Reaction to the Reform Dress

Pages 143 and 145 of Prophetess of Health only quote negative reactions to the reform dress. There were also a good many commendations. For example, Mary L. Priest of South Lancaster, Mass., was delighted with her new dress. She wrote the editor of the Review and Herald:CBPH 68.14

The Lord has so blessed me in it that I have really longed to speak my experience, desiring to use my influence to encourage those that are still halting, to move out.... My health has improved constantly, ... I have freedom of spirit, more liberty in prayer, my love and sympathy with the people of God is much increased.—The Review and Herald, February 25, 1868, 31:171.CBPH 68.15

In similar vein C. O. Taylor of Rouse’s Point, New York, wrote: “Mrs. Taylor is wearing it in this section for the first time. I have heard no one speaking ill of it. A number have spoken well. Some that would not think of wearing the American Costume say that they must have one of this style” (The Review and Herald, September 3, 1867, 30:188).CBPH 69.1

When Dr. R. T. Trall visited Battle Creek for a series of lectures in 1868 he was able to report: “We had the pleasure of seeing nearly 300 women in the short dress. Indeed this dress has become so common in that place that it has ceased to attract any special attention in the streets” (The Health Reformer, July, 1868, 3:14).CBPH 69.2

It is true that there was strong Adventist opposition to the wearing of the reform dress, but it was by no means universal.CBPH 69.3

Pages 145, 146 of Prophetess of Health says that the end of the struggle came on January 3, 1875. This is true. While many witnessed to the physical relief it afforded, its advocacy “had proved a battle at every step” (The Story of Our Health Message, 441). “Because,” as she wrote in 1897, “that which was given as a blessing was turned into a curse, the burden of advocating the reform dress was removed” (EGW Manuscript 167, 1897, quoted in The Story of Our Health Message, 441). However, it should be pointed out that Ellen White never made the dress reform a test question, nor did she approve of those who made the reform “the sum and substance of their religion.” She had even advised those who had unbelieving husbands not to adopt the reform dress since it might lead to unhappiness “that would counteract all the good to be derived from its use.”CBPH 69.4

She wrote further, “While none were compelled to adopt the reform dress, our people could and should have appreciated its advantages and accepted it as a blessing” (Testimonies for the Church 4:639).CBPH 69.5

Page 147 of Prophetess of Health says that Ellen White “presumably” supported the action of the General Conference in condemning those who shaved or colored their beards. This is not necessarily so. The fact that she had nothing to say on the subject of men’s facial hair could just as likely indicate that she had no convictions at all in the matter. In later years she refused to become involved in discussions concerning the wearing of beards.CBPH 69.6