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finest and most fashionable clothing. They have had everything provided for the body without their thought or care. Man being an. imitative animal, of course they carry these customs into their own families. They work hard, therefore they have money to spend, and must enjoy it in the way they have seen others do. And they are apt, too, to think they have a right to do so, as they have worked for it. When I was first married I found myself precisely in this way. We had our parties and tea-drinkings we must have the best wine and the best cake; our friends had it and we must give them the same they gave us, or be considered mean. But when it pleased the Lord to open my eyes, these things became a burden to me. I remembered He had said "When thou makest a feast call in the poor, the lame and the blind, those who cannot bid thee again." When I became more engaged to follow Christ I remembered that when on earth, he went about doing good. I thought I would assist the poor too if I had the means some people had, but I have no more than I want myself; how can Ihelp the poor? Then it occurred to me that Christ lived a self-denying life, and I began to think how I might deny myself, take up the cross and follow him, when dress presented itself to my view. Now a pair of morocco shoes cost one dollar and 50 cts.: a pair of leather will do just as well, and I shall have 50 cts. for the poor. A fine muslin dress costs five dollars: I can buy a very good calico one for three, and have two dollars to spare. I reasoned in this manner till my dress was reduced to the standard which yon see. I wore a plain straw bonnet With a white ribbon. The ribbon often soiled and required to be changed. I thought if I wore a plain silk one the strings will last as long as the bonnet, and here will be something saved.
These things were very trifling in themselves, but oh! the peace of mind and the liberty I gained by it more than doubly compensated me for the mortification I at first endured in seeing others who could not afford it so well, better dressed than myself. I could now go to meeting let the weather be as it would, I was not afraid of spoiling my shoes or any part of my dress. I no longer felt disturbed as to whether my appearance was better than my neighbor or not, and I always had something for the poor.
Now, dear friend, if you please, read this in one of your select meetings to those dear professing friends of yours, and beg them to try my plan for one year, and I think they cannot fail to be much benefited by it.
I remain your friend with
much regard,
GRACE DOUGLASS.
