Simplicity in Dress
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not be praiseworthy to manifest at least equal earnestness to make it
conform to the Bible standard? Precious, God-given time and means
were used in fashioning those garments; and now what are you willing
to sacrifice to correct the wrong example you have been giving to
others?
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It is a shame to our sisters to so forget their holy character and their
duty to God as to imitate the fashions of the world. There is no excuse
for us except the perversity of our own hearts. We do not extend our
influence by such a course. It is so inconsistent with our profession of
faith that it makes us ridiculous in the eyes of worldlings.
Many a soul who was convinced of the truth has been led to decide
against it by the pride and love of the world displayed by our sisters.
The doctrine preached seemed clear and harmonious, and the hearers
felt that a heavy cross must be lifted by them in taking the truth. When
these persons have seen our sisters making so much display in dress,
they have said: “This people dress fully as much as we do. They
cannot really believe what they profess; and, after all, they must be
deceived. If they really thought that Christ was soon coming, and the
case of every soul was to be decided for eternal life or death, they
could not devote time and money to dress according to the existing
fashions.” How little did those professedly believing sisters know of
the sermon their dress was preaching!
Our words, our actions, and our dress are daily, living preachers,
gathering with Christ or scattering abroad. This is no trivial matter
to be passed off with a jest. The subject of dress demands serious
reflection and much prayer. Many unbelievers have felt that they were
not doing right in permitting themselves to be slaves of fashion; but
when they see some who make a high profession of godliness dressing
as worldlings dress, enjoying frivolous society, they decide that there
can be no wrong in such a course.
“We are,” said the inspired apostle, “made a spectacle unto the
world, and to angels, and to men.” All heaven is marking the daily
influence which the professed followers of Christ exert upon the world.
My sisters, your dress is telling either in favor of Christ and the sacred
truth or in favor of the world. Which is it? Remember we must all
answer to God for the influence we exert.
We would not by any means encourage carelessness in dress. Let
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the attire be appropriate and becoming. Though only a ten-cent calico,