Simplicity in Dress
583
their reasons for adopting it, and letting the matter rest there. They
sought to control others’ conscience by their own. If they wore it,
others must put it on. They forgot that none were to be compelled to
wear the reform dress.
It was not my duty to urge the subject upon my sisters. After
presenting it before them as it had been shown me, I left them to
their own conscience. Reformatory action is always attended with
sacrifice. It demands that love of ease, selfish interest, and the lust of
ambition be held in subjection to the principles of right. Whoever has
the courage to reform must encounter obstacles. He will be opposed
by the conservatism of those whose business or pleasure brings them
in contact with the votaries of fashion, and who will lose caste by the
change.
Much unhappy feeling was created by those who were constantly
urging the reform dress upon their sisters. With extremists, this reform
seemed to constitute the sum and substance of their religion. It was the
theme of conversation and the burden of their hearts; and their minds
were thus diverted from God and the truth. They failed to cherish the
spirit of Christ and manifested a great lack of true courtesy. Instead of
prizing the dress for its real advantages, they seemed to be proud of its
singularity. Perhaps no question has ever come up among us which
has caused such development of character as has the dress reform.
While many of the young adopted this dress, some endeavored to
shun the cross by indulging in extra trimmings, thus making it a curse
rather than a blessing. To those who put it on reluctantly, from a sense
of duty, it became a grievous yoke. Still others, who were apparently
the most zealous reformers, manifested a sad lack of order and neatness
in their dress. It was not made according to the approved pattern. Some
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would have a variety suit—dress of one material, sack of another, and
pants of still another. Others wore the skirt very long, so that only
about an inch of the pants could be seen, thus making the dress ill-
proportioned and out of taste. These grotesque and untidy costumes
disgusted many who would have been pleased with the reform dress
proper.
Some were greatly troubled because I did not make the dress a test
question, and still others because I advised those who had unbelieving
husbands or children not to adopt the reform dress, as it might lead to
unhappiness that would counteract all the good to be derived from its