p. 91 | Review and Herald, Vol. 39, No. 12. (3/5/1872)

The Danger of Seeming To Be Better than you Are.

By Rev. W. H. H. Murray

Now, I think, if we closely observe ourselves, the best of us will find a tendency in us to lapse into a lethargic state, into an amiable routine of pious appearances. The frankness and candor in confession of sin and of unsatisfactory spiritual condition, which, if practiced, would go far to prevent it altogether, are very seldom seen or heard. There is a certain pressure in religious circles to make everybody feel that he must call himself a saint or lose caste. Even young converts, before examining committees, labor under the impression that they are to answer, “Yes,” to every question touching spiritual development, no matter how unreasonable is the supposition upon which it is based. I have heard questions propounded to converts of four weeks’ standing, to which few professors of ten years’ experience could affirmatively respond; and yet, under the pressure of this same sentiment, promptly answered. A word or two upon this point. Now, there are some experiences which come to one at conversion, and others come only through the process of sanctification; and no pastor or committee has a right to put a question which shall force the candidate, in order to avoid embarrassment, to declare that a “grain of mustard-seed, which is the smallest of all seeds,” is a mighty tree, so strong, so vast, so perfectly developed, that the birds of heaven come and make it their home. If there is one thing which we need to guard our young people against, it is a false standard of spiritual development, and the exaggeration of personal attainments in piety. I have no sympathy with a forcing process in reference to young professors any more than in reference to young horses. A man may assert before a committee that he feels so and so, has such and such views, which views and feelings can only come through a long lapse of years in Christian failure and victory; and all the while he is exaggerating his spiritual attainment. There are feelings and experiences which a young girl of seventeen can have; and there are others which none but the mothers in Israel, who have lived and suffered many weary years, can have; and this should be well understood. It is unseemly for the rough and unfinished block, but just lifted from the quarry-pit, to compare itself with the statue which the patient chiseling of many months has dressed into perfect symmetry; and we all know how rough the nature of man is at the first, and how slowly it grows into the “perfect stature of Christ” under the gracious application of God’s grace. The age in which we live is a marked one, in reference to what it professes. What it needs is a demonstration that its virtue is equal to its profession. No one has a right to seem to be better than he is. To assume, by tone or looks, in prayer or exhortation, an anxiety for souls which you do not feel, a piety which you do not at heart have, is worse than bearing false witness against your neighbor; it is bearing false witness against your own soul and against Christ himself. I search in vain for words with which to lift and swing the weight of my detestation, and bring it down upon the head of cant and pious seeming. What we need at this time in the church is a broad-chested, open-handed, frank-faced piety, unassuming and honest, ready to confess its failings and to remedy them. And the best rule that all of us, young or old, can adopt is this: “I will be as good as I seem, and I will seem to be no better than I am.” Such a sentiment, lived up to, would carry us higher up the plane of Godlikeness than one might at first think.—Rev. W. H. H. Murray.

TRUE HEROISM

By Sel.

Let others write of battles fought On bloody, ghastly fields, Where honor greets the man who wins, And death the man who yields; But I will write of him who fights And vanquishes his sins, Who struggles on through weary years Against himself, and wins.

He is a hero staunch and brave Who fights an unseen foe, And puts at last beneath his feet His passions base and low, And stands erect in manhood’s might, Undaunted, undismayed— The bravest man that drew a sword In foray, or in raid.

It calls for something more than brawn Or muscle to o’ercome An enemy who marcheth not With banner, plume, and drum— A foe forever lurking nigh, With silent, stealthy tread, Forever near your board by day, At night beside your bed.

All honor then to that brave heart, Though poor or rich he be, Who struggles with his baser part— Who conquers, and is free! He may not wear a hero’s crown, Nor fill a hero’s grave; But truth will place his name among The bravest of the brave.

—Sel.

Night Visits.

Through your valuable paper, I wish to make the inquiry, whether the practice, so prevalent in many country places, of allowing young ladies, and even little girls, to make night visits, is conducive to their good, or whether it is not often detrimental both to their physical and moral well-being.

