Wesley on Dress by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 12, 1873

Wesley on Dress.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

THERE is just as much danger of Adventists indulging in a love of dress and finery as there has been in the past of other people doing the same. But as this comes in, the Spirit of God goes out. A few words of warning on this point, now and then, are much needed. Here are a few from that good man, John Wesley:

“I exhort all those who desire me to watch over your souls, wear no gold, no pearls or precious stones, use no curling of hair or costly apparel how grave soever. I advise those who are able to receive these sayings, buy no velvets, no silks, no fine linen, no superfluities, no mere ornaments, though ever so much in fashion. Wear nothing, though you have it already, which is of a glaring color, or which is in any way gay, glittering and showy, nothing made in the height of fashion, nothing apt to attract the attention of bystanders. I do not advise women to wear rings, ear-rings, necklaces, laces (of whatever kind or color), or ruffles, which little by little may easily shoot from one to twelve inches deep, neither do I advise men to wear colored waistcoats, shining stockings, glittering or shining buckles or buttons, either on their coats or on their sleeves, any more than gay, fashionable and expensive perukes. And whoever says that there is no harm in these, might as well say there is no harm in stealing and adultery. This is a melancholy truth. I am ashamed of it, but I know not how to help it. I call Heaven and earth this day to witness that it is not my fault. The trumpet has not given an uncertain sound. For nearly fifty years last past, I have borne a clear and faithful testimony. In print, in preaching, in meeting the society, I have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God. I am therefore clear of the blood of those that will not hear. It lies upon their own heads. Let your dress be cheap as well as plain. Otherwise you do but trifle with God and me and your own souls.” D. M. CANRIGHT.