Chapter 59—Power of Example
In the epistle of Paul to Titus, chapter 2:13, 14, we read: “Looking
for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God
and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might
redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people,
zealous of good works.” This great work is to be performed for those
only who are willing to be purified, willing to be peculiar, and who
manifest a zeal in good works. How many shrink from the purifying
process! They are unwilling to live out the truth, unwilling to appear
singular in the eyes of the world. It is this mingling with the world
that destroys our spirituality, pureness, and zeal. Satan’s power is
constantly exercised to stupefy the sensibilities of God’s people, that
[275]
their consciences may not be sensitive to wrong, and that the sign of
distinction between them and the world may be destroyed.
I have frequently received letters of inquiry in regard to dress, and
some have not rightly understood what I have written. The very class
that have been presented before me as imitating the fashions of the
world have been very slow, and the last, to be affected or reformed.
Another class who lacked taste and order in dress have taken advantage
of what I have written and have gone to the opposite extreme; con-
sidering that they were free from pride, they have looked upon those
who dress neatly and orderly as being proud. Oddity and carelessness
in dress have been considered a special virtue by some. Such take a
course which destroys their influence over unbelievers. They disgust
those whom they might benefit.
While the visions have reproved pride and imitating the fashions of
the world, they have also reproved those who were careless in regard
to their apparel and lacked cleanliness of person and dress. Especially
have I been shown that those who profess present truth should have a
special care to appear before God upon the Sabbath in a manner which
would show that we respect the Creator who has sanctified and placed
special honors upon that day. All who have any regard for the Sabbath
should be cleanly in person, neat and orderly in dress; for they are
266