Many mothers may not be aware of the fact, that in a multitude of instances where daughters are permitted to spend the night abroad, a great share of it is spent in conversation which certainly must be injurious, morally and physically. If the conversation was on subjects that tend to improve and elevate the mind, it would be less objectionable, though in that case, how much better to take some other opportunity for improvement, than the time which nature has evidently designed for repose. But when we reflect that this time is usually spent in communicating on subjects which themselves would consider quite inappropriate on ordinary occasions, should not mothers consider well before they yield assent to such visits? Said a highly distinguished New England teacher, who had had charge of many hundreds of young ladies, in addressing her school, “Young ladies will talk in the dark in a manner which they would be ashamed to do by daylight.”

Aside from this, cases have occurred where young ladies have taken advantage of the absence of paternal restraint and gone in the darkness of the evening to those places and scenes of amusement where they could never go with the knowledge of their parents, where they would have no suspicion of their going, and where the amusements of the company would meet with their entire disapproval.

By allowing such visits, is it not placing a temptation in the way of our children which some, yea, many of them, are unable to withstand? Is it not better, far better, rather, is it not a solemn duty which we owe to God and to our children, to know where they are, and how they spend their time while they are under our control? But suppose their companions go from house to house, spending one night here, and another there, and suppose our children wish for the same privilege, and, withal, fear they shall offend their companions by not returning their visits, what is duty in such a case? Even though we should not regard their temporal interests, such considerations will surely have little weight with those who have consecrated all to the Lord, and who feel that the immortal interests of their children are of infinitely more importance than the fear or favor of their worldly-minded companions and friends. Let us discharge parental duty as those who are looking forward to that day when every one shall reap according as he has sown, and shall be rewarded according to his works.—Sel.

The World Cannot Satisfy the Human Heart

A MAN may have enough of the world to sink him, but he can never have enough to satisfy him.

Man’s Original Dress.

THERE is a great deal of evidence that man in his original innocence was clothed with light as with a garment. Though destitute of raiment, he was not really naked, but was clothed with light. When he fell, that vesture of light was lost, and lo! he was really naked. He was even more naked than the beasts by which he was surrounded. A late learned, talented, and pious author, speaking of man being made in the likeness of God, says, “God clothes himself with light; and as man was made after his likeness, we reasonably conclude that he clothed our first parents in the garb of light. Without this dress, they would have been imperfect in appearance, and unlike him. When they sinned against God, this feature of their likeness to their Creator was removed. When they perceived that, and saw clearly that they were naked, they were afraid, and ashamed, and sought to hide themselves from God among the trees of the garden; and also sought to cover their shame from themselves by making girdles of fig leaves.” If man in his original state was clothed with light, then in his glorified state he will be thus clothed, for it will be a restored state. Christ will restore what we have lost in Adam, “encircled with light, and with glory enshrouded.”—Prophetic Times.

Advertisement of an Honest Rumseller.

Friends and Neighbors of Beatrice:—Having determined to open a commodious and elegantly-arranged saloon for the sale of liquor, I embrace this opportunity of informing you that on the first of next month I shall commence the business of making drunkards, paupers, and beggars, for the sober, industrious, and reputable portion of the community to support. I shall deal in “familiar spirits,” which shall excite men to deeds of riot, robbery, and bloodshed, and by so doing, diminish the comfort, augment the expenses, and endanger the welfare, of the community. I will undertake, on short notice, for a small sum, and with great expedition, to prepare victims for the asylum, the poor-house, the prison, and the gallows. I will furnish an article that will increase the amount of fatal accidents, multiply the number of distressing diseases, and render those which are harmless, incurable. I will deal in an article which will deprive some of life, many of reason, most of property, all of peace; which will cause fathers to be fiends, wives widows, children orphans, and all mendicants! I will cause the rising generation to grow up in ignorance, and prove a burden and a nuisance to the nation; I will cause mothers to forget their babes, virgins their priceless innocence; I will corrupt ministers of religion, obstruct the progress of the gospel, defile the purity of the church, lead astray her many young converts, and cause temporal, spiritual, and eternal death; and if any person should have the impertinence to ask why I have the audacity to bring such accumulated misery upon this happy people, and why I circulate a petition for license, I will tell them that the spirit trade is lucrative, and some professedly good citizens give it their careful countenance. I have applied for license, and expect to get it, and if I don’t bring these evils upon you, somebody else will. I live in a land of liberty; I am purchasing a right to demolish the character, destroy the health, shorten the lives, and ruin the souls of those who choose to honor me with their custom. I pledge myself to do all I have herein promised. Those who wish any of the above splendid evils brought upon themselves or dearest friends, are requested to aid me in this enterprise, and meet me at my bar, where I will, for the sum of ten cents per glass, furnish them the certain means of doing so.—Golden Censer.

