There is no part of the system, not
even the extremity of a limb, which can suffer violent compression,
without interrupting the regular circulation of the blood. But, when
this pressure is about the chest, the effect is most destructive. The
lungs, subject as they are to alternate distension and compression, from
receiving and discharging both the blood and the breath, require the
most perfect freedom. But when the chest is so compressed as to prevent
the free play of the lungs, the whole system of respiration and
circulation is deranged. The consequences are, shortness of breath,
faintness, impeded circulation, producing listlessness and languor; and
inclination of the blood to the head, producing headache and
distressing dizziness. And, if this course is long persisted in,
destruction of health is the inevitable conscience; and often the poor
deluded victim of a barbarous fashion pays the forfeit of her life. I
have heard of many cases of death from this cause; three of which
occurred _in one family_, within the circle of my acquaintance. I need
use no argument, then, to convince a Christian lady, that it is her duty
to avoid this species of conformity to the world. I can regard it in no
other light than a palpable violation of the sixth commandment.

5. _Do not make too much of the matter of dress._ It is our duty to
avoid every species of conformity to the world which requires the
sacrifice of religious principle. But, in things indifferent, we are
allowed to conform to the customs of society. I do not think there is
much danger of observing excessive plainness of apparel; but there is
danger of making so much account of it as to cultivate a self-righteous
spirit. It is remarkable that in almost every system of false religion,
precise forms of dress are prescribed; especially for those who are
devoted to what is termed a _religious life_; whereas, in the Bible, it
is left to be regulated by the general principles and spirit of
Christianity, with an occasional caution against extravagance; and it
does not appear that Christ and the apostles and the early Christians
adopted any peculiarity of dress. From the description given of the
wardrobe of our Saviour, it is probable that he wore the common dress of
a religious teacher. There is such a thing as a pride of singularity;
and this is often manifested in the preparation and adjustment of the
wardrobe. Satan is ever on the alert, to observe the bent of the mind,
and c