Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White taught that "God designed that there should be a plain distinction between the dress of men and women" (1T 460.2). While she strongly opposed women wearing pants that imitated men's clothing, she recommended a specific "reform dress" where the limbs were "clothed with pants" (HR May 1, 1872, par. 13) worn underneath a modest, shortened skirt for health and modesty. Ellen White was shown that clothing should maintain a clear distinction between the sexes, as "the same dress worn by both sexes would cause confusion and great increase of crime" (1T 460.2). She specifically spoke against a style called the "American costume," which she described as resembling very nearly the dress worn by menand consisting of "a vest, pants, and a dress resembling a coat" (1T 465.1). She believed that those who adopted this mannish style were "carrying the so-called dress reform to very objectionable lengths" (2SM 477.7). However, she did advocate for a "reform short dress" that she described as "modest, comfortable, convenient, and healthful" (1T 465.1). In this specific context, she taught that "The limbs should be clothed with pants, always cut after an approved pattern, made tapering to meet the instep of the shoe" (HR May 1, 1872, par. 13). These were intended to be worn under a skirt that was from four to six inches shorterthan the floor-length dresses common in her day (5MR 380.2). The primary principles behind her counsel were health and modesty. She wanted women to avoid "extreme long" dresses that "sweep the sidewalks and streets" (T10 33) and "extreme short" ones that would "destroy their influence" (1T 460.2). By clothing the limbs properly with an approved pattern of pants under a skirt, she believed women could protect their health while maintaining a "plain distinction" from men's clothing (1T 460.2). For practical application, this suggests that clothing choices should prioritize health and modesty while respecting the distinction between men's and women's attire. The goal is to avoid extremes that might "disgust the beholder" or "destroy their influence" (1T 460.2). In summary, Ellen White opposed women wearing pants that imitated men's fashion but encouraged a healthful style of dress that included protective covering for the limbs worn under a modest skirt. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the health risks of long, heavy skirts? • How did she define "modest apparel" in the context of Christian influence? • What were the specific features of the "reform dress" she recommended? --- 📚 **thousands of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=Can+women+wear+pants%3F)

Ellen White strongly discouraged the "bicycle craze" of her day, stating that the money spent on them "greatly displeased the Lord and greatly dishonored the cause of present truth" (SpM 92.1). She believed that such expenditures were a misuse of means that should have been dedicated to the gospel work. In her writings, she noted that there were strange doings in Battle Creekregarding this trend, which she felt "greatly injured the influence of the work and cause of God" (SpM 92.1). The primary concern was not necessarily the bicycle as a machine, but the way it became an idolized trend that diverted resources and attention away from the mission of the church. She warned that "God holds those responsible who have expended money in this direction" (SpM 92.1). She urged believers to focus their time and power of our thoughton the living issues before usrather than on "tests manufactured now to absorb time and minds" (SpM 92.1). Instead of following worldly crazes, she encouraged people to "put all there is of you into working to get as close as possible to perishing souls" (SpM 92.1). She believed that every effort should be made to "save some souls from ruin" (SpM 92.1). This counsel aligns with her broader principles of stewardship and temperance. She taught that in everything we do, including how we spend our money and time, we should follow the biblical mandate: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (Ev 265.2). She also warned against the danger of spending far too much money on machinery and applianceswhen those resources could be better used for essential needs or spiritual work (CD 445.2). For practical application, this suggests that any purchase should be weighed against its impact on one's spiritual life and the ability to support God's work. The danger lies in allowing a hobby or a possession to become a "craze" that absorbs resources and mental energy meant for higher purposes. Ellen White's counsel emphasizes that our resources are a trust from God, and we should avoid following expensive worldly trends that distract us from our primary mission to share the truth with others. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the proper use of money and stewardship? • How does the principle of doing all to the glory of Godapply to our recreation? • What advice did she give regarding following worldly fashions and trends?

Ellen White advised against intermarriage between the white and black races, stating that "this step should not be taken; for it is sure to create controversy and confusion" (2SM 344). She believed that such unions were not led by the Lord and would result in significant social and familial difficulties. In her counsel, she specifically addressed individuals considering such a marriage. She recommended that a "colored brother enter into marriage with a colored sister who is worthy, one who loves God, and keeps His commandments" (2SM 344). To a white woman considering marriage to a black man, she wrote that she should "refuse to take this step, for the Lord is not leading in this direction" (2SM 344). Ellen White noted that this was not a new position for her, stating that in my earlier experience this question was brought before meand she had "always had the same counsel to give" (2SM 344). A primary reason for this counsel was the welfare of the children resulting from such marriages. She taught that parents have no right to entail upon their offspring that which will place them at a disadvantageor "give them as a birthright a condition which would subject them to a life of humiliation" (2SM 343.2). She observed that the children of these marriages often felt "bitterness toward the parents who have given them this lifelong inheritance" (2SM 343.2). For Ellen White, the social consequences were a decisive factor. She argued that if there were no otherreason to object, the potential for the children to suffer was sufficient reason that "there should be no intermarriage between the white and the colored race" (2SM 343.2). Her guidance was centered on avoiding unnecessary "controversy and confusion" within the church and society (2SM 344). From a practical standpoint, this counsel emphasizes the importance of considering the long-term impact of marriage on the family unit and the broader community. It suggests that marriage choices should be made with a careful view of the social environment and the future well-being of any children involved. In summary, Ellen White's writings consistently discouraged intermarriage between white and black individuals, primarily to avoid social conflict and to protect children from the disadvantages and bitterness she believed would follow such unions in the society of her time. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What general principles did Ellen White provide for choosing a marriage partner? • How did Ellen White describe the equality of all people before God? • What was Ellen White's counsel regarding the church's work for different races in the Southern United States?