"I have frequently received letters of inquiry in regard to dress, and some have not rightly understood what I have written. The very class that have been presented before me as imitating the fashions of the world have been very slow, and the last, to be affected or reformed. Another class who lacked taste and order in dress have taken advantage of what I have written and have gone to the opposite extreme; considering that they were free from pride, they have looked upon those who dress neatly and orderly as being proud. Oddity and carelessness in dress have been considered a special virtue by some. Such take a course which destroys their influence over unbelievers. They disgust those whom they might benefit. 1T 275.1"
"But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak."
The EGW passage discusses how dress can be a stumbling block to others, mirroring the principle in 1 Corinthians 8:9.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
The EGW passage discusses avoiding conformity to worldly fashions and maintaining a distinct identity, which aligns with the principle of Romans 12:2, urging believers not to be conformed to the world. Both passages emphasize the importance of not adopting worldly standards.
While the visions have reproved pride and imitating the fashions of the world, they have also reproved those who were careless in regard to their apparel and lacked cleanliness of person and dress. Especially have I been shown that those who profess present truth should have a special care to appear before God upon the Sabbath in a manner which would show that we respect the Creator who has sanctified and placed special honors upon that day. All who have any regard for the Sabbath should be cleanly in person, neat and orderly in dress; for they are to appear before the jealous God, who is offended at uncleanliness and disorder, and who marks every token of disrespect. Some have thought it wrong to wear anything upon their heads but a sunbonnet. Such go to great extremes. It cannot be called pride to wear a neat, plain straw or silk bonnet. Our faith, if carried out, will lead us to be so plain in dress, and zealous of good works, that we shall be marked as peculiar. But when we lose ta…
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy."
EGW's passage directly relates to keeping the Sabbath holy, expanding on the principle of remembering the Sabbath by specifying appropriate behavior and attire.
"Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord."
Both passages emphasize the importance of keeping the Sabbath and reverencing God. EGW expands on this by specifying cleanliness and orderliness as expressions of reverence.