Testimony Treasures, Volume 1 - Ellen G. White

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? Extravagance in dress is continually increasing. The end is not yet.
Fashion is constantly changing, and our sisters follow in its wake, regardless
of time or expense. There is a great amount of means expended upon dress,
when it should be returned to God the giver. ...
Those among Sabbathkeepers 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. Many have united with worldlings
in pride, vanity, and pleasure seeking, flattering themselves that they could
do this and still be Christians. But it is such indulgences that separate them
from God and make them children of the world. Christ has given us no such
example. Those only who deny self, and live a life of sobriety, humility, and
holiness, are true followers of Jesus; and such cannot enjoy the society of the
lovers of the world.
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 profession, 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.
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