England. He attended St. John's College, Cambridge. He ministered at Wilby and after ejectment, Wellingborough and Okeham. He was imprisoned six months for praying with a sick person. He was noted for his book, "Antisozzo" (meaning against Socinus), which was a refutation of Dr. William Sherlock's Arminian book "A Discourse Concerning the Knowledge of Christ." The success of this discourse helped him to begin preaching at Princes-street, Westminster. Alsop also had a Thursday lecture and was one of the lecturers at Pinner's Hall.