服装改良
呼吁百姓服装改良
我们不是唯心论者。我们是女基督徒，相信圣经关于人类受造、堕落、由于继续犯罪而受苦遭难、盼望藉着基督得蒙救赎，以及人有本分在属于上帝的身子和精神上荣耀上帝以便得救所说的一切。我们穿在这里显为奇怪的服装款式不是为了引人注目。我们不为了这种目的而穿与一般的女装款式不同的服装。我们选择如果能做到就在理论和实践上与他人保持一致，同时符合上帝的律法，也与我们的生命律和谐一致。我们认为，与他人不同是错误的，除非为了正确而有必要有不同之处。我们在背着采纳改良服装的十字架时，是受责任感带领的。虽然这可能会让那些受时尚支配的人感到反感，但我们认为这是女性穿的最方便、最朴素、最健康的服装款式。{PH134 1.1}
我们已经计算了在那些不得不向时尚低头的人眼中显得异常的代价。我们断定，尽管目前在那些愿意在时尚祭坛上牺牲方便、舒适和健康的人看来，我们可能显得有些古怪，但努力做正确的事终究是值得的。{PH134 2.1}
我们还注意到了这个事实，就是我们在衣着问题上的做法会引起朋友们不愉快的感觉，并考虑了那些使他们对改良服装产生偏见的事情。当我们在陌生人中间时，我们被认为是招魂术士，因为那等人中有些人确实采用了通常所说的“短裙。”常有人问：“你们是招魂术士吗?”为了回答这个问题，也为了给读者提供一些我们为何采用如此不时尚的服装款式的原因，才发行了这本小册子。我们很清楚，一些侍奉招魂术的人因奢侈浪费和不道德的行为而给他们的道德价值蒙上了一层不确定的阴影，他们已经采用了短裙;我们也知道，在特殊的情况下，他们这样做的热情，只能使人们对任何类似的事情感到厌恶。{PH134 2.2}
还能怎么样呢?人们沉迷于时尚。他们不了解我们的服装款式的益处。更让他们反感的是，它在某些方面与一些可疑的招魂术士所穿的款式相似。我们当然要嘱咐那些信奉招魂术的女士由衷地欢迎一种方便、健康、(长度适中、整洁、合身、制作精良)真正端庄的衣服所带来的一切福气和益处，并希望她们在其它方面也能保持一致和正确。{PH134 3.1}
在现有的情况下，人们可能会把采用我们的服装风格看作是我们大胆的一步，表现出更多的独立性而不是良好的品味。他们可能会责难我们。他们可能会对我们的服装冷嘲热讽。他们甚至可能会因为我们在这件事上的做法而发表尖刻的演说。但我们的工作要靠上帝的恩典，耐心地操劳，纠正他们的错误，消除他们的偏见，并将我们反对流行的女装风格的理由摆在他们面前;也说明为何采纳我们的服装款式的一些理由。我们反对流行的女装款式，{PH134 3.2}
1. 因为它不方便。在做家务时，在上下楼梯两手都没空时，需要第三只手来提起长裙。请看那位女士抱着她的孩子去她的房间，两手都同没空，踩在她的长裙上，走路跌跌撞撞。她发现流行的服装款式很不方便。但这是时尚，必须忍受。{PH134 4.1}
如果她走进自家花园，在花儿中散布或劳作，分享清晨清新的空气，若不用两手提起裙子，她的裙子就会拖曳泥土和露水，直到裙子变得湿漉漉，沾满烂泥。时尚依附着她，在这种情况下，衣料被用作拖把了。这是极其不方便的。但是为了时尚的缘故，必须忍受。{PH134 4.2}
在街上，在乡间，在村庄，或者在拥挤的城市里，她的长裙扫着灰尘和泥土，舔着烟草唾沫和各种各样的污秽。粗心的先生们有时踩在这些长裙上，女士们继续走时，会把它们撕破。这令人厌烦，有时令人恼火;而且修补和清洗这些弄脏的衣服和被撕破衣服并不总是方便的。但它们与时尚是和谐的，这一切都必须忍受。{PH134 4.3}
在乘火车、乘长途公车和公共汽车旅行时，时装，尤其是被裙箍撑大的时装，有时不仅会妨碍穿着者，而且还会妨碍别人;我们善意地认为，如果不是因为时尚的霸道力量，我们会采取措施来消除它们带来的不便。{PH134 5.1}
我们反对流行的女装款式，{PH134 5.2}
2. 因为它不健康。更不用说为了抑制自然呼吸而压缩腰部的自杀行为了，这种行为导致只从两肺顶部呼吸的习惯;也不用特别详述因裙子太多太长而将不必要的重量挂在臀部的习惯，关于时尚女装款式的不健康之处，有许多话可以说;但我们现在只建议以下几点：{PH134 5.3}
(a) 它烦扰和妨碍下肢的自由活动。这与上帝使女性获得活动和健康之福的计划背道而驰。 {PH134 5.4}
(b) 当她的健康需要她在纯净清新的空气中享受运动时，它经常把她关在室内。要是她在小雪中或阵雨后外出，或在清晨或傍晚的露水中外出，她就会弄脏弄湿她的长裙，使敏感的、没有保护的脚踝发冷，还会着凉。为了防止这种情况的发生，她可能会闭门不出，变得非常娇弱，当她被迫外出时，她一定会感冒，这可能会导致咳嗽、肺病和死亡。{PH134 5.5}
有人可能会说，她可以等到太阳把所有的的湿气都收起来再散步啊。确实，她可以，并且感受正午炙热的夏日阳光所带来的倦怠。飞鸟歌唱赞美造物主，野地的走兽也与它们一同享受清晨的清新;及至太阳的热量倾泻下来时，这些自然和健康的生物就会隐退到阴凉处。但这竟是女人穿着时髦服装出来活动的时候!当它们出去享受令人振奋的早晨空气时，她却被剥夺了上天的这一厚恩。当它们寻找阴凉休息时，她却出来忍受炎热、疲劳和倦怠的折磨。{PH134 6.1}
(c) 它剥夺了她免受寒冷和潮湿的保护，这是下肢必须具备的，以确保身体系统的健康状况。为了享受良好的健康状况，必须有适当的血液循环。而为了确保人类生命之流的良好循环，身体的所有部分都必须适当地穿衣。时尚使女人的胸部穿得很多，在冬天她要用宽松上衣、斗篷、披肩和毛皮衣服把自己裹得严严实实，直到她除了四肢和双脚之外，再也感觉不到一丝寒意了。由于没有合适的衣服，四肢和双脚都冻僵了，简直冻得发麻。心脏竭力把血液输送到四肢，但由于四肢暴露在寒冷的环境中，由于没有合适地穿衣，血液又从四肢冻了回来。伟大的生命之轮在胸部，胸部周围的大量衣物会导致血液流向肺部和大脑，造成充血。{PH134 6.2}
上肢和双足有大动脉接受大量血液，以便温暖和滋养它们，使它们有弹性和力量。然而当血液在这些末端受凉时，它们的血管就收缩，这使得其中必要血量的循环更加困难。良好的血液循环能保持血液的纯净，并保证健康。血液循环不良会使血液变得不洁，导致大脑和肺部充血，并导致头部、心脏、肝脏和肺部疾病。时尚的女装款式是导致所有这些可怕疾病的最大原因之一。{PH134 7.1}
然而祸害不止于此。这些时髦的母亲把她们的疾病传给虚弱的后代。她们给虚弱的小女儿们穿得跟她们自己一样不健康，不久就把她们送到伤病呻吟的地步，或者，在许多情况下，这还不如把她们送进坟墓。时尚就这样使我们的墓地充满了短命之人的坟墓，使时尚奴隶之家尽是伤员。这种可悲的局面难道还要继续下去吗?{PH134 7.2}
我们反对时尚的女装款式，{PH134 8.1}
3. 因为，在某些情况下，至少可以说，它不是最端庄的，因为暴露了女性的形体。这种祸害因穿撑裙箍而大大加剧了。穿着长裙的女士们，尤其要是穿着撑裙箍，她们在上下楼梯时，在经过公共马车和公众汽车狭窄的门道时，或在撩起裙子清除街上的泥土时，有时会暴露形体到令端庄脸红的地步。{PH134 8.2}
既注意到了流行女装款式的一些错误，现在我们想说明改良服装，{PH134 8.3}
1.它是方便的。不需要争辩就能证明我们的服装款式在厨房里是最方便的。在上下楼梯时，穿着我们的服装不需要用手提起裙子。由于长度适中，它们能很好地照顾自己，我们的手就可以得到更好的使用了。{PH134 8.4}
我们可以走到无人踏足的雪地里，或者雨后出门，如果我们的脚和四肢得到充分的保护，一切都是干燥和舒适的。我们在早晨散步时没有拖曳的裙子拖累，不怕着凉。在春天和夏天，我们可以在花丛中行走和工作，不用担心清晨的露水会伤害我们。而且，我们的裙子的下半部分，没有被用作拖把，是干的，而且干净，舒适，没有强迫我们洗干净它们，当其它重要的事情需要时间和注意力的时候，清洗它们并不总是方便的。{PH134 9.1}
