Simplicity in Dress
311
The Inward Adorning
Will the followers of Christ seek to obtain the inward adorning,
the meek and quiet spirit which God pronounces of great price, or will
they squander the few short hours of probation in needless labor for
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display? The Lord would have woman seek constantly to improve
both in mind and heart, gaining intellectual and moral strength that
she may lead a useful and happy life,—a blessing to the world and an
honor to her Creator.
I would ask the youth of today who profess to believe present truth,
wherein they deny self for the truth’s sake. When they really desire
an article of dress, or some ornament or convenience, do they lay the
matter before the Lord in prayer to know if His Spirit would sanction
this expenditure of means? In the preparation of their clothing, are
they careful not to dishonor their profession of faith? Can they seek the
Lord’s blessing upon the time thus employed? It is one thing to join the
church, and quite another thing to be united to Christ. Unconsecrated,
world-loving professors of religion are one of the most serious causes
of weakness in the church of Christ.
In this age of the world there is an unprecedented rage for plea-
sure. Dissipation and reckless extravagance everywhere prevail. The
multitudes are eager for amusement. The mind becomes trifling and
frivolous, because it is not accustomed to meditation, or disciplined
to study. Ignorant sentimentalism is current. God requires that ev-
ery soul shall be cultivated, refined, elevated, and ennobled. But too
often every valuable attainment is neglected for fashionable display
and superficial pleasure. Women permit their souls to be starved and
dwarfed by fashion, and thus they become a curse to society, rather
than a blessing.—
The Review and Herald, December 6, 1881
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