"The only place a new hat can be carried into with safety is a church, for there is plenty of room there"

This quote by Leigh Hunt is a funny way of saying that a brand-new hat is not most likely to be accepted in most places. He is recommending that the only location a new hat can be worn without worry of judgement remains in a church, as there is lots of space for it to suit. This might be analyzed as a metaphor for how people should be more accepting of originalities and viewpoints. It is a suggestion that there is constantly room for different viewpoints and beliefs, and that we need to be open to hearing them. It is also a pointer that we need to be more tolerant of those who are different from us, which we ought to want to provide an opportunity to express themselves. By wearing a new hat in a church, we can reveal that we are open to new ideas and perspectives, which we are willing to give them a chance.