在进出马车时，在经过旧箱子、盒子和其它破烂的家具时，在走过破旧的人行道时，在有钉子钉在木板表面一到两英寸的地方，我们的裙子不会遭遇拖曳的长裙必定被撕破的上千起事故。对我们来说，这是一件非常方便的事。{PH134 9.2}
2. 它是有益健康的。我们的裙子少而轻，没有多而长的裙子来耗费我们的力气。我们的四肢穿得很好，我们需要的裙子相对较少;而且这些衣服都是挂在肩膀上的。我们的衣服很适合坐着，既不妨碍血液循环，也不妨碍自然、自由和充分的呼吸。我们的裙子既不多，也不像流行的那么长，不妨碍我们活动，而是让我们活动自如。所有这些都是健康所必需的。{PH134 9.3}
我们的手和脚都得到了适当的保护，免受寒冷和潮湿，以确保血液的循环及其所有的福气。我们可以在露天、在早晨或傍晚的露水中、在降雪或下雨之后做运动，而不用担心会感冒。晨练，在自由、清新的空气中散步，或者种花、小水果、蔬菜，对血液的健康循环是必不可少的。它是预防感冒、咳嗽、脑和肺充血、肝脏、肾脏、肺部和其它上百种疾病最可靠的保护措施。{PH134 10.1}
如果那些因这些疾病而健康不佳、遭受折磨的女士们愿意脱下她们时髦的长袍，换上适合享受这种运动的衣服，一开始的时候要很小心地出去，当她们能忍受时，就增加在露天的运动量，这使她们有力量去忍受，且使她们不用延医用药，她们大多数人都能恢复健康，用她们的榜样和双手的工作来造福世界。如果她们能给自己的女儿适当地着装，她们就能活着享受健康，并且造福他人。{PH134 10.2}
基督徒母亲哪，为何不给你的女儿穿得像你儿子那样舒适得体呢?在冬天的寒冷和暴风雪中，他的四肢和脚穿着有衬里的裤子，内衣，羊毛袜子和厚靴子。这是应该的，但你女儿的穿着讲究的却是时尚，而不是健康，也不是舒适。她的鞋很轻，袜子很薄。确实，她的裙子很短，但她的四肢几乎是赤裸的，只穿着一条薄的法兰绒长袜，到她的棉布内裤那里。她的四肢和脚都冰凉了，而她哥哥的脚却很暖和。他的四肢有三到五件厚衣服保护;她的却只有一件。她更软弱吗?那她就需要更多关照。难道因为她更多在室内，所以就少给她抵御风寒吗?那她就需要加倍的关照。但是像她那样穿衣服，除了习惯性的双脚冰凉、大脑充血、头痛、肝脏和肺部的疾病以及过早入土，她对未来的健康没有什么希望。{PH134 11.1}
她的裙子可能差不多够长了;但要让它宽松舒适。那么就给她的四肢和双脚也舒适聪明地穿好衣服吧，像你给你的儿子穿的那么多;让你的女儿也出去享受户外锻炼，活着享受健康和幸福吧。{PH134 11.2}
3. 它是端庄的。是的，我们认为这是女性穿的最端庄最合宜的服装款式。如果读者不这么认为，请他翻到第一页，再检查一下上面的人物，然后告诉我们这种款式的衣服哪里有缺陷，哪里不合适?确实，它不时髦，但那又怎样呢?时尚不一定来自天国。时尚也不一定来自纯洁的人、贤惠的人和善良的人。{PH134 11.3}
这种款式的衣服确实暴露了她的双脚。然而为什么她应该以她那穿得很好的脚为耻，过于男人以他们的脚为耻呢?她试图隐瞒她有脚的事实是没有用的。这早在使用被裙箍撑大的拖地裙很久以前就是一个已确定的事实，那种裙子使她看起来像一个干草堆，或者像一个荷兰搅乳机。{PH134 12.1}
但是，流行的女装款式是否总是把她的脚隐藏起来，不让公众瞩目呢?看看那位女士走过泥泞的街道，她的裙摆离地面的距离几乎是我们的两倍，不仅露着脚，而且几乎裸露着双腿。当她上下楼梯时，当她被扶上车或下车时，类似的暴露是经常发生的。这些暴露即使不是可耻的，也是讨厌的;而我们必须把一种几乎确定无疑使其频繁发生的服装风格看作是端庄和贞操的拙劣保障。但我们并不旨在暴露关于女人的脚的这种虚假的端庄，而只是为我们认为在各方面都确实端庄的那种服装款式辩护。{PH134 12.2}
有什么款式的衣服能比我们的更整洁、更端庄、更适合五到十四岁的女孩子呢?让这些女孩站在那些时尚女孩的旁边，然后说哪个看起来更舒适，更端庄，更得体。时尚的款式不如我们的长，但没有人嘲笑那些穿着短裙的人。她们的四肢几乎是裸露的，而其他人的四肢却穿得端庄又健康。时尚和虚假的端庄看这些因考虑舒适、端庄和健康而给四肢穿了衣服的女孩是恐怖的，却对那些裙子相当短，不舒适、不端庄、不健康地暴露着四肢的女孩微笑。十字架和耻辱由此而来，只是因为行义，面对时尚这个暴君。愿上帝帮助我们有道义勇气去行义，并在伟大的改革事业中耐心而谦卑地操劳。{PH134 13.1}
代表我那些采纳了改良服装的姐妹们，{PH134 13.2}
怀爱伦
密歇根州，蒙特卡姆县，格林维尔
几点建议
1. 我们向所有的人推荐改良服装，但不敦促任何人这么做。当女基督徒们看出时尚款式的错误，和我们服装的益处，并且出于责任感而穿上它，且有道义勇气在任何地方都穿着它的时候，她们才会在其中感到自在，并在尝试做正确的事情时享受一种满足感和祝福。{PH134 13.3}
2. 但那些采用改良服装的人应当始终记住，时尚的力量是可怕的;在对付这个暴君时，她们需要智慧、谦卑和忍耐，——明智地说话和行动，以免不必要地冒犯时尚的奴隶;谦卑和忍耐地忍受他们的皱眉、他们的轻蔑和他们的羞辱和责备。{PH134 14.1}
3. 鉴于现有的对改良服装的偏见，我们有责任在采纳它时避免所有那些使它不必要地令人反感的事。它应该到离地面八到九英寸的地方。裙子不应像被裙箍撑开一样。它应该和长裙一样丰满。搭配适当数量的轻便短裙，改良的服装会优雅得体地垂到四肢上。{PH134 14.2}
不是任何离地面八到九英寸的服装都是改良服装。它应该按照认可的样式裁剪，并根据一个在这种服装款式上有经验之人的指示进行剪裁和缝制。{PH134 14.3}
4. 在色泽上应表现出品位。那些采用这种服装款式的人在这方面的一致性比较方便，但要顾及人的肤色。要选用适中的色彩。若是使用花布，则要避免花样大而惹眼、表现虚荣和骄傲的布料。不宜在各种色彩上标新立异，比如白色袖子和裤子搭配深色连衣裙。披肩和软帽不像冬天的宽松上衣和帽子那样与改良的服装相配。{PH134 14.4}
5. 你们自己也要正确。在所有的职责和生涯中，要确保和维持属天的装饰。使徒说到了这一点：{PH134 15.1}
“你们作妻子的要顺服自己的丈夫;这样，若有不信从道理的丈夫，他们虽然不听道，也可以因妻子的品行被感化过来;这正是因看见你们有贞洁的品行和敬畏的心。你们不要以外面的辫头发，戴金饰，穿美衣为妆饰，只要以里面存着长久温柔，安静的心为妆饰;这在上帝面前是极宝贵的”(彼前3:1-4)。{PH134 15.2}
我亲爱的姐妹们：这样的妆饰，这样的生活方式和行为方式，会使你们在地上有为善的影响力，并使你们在天上得奖赏。你们要是不能得到和保持这种妆饰，我就劝你们脱掉改良的服装。你们不要因缺乏整洁、清洁、品味、秩序、自守、温柔、得体、端庄和对你们的家人和上帝的奉献而使它蒙羞。作改良服装的推荐人和妆饰吧，也让它成为你的推荐和妆饰吧。怀爱伦{PH134 15.3}
PH134 - The Dress Reform
【An Appeal to the People in Its Behalf】
