View source for Outward holiness

{{Short description|Wesleyan–Arminian Christian concept}}
{{methodism|align = right}}
'''Outward holiness''', or '''external holiness''', is a [[Wesleyan theology|Wesleyan–Arminian]] doctrine emphasizing holy living, service, modest dress and sober speech.<ref name="McKinleyHuston">{{cite web|url=http://www.gloriouschurch.com/Questions-Answers-Details.asp?QuestID=3934|title=What is outward holiness?|year=2018|publisher=Glorious Church Questions & Answers|language=en|access-date=14 May 2018|author=Jim McKinley, David Huston}}</ref><ref name="Hill2016"/> Additionally, outward holiness manifests as "the
expression of love through a life characterised by 'justice, mercy and truth{{'"}}.<ref name="Walton2019">{{cite journal |last1=Walton |first1=Roger L |title=Holiness |journal=The Journal of Wesley House Cambridge |date=2019 |volume=5 |issue=1 |pages=25–36}}</ref> It is a testimony of a Christian believer's [[Regeneration (theology)|regeneration]], done in obedience to God.<ref name="Thornton2008"/> The doctrine is prevalent among denominations emerging during the [[Christian revival|revival]] movements, including the [[Methodism|Methodists]] (especially those in the [[Holiness Movement]]), as well as [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostals]]. It is taken from [[1 Peter]] {{Bibleverse-nb|1 Peter|1:15|KJV}}: "He which hath called you is Holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation".

==History==
[[File:Tabernacle of Wesleyan Methodist Campground.jpg|thumb|350px|[[AWMC|Wesleyan Methodist]] girls enter the [[tabernacle (Methodist)|tabernacle]] at a [[camp meeting]].]]
In [[Methodist theology]], in regeneration, a person has an "experience of God’s Spirit enabling faith and new birth and witnessing that we are loved by God as God’s children".<ref name="Walton2019"/> As a result of the New Birth, an individual is transformed and into a new creature in Christ. Outward holiness manifests as "the
expression of love through a life characterised by 'justice, mercy and truth{{'"}}.<ref name="Walton2019"/> This has led to an emphasis on the importance of holy living, which has included an emphasis on clean speech, modesty, and abstinence from alcohol. Outward holiness additionally included service to God and others, with the early Methodists being engaged in ministry, including "setting up schools for children (including a grammar text Wesley himself wrote), sick ministries, medical care, food and clothing distribution, ministry to unwed and destitute mothers, The Stranger's Friend Society (a charity for non-Methodists), ministry to paupers in London, establishing a home for widows in London, establishing an orphanage in Newcastle, unemployment relief, small business loan fund, and prison ministries".<ref name="Hill2016">{{cite book |last1=Hill |first1=Matthew Nelson |title=Evolution and Holiness: Sociobiology, Altruism and the Quest for Wesleyan Perfection |date=8 February 2016 |publisher=InterVarsity Press |isbn=978-0-8308-3907-0 |page=191 |language=en}}</ref>

