Presenting Health and Christian Standards
237
Conformity to the world is a sin which is sapping the spirituality
of our people, and seriously interfering with their usefulness. It is idle
[272]
to proclaim the warning message to the world, while we deny it in the
transactions of daily life.—
The Review and Herald, March 28, 1882
.
A Work of the Heart—There are many who try to correct the
life of others by attacking what they consider are wrong habits. They
go to those whom they think are in error, and point out their defects.
They say, “You don’t dress as you should.” They try to pick off the
ornaments, or whatever seems offensive, but they do not seek to fasten
the mind to the truth. Those who seek to correct others should present
the attractions of Jesus. They should talk of His love and compassion,
present His example and sacrifice, reveal His Spirit, and they need not
touch the subject of dress at all. There is no need to make the dress
question the main point of your religion. There is something richer to
speak of. Talk of Christ, and when the heart is converted, everything
that is out of harmony with the Word of God will drop off. It is only
labor in vain to pick leaves off a living tree. The leaves will reappear.
The ax must be laid at the root of the tree, and then the leaves will fall
off, never to return.
In order to teach men and women the worthlessness of earthly
things, you must lead them to the living Fountain, and get them to
drink of Christ, until their hearts are filled with the love of God, and
Christ is in them, a well of water springing up into everlasting life.—
The Signs of the Times, July 1, 1889
.
Cleanse the fountain, and the streams will be pure. If the heart is
right, your words, your dress, your acts, will all be right.—
Testimonies
For The Church 1:158
(1857).
Simplicity of Dress—We are nearing the close of this world’s
history. A plain, direct testimony is now needed, as given in the Word
[273]
of God, in regard to plainness of dress. This should be our burden.
But it is too late now to become enthusiastic in making a test of this
matter. The dress of our people should be made most simply.... No
one precise style has been given me as the exact rule to guide all in
their dress....
Our sisters should clothe themselves with modest apparel. They
should dress with simplicity. Your hats and dresses need not the extra
trimmings that are put upon them. You are to be clothed with modest
apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety. Give to the world a living