Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Pride and extravagance in
dress are sins to which woman is especially prone; hence these injunctions
relate directly to her. Of how little value are gold or pearls or costly array,
when compared with the meekness and loveliness of Christ!
I was directed to the following scriptures. Said the angel, "They are to
instruct God's people." 1 Timothy 2:9, 10: "In like manner also that women
adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not
with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but which becometh
women professing godliness with good works." 1 Peter 3:3-5: "Whose
adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting of the hair and of
wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of
the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and
quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner
in the old time the holy women also, ... adorned themselves."
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?
Those who are truly seeking to follow Christ will have conscientious
scruples in regard to the dress they wear; they will strive to meet the
requirements of this injunction [1 Peter 3:3-5] so plainly given by the Lord.
Self-denial in dress is a part of our Christian duty. To dress plainly,
abstaining from display of jewelry and ornaments of every kind, is in
keeping with our faith.
Many need instruction as to how they should appear in the assembly for
worship on the Sabbath. They are not to enter the presence of God in the
common clothing worn during the week. All should have a special Sabbath
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