Ellen G. White and Her Critics

She Refers to a Vision in 1875

It is in the setting of these facts that we can understand her statement which follows on the same page: EGWC 156.4

“In a vision given me at Battle Creek, Jan. 3, 1875, I was shown the state of things which I have here represented, and that the wide diversity in dress was an injury to the cause of truth. That which would have proved a blessing, if uniformly adopted and properly worn, had been made a reproach, and, in some cases, even a disgrace. EGWC 156.5

“Some who wore the dress sighed over it as a heavy burden. The language of their hearts was, ‘Anything but this. If we felt free to lay off this peculiar style, we would willingly adopt a plain, untrimmed dress of ordinary length.’ ... EGWC 156.6

“God has been testing his people. He allowed the testimony concerning dress to become silent, that our sisters might follow their own inclination, and thus develop the real pride existing in their hearts.... EGWC 156.7

“If all our sisters would adopt a simple, unadorned dress, of modest length, the uniformity thus established would be far more pleasing to God, and would exert a more salutary influence on the world, than the diversity presented four years ago. As our sisters would not generally accept the reform dress as it should be worn, another, less objectionable style is now presented. It is free from needless trimmings, free from the looped-up tied-back over-skirts. It consists of a plain sacque or loose-fitting basque, and skirt, the latter short enough to avoid the mud and filth of the streets. The material should be free from large plaids and figures, and plain in color. The same attention should be given to the clothing of the limbs as with the short dress. EGWC 156.8

“Will my sisters accept this style of dress, and refuse to imitate the fashions that are devised by Satan, and continually changing? No one can tell what freak fashion will take next. Worldlings whose only care is, ‘What shall we eat, and what shall we wear?’ should not be our criterion.”—Testimonies for the Church 4:637-640. EGWC 157.1