p. 149 | Asking Advice by R. F. Cottrill

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 26, 1870

Asking Advice.

By R. F. Cottrill

Many years ago, I chanced to read a remark that commended itself so forcibly to my mind that I have never forgotten it. It was this: “We ask advice, we mean approbation.” I have been frequently reminded of it when sought to for counsel by those whose special pleading for the course they wished to pursue, unmistakably indicated the advice which they wished me to give. I have sometimes thought that I could do no better than to advise such to do as they please.

In health and dress reform, each one's peculiar tastes and circumstances seem to call for a special dispensation in their behalf, but not wishing to take too much responsibility, they want some one to advise them to follow their own inclination.

My advice to each would be, If you believe you have light from Heaven, follow it; but if you do not believe, live out just the amount of faith you possess, and no more.

A sister asked my advice about putting on the reform dress; but was so eloquent with special pleadings, that she gave me no chance to express my mind. I made several attempts, but could not utter more than a few words, perhaps half a sentence, before I would be interrupted by her own views of things. So I gave it up, and listened quietly to a long talk. I got the idea when young that it was ill manners for me to talk when others were talking; and unless a person will give me about one-fourth of the time to speak, while they occupy three-fourths, I despair of expressing my thoughts, become a silent listener, and let them have it all their own way. Doubtless the sister got her case, and perhaps really thought I advised her to wear her dress a little longer than the custom, and omit the pants. I have no objection to her thinking so, so far as herself only is concerned; but I rather she would not report to others that Bro. Cottrell approved of her doing so.

But cannot the limbs be equally warmly clothed within the stockings with no pants outside? Yes; but never are. Provided the stockings are large enough, it can be done. But you will not find them willing to exhibit a tightly-dressed ankle as large as an elephant's. The fact is, the open outside pants look neat and modest, and give a chance to clothe the limbs as warm as you please within the stockings, warmer than any one will who rejects them.

Some have fully adopted this healthful costume. The hesitating may choose for themselves whether to help them with their influence, or cast their influence with the world and against these believing, conscientious and self-sacrificing pioneers in a much-needed reform. This reform answers two important ends: 1. It promotes health. 2. It distinguishes those who have moral courage enough to dare to depart from the fashions of Paris, and rank themselves with the peculiar people described by apostles, whose adorning is not outward, but of the heart.

R. F. COTTRILL.