A FEW QUERIES ANSWERED.
By E. A. H.
SHALL we make ourselves odd to avoid following the fashions? Christians should not take pains to make themselves a gazing-stock by dressing differently from the world. But if, when following out their convictions of duty in respect to dressing modestly and healthfully, they find themselves out of fashion, they should not change their dress in order to be like the world; but they should manifest a noble independence and moral courage to be right if all the world differ from them. If the world introduces a modest, convenient, and healthful mode of dress, which is in accordance with the Bible, it will not change our relation to God or to the world to adopt such a style of dress. Christians should follow Christ, and make their dress conform to God's word. They should shun extremes. They should humbly pursue a straightforward course, irrespective of applause or of censure, and should cling to the right, because of its own merits.— 'Testimonies for the Church,' Vol. I, pages 458, 459. If a dress is perfectly plain, is there any harm in having a slight trail? (1) It is extravagant and unnecessary to have the dress of such a length that it will sweep the sidewalk and street; (2) A dress thus long gathers dew from the grass, and mud from the streets, and is therefore uncleanly; (3) In its bedraggled condition it comes in contact with the sensitive ankles, which are not sufficiently protected, quickly chilling them, and thus endangering health and life; . . . (4) The unnecessary length is an additional weight upon the hips and bowels; (5) It hinders the walking, and is also often in other people's way.—Id., page 459.