Reform in Dress
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children, but they are very particular to dress in taste for the eyes of
those who have no special claims upon them. Is not the esteem and
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love of husband and children more to be prized than that of strangers
or common friends? The happiness of husband and children should be
more sacred to every wife and mother than that of all others. Christian
sisters should not at any time dress extravagantly, but should at all
times dress as neatly, modestly, and healthfully as their work will
allow.”
The above-described dress we believe to be worthy of the name
of the reform short dress. It is being adopted at the Western Health
Reform Institute and by some of the sisters at Battle Creek and other
places where the matter is properly set before the people. In wide
contrast with this modest dress is the so-called American costume,
resembling very nearly the dress worn by men. It consists of a vest,
pants, and a dress resembling a coat and reaching about halfway from
the hip to the knee. This dress I have opposed, from what has been
shown me as in harmony with the word of God; while the other I have
recommended as modest, comfortable, convenient, and healthful.
Another reason which I offer as an apology for calling attention
again to the subject of dress is that not one in twenty of the sisters who
profess to believe the Testimonies has taken the first step in the dress
reform. It may be said that Sister White generally wears her dresses
in public longer than the dress she recommends to others. To this I
reply, When I visit a place to speak to the people where the subject is
new and prejudice exists, I think it best to be careful and not close the
ears of the people by wearing a dress which would be objectionable to
them. But after bringing the subject before them and fully explaining
my position, I then appear before them in the reform dress, illustrative
of my teachings.
As to the matter of wearing hoops, the reform in dress is entirely
in advance of them. It cannot use them. And it is altogether too late
to talk about wearing hoops, large or small. My position upon that
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question is precisely what it ever has been, and I hope not to be held
responsible for what others may say on this subject, or for the course
pursued by those who put on hoops. I protest against the perversion
of my private conversations on this subject, and ask that what I have
written and published be regarded as my settled position.