Occupation.

WHAT a glorious thing it is for the human heart! Those who work hard seldom yield to fancied or real sorrow. When grief sits down, folds its hands, and mournfully feeds upon its own tears, weaving the dim shadows that a little exertion might sweep away into a funeral pall, the strong spirit is shorn of its might, and sorrow becomes our master. When troubles flow upon you dark and heavy, toil not with the waves, and wrestle not with the torrent; rather seek by occupation to divert the dark waters that threaten to overwhelm you with a thousand channels which the duties of life always present. Before you dream of it, those waters will fertilize the present, and give birth to fresh flowers that will become pure and holy in the sunshine which penetrates to the path of duty, in spite of every obstacle. Grief, after all, is but a selfish feeling, and most selfish to the man who yields himself to the indulgence of any passion which brings no joy to his fellow-men.

Can It Be Profitable?

By J. H. W.

Not long since I was asked if there was any wrong in attending the meetings of the churches in the villages or cities where we may be residing; or to let our children attend their Sunday-schools. If the standard of piety with them is such that we may be spiritually benefited thereby, I should have to answer in the negative.

The following description of a social I cut from a recent Jackson, Mich., daily paper:

“THE NECK-TIE SOCIAL—The neck-tie social at the Congregational church, last week, gotten up by the young ladies of the church, was a decided success in every way. The novelty of the entertainment attracted a large audience, and everybody was delighted with it. The way of the affair was this: You purchased a ticket for supper for yourself and lady, and drew from a large packet an envelope containing a neck-tie. That neck-tie was your affinity for the evening—or, at least, it was the ticket that drew her. Whenever you found a lady wearing a dress or scarf corresponding to your neck-tie, you were privileged to immediately pre-empt her, tuck her arm within yours, and, if you were materialistic in your tastes, proceed to the supper table. A great deal of amusement was afforded, of course, by the ridiculous allotments; but when some unlucky individual was compelled to take his own wife in charge, after vainly looking for somebody else who wore the same colors, then of course, there was chagrin. Some of the gentlemen, more wise than others, pocketed their neck-ties until they had inspected their affinities from afar; and when they had satisfied themselves, boldly announced their claims. “The entertainment, we understand, will net the ladies about $100. This one having proven so successful, others of a similar nature will soon follow.”

Sociables like this, and some still more ridiculous and foolish, and all impiously out of place in a house dedicated to the worship of God, are very common and very popular in nearly all the churches of this day. It shows to what a depth American Protestantism has fallen. The words of Paul regarding those who have “a form of godliness but deny the power thereof,” are, “from such turn away.” Alas, in many of these churches even the form is fast being lost sight of. It seems evident that no benefit can be derived from association with them. And if our confidence in them as Christians is raised by attending their meetings, it is only to be abused by causing us to look with less repugnance upon their unchristian example of fun and frolic in church sociables.

And I would appeal to all parents. Do you think you can ever impress upon the minds of your children the solemnity of our present work, and the perils of these days, if they are once brought under the influence of such things? We ask in the fear of God. Will you decide in the same manner? J. H. W.

The Sickness of Sister Andrews.

