Simplicity in Dress
[
Testimonies for the Church 4:628-647
(1875).]
As we see our sisters departing from simplicity in dress and cul-
tivating a love for the fashions of the world, we feel troubled. By
taking steps in this direction they are separating themselves from God
and neglecting the inward adorning. They should not feel at liberty
to spend their God-given time in the unnecessary ornamentation of
their clothing. How much better might it be employed in searching
the Scriptures, thus obtaining a thorough knowledge of the prophecies
and of the practical lessons of Christ.
As Christians, we ought not to engage in any employment upon
which we cannot conscientiously ask the blessing of the Lord. Do you,
my sisters, in the needless work you put upon your garments, feel a
clear conscience? Can you, while perplexing the mind over ruffles and
bows and ribbons, be uplifting the soul to God in prayer that He will
bless your efforts? The time spent in this way might be devoted to
doing good to others and to cultivating your own minds.
Many of our sisters are persons of good ability, and if their talents
were used to the glory of God, they would be successful in winning
many souls to Christ....
Especially should the wives of our ministers be careful not to depart
from the plain teachings of the Bible on the point of dress. Many look
upon these injunctions as too old-fashioned to be worthy of notice; but
He who gave them to His disciples understood the dangers from the
love of dress in our time, and sent to us the note of warning. Will we
heed the warning and be wise? Extravagance in dress is continually
increasing. The end is not yet. Fashion is constantly changing, and
our sisters follow in its wake, regardless of time or expense. There
[597]
is a great amount of means expended upon dress, when it should be
returned to God the giver.
609