Ellen G. White and Her Critics

Mrs. White Speaks on Dress Reform in 1865

Mrs. White’s next statement on dress is found in number 5 of the six pamphlets, published in 1865, which bear the general title How to Live. In her article in this number she discusses the care of children, particularly their dress. She observes, “Show and fashion are the demon altar upon which many American women sacrifice their children.”—Page 67. She decries the style of dress for children that leaves the extremities poorly covered. EGWC 144.3

A further statement by Mrs. White, in 1865, is found in number 6 of the How to Live pamphlets. This is her first positive, formal presentation in behalf of reform in dress, written to the sisters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. We quote: EGWC 144.4

“My sisters, there is need of a dress reform among us. There are many errors in the present style of female dress. It is injurious to health, and, therefore, sin for females to wear tight corsets, or whalebones, or to compress the waist. These have a depressing influence upon the heart, liver, and lungs. The health of the entire system depends upon the healthy action of the respiratory organs. Thousands of females have ruined their constitutions, and brought upon themselves various diseases, in their efforts to make a healthy and natural form unhealthy and unnatural.... EGWC 144.5

“Many females drag down the bowels and hips by hanging heavy skirts upon them. These were not formed to sustain weights.... The female dress should be suspended from the shoulders. It would be pleasing to God if there was greater uniformity in dress among believers.... EGWC 145.1

“The children of Israel, after they were brought out of Egypt, were commanded to have a simple ribbon of blue in the border of their garments, to distinguish them from the nations around them, and to signify that they were God’s peculiar people. The people of God are not now required to have a special mark placed upon their garments. But in the New Testament we are often referred to ancient Israel as examples. If God gave such definite directions to his ancient people in regard to their dress, will not the dress of his people in this age come under his notice? Should there not be in their dress a distinction from that of the world? Should not the people of God, who are his peculiar treasure, seek even in their dress to glorify God? And should they not be examples in point of dress, and by their simple style rebuke the pride, vanity and extravagance of worldly, pleasure-loving professors? God requires this of his people. Pride is rebuked in his word.”—Pages 57, 58. EGWC 145.2