We are not Spiritualists. We are Christian women, believing all that the Scriptures say concerning man’s creation, his fall, his sufferings and woes on account of continued transgression, of his hope of redemption thro’ Christ, and of his duty to glorify God in his body and spirit which are his, in order to be saved. We do not wear the style of dress here represented to be odd,—that we may attract notice. We do not differ from the common style of woman’s dress for any?such object. We choose to agree with others in theory and in practice, if we can do so, and at the same time be in harmony with the law of God, and with the laws of our being. We believe it wrong to differ from others, unless it be necessary to differ in order to be right. In bearing the cross of adopting the reform dress, we are led by a sense of duty. And although it may appear objectionable to those who are governed by fashion, we claim that it is the most convenient, the most truly modest, and the most healthful style of dress worn by woman.?{PH134 1.1}[1]
We have counted the cost of appearing singular in the eyes of those who feel compelled to bow to fashion. And we decide that in the end it will pay to try to do right, though for the present we may appear odd in the eyes of those who will sacrifice convenience, comfort, and health, at the altar of fashion.?{PH134 2.1}[2]
We have also looked at the fact that our course in this matter of dress will cause our friends disagreeable feelings, and have taken into the account those things which excited their feelings of prejudice against the reform dress. When among strangers, we are supposed to be Spiritualists, from the fact that some of that class adopt what is commonly called “the short dress.” And the question is frequently asked, “Are you Spiritualists?” To answer this question, and to give the reader some of the reasons why we adopt so unfashionable?a style of dress, is this little tract given. We are well aware that some of those who espoused the cause of Spiritualism, over the moral worth of whom a shade of uncertainty has been cast, by the extravagances and immoralities among them, have adopted the short dress, and that their zeal in so doing, under the peculiar circumstances, could but disgust the people against anything of the kind.?{PH134 2.2}[3]
How could it be otherwise? The people are shut up to fashion. They do not understand the benefits of our style of dress. And it is all the more objectionable to them as it resembles, in some respects, that worn by some doubtful Spiritualists. We most certainly bid ladies who have embraced Spiritualism a hearty welcome to all the blessings and benefits of a convenient, healthful, and (being of a proper length, and neatly and properly fitted and made,) truly modest dress, and wish they were as consistent and right in other respects.?{PH134 3.1}[4]
In the existing state of things, the people may regard the adoption of our style of dress as a bold step on our part, showing more independence than good taste. They may censure us. They may deal in wit and sarcasm in reference to our dress. They may even utter bitter speeches on account of our course in this thing. But our work shall be, by the grace of God, to patiently labor to correct?their errors, remove their prejudices, and set before them the reasons why we object to the popular style of woman’s dress; also some of the reasons why we adopt ours. We object to the popular style of woman’s dress,?{PH134 3.2}[5]
