Pilgrim's Rest by Vance Ferrell

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God is calling His people back to...

Modest and Healthful Clothing - Part 1

Please note that quotation marks are not used in this study. Anything not quoted from the Bible or Spirit of Proph ecy will be in brackets.

Obedience to fashion is pervading our Seventh-day Adventist churches, and is doing more than any other power to separate our people from God.-4 Testi monies, 647.

There is a terrible sin upon us as a people, that we have permitted our church members to dress in a manner in consistent with their faith. We must arise at once and close the door against the allurements of fashion. Unless we do this, our churches will become demoralized.- 4 Testimonies, 648.

The words of scripture in regard to dress should be carefully considered. We need to understand that which the Lord of heaven appreciates in even the dressing of the body. All who are in earnest in seeking for the grace of Christ will heed the precious words of instruction inspired by God. Even the style of the apparel will express the truth of the gospel.— 6 Testi monies, 96

It is God who condescends to give us these instructions [on dress]; they are the declarations of infinite wisdom, and those who disregard them do so at their own peril and loss. 6 Testimonies, 645.

All heaven is marking the daily influences which the professed followers of Christ exert upon the world. My sisters your dress is telling either in favor of Christ and the sacred truth or in favor of the world. Which is it? Remember we must answer to God for the influence we exert.— 4 Testimonies 641.

We judge a person's character by the style of dress worn.— 4 Testimonies, 643.

Why will not everyone who pro fesses to love Jesus flee from these soul- destroying indulgences! The world is crazy after show and fashion and plea sures. Licentiousness is steadily and fear fully on the increase. Why will not Christ ians be true to their high profession.—4 Testimonies, 647.

Our words, our actions, and our dress are living preachers gathering with Christ or scattering abroad. This is not trivial matter to be passed off with a jest. The subject of dress demands serious re flection and much prayer.— 4 Testi monies, 641.

It is only when we seek in all things to conform to the will of God that peace and joy will reign in the soul.— 4 Testi monies, 645.

If the church would manifest a greater interest in the reforms which God himself has brought to them to fit them for His coming their influence would be ten-fold what it now is. Many who pro fess to believe the testimonies live in neg lect of the light given. The dress reform is treated by some with great indifference and by others with contempt. . God, in His providence, has given us the light upon health reform that we may under stand it in all its bearings, follow the light it brings, and by rightly relating ourselves to life, have health that we may glorify God and be a blessing to others.— 3 Testi monies, 171.

Christ is ashamed of His professed followers. Wherein do we bear any resemblance to Him? Wherein does our dress conform to the Bible requirements? I do not want the sins of the people upon me and I will give the trumpet a certain sound. For years I have born a plain and decided testimony upon this subject in print and upon the speaker's stand. I have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God. I must be clear of the blood of all. The fact that worldliness and pride bear almost universal sway is no excuse for one Christian to do as others do. 'Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.' Do not my sisters, trifle longer with your own souls and with God.—4 Testi monies, 647.

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 in junctions as too old-fashioned to be wor thy of notice but He who gave them to His disciples understood the dangers from the love of dress in our time, and sent to as the note of warning. Will we heed the warning and be wise?— 4 Testimonies, 647.

The school is to supplement the home training and both at home and at school, simplicity of dress, diet and amusements must be maintained. —Fundamentals of Education, 288.

No education can be complete that does not teach right principles in regard to dress. Without such teaching the work of education is too often retarded and perverted. Love of dress and devotion to fashion are among the teacher's most formidable rivals and most effective hin drances.— Education, 246.

Both by precept and example the young should be taught simplicity of dress and manners, industry, sobriety and economy. —5 Testimonies, 89.

One of the points upon which those newly come to the faith will need instruc tion is the subject of dress. Let the new converts be faithfully dealt with. Are they vain in dress? Do they cherish pride of heart? The idolatry of dress is a moral disease. It must not be taken over into the new life. In most cases submission to the gospel requirements will demand a decided change in the dress.— 6 Testi monies, 96.

All that we urge is compliance with the injunctions of God's word. Are we Bible readers and followers of Bible teachings? Will we obey God or conform to the customs of the world? Will we serve God or mammon? Can we expect to enjoy peace of mind and the approval of God while walking directly contrary to the teachings of His Word?— 4 Testi monies, 644.

Will men and women professing the most solemn truths ever born to mortals be true to principle? If they would have an influence to lead the world to serious reflection, they must by their dress and conversation be in strict accordance with their peculiar faith.— 5 Testimonies, 128.

