Dress
79
humility prominent. Christ noticed the devotion to dress, and he
cautioned, yea, he commanded, his followers not to bestow too much
thought upon it. “Why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies
of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; yet I
say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like
one of these. [
Matthew 6:28, 29
.]
The apostles thus describe the adornment that should be sought by
Christians: “Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of
plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corrupt-
ible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the
sight of God of great price.” [
1 Peter 3:3
.] “In like manner, also, that
[94]
women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and
sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”
[
1 Timothy 2:9
.] Pride and extravagance in dress are sins to which
woman is especially prone; hence these injunctions relate directly to
her.
Of how little value are gold or pearls or costly array, when com-
pared with the meekness and loveliness of Christ! Physical loveliness
consists in symmetry—the harmonious proportion of parts; but spiri-
tual loveliness consists in harmony with Christ—the likeness of our
souls to him. The grace of Christ is indeed a priceless adornment. It
elevates and ennobles the possessor; and it also has an influence upon
others, attracting them to the Source of light and blessing.
Christian sisters, labor far less to grow into the ever-changing
fashions of this age. Study rather the great pattern, Jesus Christ, that
you may not grow apart from him. Manifest a determined purpose to
abide in the Vine. If you abide in Christ, you will bear much fruit. But
as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine,
“No more can ye,” says Christ, “except ye abide in me.” [
John 15:14
.]
The growth of the soul in grace, in purity, in comeliness, is little
by little—a progressive work; but it must go forward unceasingly.
The fruit is ever approaching perfection; the Christian is constantly
assimilating the ways and will of Christ. But with many who claim to
be Christians there is a painful certainty that they are not progressing
heavenward, but are swayed by the customs and practices of the world.
Fashions the most unlovely and unhealthful, the most contradictory to