1. Because it is not convenient. In doing housework, in passing up and down stairs with both hands full, a third hand is needed to hold up the long skirts. See that lady passing up to her chamber with a child in her arms, and both hands full, stepping upon her long skirts, and stumbling as she goes. She finds the popular style of dress very inconvenient. But it is fashionable, and must be endured.?{PH134 4.1}[6]
If she goes into her garden to walk or to work among her flowers, to share the early, refreshing morning air, unless she holds them up with both hands, her skirts are dragging and drabbling in dirt and dew, until they are wet and muddy. Fashion attaches to her, cloth that is, in this case, used as a sort of mop. This is exceedingly inconvenient. But for the sake of fashion it must be endured.?{PH134 4.2}[7]
In walking upon the streets, in the country, in the village, or in the crowded city, her long skirts sweep the dirt and mud, and lick up tobacco spittle, and all manner of filth. Careless gentlemen sometimes step on these long dresses, and, as the ladies pass on, tear them. This is trying, and sometimes provoking; and it is not always convenient?to mend and cleanse these soiled and torn garments. But they are in harmony with fashion, and all this must be endured.?{PH134 4.3}[8]
In traveling in the cars, in the coach, and omnibus, fashionable dresses, especially when distended by hoops, are sometimes not only in the way of the wearers, but of others; and we charitably think that, were it not for the overruling power of fashion, measures would be taken to do away with their inconvenience.?{PH134 5.1}[9]
We object to the popular style of woman’s dress,?{PH134 5.2}[10] 2. Because it is not healthful. To say nothing of the suicidal practice of compressing the waist so as to suppress natural respiration, inducing the habit of breathing only from the top of the lungs; and not to dwell particularly upon the custom of suspending unnecessary weight upon the hips, in consequence of too many and too long skirts, there is much that may be said relative to the unhealthfulness of the fashionable style of woman’s dress; but we suggest at this time only the following:?{PH134 5.3}[11]
(a) It burdens and obstructs the free use of the lower limbs. This is contrary to the design of God in securing to woman the blessings of activity and health.?{PH134 5.4}[12]
(b) It frequently shuts her indoors when her health demands that she should enjoy exercise in the pure, invigorating air of heaven.?If she goes out in the light snow, or after a shower, or in the dews of the morning or the evening, she bedrabbles her long skirts, chills the sensitive, unprotected ankles, and takes cold. To prevent this, she may remain shut up in the house, and become so delicate and feeble that when she is compelled to go out she is sure to take cold, which may result in cough, consumption, and death.?{PH134 5.5}[13]
It may be said that she can reserve her walks till the sun has gathered up all this dampness. True, she may, and feel the languor produced by the scorching heat of a midday’s summer sun. The birds go forth with their songs of praise to their Creator, and the beasts of the field enjoy with them the early freshness of the morning; and when the heat of the sun comes pouring down, these creatures of nature and of health retire to the shade. But this is the very time for woman to move out with her fashionable dress! When they go forth to enjoy the invigorating air of the morning, she is deprived of this rich bounty of Heaven. When they seek the cooling shade and rest, she goes forth to suffer from heat, fatigue, and languor.?{PH134 6.1}[14]
