Chapter 67—The Fascinating Power of Fashion
Fashion Is a Tyrannical Ruler—Fashion rules the world; and she
is a tyrannical mistress, often compelling her devotees to submit to the
greatest inconvenience and discomfort. Fashion taxes without reason
and collects without mercy. She has a fascinating power and stands
ready to criticize and ridicule all who do not follow in her wake
The rich are ambitious to outdo one another in conforming to her
ever-varying styles; the middle and poorer classes strive to approach
the standard set by those supposed to be above them. Where means or
strength is limited, and the ambition for gentility is great, the burden
becomes almost insupportable. With many it matters not how becom-
ing, or even beautiful, a garment may be, let the fashions change, and
it must be remade or cast aside
Satan, the instigator and prime mover in the ever-changing, never-
satisfying decrees of fashion, is always busy devising something new
that shall prove an injury to physical and moral health; and he tri-
umphs that his devices succeed so well. Death laughs that the health-
destroying folly and blind zeal of the worshipers at fashion’s shrine
bring them so easily under his dominion. Happiness and the favor of
God are laid upon her altar
The idolatry of dress is a moral disease. It must not be taken over
into the new life. In most cases submission to the gospel requirements
will demand a decided change in the dress
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The Price Some Pay—How contrary to the principles given in
the Scriptures are many of the modes of dress that fashion prescribes!
Think of the styles that have prevailed for the last few hundreds of years
or even for the last few decades. How many ... would be pronounced
inappropriate for a refined, God-fearing, self-respecting woman....
Many a poor girl, for the sake of a stylish gown, has deprived herself
1
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 85
.
2
Education, 246
.
3
Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 85
.
4
Testimonies For The Church 6:96
.
330