"“Some have supposed that the very pattern given was the pattern that all were to adopt. This is not so. But something as simple as this would be the best we could adopt under the circumstances. No one precise style has been given me as the exact rule to guide all in their dress.”—E. G. White Letter 19, 1897 . Quoted in The Story of Our Health Message, 442 . 1T 718.1"
"But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches."
Both passages emphasize the importance of individual application of general principles. Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 7:17 encourages individuals to live according to their calling, while EGW's statement clarifies that a specific dress pattern is not universally mandated. The parallel lies in the idea that uniformity is not necessarily the goal, but rather adherence to underlying principles within individual circumstances.
"“Let our sisters dress plainly, as many do, having the dress of good material, durable, modest, appropriate for this age, and let not the dress question fill the mind.”— The Story of Our Health Message, 442 . 1T 718.3"
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;"
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of modest apparel found in 1 Timothy 2:9. Both emphasize the importance of modesty in dress.
"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."
Both passages address the topic of outward adornment versus inner character. While 1 Peter 3:3-4 focuses more on the inner spirit, the underlying theme of not prioritizing outward appearance aligns with EGW's emphasis on modest and appropriate dress.
"Page 525—For further explanation of the subject of dress the reader is referred to Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, No. 30, article, “Simplicity in Dress.” 1T 718.4"
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;"
The EGW passage, by referencing the article on 'Simplicity in Dress,' directly addresses the same topic of modest apparel for women as 1 Timothy 2:9. The verse advocates for modest dress and avoidance of extravagance, which aligns with the concept of 'simplicity in dress' promoted by EGW.