Basic HTML Version
The Charm of Simplicity, September 23
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the
eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1
John 2:16
.
Pride of dress is not a small matter, but a serious evil. It causes time,
thought, and money to be spent in the decoration of the body, while
the culture of the heavenly graces is neglected. Precious hours that our
Saviour has exhorted us to devote to prayer and the study of the Scriptures
are given to an unnecessary preparation of apparel for outward display.
Satan stands in the background, devising the fashions which lead to
extravagance in the outlay of means. In forming the fashions of the day,
he has a fixed purpose. He knows that time and money which are devoted
to meet the demands of fashion will not be used for higher, holier objects.
Precious time is wasted in keeping pace with ever-changing and never-
satisfying fashions. No sooner is one style introduced than new styles are
devised, and then, in order for fashionable persons to remain fashionable,
the dress must be remodeled. Thus professing Christians, with divided
hearts, waste their time, giving to the world nearly all their energies....
Correct taste in dress is not to be despised or condemned.... Nothing
is gained in trying to save means by purchasing cheap fabrics. Let the
clothing be plain and neat, without extravagance or display.
Young ladies who break away from slavery to fashion will be orna-
ments in society. The one who is simple and unpretending in her dress and
in her manners shows that she understands that a true lady is characterized
by moral worth. How charming, how interesting, is simplicity in dress,
which in its comeliness can be compared with the flowers of the field! ...
Those who practice simplicity in dress have time to visit the afflicted,
and are better prepared to pray with and for them. On every Christian man
and woman rests the solemn duty of regulating and contracting personal
expenses, that by so doing they may be able to help the needy, feed the
hungry, and clothe the naked.
[273]
282