God is weighing our characters, our conduct and our motives, in the balances of the sanctuary. . He has given us light and a knowledge of His will, so that we need not err or walk in darkness.— 3 Testimonies, 370.

To protect the people of God from the corrupting influence of the world, as well as to promote physical and moral health the dress reform was instituted among us. It was not intended to be a yoke of bondage but a blessing . . He who knows the end from the beginning, who understands our nature and our needs—our compassionate Redeemer—saw our dangers and difficulties and conde scended to give us timely warnings and instructions concerning our habits of life, even in the proper selection of food and clothing.— 4 Testimonies, 634.

Simple, plain and unpretending dress will be a recommendation to my youthful sisters. In no better way can you let your light shine to others than in your simplicity of dress and deportment. 3 Testimonies, 379.

Christ is our example. The King of Glory wore a plain seamless coat— 3 Testimonies, 379.

God would be pleased to see our sisters clad in neat, simple apparel and earnestly engaged in the work of the Lord.— 4 Testimonies, 630.

We would not by any means en courage carelessness in dress, let the attire be appropriate and becoming. Though only a ten-cent calico, it should be kept neat and clean. . . The little ones would look very inviting in a dress without a ruffle or ornament but kept sweet and clean.-4 Testimonies, 642.

In dress as in all things else, it is our privilege to honor our Creator. He desires our clothing to be not only neat and healthful, but appropriate and becoming. -Education, 248.

But our clothing, while modest and simple should be of good quality, of becoming colors and suited for service.— Ministry of Healing, 288.

Simple, plain and unpretending dress will be a recommendation to my youthful sisters.— 3 Testimonies, 376.

At the Sanitarium, physicians and helpers have greatly departed from the Lord's instruction in regard to dress. Simplicity is now rare. Instead of neat unadorned apparel, which the pen of inspiration has prescribed, almost every .style of fashionable dress may be seen.— 4 Testimonies. 639.

But many who profess to be child ren of God feel no scruples against con forming to the customs of the world in the wearing of gold and pearls and costly array. Those who cling to the ornaments forbidden in God's word, cherish pride and vanity in the heart. Their dress says, "Look at me; admire me," When the mind is fixed upon pleasing God alone, all the needless embellishments of the person disappear.— 4 Testimonies, 645.

The instruction that was given in the early days of the message is to be held as safe instruction to follow in these its closing days.—Review & Herald, July, 1907.

Christians should not take pains to make themselves a gazingstock by dress ing differently from the world. But if, when following out their convictions of duty in respect to dressing modestly and healthfully, they find themselves out of fashion, they would not change their dress in order to be like the world; but they should manifest a noble indepen dence and moral courage to be right, if all the world differ from them.— 1 Testi monies, 458.

Something must arise to lessen the hold of God's people upon the world. The reform dress is simple and healthful, yet there is a cross in it. I thank God for the cross and cheerfully bow to lift it. We have been so united with the world that we have lost sight of the cross and do not suffer for Christ's sake.— 1 Testimonies, 525.

We should not wish to invent something to make a cross; but if God presents to us a cross, we should cheerfully bear it. In the acceptance of the cross, we are dis tinguished from the world, who love us not and ridicule our peculiarity. Christ was hated by the world because He was not of the world. Can His followers ex pect to fare better than their Master? If we pass along without receiving censure or frowns from the world we may be alarmed, for it is our conformity to the world which makes us so much like them that there is nothing to arouse their envy or malice; there is no collision of spirits. The world despises the cross. "For the preaching of the cross is to them that per ish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinth ians 1:18. "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world," Gala tians 6:14.-7 Testimonies, 525.

As we see our sisters departing from simplicity in dress, and cultivating 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.—4 Testimonies, 628.

They are conforming to the world in the matter of dress; and while they are so doing souls whom they might have helped by letting their light shine in good works are strengthened in their unbelief by the inconsistent course of these pro fessed Christians.— 4 Testimonies, 629.

My Christian sisters, face the mir ror, the law of God, and test your course of action by the first four command ments. These explicitly define our duty to God. He claims the undivided affect ions; and anything which tends to absorb the mind and divert it from God assumes the form of an idol. The true and living God is crowded out of the thoughts and heart, and the soul-temple is defiled by the worship of other gods before the Lord.— 4 Testimonies, 632.

For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.— 4 Testimonies, 633.

Those among Sabbath keepers who have yielded to the influence of the world are to be tested. The perils of the last days are upon us, and a trial is before the professed people of God which many have not anticipated. The genuineness of their faith will be proved.— 4 Testimonies, 633.