The aspects of modesty and plain dress as related to outward holiness have been emphasized in early Methodism and in the holiness movement. According to Methodist theology held by the [[holiness movement]], before the [[fall of man]], "Nakedness was 'very good' from the beginning, but its innocence was corrupted by the fall", a concept taught in {{Bibleverse|Genesis|1:31|KJV}} and {{Bibleverse|Genesis|2:25|KJV}}.<ref name="Arnold2022"/> {{Bibleverse|Genesis|3:8-10|KJV}} and {{Bibleverse|Revelation|16:15|KJV}} teach that after the fall of man, "publicly exposed nakedness is a symbol of the shame of sin".<ref name="Arnold2022"/> In {{Bibleverse|Genesis|3:7|KJV}}, [[Adam and Eve]] tried to cover their nakedness, though their attempt was inadequate for God; this reflects the tendency in humans to "invent inadequate coverings for our nakedness".<ref name="Arnold2022"/> {{Bibleverse|Genesis|3:21|KJV}} and {{Bibleverse|Revelation|3:18|KJV}} teach that Jehovah properly clothed humans and that a "fully-clothed person is a God-ordained symbol of the full clothing of Christ's righteousness".<ref name="Arnold2022"/> {{Bibleverse|Exodus|20:26|KJV}} and {{Bibleverse|Exodus|28:42-43|KJV}} teach that nakedness is inclusive of anything that includes the torso and thighs.<ref name="Arnold2022">{{cite web |last1=Arnold |first1=Johnathan |title=A Simple Outline for Teaching on Modest Clothing |url=https://holyjoys.org/outline-modest-clothing |publisher=Holy Joys |access-date=24 January 2022 |date=21 January 2022}}</ref> As taught in the early Christian text [[Paedagogus]], the [[early Church]] stressed the importance of wearing modest clothing in the practice of Christianity, with the Church Father [[Clement of Alexandria]] declaring in it:<ref name="Classical2012">{{cite web |title=On Head Coverings |url=https://classicalchristianity.com/2012/01/11/on-head-coverings/ |publisher=Classical Christianity |access-date=25 January 2022 |language=English |date=11 January 2012}}</ref>
{{quotation|Woman and man are to go to church decently attired, with natural step, embracing silence, possessing unfeigned love, pure in body, pure in heart, fit to pray to God. Let the woman observe this, further. Let her be entirely covered, unless she happen to be at home. For that style of dress is grave, and protects from being gazed at. And she will never fall, who puts before her eyes modesty, and her shawl; nor will she invite another to fall into sin by uncovering her face. For this is the wish of the Word, since it is becoming for her to pray veiled. (''[[Paedagogus|The Instructor]]'' 3.11)<ref name="Classical2012"/>}}
More specifically, with regard to proper apparel, Clement of Alexandria commanded:<ref name="Alexandria"/>
{{quotation|As, then, in the fashioning of our clothes, we must keep clear of all strangeness, so in the use of them we must beware of extravagance. For neither is it seemly for the clothes to be above the knee, as they say was the case with the Lacedaemonian virgins; nor is it becoming for any part of a woman to be exposed. Though you may with great propriety use the language addressed to him who said, "Your arm is beautiful; yes, but it is not for the public gaze. Your thighs are beautiful but, was the reply, for my husband alone. And your face is comely. Yes; but only for him who has married me." But I do not wish chaste women to afford cause for such praises to those who, by praises, hunt after grounds of censure; and not only because it is prohibited to expose the ankle, but because it has been enjoined that the head should be veiled and the face covered; for it is a wicked thing for beauty to be a snare to men.<ref name="Alexandria">{{cite book |title=Clement of Alexandria Collection [3 Books] |publisher=Aeterna Press |language=English}}</ref>}}
The Paedagogus teaches against the wearing of extravagant clothing, in addition to forbidding the wearing of jewelry.<ref name="Steinberg2020">{{cite book |last1=Steinberg |first1=Aliza |title=Weaving in Stones: Garments and Their Accessories in the Mosaic Art of Eretz Israel in Late Antiquity |date=7 February 2020 |publisher=Archaeopress Publishing Ltd |isbn=978-1-78969-322-5 |page=197 |language=English}}</ref> It emphasizes instead, that people should seek piety.<ref name="Alexandria"/> In the same vein, the [[Didascalia Apostolorum]], an early Christian manual, directed: "Thou therefore who art a Christian [woman]… if thou wishest to be faithful, please thy husband only, and when thou walkest in the market-place, cover thy head with thy garment, that by thy veil the greatness of thy beauty may be covered; do not adorn the face of thine eyes, but look down and walk veiled; be watchful, not to wash in the baths with men."<ref name="Gibson1903">{{cite book |last1=Gibson |first1=Margaret Dunlop |title=The Didascalia Apostolorum in English |date=1903 |publisher=C.J. Clay |page=9-10 |language=English}}</ref> 

Reviving these early Christian teachings on modesty as an integral part of Christian living, the founder of the [[Methodist Church]]es—[[John Wesley]]—emphasized "inward and outward holiness", which "emphasized the essential link between heart holiness and holy living".<ref name="Anderson2004">{{cite book |last1=Anderson |first1=Neil D. |title=A Definitive Study of Evidence Concerning John Wesley's Appropriation of the Thought of Clement of Alexandria |date=2004 |language=English}}</ref><ref name="UMC2011">{{cite web|url=https://fumsdrl.org/wesley-inward-outward-holiness/|title=Wesley: Inward & Outward Holiness|date=13 November 2011|publisher=The Unifted Methodist Church|language=en|access-date=14 May 2018}}</ref> Outward holiness in the form of "right living and right actions" is practiced in obedience to God and as a testimony of faith after a person experiences the [[Born_again#Methodism|New Birth]].<ref name="Thornton2008"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seedbed.com/getting-it-right-christian-perfection-and-wesleys-purposeful-list|title=Getting It Right: Christian Perfection and Wesley's Purposeful List|last=Headley|first=Anthony J.|date=4 October 2013|publisher=Seedbed|language=en|access-date=29 May 2018}}</ref>

