In the austerity of feeling which reigned through the Presbyterian Church on its re-establishment, there had been but little [Sidenote: 1696.] disposition to assume a clerical uniform, or any peculiar pulpit vestments. It is reported, that when the noble commissioner of one of the first General Assemblies was found fault with by the brethren for wearing a scarlet cloak, he told them he thought it as indecent for them to appear in gray cloaks and cravats.[179] When Mr Calamy visited Scotland in 1709, he was surprised to find the clergy generally preaching in ‘neckcloths and coloured cloaks.’[180] We find at the date here marginally noted, that the synod of Dumfries was anxious to see a reform in these respects. ‘The synod’—so runs their record—‘considering that it’s a thing very decent and suitable, so it hath been the practice of ministers in this kirk formerly, to wear black gowns in the pulpit, and for ordinary to make use of bands, do therefore, by their act, recommend it to all their brethren within their bounds to keep up that laudable custome, and to study gravitie in their apparel and deportment every manner of way.’ From a poem of this time, in which a Fife laird, returned from the grave, gives his sentiments on old and new manners, we learn that formerly We had no garments in our land, But what were spun by th’ goodwife’s hand, No drap-de-berry, cloths of seal, No stuffs ingrained in cochineal; No plush, no tissue, cramosie, No China, Turkey, taffety; No proud Pyropus, paragon, Or Chackarally there was none; No figurata, water shamlet, No Bishop sattin, or silk camblet; No cloth of gold or beaver hats, · · · · · No windy-flourished flying feathers, No sweet, permusted shambo leathers, &c. And things were on an equally plain and simple footing with the ladies; whereas now they invent a thousand toys and vanities— As scarfs, shefroas, tuffs, and rings, Fairdings, facings, and powderings, Rebats, ribands, bands, and ruffs, Lapbends, shagbands, cuffs, and muffs; Folding o’erlays, pearling sprigs, Atries, fardingales, periwigs; Hats, hoods, wires, and also kells, Washing balls and perfuming smells; French gowns cut and double-banded, Jet rings to make her pleasant-handed; A fan, a feather, bracelets, gloves— All new-come busks she dearly loves.[181] [Sidenote: 1696.]