Many dress like the world in order to have an influence over unbelievers, but here they make a sad mistake. If they would have a true and saving influence, let them live out their professions, show their faith by their righteous works, and make the distinction plain between the Christian and the worldling. The words, the dress, the actions, should tell for God. Then a holy influence will be shed upon all around them, and even unbelievers will take knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus. If any wish to have their influence tell in favor of truth, let them live out their profession and thus imitate the humble Pattern.—6 Testimonies, 633, 634.

To protect the people of God from the corrupting influence of the world as well as to promote physical and moral health, the dress reform was introduced among us. It was not intended to be a yoke of bondage, but a blessing; not to increase labor, but to save labor; not to add to the expense of dress, but to save expense. It would distinguish God's peo ple from the world and thus serve as a barrier against its fashions and follies.-5 Testimonies, 634.

Another reason which I offer as an apology for calling attention again to the subject of dress, is that not one in twenty of the sisters who profess to believe the Testimonies has taken the first step in the dress reform.— 1 Testimonies, 465.

If we find ourselves condemned as we look into the mirror, let us not ven ture further in transgression, but face right about and wash our robes of charac ter in the blood of the Lamb, that they may be spotless. Let us cry, as did David: "Open Thou mine eyes, that I may be hold wondrous things out of Thy law."— 4 Testimonies, 633.

It was the Lord's purpose to prove His professed people and reveal the mo tives of their hearts.— 4 Testimonies, 637.

One year ago the subject of dress was again presented before me. I saw that our sisters were departing from the sim plicity of the gospel. The very ones who had felt that the reform dress required unnecessary labor, and who claimed that they would not be influenced by the spirit of the world, had now taken up the fashions they had once condemned. Their dresses were arranged with all the unnec essary adornments of worldlings in a manner unbecoming to Christians and en tirely at variance with our faith.— 4 Testi monies, 638.

Thus have been developed the pride of heart indulged by a people that profess to have come out from the world and to be separate. Inspiration declared that the friendship of the world is enmity with God; yet His professed people have ex pended their God-given time and means upon the altar of fashion.— 4 Testimonies, 638.

Our people have been steadily retrograding in the work of reform.— 4 Testimonies, 638.

It is a shame to our sisters to so forget their holy character and their duty to God as to imitate the fashions of the world. There is no excuse for us except the perversity of our own hearts. We do not extend our influence by such a course. It is so inconsistent with our pro fession of faith that it makes us ridiculous in the eyes of worldlings.— 4 Testimonies, 641.

When these persons have seen our sisters making so much display of dress, they have said: "This people dress fully as much as we do. They cannot really be lieve what they profess; and after all, they must be deceived." How little did those professedly believing sisters know of the sermon their dress was preaching! -4 Testimonies, 641.

Our words, our actions, and our dress are daily, living preachers, gathering with Christ or scattering abroad. This is no trivial matter to be passed off with a jest. The subject of dress demands serious reflection and much prayer. Many unbelievers have felt that they were not doing right in permitting themselves to be slaves of fashion: but when they see some who make a high profession of godliness dress ing as worldlings dress, enjoying frivolous society, they decide that there can be no wrong in such a course.— 4 Testimonies 641.

Christ is ashamed of His professed followers. Wherein do we bear any resemblance to Him? Wherein does our dress conform to the Bible requirements? I do not want the sins of the people upon me, and I will give the trumpet a certain sound. For years I have borne a plain and decided testimony upon this subject, in print and upon the speaker's stand. I have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God. I must be clear of the blood of all.-4 Testimonies, 647.

I have been shown that the main cause of your backsliding is your love of dress. This leads to the neglect of grave responsibilities, and you find yourselves with scarcely a spark of the love of God in your hearts. Without delay, renounce the cause of your backsliding, because it is sin against your own soul and against God. Fashion is deteriorating the intellect and eating out the spirituality of our people.— 1 Testimonies, 647.

I have been shown that our church rules are very deficient. All exhibitions of pride in dress, which is forbidden in the Word of God, should be sufficient reason for church discipline.— 4 Testimonies, 647.

Self, and only, self, is the object of adoration, and one such professed Chris tian will lead many away from God.- 4 Testimonies, 648.

Chaste simplicity in dress, when united with modesty of demeanor, will go far toward surrounding a young woman with that atmosphere of sacred reserve which will be to her a shield from a thou sand perils.— Education, 248.