Early Methodists wore [[plain dress]], with Methodist clergy condemning "high headdresses, ruffles, laces, gold, and 'costly apparel' in general".<ref name="Lyerly1998">{{cite book|last=Lyerly|first=Cynthia Lynn|title=Methodism and the Southern Mind, 1770-1810|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JRiddXHU584C&pg=PA39|access-date=19 June 2017|date=24 September 1998|publisher=Oxford University Press|language=en|isbn=9780195354249|page=39}}</ref> John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, recommended that Methodists read his thoughts ''On Dress'', in which he detailed acceptable types and colors of fabrics, in addition to "shapes and sizes of hats, coats, sleeves, and hairstyles";<ref>Journals of Wesley, Nehemiah Curnock, ed., London: Epworth Press 1938, p. 468.</ref> in that sermon, John Wesley expressed his desire for Methodists: "Let me see, before I die, a Methodist congregation, full as plain dressed as a Quaker congregation."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-88-on-dress/|title=The Wesley Center Online: Sermon 88 - On Dress|last=Wesley|first=John|year=1999|publisher=Wesley Center for Applied Theology|language=en|access-date=19 June 2017}}</ref> He also taught, with respect to [[Christian headcovering]], that women, "especially in a religious assembly", should "keep on her veil".<ref>{{cite book|last=Wesley |first=John |title=Wesley's Notes on the Bible|publisher=Christian Classics Ethereal Library|language=en|isbn=9781610252577|page=570|quote=Therefore if a woman is not covered — If she will throw off the badge of subjection, let her appear with her hair cut like a man's. But if it be shameful far a woman to appear thus in public, especially in a religious assembly, let her, for the same reason, keep on her veil.|year=1987 }}</ref><ref name="Dunlap1994">{{cite web |last1=Dunlap |first1=David |title=Headcovering-A Historical Perspective |url=http://www.uplook.org/1994/11/headcovering-a-historical-perspective/ |publisher=Uplook Ministries |access-date=24 June 2019 |language=en |date=1 November 1994 |quote=Although women were allowed to preach in the Methodist ministry, the veil covering a woman’s head was required as a sign of her headship to Christ. Concerning the theological significance of the veil, Wesley wrote, “For a man indeed ought not to veil his head because he is the image and glory of God in the dominion he bears over the creation, representing the supreme dominion of God, which is his glory. But the woman is a matter of glory to the man, who has a becoming dominion over her. Therefore she ought not to appear except with her head veiled as a tacit acknowledgement of it.”}}</ref> Those who tried to [[church attendance|attend Methodist services]] in costly apparel were denied admittance.<ref>Rupert Davies, A History of the Methodist Church in Great Britain, London : Epworth, 1965, p.197.</ref> Wesley's teaching was based on his interpretation of {{Bibleverse|1 Timothy|2:9-10|KJV}} and {{Bibleverse|1 Peter|3:3-4|KJV}}, which he stated led him to conclude that "expensive clothes puff up their wearers, promote vanity, incite anger, inflame lust, retard the pursuit of holiness, and steal from God and the poor."<ref name="WarrickJr2013">{{cite book|last1=Yrigoyen|first1=Charles |last2=Warrick|first2=Susan E.|title=Historical Dictionary of Methodism|date=7 November 2013|publisher=Scarecrow Press|language=en|isbn=9780810878945|page=124}}</ref> The 1858 Discipline of the [[Wesleyan Methodist Church (United States)|Wesleyan Methodist Connection]] stated that "we would not only enjoin on all who fear God plain dress, but we would recommend to our preachers and people, according to Mr. Wesley's views expressed in his sermon on the inefficiency of Christianity, published but a few years before his death, and containing his matured judgment, distinguishing plainness—''Plainness'' which will publicly comment them to the maintenance of their Christian profession wherever they may be."<ref name="America1858">{{cite book|title=The Discipline of the Wesleyan Methodist Connection, of America|year=1858|publisher=Wesleyan Methodist Connection of America|language=en |page=85}}</ref> The "men among the Methodists all wore the low-crowned hat with a broad brim, and a shad-bellied coat, much after the fashion of a Quaker coat, and their women wore generally a long scoop black silk bonnet, plain, without any gay trimmings, plain dress and no ear-rings, nor any kind of ornaments".<ref name="Sherrard1890">{{cite book |last1=Sherrard |first1=Robert Andrew |editor1-last=Sherrard |editor1-first=Thomas Johnson |title=The Sherrard Family of Steubenville |date=1890 |publisher=Jas B. Rodgers Printing Company |page=71 |language=English}}</ref> The 1859 novel ''[[Adam Bede]]'' portrayed the Methodist [[Methodist local preacher|itinerant preacher]], [[Dinah Morris]], wearing plain dress, with the words "I saw she was a Methodist, or Quaker, or something of that sort, by her dress".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.quakerjane.com/spirit.friends/plain_dress-onecloth.html|title=A Few Historical Quaker Plain Dress References.|year=2007|publisher=Quaker Jane|language=en|access-date=19 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914145423/http://www.quakerjane.com/spirit.friends/plain_dress-onecloth.html|archive-date=14 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the 14 April 1903 edition of ''The Free Methodist'', an article on "Woman in the Public Service" written by a bishop of the [[Free Methodist Church]] (a Methodist denomination aligned with the [[holiness movement]]), [[Walter Ashbel Sellew]], taught the importance of the [[Christian head covering|woman's headcovering]] and modest dress:<ref name="Sellew1903">{{cite book |last1=Sellew |first1=Walter Ashbel |editor1-last=Hogue |editor1-first=Wilson T. |title=Woman in the Public Service |date=14 April 1903 |publisher=[[Free Methodist Church]] |location=[[Chicago]] |page=232-233 |language=English}}</ref> 

