The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-04-01

hold It be morally wrong TO follow the
fashions. They are unreasonable and ar.
bitrary in their requirements, and it is a
species Of miserable folly, to be led about
by them. b I'VE conversed 4 good deal with
old aunt Abigail on the subject, and she
perfectly agrees with me. Her opinions
you will not Of course, treat with indiffer-
cncew
=" No, not my aunt's. But for all that,
do not think that either she or uncle Alb
SALON. is perfectly orthodox on all matters" :"
I" / think that they can both prove to
YOU beyond doubt that it is most eyre
gious folly to be ever changing with the
fashions"
And think that can prove to them
that they arc not at all unin1ucnccd by the
tickle goddess"
"Do so, and will give up the point
DO so, and will avow mysclfan advocate
of fashion"
As you are now in fact. But I ac-
cept your challenge, even though the odds
ofage and numbers are against me. am
very much mistaken, indeed, if | cannot
maintain my side of the argument, at least
to my own satisfaction"
"fou may do that probably; but Ger
tainly not to ours"
1--WE will sec" was the laughing reply.
1t was few evenings after, that Hen
ry Grove and his sister called in 70 see uncle
Absalom aunt and Abigail, who were of the
old school, and rather ultra-puritanicle in
their habits and notions. Mary could not
but feel, rs she came into their presence,
that it would be rowing against wind and
tide 10 maintain her point with them
confirmed rs they were in their own views
Of things, and with the respect due to age
to give weight to their opinions. Never
theIess, she determined rcsolutcly to main
tain her own side Of the question, and to
use all the weapons, offensive and defen-
sive, that came to her hand. She was n
light hearted girl, with high flow of
spirits, and quick and discriminating
mind. All these were in her favor. The
contest was not long delayed, for Henry.
feeling that he had powerful auxilarics On
his side, was eager TO see his own positions
triu nph, as he was sure that they must
The welcome words that greeted their en-
trance had not long been said, before he
asked. turning to his aunt
"What do you think found on Mary's
table, the other day, Aunt Abigaili"
II don't know, Henry. What was it ~
"fou will be surprised to hcar,--a fash
ion plate! And that is not all. BY her
own confession, she was studying it in or.
der to conform to the prevailing style o.
dress. Hadn't you better opinion o.
her Z"
II certainly had" was aunt Abigail,
half smiling, half grave reply.
why, what harm is there in following
the fashions, aunt n Mary asked.
"A great deal, my dear. 1t is follow
ing after the vanities Of this life. The apos
tie tells Us not to be conformcd to thi
world"
"I know he does but what has that L
do with the fashionsi He docsa't sa,
that You shall not wear fashionable gar
ments; at least never saw the passage
But that is clearly whath means, Ma
ry."
~ doubt it. Let us hear what he says
perhaps that will guide US to truer mean
ing"
He says: "But be ye transformed b,
the renewing of your minds That clu
cidates and gives force to what goes before.
so think, clearly, upsetting your 20
sition. The apostle evidently has refer
ence to deeper work than mere erterna
non-conformity in regard to the cut of til,
coat, or the fashion of the dress. Be Y,
not conformed to this world in its sclfsf
principles and maxims-bc yc not as tn,
world, lovers Of self more than the lover,
Of God-but be We transformed by the re
newing Of your minds. That is the way
understand him."
"Then you understand him wrong, Ma
ry," uncle Absal m spoke mp. "f he
had meant that, he would have said it il
plain terms"
"And so he has, it seems to me. Blu,
| am not disposed to excuse my adherence
to fashion to any passage that allows Of
two interpretations. argue for it upon
rational grounds"
Fashion and nationality! The idea j.
absurd, Mary !" said uncle Absalom, with
warmth. They are antipodes."
Not by any means, uncle, and l think
I can make it plain to you"
Uncle Absalem shook his head, and
aunt Abigail fidgeted in her chair.
"You remember the celebrated John
Wesley-the founder Of that onc,' unfash.
ionable people, the Methodistsi" Mary
asked.
40, yes"
"What you think If proved to you
that he was an advocate offashioa upon ra-
tional principles
"You can't do it."
Il can. On one occasion, it is related
Of him, that he called upon tailor to
make him coat. "How will you have
It made r asked the tailor. 20, make II
like other peoples was the reply. 'Wil
you have the sleeves made in the new "a
L - ~ q. -