To protect the people of God from the corrupting influence of the world, as well as to promote physical and moral health, the dress reform was introduced among us. It was not intended to be a yoke of bondage, but a blessing.— 4 Test imonies, 634.

It would distinguish God's people from the world and thus serve as a barrier against its fashions and follies.— 4 Testi monies, 634.

Some in responsible positions have exerted an influence in favor of worldly customs and entirely at variance with the Bible standard. They have done their part in bringing about the present state of worldliness and backsliding.— 4 Testi monies, 639.

God has been testing His people. He allowed the testimony concerning dress to become silent, that our sisters might follow their own inclination and thus develop the real pride existing in their hearts. It was to prevent the present state of worldliness that the reform dress was recommended. Many scorned the idea that this dress was necessary to preserve them from following the fashions: but the Lord has permitted them to prove that pride was cherished in their hearts, and that this was just what they would do. It is now shown that they needed the restriction which the reform dress im posed.— 4 Testimonies, 639, 640.

When told of their mistake, many will immediately exclaim, "Why, such a style of dress would be old-fashioned!" What if it is. I wish we could have the old-fashioned strength that characterized the old-fashioned women of past generations, it would be very desirable.— 1Testi monies, 461.

We have counted the cost of ap pearing singular in the eyes of those who feel compelled to bow to fashion. And we declare that in the end it will pay to try to do right, though for the present we may appear odd in the eyes of those who will sacrifice convenience, comfort, and health, at the altar of fashion.

We have also looked at the fact that our course in this matter of dress will cost our friends disagreeable feelings, and have taken into account those things which ex cited their feelings of prejudice against the reform dress.

In the existing state of things the people may regard the adoption of our style of dress as a bold step on our part, showing more independence than good taste. They may censure us. They may deal in wit and sarcasm in reference to our dress. They may even utter speeches on account of our course in this thing. But our work shall be, by the grace of God, to patiently labor to correct their errors, remove their prejudices, and set before them the reasons why we object to the popular style of woman's dress, also some of the reasons why we adopt ours. -Review & Herald, April, 1868.

This has led me to see the necessity of our sister's representing the dress reform aright, by manifesting neatness, order, and uniformity in dress. I shall have patterns prepared to take with us as we travel, ready to hand to our sisters whom we shall meet, or to send by mail to all who may order them.— 1Testi monies, 522.

For years I carried the burden of this work and labored to establish uni formity of dress among our sisters.— 4 Testimonies, 637.

The instruction that was given in the early days of the message is to be held as safe instruction to follow in these its closing days.— Selected Messages, Volume 1,41.

Some have supposed that the very pattern given was the pattern that all were to adopt. This is not so. But something as simple as this would be the best we could adopt under the circumstances. No one precise style has been given me as the exact rule to guide all in their dress. -E. G. White Letter 19, 1897.

Let our sisters dress plainly, as many do, having the dress of good mater ial, durable, modest, appropriate for this age, and let not the dress question fill the mind.- E.G. White Letter 19, 1897.

By walking in a forbidden path themselves, they lead others in the same way of disobedience and backsliding. Christian simplicity is sacrificed to outward display. My sisters, how shall we change all this? How shall we recover ourselves from the snare of Satan and break the chains that have bound us in slavery to fashion? —4 Testimonies, 631.

I would remind the youth who ornament their persons, and wear feathers upon their hats, that, because of their sins, our Saviour's head wore the shame ful crown of thorns. When you devote precious time to trimming your apparel. Remember that the King of Glory wore a plain, seamless coat.— 3 Testimonies, 379.

We would not by any means en courage carelessness in dress. Let the at tire be appropriate and becoming. Though only a ten-cent calico, it should be kept neat and clean. There should be no carelessness in dress.— 6 Testimonies, 96.

I do not consider the dress question of so vital importance as the Sabbath. Concerning the latter there can be no hesitation.- 1Testimonies, 522.

None need fear that I shall make dress reform one of my principal subjects as we travel from place to place. Those who have heard me upon this matter will have to act upon the light that has already been given. I have done my duty; I have borne my testimony; and those who have heard me and read that which I have written must now bear the respon sibility of receiving or rejecting the light given. If they choose to venture to be for getful hearers, and not doers of the work, they run their own risk and will be accountable to God for the course they pursue. I am clear. I shall urge none and condemn none. This is not the work assigned me. God knows His humble, will ing obedient children and will reward them according to their faithful performance of His will. To many the dress reform is too simple and humbling to be adopted. They cannot lift the cross. God works by simple means to separate and distinguish His children from the world; but some have so departed from the sim plicity of the work and ways of God that they are above the work, not in it.— 1 Testimonies, 523, 524.