{{quotation|Perhaps the strongest passage of scripture in all the Bible which warrants women praying and preaching in public is that one which reads as follows: "But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoreth her head, for that is all one as if she were shaven" (1 Cor. 11.5). Prophesying is generally accepted as speaking (or acting) under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. So that here we have full warrant for women to preach, testify and pray as moved by the Spirit. ... Those who take part in religious worship with uncovered heads may do so innocently, but by doing so they undermine the very foundation on which they stand when they testify. ... There should be no disposition to invalidate or evade these instructions or the proper relations therein taught. In fact the covering on the head is intended to be a constant reminder and acknowledgment of this relation. While in Christ the woman is always in a relation of absolute equality with the man, and in official positions in the church and in spiritual things may be the superior of her husband, yet in the family she is in a measure at least subject to her husband. Therefore, while she asserts her spiritual equality in praying or prophesying, by wearing a covering on her head, she acknowledges her proper position in the family relation. There are two reasons especially why women should have some kind of covering on their heads when taking part in religious services. One of them is the fact that they appear to many persons immodest when they are bareheaded. I am not able to prove this statement, but I am prepared to assert it. No reputable woman would willingly appear alone on the streets or in any public place with bare head. I have also been observing on this subject in our meetings for the last ten years especially, and have found by observation, supplemented by careful and extended inquiries among persons not connected with our denomination, that almost without exception a woman is regarded as immodest who appears bareheaded in a religious service, and some persons especially sensitive on such matters have been so shocked thereby that they have been greatly hindered in receiving truths we so much desire to impress on our hearers. The principal reason, however, of this position is that the word of God commands it. That should settle all controversy. It should do so especially among us as a denomination, because along all lines we hold so strongly to the literal application of the word in all things. Why should we not be as particular about this as about other things? Some who have attempted to excuse themselves for violating this command have claimed that it was given to meet the peculiar conditions and relations existing in oriental society and that customs and conditions are changed now. This same argument is used against our position as a denomination on the subject of ornamentation and dress, and if allowed leaves us without foundation for that phase of our negative issues. We must at least be consistent. ... Again, some make the excuse that their hats are too heavy and burdensome to wear under such circumstances, or some excuse of a similar nature. This excuse, if allowed, reduces the question to a matter of convenience, which is the refuge of all who violate God's word. The claim which God's word has upon us is infinitely stronger than the convenience or inconvenience of the individual, and to consider it in that light is to bring it into our contempt. The only safe way in this particular, as in all others, is to do just what the word commands. If in this particular respect the hats usually worn by our pilgrim sisters are too heavy, a small, light bonnet might be worn. If such would be lighter and easier in many cases they certainly would be a great improvement as far as appearances are concerned over the ungainly hats frequently worn. At least something can be devised that may be worn so that the word may be obeyed. Let something be worn on the head so that, while our sisters shall maintain that equality in the spirit and in their public ministrations that is given them by God's word, they may at the same time acknowledge that measure of subjection to man which nature and the word of God so plainly teach.<ref name="Sellew1903"/>}} 