(c) It robs her of that protection from cold and dampness which the lower extremities must have, to secure a healthful condition of the system. In order to enjoy a good state of health, there must be a proper circulation?of the blood. And to secure a good circulation of the current of human life, all parts of the body must be suitably clad. Fashion clothes woman’s chest bountifully, and in winter loads her with sacks, cloaks, shawls, and furs, until she cannot feel a chill, excepting her limbs and feet, which, from their want of suitable clothing, are chilled, and literally sting with cold. The heart labors to throw the blood to the extremities, but it is chilled back from them in consequence of their being exposed to cold, for want of being suitably clothed. And the abundance of clothing about the chest, where is the great wheel of life, induces the blood to the lungs and brain, and produces congestion.?{PH134 6.2}[15]
The limbs and feet have large arteries, to receive a large amount of blood, that warmth, nutrition, elasticity, and strength, may be imparted to them. But when the blood is chilled from these extremities, their blood-vessels contract, which makes the circulation of the necessary amount of blood in them still more difficult. A good circulation preserves the blood pure, and secures health. A bad circulation leaves the blood to become impure, and induces congestion of the brain and lungs, and causes diseases of the head, the heart, the liver, and the lungs. The fashionable style of woman’s dress is one of the greatest causes of all these terrible diseases.?{PH134 7.1}[16]
But the evil does not stop here. These?fashionable mothers transmit their diseases to their feeble offspring. And they clothe their feeble little girls as unhealthfully as they clothe themselves, and soon bring them to the condition of invalids, or, which is preferable in many cases, to the grave. Thus fashion fills our cemeteries with many short graves, and the houses of the slaves of fashion with invalids. Must this sad state of things continue??{PH134 7.2}[17]
We object to the fashionable style of woman’s dress,?{PH134 8.1}[18]
3. Because, under certain circumstances, it is, to say the least, not the most modest, on account of exposures of the female form. This evil is greatly aggravated by the wearing of hoops. Ladies with long dresses, especially if distended with hoops, as they go up and down stairs, as they pass up the narrow door-way of the coach and the omnibus, or as they raise their skirts, to clear the mud of the streets, sometimes expose the form to that degree as to put modesty to the blush.?{PH134 8.2}[19]
Having noticed some of the wrongs of the popular style of woman’s dress, we now wish to show in reference to the reform dress that,?{PH134 8.3}[20]
