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The Ministry of Healing
What a contrast is this to the weariness, the unrest, the
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righ-
teousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Matthew 6:33
.
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disease and wretchedness, that result from the rule of fashion! How
contrary to the principles given in the Scriptures are many of the
modes of dress that fashion prescribes! Think of the styles that
have prevailed for the last few hundreds of years or even for the last
few decades. How many of them, when not in fashion, would be
declared immodest; how many would be pronounced inappropriate
for a refined, God-fearing, self-respecting woman.
The making of changes in apparel for the sake of fashion merely
is not sanctioned by the word of God. Changing styles and elaborate,
costly ornamentation squander the time and means of the rich, and
lay waste the energies of mind and soul. They impose a heavy
burden on the middle and poorer classes. Many who can hardly
earn a livelihood, and who with simple modes might make their own
clothing, are compelled to resort to the dressmaker in order to be
in fashion. Many a poor girl, for the sake of a stylish gown, has
deprived herself of warm underwear, and paid the penalty with her
life. Many another, coveting the display and elegance of the rich,
has been enticed into paths of dishonesty and shame. Many a home
is deprived of comforts, many a man is driven to embezzlement
or bankruptcy, to satisfy the extravagant demands of the wife or
children.
Many a woman, forced to prepare for herself or her children
the stylish costumes demanded by fashion, is doomed to ceaseless
drudgery. Many a mother with throbbing nerves and trembling
fingers toils far into the night to add to her children’s clothing or-
namentation that contributes nothing to healthfulness, comfort, or
real beauty. For the sake of fashion she sacrifices health and that
calmness of spirit so essential to the right guidance of her children.
The culture of mind and heart is neglected. The soul is dwarfed.
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The mother has no time to study the principles of physical devel-
opment, that she may know how to care for the health of her children.
She has no time for ministering to their mental or spiritual needs,