Chapter XV.—Of Putting Off Cloaks.

But since we have touched on one special point of empty observance,92    i.e. the hand-washing. it will not be irksome to set our brand likewise on the other points against which the reproach of vanity may deservedly be laid; if, that is, they are observed without the authority of any precept either of the Lord, or else of the apostles. For matters of this kind belong not to religion, but to superstition, being studied, and forced, and of curious rather than rational ceremony;93    Or, “reasonable service.” See Rom. xii. 1. deserving of restraint, at all events, even on this ground, that they put us on a level with Gentiles.94    Or, “Gentile practices.” As, e.g., it is the custom of some to make prayer with cloaks doffed, for so do the nations approach their idols; which practice, of course, were its observance becoming, the apostles, who teach concerning the garb of prayer,95    See 1 Cor. xi. 3–16. would have comprehended in their instructions, unless any think that is was in prayer that Paul had left his cloak with Carpus!96    2 Tim. iv. 13. God, forsooth, would not hear cloaked suppliants, who plainly heard the three saints in the Babylonian king’s furnace praying in their trousers and turbans.97    Dan. iii. 21, etc.

CAPUT XV .

Sed quoniam unum aliquod attigimus vacuae observationis, non pigebit caetera quoque denotare, quibus merito vanitas exprobranda est; siquidem sine ullius aut dominici, aut apostolici praecepti auctoritate fiunt. Hujusmodi enim non religioni, sed superstitioni deputantur, affectata, et coacta, et curiosi potius, quam rationalis officii; certe vel eo coercenda, quod gentilibus adaequent. Ut est quorumdam, expositis 1171A penulis orationem facere; sic enim adeunt ad idola nationes. Quod utique si fieri oporteret, Apostoli, qui de habitu orandi docent, comprehendissent; nisi si qui putant, Paulum penulam suam in oratione penes Carpum reliquisse. Deus scilicet non audiat penulatos, qui tres sanctos in fornace babylonii regis orantes cum sarabaris et tyaris suis exaudivit?