The Second Epistle Concerning Godly appearance
To the beloved brethren, called unto holiness and preserved in Christ Jesus: Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied unto you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I write again, not because the matter has been settled, but because confusion has increased among some of you, and certain voices have risen that speak with the language of wisdom yet deny the power of godliness. For it has been reported that some are saying, “If we do not dress to attract, how will we be noticed? How will a man desire us for marriage?” And others, claiming insight, have taught that restraint delays destiny, and that modesty repels favour. This teaching did not come from Him who called you. Who taught you that attraction is the same as alignment? Who persuaded you that God needs seduction to fulfill His purposes? If marriage were secured by appearance alone, then the nations would excel the Church. Yet we know that what God joins, He joins by covenant, not by display. ...