Influence of Christian Women
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Influence of the Christian Woman’s Dress
Inward Beauty More Desirable Than Outward Display—God
would be pleased to see our sisters clad in neat, simple apparel and
earnestly engaged in the work of the Lord. They are not deficient in
ability, and if they would put to a right use the talents they already
have, their efficiency would be greatly increased. If the time they now
spend in needless work were devoted to searching the Word of God
and explaining it to others, their own minds would be enriched with
gems of truth, and they would be strengthened and ennobled by the
effort made to understand the reasons of our faith. Were our sisters
conscientious Bible Christians, seeking to improve every opportunity
to enlighten others, we should see scores of souls embracing the truth
through their self-sacrificing endeavors alone.
Sisters, in the day when the accounts of all are balanced, will you
feel a pleasure in reviewing your life, or will you feel that the beauty
of the outward man was sought, while the inward beauty of the soul
was almost entirely neglected?—
Testimonies for the Church 4:629,
630 (1885)
.
Bring Manner of Dress Into Conformity With the Bible—My
sisters, if you would bring your manner of dressing into conformity
with the rules given in the Bible, you would have an abundance with
which to help your poorer sisters. You would have not only means, but
time. Often this is most needed. There are many whom you might help
with your suggestions, your tact and skill. Show them how to dress
simply and yet tastefully. Many a woman remains away from the house
of God because her shabby, ill-fitting garments are in such striking
contrast to the dress of others. Many a sensitive spirit cherishes a
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sense of bitter humiliation and injustice because of this contrast. And
because of it many are led to doubt the reality of religion and to harden
their hearts against the gospel.—
The Ministry of Healing, 207 (1905)
.
Outward Appearance an Index to the Heart—I saw that the
outside appearance is an index to the heart. When the exterior is hung
with ribbons, collars, and needless things, it plainly shows that the
love for all this is in the heart; unless such persons are cleansed from
their corruption, they can never see God, for only the pure in heart will
see Him.—
Testimonies for the Church 1:136 (1856)
.