1.?It is convenient. No arguments are needed to prove that our style of dress is most convenient in the kitchen. In passing up and down stairs, the hands are not needed to hold up the skirts of our dresses. Being of a convenient length, they take care of?themselves, while our hands are better employed.?{PH134 8.4}[21]
We can go out into the untrodden snow, or after a fall of rain, and, if our feet and limbs are entirely protected, all is dry and comfortable. We have no fears of taking cold as we trip along, unburdened by trailing skirts, in our morning walks. We can, in spring and summer, walk and work among our flowers without fear of injury from the dews of early morning. And then, the lower portions of our skirts, not having been used as a mop, are dry, and clean, and comfortable, not compelling us to wash and clean them, which is not always convenient when other important matters demand time and attention.?{PH134 9.1}[22]
In getting into, and out of, carriages, in passing old trunks, boxes, and other ragged furniture, and in walking over old, broken sidewalks, where nails have worked up an inch or two above the surface of the plank, our dresses are not exposed to a thousand accidents and rents to which the trailing dresses are fated. To us, this is a matter of great convenience.?{PH134 9.2}[23]
2.?It is healthful. Our skirts are few and light, not taxing our strength with the burden of many and longer ones. Our limbs being properly clothed, we need comparatively few skirts; and these are suspended from the shoulders. Our dresses are fitted to sit easily, obstructing neither the circulation of the blood, nor natural, free, and full?respiration. Our skirts, being neither numerous nor fashionably long, do not impede the means of locomotion, but leave us to move about with ease and activity. All these things are necessary to health.?{PH134 9.3}[24]
Our limbs and feet are suitably protected from cold and damp, to secure the circulation of the blood to them, with all its blessings. We can take exercise in the open air, in the dews of morning or evening, or after the falling storm of snow or rain, without fears of taking cold. Morning exercise, in walking in the free, invigorating air of heaven, or cultivating flowers, small fruits, and vegetables, is necessary to a healthful circulation of the blood. It is the surest safeguard against colds, coughs, congestions of the brain and lungs, inflammation of the liver, the kidneys, the lungs, and a hundred other diseases.?{PH134 10.1}[25]
If those ladies who are failing in health, suffering in consequence of these diseases, would lay off their fashionable robes, clothe themselves suitably for the enjoyment of such exercise, and move out carefully at first, as they can endure it, and increase the amount of exercise in the open air, as it gives them strength to endure, and dismiss their doctors and drugs, most of them might recover health, to bless the world with their example and the work of their hands. If they would dress their daughters properly, they might live to enjoy health, and to bless others.?{PH134 10.2}[26]
