Teaching the Fundamental Principles of Dress
327
dress worn by both sexes would cause confusion and great increase of
crime
Dressing for Church—Let none dishonor God’s sanctuary by
their showy apparel
All should be taught to be neat, clean, and orderly in their dress, but
not to indulge in that external adorning which is wholly inappropriate
for the sanctuary. There should be no display of the apparel, for this
encourages irreverence. The attention of the people is often called to
this or that fine article of dress, and thus thoughts are intruded that
should have no place in the hearts of the worshipers. God is to be the
subject of thought, the object of worship; and anything that attracts
[428]
the mind from the solemn, sacred service is an offense to Him. The
parading of bows and ribbons, ruffles and feathers, and gold and silver
ornaments is a species of idolatry and is wholly inappropriate for the
sacred service of God
Some receive the idea that in order to carry out that separation
from the world that the Word of God requires, they must be neglectful
of their apparel. There is a class of sisters who think they are carrying
out the principle of nonconformity to the world by wearing an ordinary
sun-bonnet, and the same dress worn by them through the week, upon
the Sabbath when appearing in the assembly of the saints to engage in
the worship of God. And some men who profess to be Christians view
the matter of dress in the same light. These persons assemble with
God’s people upon the Sabbath, with their clothing dusty and soiled,
and even with gaping rents in their garments, which are placed upon
their persons in a slovenly manner.
This class, if they had an engagement to meet a friend honored by
the world, by whom they wished to be especially favored, would exert
themselves to appear in his presence with the best apparel that could
be obtained; for this friend would feel insulted were they to come into
his presence with their hair uncombed and garments uncleanly and in
disorder. Yet these persons think that it is no matter in what dress they
appear or what is the condition of their persons when they meet upon
the Sabbath to worship the great God
34
Testimonies For The Church 1:457-460
.
35
Testimonies For The Church 5:499
.
36
Ibid
.
37
The Review and Herald, January 30, 1900
.