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Adornment

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 5, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 31.

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Adornment

By A. R. OGDEN

A. R. OGDEN
CHARACTER is the adornment which, in the sight of God, is of great price. It is the only thing that we can take with us from this world to the kingdom. How important, then, that we who are looking for the soon-coming King, and are preparing to be subjects of the kingdom, should have that adornment which is regarded so highly by God.
The Bible abounds with instruction to those who are preparing to meet their God. It also portrays in unmistakable terms the conditions prevalent in the world in the last days. The apostle, in summing up a catalogue of sins that will be predominant in the last days, mentions, among others, selfishness, covetousness, and pride. In other scriptures the Lord has spoken expressly concerning pride. “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” Prov. 8:13. “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Prov. 6:16-19.
We would all do well to give much thought and prayer to a consideration of the sins here mentioned. Especial attention is called to the first. The Lord mentions pride as one of the things he hates. Most people manifest pride by their attire — by the putting on of useless and gaudy apparel. Some, however, manifest it by lack of proper attention to personal appearance, and by their slovenly dress.
The Bible and the Testimonies abound in wholesome, good, common-sense instruction and advice along the line of proper dress for the Christian. To some of these statements we desire to call the reader’s attention. It is not a desire to criticize or find fault with any, but to call attention to the standard which we believe the Bible and the Testimonies sustain. Seventh-day Adventists, as a people, have endeavored to recognize and maintain this standard.
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair [margin, “plaited,” an ancient custom of plaiting threads of gold in the hair], or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” 1 Tim. 2:9, 10. “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting 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.” 1 Peter 3:3, 4. These texts are certainly clear and explicit in their teaching that true adornment is not the dress we wear, but the character we bear. God’s purpose for his people is that their apparel should be for comfort and neatness, and not for outward show,—pride.
“One of the points upon which those newly come to the faith will need instruction is the subject of dress. . . . Are they vain in dress? Do they cherish pride of heart? The idolatry of dress is a moral disease. It must not be taken over into the new life. . . . There should be no carelessness in dress. For Christ’s sake, whose witnesses we are, we should seek to make the best of our appearance. . . . Our appearance in every respect should be characterized by neatness, modesty, and purity. But the Word of God gives no sanction to the making of changes in apparel merely for the sake of fashion,—that we may appear like the world. Christians are not to decorate the person with costly array or expensive ornaments. . . . Even the style of the apparel will express the truth of the gospel.”—Testimonies for the Church, Vol. VI, page 96.
Much more might be quoted from the Testimonies. How sensible and reasonable are their instruction and teaching! While we should guard ourselves in neatness and good taste, yet we should refrain from those things which are simply worn for show and ornamentation; such, for instance, as the wearing of jewelry, feathers, and artificial flowers. These things are specifically mentioned in the Testimonies, and the principle is laid down in the Bible.
It is a pleasure to see so many of our people living up to the standard recognized by our denomination. Is the standard too high? Is it a right standard, according to the Bible? If so, why should not all recognize it?
In some of our churches which we visit the standard is recognized and maintained by all the members. That it might be so in all the churches, and that this article might be a help toward the attaining of this end, is the hope of the writer.
Utica, Mo.