Christian Mother: Why not clothe your daughter as comfortably and as properly as you do your son? In the cold and storms of winter, his limbs and feet are clad with lined pants, drawers, woolen socks, and thick boots. This is as it should be; but your daughter is dressed in reference to fashion, not health, nor comfort. Her shoes are light, and her stockings thin. True, her skirts are short, but her limbs are nearly naked, covered by only a thin, flannel stocking reaching to her muslin drawers. Her limbs and feet are chilled, while her brother’s are warm. His limbs are protected by from three to five thicknesses; hers by only one. Is she the feebler? Then she needs the greater care. Is she indoors more, and, therefore, less protected against cold and storm? Then she needs double care. But as she is dressed, there is nothing to hope for the future relative to her health but habitual cold feet, a congested brain, headache, disease of the liver and lungs, and an early grave.?{PH134 11.1}[27]
Her dress may be nearly long enough; but let it sit loosely and comfortably. Then clothe her limbs and feet as comfortably, as wisely, and as well, as you do those of your boy; and let her go out and enjoy exercise in the open air, and live to enjoy health and happiness.?{PH134 11.2}[28]
3.?It is modest. Yes, we think it is the most modest and becoming style of dress worn by?woman. If the reader thinks otherwise, will he please turn to the first page, and again examine the figure there represented, and then tell us wherein this style of dress is faulty or unbecoming? True, it is not fashionable. But what of that? Fashions do not always come from Heaven. Neither do they always come from the pure, the virtuous, and the good.{PH134 11.3}[29]
It is true that this style of dress exposes her feet. And why should she be ashamed of her well-clad feet, any more than men are of theirs? It is of no use for her to try to conceal the fact that she has feet. This was a settled fact long before the use of trailing skirts distended by hoops, giving her the appearance of a haystack, or a Dutch churn.?{PH134 12.1}[30]
But does the popular style of woman’s dress always hide her feet from the public gaze? See that lady passing over the muddy street, holding her skirts nearly twice as far from the ground as ours, exposing, not only her feet, but her nearly-naked limbs. Similar exposures are frequent as she ascends and descends the stairs, as she is helped into, and out of, carriages. These exposures are disagreeable, if not shameful; and a style of dress which makes their frequent occurrence almost certain, we must regard as a poor safeguard of modesty and virtue. But we did not design an exposure of this false modesty in relation to woman’s feet, but simply?a defense of the style of dress which we regard, in every way, truly modest.?{PH134 12.2}[31]
What style of dress can be neater, more modest, and more becoming girls from the ages of five to fourteen years than ours? Stand those girls of fashion beside these, and then say which appears the more comfortable, more modest, and more becoming. The fashionable style is not as long as ours; yet no one laughs at those who follow that style, for wearing a short dress. Their limbs are nearly naked, while modesty and health clothe the limbs of the others. Fashion and false modesty look upon these girls who have their limbs clad in reference to comfort, modesty, and health, with horror, but smile upon those whose dresses are quite as short, and whose limbs are uncomfortably, immodestly, and unhealthfully exposed. Here come the cross and the reproach, for simply doing right, in the face of the tyrant—Fashion. God help us to have the moral courage to do right, and to labor patiently and humbly in the great cause of reform.?{PH134 13.1}[32]
