Ellen G. White and Her Critics

Why the Reform Dress Was Discarded

It is evident from this, as it has been evident from other quotations, that Mrs. White was seeking to promote, not so much a specific pattern of a dress, as a basic idea that would give expression to certain principles. In other words, a particular design of dress was merely a means toward an end, and not significant in itself. After thus describing, in 1881, the advantage of the reform dress, she comes to the important question: EGWC 155.4

“The question may be asked, ‘Why has this dress been laid aside? and for what reason has dress reform ceased to be advocated?’ The reasons for this change I will here briefly state. While many of our sisters accepted this reform from principle, others opposed the simple, healthful style of dress which it advocated. It required much labor to introduce this reform among our people. It was not enough to present before our sisters the advantages of such a dress, and to convince them that it would meet the approval of God. Fashion had so strong a hold upon them that they were slow to break away from its control, even to obey the dictates of reason and conscience. And many who professed to accept the reform, made no change in their wrong habits of dress, except in shortening the skirts and clothing the limbs. EGWC 155.5

“Nor was this all. Some who adopted the reform were not content to show by example the advantages of the dress, giving, when asked, their reasons for adopting it, and letting the matter rest there. They sought to control others’ conscience by their own. If they wore it, others must put it on. They forgot that none were to be compelled to wear the reform dress.... EGWC 155.6

“Much unhappy feeling was created by those who were constantly urging the reform dress upon their sisters. With extremists, this reform seemed to constitute the sum and substance of their religion. It was the theme of conversation and the burden of their hearts; and their minds were thus diverted from God and the truth. They failed to cherish the spirit of Christ, and manifested a great lack of true courtesy. Instead of prizing the dress for its real advantages, they seemed to be proud of its singularity.... EGWC 156.1

“Some were greatly troubled because I did not make the dress a test question, and still others because I advised those who had unbelieving husbands or children not to adopt the reform dress, as it might lead to unhappiness that would counteract all the good to be derived from its use. For years I carried the burden of this work, and labored to establish uniformity of dress among our sisters.”—Testimonies for the Church 4:635-637. EGWC 156.2

Mrs. White’s remark on “uniformity” refers to her expression of regret that the reform dress had not been made in any approved way, and had become with some a “variety suit” with each of the parts of a different material. The result was that the dress was “ill-proportioned and out of taste.”—Testimonies for the Church 4:637. EGWC 156.3