Counsels on Health - Ellen G. White

children and youth. Almost as soon as they come
into the world they are subjected to fashion’s
demands. Little children hear more of dress than of
their salvation. They see their mothers more
earnestly consulting the fashion plates than the
Bible. More visits are made to the dry-goods dealer
and the milliner than to the church. The outward
display of dress is made of greater consequence
than the adornment of the character. Sharp
reprimands are called forth for soiling the fine
clothing, and the mind becomes peevish and
irritable under continual restraint.
A deformed character does not disturb the
mother so much as a soiled dress. The child hears
more of dress than of virtue, for the mother is more
familiar with fashion than with her Saviour. Her
example too often surrounds the young with a
poisonous atmosphere. Vice, disguised in fashion’s
garb, intrudes itself among the children.
Simplicity of dress will make a sensible woman
appear to the best advantage. We judge of a
person’s character by the style of dress worn.
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