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?—4 Testi monies, 630.

Now, if conformity to the fashions of the world is right and pleasing to God, where is the need of making a change at all. But if it is wrong, is it best to con tinue in the wrong any longer than is positively necessary to make the change? —4 Testimonies, 640.

Some contend that what I wrote in Testimony for the Church No. 10 does not agree with my testimony in the work entitled. How to Live. They were written from the same view, hence are not two views, one contradicting the other, as some may imagine; if there is any difference, it is simply in the form of expression.— 1Testimonies, 456.

Fashion rules the world; and she is a tyrannical mistress, often compelling her devotees to submit to the greatest inconvenience and discomfort. Fashion taxes without reason and collects without mercy. She has a fascinating power; and stands ready to criticize and ridicule the poor if they do not follow in her wake at any cost even the sacrifice of life itself. Satan triumphs that his devices succeed so well and death laughs at the health- destroying folly and blind zeal of the worshippers at fashions shrine.— 5 Testi monies, 634.

Inspiration declares that the friend ship of the world is enmity with God; yet His professed people have expended their God-given time and means upon the altar of fashion.— 4 Testimonies 638.

Our people have been steadily retrograding in the work of reform. Wis dom and judgment have seemed paralyzed . Selfishness and love of display have been corrupting the heart and deteriorat ing the character. There is a growing disposition to sacrifice health and the favor of God upon the altar of ever- changing, never-satisfying fashion.— 4 Testimonies, 638.

In order to be in accordance with fashion and custom, many parents have sacrificed the health and lives of their children.- 1 Testimonies, 136.

The natural heart is ever pleading in favor of worldly customs and any influence tells with tenfold powers when exerted in the wrong direction. —4 Testi monies, 638.

As we see our sisters departing from simplicity in dress, and cultivating 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,-4 Testimonies, 628.

Pride, ignorance, and folly are con stant companions. The Lord is displeased with the pride manifested among His pro fessed people. He is dishonored by their conformity to the unhealthful, immodest and expensive fashions of the degenerate age.— 4 Testimonies, 634.

While the visions have reproved pride and imitating the fashions of the world, they have also reproved those who were careless in regard to their apparel. - 1Testimonies, 275.

It is a shame to our sisters to so for get their holy character and their duty to God as to imitate the fashions of the world. There is no excuse for us except the perversity of our own hearts.— 4 Testimonies, 641.

The making of changes in apparel for sake of fashion merely is not sanct ioned by the word of God .—Ministry of Healing, 290.

Christians should not take pains to make themselves a gazing stock by dress ing differently from the world. But if, when following out their convictions of duty in respect to dressing modestly and healthfully, they find themselves out of fashion, they should not change their dress in order to be like the world; but they should manifest a noble indepen dence and moral courage to be right, if all the world differ from them. If the world introduces a modest, convenient, and healthful mode of dress which is in accordance with the Bible it will not change our relation to God or to the world to adopt such a style of dress. Christians should follow Christ and make their dress conform to God's word. They should shun extremes. They should humbly pursue a straight-forward course irrespective of applause or of censure, and should cling to the right because of its own merits.— 1 Testimonies 458.

We as a people do not believe it our duty to go out of the world to be out of fashion. If we have a neat, plain, modest and comfortable plan of dress, and worldl ings choose to dress as we do, shall we change this mode of dress in order to be different from the world?—No! 1 Testimonies, 424.

Fashion is deteriorating the intel lect and eating out the spirituality of our people. Obedience to fashion is pervading our Seventh-day Adventist churches and is doing more than any other power to separate our people from God. I have been shown that our church rules are very deficient. All exhibitions of pride in dress which is forbidden in the word of God, should be sufficient reason for church discipline. If there is a continuance, in face of warnings and appeals and entrea­ ties, to still follow the perverse will, it may be regarded as proof that the heart is in no way assimilated to Christ. Self, and only self, is the object of adoration, and one such professed Christian will lead many away from God.— 4 Testimonies, 647.

Young and old, God is now testing you. You are deciding your own eternal destiny. Your pride, your love to follow the fashions of the world, your vain and empty conversation, your selfishness, are all put in the scale, and the weight of evil is fearfully against you. You are poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked. . . Many I saw, were flattering themselves that they were good Christians who have not a single ray of light from Jesus. They know not what it is to be renewed by the grace of God. They have no living experi ence for themselves in the things of God. The third angel is leading up a people, step, by step, higher and higher.— 1 Testimonies 189.