[[Peter Cartwright (revivalist)|Peter Cartwright]], a Methodist [[Christian revival|revivalist]], emphasized the importance of outward holiness in the history of Methodism, stating:<ref name="Cartwright1857">{{cite book |last= Cartwright |first=Peter |title= Autobiography of Peter Cartwright: The Backwoods Preacher |url= https://archive.org/details/autobiographyofp00incart |id= Accessed 19 June 2017 |year=1857 |publisher= Carlton & Porter |language= en |page=[https://archive.org/details/autobiographyofp00incart/page/74 74]}}</ref>
{{quotation|The Methodists in that early day dressed plain; attended their meetings faithfully, especially preaching, prayer and class meetings; they wore no jewelry, no ruffles; they would frequently walk three or four miles to class-meetings and home again, on Sundays; they would go thirty or forty miles to their quarterly meetings, and think it a glorious privilege to meet their presiding elder, and the rest of the preachers. They could, nearly every soul of them, sing our hymns and spiritual songs. They religiously kept the Sabbath day: many of them abstained from dram-drinking, not because the temperance reformation was ever heard of in that day, but because it was interdicted in the General Rules of our Discipline. The Methodists of that day stood up and faced their preacher when they sung; they kneeled down in the public congregation as well as elsewhere, when the preacher said, "Let us pray." There was no standing among the members in time of prayer, especially the abominable practice of sitting down during that exercise was unknown among early Methodists. Parents did not allow their children to go to balls or plays; they did not send them to dancing schools; they generally fasted once a week, and almost universally on Friday before each quarterly meeting. If the Methodists had dressed in the same "superfluity of naughtiness" then as they do now, there were very few even out of the Church that would have had any confidence in their religion. But O, how have things changed for the worse in this educational age of the world!<ref name="Cartwright1857"/>}}
While few wear plain dress in mainline Methodism today, some Methodist Churches of the [[conservative holiness movement]], such as the [[Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection]] and [[Evangelical Wesleyan Church]], continue to dress modestly and plainly,<ref name="AWMC">{{cite book|title=Discipline of the Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection|publisher=[[Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection]]|language=en|chapter=I. The Church|quote=Should we insist on plain and modest dress? Certainly. We should not on any account spend what the Lord has put into our hands as stewards, to be used for His glory, in expensive wearing apparel, when thousands are suffering for food and raiment, and millions are perishing for the Word of life. Let the dress of every member of every Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Church be plain and modest. Let the strictest carefulness and economy be used in these respects.}}</ref><ref name="Elwell2001">{{cite book |last=Elwell |first= Walter A. |title= Evangelical Dictionary of Theology |id= Accessed 19 June 2017 |year=2001 |publisher= Baker Academic |language= en |isbn= 978-0801020759 |page=564}}</ref> also avoiding the wearing of jewelry (sometimes inclusive of wedding rings).<ref name="BMCC2014">{{cite web |url= http://www.biblemethodist.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2014-Bible-Methodist-Discipline.pdf |title= Discipline of the Bible Methodist Connection of Churches |year=2014 |pages=33–34 |language= en |access-date=19 June 2017}}</ref> The [[Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches]] continues the practice of [[Christian head covering|headcovering]]. The 2015 ''Discipline of the Evangelical Wesleyan Church'' details these holiness standards in its General Rules:<ref name="EWC2015"/>
{{quotation|Members shall conform to the scriptural standards of attire, adorning themselves in a meek and quiet spirit, not with gold, pearls, or costly array. This applies specifically to the wearing of finger rings of any kind (including wedding rings), all forms of symbolic or ornamental jewelry, and any apparel which does not modestly or properly clothe the person. Women shall refrain from cutting their hair or curling it either by commercial processes or by home permanent methods, wearing apparel pertaining to men, or painting their faces or fingernails.<ref name="EWC2015"/>}}
In its Special Rules and Advices, the Evangelical Wesleyan Church further teaches that:<ref name="EWC2015"/>
{{quotation|We require our women to appear in public with dresses of modest length, sleeves of modest length, modest necklines and modest hose; the wearing of split skirts, slacks, jeans, artificial flowers or feathers is forbidden. Moreover, we require our men to conform to the scriptural standards of decent and modest attire; we require that when they appear in public they wear shirts with sleeves of modest length. We require that all our people appear in public with sleeves below the elbows. Women's hemlines are to be modestly below the knees. Our people are forbidden to appear in public with transparent or immodest apparel, including shorts or bathing suits. Parents are required to dress their children modestly in conformity with our general principles of Christian attire. We further prohibit our people from participating in the practices of body-piercing, tattooing or body art.<ref name="EWC2015">{{cite book|title=The Discipline of the Evangelical Wesleyan Church |year=2015|publisher=[[Evangelical Wesleyan Church]]|language=en|pages=41, 57–58}}</ref>}}
The same denomination, in its 2018 ''Handbook'' for the [[Evangelical Wesleyan Bible Institute]] (EWBI), teaches the following "Principles of Christian Living" for its seminary students:<ref name="LWD2018"/>
{{quotation|Hence it is required that those who profess to be disciples of Christ should come out from the world and be separate, and touch not the unclean thing, abstaining from worldly indulgences, such as the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, or harmful drugs or agents, worldly amusements, including theatre-going and television-viewing, video-viewing, inappropriate computer usages, card playing, gambling, dancing, the skating rink, amusements fairs, mixed bathing, listening to "rock" and other types of worldly, un-Christian music; the adoring of worldly dress, such as jewelry, attire which does not modestly and/or properly clothe the person or which pertains to the opposite sex, or women cutting or curling their hair or men letting their hair grow too long; tattooing or body piercing; the profanation of the Lord's Day into a day of secular work, business and/or pleasure; and from all other sinful practices.<ref name="LWD2018">{{cite book |title=Evangelical Wesleyan Bible Institute Handbook |date=2018 |publisher=LWD Publishing |location=[[Cooperstown, Pennsylvania|Cooperstown]] |language=en}}</ref>}}
The Book of Discipline of the [[Calvary Holiness Church (Philadelphia)|Calvary Holiness Church]] specifies the standard for the [[Christian headcovering|headcovering]] worn by Christian women:<ref name="CHC1986">{{cite book |title=The Manual of the Calvary Holiness Church |date=1986 |publisher=[[Calvary Holiness Church (Philadelphia)|Calvary Holiness Church]] |page=12}}</ref>
{{quotation|a. The Calvary Holiness Church practices the ordinance of the Prayer and Prophesy Veil for women. It is scripturally taught in I Corinthians 11:1-16.<br /> b. The Veiling is to be worn by the sisters while praying and prophesying.<br /> (1) We understand praying is a means of communication with God by the individual whether it be public, private or being in a spirit of prayer which is "praying without ceasing."<br /> (2) We understand prophesying to mean not only preaching but witnessing or testifying whether in a public scene or in a more private surrounding.<br /> (3) Therefore, the sisters are enjoined to wear their veilings during all waking hours.<br /> c. The minimum weight of the veiling shall be that of white stiff nylon. It shall be made in the fashion of a bonnet and shall closely fit the hair which has been fashioned into the form of a bun at the crown of the head.<ref name="CHC1986"/>}}
The Methodist doctrine of outward holiness applies to Home Furnishing as well, with the [[Metropolitan Church Association]] teaching:<ref name="MCA1930">{{cite book |title=The Discipline of the Metropolitan Church Association |date=15 November 1930 |publisher=[[Metropolitan Church Association]] |page=21}}</ref>
{{quotation|Modesty and economy should be observed in the furnishing of the home. Costly furniture or needless home equipment should not be provided. The world is in great need of all the help the church can possibly give; and it becomes those who are walking in the footsteps of Jesus, to economize on all lines, that they may help the needy.<ref name="MCA1930"/>}}

==Standards==
Holiness Methodist doctrine teaches that biblical standards of dress and behaviour are followed "an act of obedience and they keep one from nullifying his testimony of grace", being required for all Christians after the [[first work of grace]]—regeneration.<ref name="Thornton2008">{{cite book | last1=Thornton | first1=Wallace Jr. |title=Behavioral Standards, Embourgeoisement, and the Formation of the Conservative Holiness Movement |date=2008 |publisher=Wesleyan Theological Society |pages=187–193 |language=English}}</ref>

