Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

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.
My sisters, avoid even the appearance of evil. In this fast age, reeking
with corruption, you are not safe unless you stand guarded. Virtue and
modesty are rare. I appeal to you as followers of Christ, making an exalted
profession, to cherish the precious, priceless gem of modesty. This will guard
virtue.
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 thousand perils.
Simplicity of dress will make a sensible woman appear to the best
advantage.
Dress as Christians should dress--simply, plainly adorn yourselves as
becometh women professing godliness, with good works.
Many, in order to keep pace with absurd fashion, lose their taste for
natural simplicity and are charmed with the artificial. They sacrifice time and
money, the vigor of intellect, and true elevation of soul, and devote their
entire being to the claims of fashionable life.
Dear youth, a disposition in you to dress according to the fashion, and to
223