As the truth is brought into practi cal life, the standard is to be elevated higher and higher, to meet the require ments of the Bible. This will necessitate opposition to the fashions, customs, prac tices and maxims of the world. Worldly influences, like the waves of the sea, beat against the followers of Christ, to sweep them away from the true principles of the meekness and grace of Christ; but they are to stand as firm as a rock to principle. It will require moral courage to do this, and those whose souls are not riveted to the eternal Rock, will be swept away by the world current. We can stand firm only as our life is hid with Christ in God. Moral independence will be wholly in place when opposing the world. By con forming entirely to the will of God, we shall be placed upon vantage ground, and shall see the necessity of decided separa tion from the customs and practices of the world. We are not to elevate our standard just a little above the world's standard, but we are to make the tine of demarcation decidedly apparent.— Funda mentals of Education, 288.

These lessons are for us. (Experi ence of John the Baptist) Those who claim to know the truth and understand the great work to be done for this time, are to consecrate themselves to God, soul, body, and spirit. In heart, in dress, in language, in every respect they are to be separated from the fashions and practices of the world. They are to be a peculiar and holy people. It is not their dress that makes them peculiar, but because they are a peculiar and holy people, they can not carry the marks of likeness to the world.— Fundamentals of Education, 311.

I was shown that the people of God should not imitate the fashions of the world. Some have done this and are fast losing the peculiar, holy character, which should distinguish them as God's people, I was pointed back to God's ancient peo ple, and was led to compare their apparel with the mode of dress in these last days. What a difference! What a change! Then the women were not so bold as now. When they went in public they covered their faces with a veil. In these last days fashions are shameful and immodest. They are noted in prophecy. They were first brought in by a class over whom Satan has entire control, who "being past feeling (without any conviction of the Spirit of God) have given themselves over unto lasciviousness to work all unclean ness with greediness." If God's professed people had not greatly departed from Him, there would now be a marked difference between their dress and that of the world. The small bonnets exposing the face and head, show a lack of mod esty. The hoops are a shame. The inhab itants of earth are growing more and more corrupt, and the line of distinction between them and the Israel of God must be more plain or the curse which falls upon worldlings will fall on God's pro fessed people.— 1Testimonies, 188.

Many will not attend the service of God upon the Sabbath, because their dress would appear so unlike that of their Christian sisters in style and adornment. Will my sisters consider these things as they are, and will they fully realize the weight of their influence upon others? By walking in a forbidden path themselves, they lead others in the same way of disobedience and backsliding, Christian sim plicity is sacrificed to outward display. My sisters, how shall we change all this? How shall we recover ourselves from the snare of Satan, and break the chains that have bound us in slavery to fashion? How shall we recover our wasted opportuni ties? How shall be bring our powers into healthful, vigorous action? There is only one way and that is to make the Bible our rule of life.- 4 Testimonies, 631.

God leads His people on step by step. The Christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare there is no relief. The effort must be continuous and per severing. It is by unceasing endeavor that we maintain the victory over temptations of Satan.— 8 Testimonies 313.

Those who stand in the highest positions may lead astray. The wisest err; the strongest may falter and stumble. There is need that light from above should be constantly shed upon our pathway. Our only safety lies in trusting our way implicitly to Him who has said, "Follow Me."— Patriarchs & Prophets, 556.

As the truth is brought into prac tical life, the standard is to be elevated higher and higher, to meet the requirements of the Bible. This will necessitate opposition to the fashions, customs, practices, and maxims of the world. . . By conforming entirely to the will of God, we shall be places upon vantage ground, and shall see the necessity of decided separation from the customs and practices of the world. We are not to elevate our standard just a little above the world's standard, but we are to make the line of demarcation decidedly apparent. —Fundamentals of Education, 288.

PILGRIMS' REST Beersheba Springs, TN 37305 USA

SOME BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES

We should dress simply—Matthew 6:28-29; 1 Peter 3:3-4; 1 Peter 5:5.; 1 Timothy 2:8-10.

Examples of rich apparel—Luke 16: 19; Acts 12:21.

We should not indulge in the wear ing of gold, etc.-l Peter 3:3-4.

Examples of worldly ornamentation-Isa 3:16-24.

Our clothing should be kept clean- Ecclesiastes 9:8.

That which is more important is the inward adorning of the soul-1 Peter 3:3.

Men and women should not dress alike—Deuteronomy 22:5,11.

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