"The above-described dress we believe to be worthy of the name of the reform short dress. It is being adopted at the Western Health Reform Institute and by some of the sisters at Battle Creek and other places where the matter is properly set before the people. In wide contrast with this modest dress is the so-called American costume, resembling very nearly the dress worn by men. It consists of a vest, pants, and a dress resembling a coat and reaching about halfway from the hip to the knee. This dress I have opposed, from what has been shown me as in harmony with the word of God; while the other I have recommended as modest, comfortable, convenient, and healthful. 1T 465.1"
"The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God."
EGW directly references the principle of Deuteronomy 22:5 by opposing women wearing clothing that resembles men's clothing. The connection is clear and intentional.
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
The EGW passage discusses the importance of proper dress and its impact on health and well-being, which can be linked to the idea of glorifying God in one's body as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. The connection is thematic, focusing on the care and respect for one's physical being as a reflection of spiritual devotion.
"Another reason which I offer as an apology for calling attention again to the subject of dress is that not one in twenty of the sisters who profess to believe the Testimonies has taken the first step in the dress reform. It may be said that Sister White generally wears her dresses in public longer than the dress she recommends to others. To this I reply, When I visit a place to speak to the people where the subject is new and prejudice exists, I think it best to be careful and not close the ears of the people by wearing a dress which would be objectionable to them. But after bringing the subject before them and fully explaining my position, I then appear before them in the reform dress, illustrative of my teachings. 1T 465.2"
"To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."
EGW's explanation of adapting her dress to avoid offense directly reflects the principle of becoming 'all things to all men' to win them over, as Paul describes.
"Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."
The principle of not causing a brother to stumble is directly applicable to EGW's reasoning for adapting her dress. She avoids a potentially offensive dress style to prevent hindering her message.
"Let not then your good be evil spoken of:"
EGW's actions are in line with the idea of not letting one's 'good' be spoken of as evil. By being mindful of dress, she aims to prevent criticism from overshadowing her message.