MH page 289

It should have the grace, the beauty, the appropriateness of natural simplicity. Christ has warned us against the pride of life, but not against its grace and natural beauty. He pointed to the flowers of the field, to the lily unfolding in its purity, and said, “Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Matthew 6:29 . Thus by the things of nature Christ illustrates the beauty that heaven values, the modest grace, the simplicity, the purity, the appropriateness, that would make our attire pleasing to Him.

Attire should reflect the natural simplicity, grace, and purity exemplified in nature rather than the ostentatious display associated with worldly pride. This paragraph offers aesthetic and spiritual guidance on modesty and natural beauty using biblical metaphors, containing no empirical claims.

The most beautiful dress He bids us wear upon the soul. No outward adorning can compare in value or loveliness with that “meek and quiet spirit” which in His sight is “of great price.” 1 Peter 3:4 .

Spiritual beauty, characterized by a meek and quiet spirit, surpasses any outward adornment. This paragraph conveys a purely spiritual principle regarding inner character and divine values without making empirical claims.

To those who make the Saviour's principles their guide, how precious His words of promise:

Believers are encouraged to follow the Saviour's principles and trust His promises. This is a transitional introductory statement leading into a biblical quotation.

“Why are ye anxious concerning raiment? ... If God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you? ... Be not therefore anxious, saying, ... Wherewithal shall we be clothed? ... For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first His kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:28-33 , R.V.

Divine providence provides for human physical needs, so people should prioritize spiritual matters over anxiety about clothing. This paragraph consists of biblical scripture emphasizing faith and freedom from anxiety regarding material provision.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 .

Trusting in God brings peace of mind. This is a scriptural verse focusing on spiritual trust and peace.

What a contrast is this to the weariness, the unrest, the disease and wretchedness, that result from the rule of fashion! How contrary to the principles given in the Scriptures are many of the modes of dress that fashion prescribes! Think of the styles that have prevailed for the last few hundreds of years or even for the last few decades. How many of them, when not in fashion, would be declared immodest; how many would be pronounced inappropriate for a refined, God-fearing, self-respecting woman.

Following changing fashions leads to weariness, unrest, disease, wretchedness, and immodesty. It combines a critique of fashion standards with an empirical assertion that following fashion results in disease and physical wretchedness.