The father of Methodism [[John Wesley]]'s view of biblical standards was further grounded in the principle of stewardship—dressing plainly so that money could go to help the needy: "Everything about thee which cost more than Christian duty required thee to lay out is the blood of the poor!"<ref name="Thornton2008"/> Methodist evangelist [[Phoebe Palmer]] wrote the following [[Consecration#Methodist Churches|prayer of consecration]] for those seeking to be entirely sanctified, which "involves a submitting to any behavioral standards which might be enjoined upon the believer by God":<ref name="Thornton2008"/>

{{quotation|With comminglings of intense yet solemn joy, and holy fear, I do at this eventful hour resolve, in the strength of the Lord Jehovah, on minute circumspection in the sustainment and adornment of my body, to indulge in only such things as may be enjoyed in the name of the Lord, and bear the inscription, "HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD".<ref name="Thornton2008"/>}} Daniel Stafford, a Nazarene evangelist, preached that those not adhering to biblical standards of dress and behaviour are not even candidates for the [[second work of grace]]: "It would be an insult to the blessed Holy Ghost to ask Him to house a body that is decked out with the things of the world".<ref name="Thornton2008"/> The 2012 [[Book of Discipline]] of the [[African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church]] teaches the following standards that are typical of traditional Methodist practice:<ref name="AMEZ2012">{{cite book |title=The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church |date=2012 |publisher=[[African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church]] |isbn=978-1-4969-5704-7 |language=English}}</ref>

{{quotation|¶77. Conditions of Membership—There is only one condition previously required of those who desire admission into these Societies: "A desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins." But wherever this is really fixed in the soul it will be shown by its fruits. ¶78. It is therefore expected of all who desire to continue therein, that they shall continue to evidence their desire of salvation, first: by doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced, such as: The taking of the Name of God in vain, profaning the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work therein, or by buying or selling. Drunkenness, buying or selling or using spirituous liquors, unless cases of extreme necessity; fighting, quarreling, brawling; brother going to law with brother; returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; the using of many words in buying and selling; the buying or selling of goods that have not paid the duty; giving or taking things on usury (that is, unlawful interest); uncharitable or unprofitable conversation particularly speaking evil of ministers and magistrates; doing unto others what we would not they should do unto us; doing what we know that is not for the glory of God; the putting on the gold as a useless ornament; and taking such diversion as cannot be done in the name of the Lord Jesus—such as dancing, card-playing, lottery, policy, and other, games of chance; going to circuses and theaters; the singing of those songs and the reading of those books that do not tend to the knowledge and love of God; softness and needless of self-indulgence; laying up treasures on earth; buying goods without the probability of paying for them. ¶79. It is expected of all those who wish to continue in these Societies, that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation. Secondly: By doing good; by being in every kind merciful after their power; doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all men. To their bodies, of the ability which God gives; by giving food to the hungry; by clothing the naked; by visiting or helping them that are sick or in prison; To their souls, by instructing, reproving, or exhorting all whom they have any intercourse with; trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine that "We are not to do good unless our hearts be free to it." By doing good especially to them that are of the household of faith, or groaning so to be; employing them preferably to others; buying one of another; helping one another in business and so much the more because the world will love its own, and them only. By all possible diligence and frugality, that the Gospel be not blamed. By running with patience the race set before them, denying themselves and taking up their cross daily; submitting to bear the reproach of Christ; to be as the filth and off scouring of the world; and looking, that men should say all manner of evil against them falsely, for the Lord's sake. It is expected of all who desire in these Societies that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation. Thirdly: By attending on all the ordinances of God; such as, the Public worship of God; the Ministry of the Word, either read or explained; the Lord's Supper, searching the Scriptures, fasting, and abstinence; family and private prayer. —''The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church''<ref name="AMEZ2012"/>}} Many of the following standards are those practiced by those who adhere to the doctrine of outward holiness, though certain connexions have relaxed them, especially those in the mainline tradition:

*[[Modesty|Modest]] and [[plain dress]] (1 Tim. 2:9), which is defined as loose covering from the neck to below the knee in all normal body postures (Exod. 20:26; 28:42-43) with women's styles including [[cape dress]]es and [[prairie dress]]es for example; women often wear a [[Christian headcovering]] ({{Bibleverse|1 Corinthians|11:2-10|KJV}}).<ref name="Dunlap1994"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://fortmyersacc.com/Pages/about.html|title=About Us|last=Streitmatter|first=Jeff|year=2018|publisher=Fort Myers Apostolic Christian Church|language=en|access-date=14 May 2018|archive-date=21 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421205003/http://fortmyersacc.com/Pages/about.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> This would include the wearing of [[swimming dress]]es by women rather than revealing bathing suits, as well as the strict prohibition of [[mixed bathing]].
*Moderate or no use of jewelry or ornaments of gold, silver, and jewels for personal adornment (1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:1-6); some denominations will only allow the use of a wedding band or ring while others proscribe it too.<ref name="BMCC2014"/>
*A distinction of the sexes in clothing, forbidding such style as trousers and [[pant suit]]s for women even if required by work or public service. (Deut. 22:5).
*Christian men are to wear their hair short and Christian women must never cut or remove their hair, wearing it long in order to have a definitive distinction of male and female sexes. (1 Cor. 11:14-15).

