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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
fashions of the world. Those who removed that barrier did not take
upon themselves the burden to avert the dangers which must follow.
Some in responsible positions have exerted an influence in favor of
worldly customs and entirely at variance with the Bible standard. They
have done their part in bringing about the present state of worldliness
and backsliding.
God has been testing His people. He allowed the testimony con-
cerning dress to become silent, that our sisters might follow their own
inclination and thus develop the real pride existing in their hearts. It
was to prevent the present state of worldliness that the reform dress
was recommended. Many scorned the idea that this dress was neces-
[640]
sary to preserve them from following the fashions; but the Lord has
permitted them to prove that pride was cherished in their hearts, and
that this was just what they would do. It is now shown that they needed
the restriction which the reform dress imposed.
If all our sisters would adopt a simple, unadorned dress of modest
length, the uniformity thus established would be far more pleasing to
God, and would exert a more salutary influence on the world, than the
diversity presented four years ago. As our sisters would not generally
accept the reform dress as it should be worn, another, less objectionable
style is now presented. It is free from needless trimmings, free from
the looped-up, tied back overskirts. It consists of a plain sack or loose-
fitting basque, and skirt, the latter short enough to avoid the mud and
filth of the streets. The material should be free from large plaids and
figures, and plain in color. The same attention should be given to the
clothing of the limbs as with the short dress.
Will my sisters accept this style of dress and refuse to imitate the
fashions that are devised by Satan and continually changing? No one
can tell what freak fashion will take next. Worldlings whose only care
is, “What shall we eat, and what shall we wear?” should not be our
criterion.
Some have said: “After I wear out this dress, I will make the
next plainer.” Now, if conformity to the fashions of the world is right
and pleasing to God, where is the need of making a change at all?
But if it is wrong, is it best to continue in the wrong any longer than
is positively necessary to make the change? Right here we would
remind you of the zeal and earnestness, the skill and perseverance, you
manifested in preparing your dress according to the fashion. Would it