Untitled article by Sarah A. Doud

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 19, 1867

From Sister Doud.

By Sarah A. Doud

DEAR SISTERS: For some time past I have thought to write to you respecting the dress reform, but have waited, hoping that all who have not unbelieving, or opposing husbands, would be willing to adopt it on the testimonies given; or that some sister who had taken up the cross would speak out and call your minds to this subject. I am almost afraid that some of you have forgotten that there is such a thing as a reform in the matter of dress, judging from the indifference manifested. Some time has elapsed since the light came, and so few have adopted the dress, that certainly it must have slipped the minds of some.

Last spring there was a moving out, and those who then took up the cross have been benefited, and blessed; but since the first stir passed, you have relapsed into the old way of things, and seem to think there is nothing more to be done. I cannot think so. What is light for one, is light for all, and intended for all; that all alike may be benefited thereby. Let us reason a few moments. What are the objections, or excuses? “Oh! I can’t be so different from everybody else, I should be laughed at.” And, “I could get along with a dress shorter than I now wear, but the pants, they look so. They make me think of the squaws.” And, “I do not see the use of it; if I had out-door work to do it would be different.” And, “The brethren have no sacrifice to make. I want to see them disfigure themselves in some way.” And the worst, yet truest, and I think the sum, of all excuses is, “My heart is too proud; I must keep one hand hold of the world. I have friends in the world who would think me a disgrace, and would not speak to me should they see me in a reform dress.”

Now, what do the Scriptures say respecting our standing with the world. Paul, after speaking of our bodies, says, Rom. xii, 2, “And be not conformed to this world,” &c. Again, 1 Pet. i, 14: “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance.” Again, 1 Jno. ii, 15: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world,” &c. And Jno. xv, 19: “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own, but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

The texts are too numerous to mention, that tell us plainly what our duties are respecting the world, and leave us all without excuse. For it is impossible for us to keep right with God and with the world at the same time. We cannot serve two masters. God in great mercy makes known our duty to him, and what he would have us do to be right in his sight. He has not left us to perish in darkness. Bless his holy name for his loving-kindness toward us. Who should not be willing to bear crosses and forsake the world for the sake of the crown laid up in store for his beloved? Dear sisters, let us all be willing to take up this cross.

Perhaps some will say as I have been told several times, that misery loves company, and that I am urging upon you that which is of no practical importance. Now this is not so. I love the reforms very dearly. I have been benefited by them, and blessed, and strengthened in taking up crosses. Nor can I think that God will show us what is for our good and is pleasing to him, and it not be of importance.

I feel to thank God for the light he has given us from time to time through the visions, and earnestly hope that every sister who has the privilege, will walk in the light. It will subdue a proud heart effectually, and will say to the world, “I am none of yours.” May God for Jesus’ sake help us all. Yours striving to overcome the world, the flesh, and the Devil.

SARAH A. DOUD.

Tuscola Co., Mich.