love dress only is the test of such homage. To transact the business
of charity in a silken dress, and to go in a carriage to the work,
injures neither the work nor the worker. The slave of fashion is one
who assumes the livery of a princess, and then omits the errand of the
good human soul; dresses in elegance, and goes upon no good errand,
and thinks and does nothing of value to mankind.

3. BEAUTY IN DRESS.--Beauty in dress is a good thing, rail at it who
may. But it is a lower beauty, for which a higher beauty should not
be sacrificed. They love dresses too much who give it their first
thought, their best time, or all their money; who for it neglect
the culture of their mind or heart, or the claims of others on their
service; who care more for their dress than their disposition; who are
troubled more by an unfashionable bonnet than a neglected duty.

4. SIMPLICITY OF DRESS.--Female lovliness never appears to so good
advantage as when set off by simplicity of dress. No artist ever decks
his angels with towering feathers and gaudy jewelry; and our dear
human angels--if they would make good their title to that name--should
carefully avoid ornaments, which properly belong to Indian squaws and
African princesses. These tinselries may serve to give effect on the
stage, or upon the ball room floor, but in daily life there is no
substitute for the charm of simplicity. A vulgar taste is not to
be disguised by gold or diamonds. The absence of a true taste and
refinement of delicacy cannot be compensated for by the possession of
the most princely fortune. Mind measures gold, but gold cannot measure
mind. Through dress the mind may be read, as through the delicate
tissue the lettered page. A modest woman will dress modestly; a really
refined and intelligent woman will bear the marks of careful selection
and faultless taste.