Outward Holiness can also include the following which reveal an inward character:
* Impeccable honesty (Prov. 11:1; Rom. 12:7)
* [[Civil disobedience|Civil obedience]] (Rom. 13:1-7)
* Subjection to parental authority (Eph. 6:1)
* Submission to the spiritual authority (Heb. 13:17)
* No profanity or vulgar joking or explicit conversation (Eph. 4:29; 5:4; Col. 3:8)
* Keeping the [[Ten Commandments#Methodist|Ten Commandments]], such as [[Sabbatarianism#Methodist Churches|observing the Christian Sabbath]] (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-4; Heb. 10:25)<ref name="Macowan1843">{{cite book|last=Macowan|first=Peter|title=Practical Considerations on the Christian Sabbath|year=1843|publisher=John Mason|language=en|page=27}}</ref>
* Regular [[Christian prayer|prayer]] and [[Fasting#Methodism|fasting]] (Acts 14:21-23)<ref name="Cartwright1857"/>
* [[Christian views on alcohol#Methodism|Abstinence from alcohol]] and [[Religion and drugs#Christianity|other drugs]] (Prov. 20:1; Rom. 13:13; Eph. 5:18; 1 Thes. 5:7-8)<ref name="CartledgeSwoboda2016">{{cite book|last1=Cartledge|first1=Mark J.|last2=Swoboda|first2=A.J.|title=Scripting Pentecost: A Study of Pentecostals, Worship and Liturgy|date=7 July 2016|publisher=Routledge|language=en|isbn=9781317058663|page=19}}</ref>
* [[Dancing ban#Christianity|Avoidance of social dances]] (Rom. 13:11-14; Gal. 5:19-21)<ref name="CartledgeSwoboda2016"/>

==Observing denominations==
Outward Holiness is a part of [[Wesleyan-Arminian]] (Methodist) theology and practice, being inherited in many [[Holiness Pentecostal]] traditions. Methodism, along with other traditions aligned with the holiness movement, in addition to Holiness Pentecostalism, teach the doctrine of Holiness (also known as entire sanctification). While Finished Work Pentecostalism (and its derivative Oneness Pentecostalism) rejected the doctrine of entire sanctification, certain Finished Work Pentecostal and Oneness Pentecostal denominations have preserved the doctrine of outward holiness. Denominations that observe Outward Holiness are:

===Methodist (inclusive of the holiness movement)===
*[[Allegheny Wesleyan Methodist Connection]]<ref name="AWMC"/>
*[[Bible Methodist Connection of Churches]]<ref name="BMCC2014"/>
*[[Bible Holiness Church]]
*[[Bible Missionary Church]]<ref>{{cite book |title=Manual of the Bible Missionary Church, Inc. |date=2015 |publisher=[[Bible Missionary Church]] |pages=21–26 |language=English}}</ref>
*[[Emmanuel Association of Churches]]<ref name="Emmanuel2002">{{cite book |title=Guidebook of the Emmanuel Association of Churches |date=2002 |publisher=[[Emmanuel Association]] |location=[[Logansport, Indiana|Logansport]] |page=8 |language=English}}</ref>
*[[Evangelical Wesleyan Church]]<ref name="EWC2015"/>
*[[Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Brief Description |url=http://fimc.org.uk/about_us.htm |publisher=[[Fellowship of Independent Methodist Churches]] |access-date=3 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126234944/http://fimc.org.uk/about_us.htm |archive-date=26 January 2022 |language=English |date=26 January 2022|quote=It is necessary to come out from the world and be separate, renouncing all vain pomp and glory, adorning oneself with modest attire.}}</ref> 
*[[God's Missionary Church]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.godsmissionarychurch.org/blog/lord-make-me-truth-righteousness-and-beauty-in-the-christian-life|title="Lord, Make Me": Truth, Righteousness, and Beauty in the Christian Life|date=26 January 2018|publisher=[[God's Missionary Church]]|language=en|access-date=11 July 2018|quote=Our personal appearance ought to reflect holiness, not only in plainness and modesty, but in simplicity, neatness and beauty.}}</ref>
*[[Wesleyan Holiness Alliance]]
*[[Wesleyan Holiness Association of Churches]]

===Holiness Pentecostal===
*[[Apostolic Faith Church]]
*[[Fire-Baptized Holiness Church]]
*[[Free Gospel Church]]  
*Free Holiness Church (Arkansas)

===Finished Work Pentecostal===
*[[New Testament Christian Churches of America]] (few)

===Oneness Pentecostal===
*[[Apostolic Assembly of the Faith in Christ Jesus]] 
*[[Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ]]
*[[Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith]] 
*[[Church of the Lord Jesus Christ]]
*[[Gospel Assembly Churches]] 
*[[Pentecostal Assemblies of the World]] 
*[[United Pentecostal Church International]]

===Restorationism===

*[[Church of God (Anderson, Indiana)]] (few)
*[[Church of God (Guthrie, Oklahoma)]]
*[[Church of God (Restoration)]]

