Simplicity in Dress
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plates than the Bible. More visits are made to the dry-goods dealer and
the milliner than to the church. The outward display of dress is made
of greater consequence than the adornment of the character. Sharp
reprimands are called forth for soiling the fine clothing, and the mind
becomes peevish and irritable under continual restraint.
A deformed character does not disturb the mother so much as a
soiled dress. The child hears more of dress than of virtue, for the
mother is more familiar with fashion than with her Saviour. Her
example too often surrounds the young with a poisonous atmosphere.
Vice, disguised in fashion’s garb, intrudes itself among the children.
Simplicity of dress will make a sensible woman appear to the best
advantage. We judge of a person’s character by the style of dress worn.
Gaudy apparel betrays vanity and weakness. A modest, godly woman
will dress modestly. A refined taste, a cultivated mind, will be revealed
in the choice of simple and appropriate attire.
The Imperishable Ornament
There is an ornament that will never perish, that will promote the
happiness of all around us in this life and will shine with undimmed
luster in the immortal future. It is the adorning of a meek and lowly
spirit. God has bidden us wear the richest dress upon the soul. By
every look into the mirror the worshipers of fashion should be reminded
of the neglected soul. Every hour squandered over the toilet should
reprove them for leaving the intellect to lie waste. Then there might be
a reformation that would elevate and ennoble all the aims and purposes
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of life. Instead of seeking golden ornaments for the exterior, an earnest
effort would be put forth to secure that wisdom which is of more value
than fine gold, yea, which is more precious than rubies....
Effect of Dress on Morals
The love of dress endangers the morals and makes woman the
opposite of the Christian lady, characterized by modesty and sobriety.
Showy, extravagant dress too often encourages lust in the heart of
the wearer and awakens base passions in the heart of the beholder.
God sees that the ruin of the character is frequently preceded by the