EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE.
The Word tells us that even the hairs of our head are numbered, and of late I have been wondering if the Lord is interested in our headwear, and have decided that he is. I went to a millinery store a few days ago, but could find nothing that would be suitable, and pleasing to the Lord, for a woman of my years. If we are to be a peculiar people, why don’t we choose a plain, sensible shape in headwear, suitable to all ages, and adopt it as a general style? If I were to choose a shape, I would select something with a rim wide enough to avoid making it necessary to carry an umbrella except in rainy weather, and yet not wide enough to obstruct the view of those behind us in public places. I would choose something light in weight, made of material that would bear brushing frequently, or even the use of a damp cloth. It seems to me that, as our people have established broom factories, tailor shops, etc., this industry could be added with profit also, and be in harmony with the message, and forever settle the matter as to what we shall wear on the head. I believe that anything which brings comfort to God’s people is pleasing to him, and you can help me personally by giving me something to wear in the sunshine, which will not make my head ache, and will leave both hands free to carry books, papers, etc., containing the message. Much has been said and written about hanging the skirts from the shoulders, and is not the headdress as important as that? I am ready to step into line with a uniform headgear, furnished by our Woman’s Gospel society—a headgear that is modest and womanly, and in harmony with the Testimonies. I am much interested in what you write about women’s headwear. I know that this is a perplexing problem. There is nothing I dread more than the getting of a hat or bonnet. I wish I might be able to suggest something that would meet your needs, and be a relief to other sisters, but I think that every woman must find the style of hat that suits her best, and keep to it. You can have your milliner take her blocks and make a hat, such as you have in mind; and if you find it as convenient as you expect, you can recommend it to others. I know of no hat that is more becoming for girls than a sailor hat. Many women over twenty-five years of age can also wear it, but for women of your age and mine such a hat is not suitable. The walking hat is a good shape for nearly every face. It is suitable for women of all ages, and is very desirable because it does not require any trimming. I have always found a bonnet the most satisfactory covering for my head, but I know that many women do not wish to wear one. In regard to having a uniform style of hat, I can hardly see that it would be advisable. I quote the following from an unpublished Testimony; while referring especially to the dress, it applies to everything in a woman’s wardrobe: “Our sisters whose minds are agitated upon the subject of again resuming the reform dress should be prayerfully cautious in every move they make. We have now the most solemn, important test given to us from the word of God for this special period of time. This test is for the whole world. The Lord does not require that any tests of human invention shall be brought in to divert the minds of the people, or to create controversy in any line. No one precise style has been given me as the exact rule to guide all in their dress. Simple dresses should be worn.” I fear that the industry of hat-making would not receive sufficient patronage to be sustained, and therefore, as I said before, each one must find and adopt her own style of headwear. I am sure that the Lord wishes us to wear things that are becoming, and also comfortable. I am always glad of any suggestions from the sisters, and will pass them along just as far as practicable. Write freely about anything you have in mind for the furtherance of our work. MRS. GEO. A. IRWIN.