[[Conservative Anabaptist]] and [[Old Order Movement|Old Order Anabaptist]] communities from the [[Amish]], [[Apostolic Christian Church|Apostolic Christian]], [[Bruderhof]], [[Charity Christian Fellowship|Charity Christian]], [[Hutterite]], [[Mennonite]], [[Schwarzenau Brethren]] and [[River Brethren]] traditions are considered [[plain people]] for their simple lifestyle and [[plain dress]], which includes [[Christian headcovering]]s for women. Likewise, Quakers of the [[Conservative Friends]] and [[Central Yearly Meeting of Friends|Holiness Friends]] traditions practice a [[testimony of simplicity]]. As these Churches have a different origin from those of the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition, they do not call this outward holiness although their beliefs often produce the same externals as those of the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition, e.g. [[plain dress]]; the [[Calvary Holiness Church (Philadelphia)|Calvary Holiness Church]], a River Brethren denomination that was influenced by the holiness movement, is an exception given its dual theological roots. Other people with a similar lifestyle include communicants of the [[Laestadian Lutheran|Laestadian Lutheran Churches]] and some [[Reformed church|Reformed]] denominations, such as the [[Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland]] and the [[Netherlands Reformed Congregations]]. Congregants in [[Independent Baptist]] churches, as well as those of the [[Plymouth Brethren]], are also known for their [[Modesty#Christianity|modest dress]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independentbaptist.com/why-modesty-matters1/|title=Why Modesty Still Matters|last=Reeves|first=Sarah Jane|year=2014|publisher=Independentbaptist.com|language=en|access-date=11 July 2018}}</ref><ref name="Linham2017">{{cite web |last1=Linham |first1=Laura |title=Who are The Plymouth Brethren? |url=https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/who-are-the-plymouth-brethren-140380 |publisher=[[Somerset Live]] |access-date=22 May 2022 |language=English |date=27 June 2017}}</ref> Some [[Traditionalist Catholics]], such as the communicants of the [[Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen]] and the [[Palmarian Catholic Church]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://homepage.eircom.net/~palmardetroya/rules.htm|title=Rules governing the followers of the Palmarian Church}}</ref> follow principles of modesty known as "Marylike standards" (this too produces modesty externals similar to those in the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tldm.org/news34/marylike-standards-for-modesty-in-dress.htm|title= Marylike Standards For Modesty in Dress}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Evangelical Christianity}}
*[[Works of Piety]]
*[[Works of Mercy]]
*[[Growth in grace]]
*[[Nonconformity to the world]]
*[[Plain people]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book |last1=Anderson |first1=Cory|last2=Anderson |first2=Jennifer|title=Fitted to Holiness: How Modesty is Achieved and Compromised among the Plain People |date=2019 |publisher=Acorn Publishing |location=[[Millersburg, Ohio|Millersburg]]}}
*{{cite book |last1=Anderson |first1=Cory A. |title=The Ornament of a Spirit: Exploring the Reasons Covering Styles Change |date=2013 |publisher=Ridgeway Publishing |location=[[Stoneboro, Pennsylvania|Stoneboro]]}}
*{{cite book|title=What the Early Christians Believed About the Head Covering|first=David|last=Bercot|date=2012|publisher=Scroll Publishing Co.|location=[[Amberson, Pennsylvania|Amberson]]}}
*{{cite book|title=The Lottery|first=Beverly|last=Carradne|date=1997|publisher=Schmul Publishing Co.|location=[[Salem, Ohio|Salem]]|isbn=0880193638}}
*{{cite book|title=Glorifying God in Holy Living|first=Rosemary L.|last=Cope|date=2005|publisher=Allegheny Publications|location=[[Salem, Ohio|Salem]]}}
*{{cite book|title=Divorce-Remarriage: Re-examined Scripturally|first1=C. Clair.|last1=Ewing|first2=Charles Wesley|last2=Ewing|date=1993|publisher=Evangelist of Truth|location=[[Indianapolis, Indiana|Indianapolis]]}}
*{{cite book|title=The Devil's Dance of Death And Damnation|first=Dan|last=Gilbert|date=1951|publisher=The Church Press|location=[[Glendale, California|Glendale]]}}
*{{cite book|title=Foundations of Doctrine in Scripture and Experience|first=Harry E.|last=Jessop|date=2008|publisher=Schmul Publishing Co.|location=[[Nicholasville, Kentucky|Nicholasville]]|isbn=978-0880193467}}
*{{cite book|title=Biblical Apparel|first=Ignacio|last=Palacios|date=1998|publisher=Allegheny Publications|location=Salem}}
*{{cite book|title=Hijacker in the House|first=Dale|last=Yocum|date=1988|publisher=Schmul Publishing Co., Inc.|location=[[Salem, Ohio|Salem]]|isbn=0880190698}}

==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFzkJ_oA818 What the Early Christians Believed About Modest Dress & Cosmetics] - [[Scroll Publishing Company]]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oflUWLFXyfI What the Early Christians Believed About The Head Covering] - [[Scroll Publishing Company]]
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[[Category:Methodism]]
[[Category:Christian ethics in the Bible]]
[[Category:Christian terminology]]