SEEMLINESS

There is a general seemliness that shines through the person, and a specific seemliness that shines in a particular part of the person.  The former shines in one's way of life; the latter shines only during some particular actions.  

Also, whatever is according to nature is seemly; whatever is against is shameful.  It is seemly for a woman to have long hair because it is unto her a natural veil; it is according to nature that ". . .a woman have long hair; it is a glory unto her."  But it is shameful for a woman to have no hair because it is not according to nature.  

By nature, God has given man seemliness . . .and the entire created world.  God gave specific seemliness; like the sun has its own beauty and the stars their own splendour.  But sin removed the seemliness in man.  He must, therefore, work to regain it by following Christ, otherwise he remains ugly.    

St. Ambrose: Duties of the Clergy, Chapter 46  

(05-11-05)