In behalf of my sisters who adopt the reform dress,Ellen G. White?Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich.?{PH134 13.2}[33]
【A Few Suggestions】
1. We recommend the reform dress to all. We urge it upon none. When Christian women see the wrongs of the fashionable style, and the benefits?of ours, and put it on from a sense of duty, and have the moral courage to wear it anywhere and everywhere, then will they feel at home in it, and enjoy a satisfaction and blessing in trying to do right.?{PH134 13.3}[34]
2. But those who adopt the reform dress should ever bear in mind the fact that the power of fashion is terrible; and that in meeting this tyrant, they need wisdom, humility, and patience,—wisdom to speak and act so as not to offend the slaves of fashion unnecessarily; and humility and patience to endure their frowns, their slight, and their reproachful speeches.?{PH134 14.1}[35]
3. In view of existing prejudices against the reform dress, it becomes our duty in adopting it to avoid all those things which make it unnecessarily objectionable. It should reach to within eight or nine inches from the floor. The skirt of the dress should not be distended as with hoops. It should be as full as the long dress. With a proper amount of light skirts, the dress will fall properly and gracefully about the limbs.?{PH134 14.2}[36]
Anything eight or nine inches from the floor is not the reform dress. It should be cut by an approved pattern, and fitted and made by directions from one who has experience in this style of dress.?{PH134 14.3}[37]
4. Taste should be manifested as to colors. Uniformity in this respect, with those who adopt this style of dress, is desirable so far as convenient. Complexion, however, may be taken into the account. Modest colors should be sought for. When figured colors are used, those that are large and fiery, showing vanity and shallow pride in those who choose them, should be avoided. And a?fantastic taste in putting on different colors, is bad, such as white sleeves and pants with a dark dress. Shawls and bonnets are not in as good taste with the reform dress, as sacks and hats, and caps in winter.?{PH134 14.4}[38]
5. And be right yourselves. Secure and maintain, in all the duties and walks of life, the heavenly adorning. The apostle speaks to the point:?{PH134 15.1}[39]
“Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”1 Peter 3:1-4.?{PH134 15.2}[40]
My dear sisters: Such an ornament, such a course of life and conduct, will give you influence for good on earth, and be prized in Heaven. Unless you can obtain and maintain this, I entreat you to lay off the reform dress. Do not disgrace it with a want, on your part, of neatness, cleanliness, taste, order, sobriety, meekness, propriety, modesty, and devotion to your families and to your God. Be a recommendation and an ornament to the reform dress, and let that be a recommendation and an ornament to you.?{PH134 15.3}[41]
---E. G. W.[42]
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