By John Nevins Andrews

It is necessary that I should briefly mention the illness of my dear wife. Many of our friends have known for some time past that her health was quite feeble. But she has seemed to hold her own, and we had, up to a few days since, hoped that this was really the case. A serious change, however, has taken place. On the evening of February 17, just after retiring, a paralytic shock came upon her, which seemed for the time to cause an almost utter prostration of body and mind. In a short time, however, this measurably abated, but it left her right side partially paralyzed, and her right arm entirely powerless. It also so affected her tongue as to make it impossible at first to articulate except a few of the shortest and simplest words. In this deep affliction we have sought the Lord with fasting, humiliation and prayer. Day by day God has heard our cries. She is able now to walk a little without special assistance. She can now speak almost any word with distinction, but is oftentimes unable to call up, of herself, the words she wishes to use. Her right hand shows some signs of improvement. She is however a very feeble person. It is proper that I should say to the praise of God, that we have had most precious seasons in prayer for her, and in these our dear children have as we trust, set out in earnest to seek the Lord. Her mind is peaceful, quiet, and cheerful. She has excellent sleep. We are doing all in our power to minister to her wants in the tenderest manner. We have many kind friends to unite with us in this effort. Will the brethren and sisters pray God to spare and restore her, if consistent with his holy will? She has faithfully shared with me in every burden that has fallen to my lot, and these have not been few nor light.

J. N. ANDREWS.

The Dress Question—That Puzzle Again.

By J. H. W.

I am informed that some of the sisters think the question of the “puzzled woman” has not been answered. Perhaps it has not; and perhaps that is a matter of opinion. I wish we had a committee of disinterested, conscientious persons to decide when it is answered. But where shall they be found?

For one, I am willing to make a practical test of this question, and to bear all the cross that health and principle require, if the sisters (the puzzled ones) will give me the required light on the subject. To this end I will ask,

What change must I make in my habits of dress to better conform to the laws of health?
What change must I make in my style of dress to break away from the slavery of fashion?

Now I assure you that I am open to conviction; and I invite the sisters to answer these questions, or acknowledge the weakness of their side of the question.

Perhaps it will be well to state a few facts in regard to my present habits that may aid them in the settlement of the point, and in these facts I speak for my brethren as well as for myself; I only use the first person singular to show my willingness to make a personal test of the matter. My clothes always sit loosely on my person; I have never suffered any compression of the lungs or of any of the vital organs. My boots are thick enough to afford good protection, and the soles are as thick as may be useful. My boots also are so large that my feet rest their full size on the ground, having as much freedom of motion as any other part of the body, or of those of the “barefoot boy.” My ankles are well protected by several thicknesses of clothing, inside as well as outside of my boots. My boots are also a perfect protection to my ankles from the wet and from sudden changes of temperature. My clothes are made of material heavy enough to protect me from the weather at all seasons of the year. In style, they are as modest and appropriate as I could possibly devise. Were I desirous of a change, I should be at a loss where to begin. In regard to color, I carefully avoid everything that is gaudy, and discard superfluity. And finally, so far as fashion is concerned, I am not aware that there has been any material change for the last twenty years.

Now sisters, what say you? Who among you will copy these facts and subscribe your names to them? Will you examine this question anew; aye, will you examine your own hearts, and see if there is not something there which puzzles you? And finally, if you are still puzzled, will you frankly state your difficulties, and suggest what the brethren ought to do to take their part of the cross?

I have some more remarks to make on this subject, but will waive them for the present, as I wish to let these facts alone rest on the minds of the sisters who have been tried in these matters.

J. H. W.

TESTIMONY VERIFIED

By Merritt E. Cornell

Spiritualism.

TESTIMONY VERIFIED.

In the supplement to Experience and Views, by Ellen G. White, p. 5, we find the following testimony:—

“I saw the rapping delusion—what progress it was making, and if it were possible it would deceive the very elect. Satan will have power to bring the appearance of forms before us purporting to be our relatives and friends that now sleep in Jesus. It will be made to appear as though they were present, the words they uttered while here, which we were familiar with, will be spoken, and the same tone of voice which they had while living will fall upon the ear.”

This view was given in 1850; and it is now our privilege, in watching the signs of the times, to note the fulfillment of this prophecy.

In the Banner of Light, of Jan. 6, 1872, under the general head of “Spiritual Phenomena,” and the sub-head, “Spirits Visible to All,” we find the following:—

“Dear Banner—Doubtless your readers will be pleased to learn of a new development, through one of our oldest mediums, Dr. H. C. Gordon, who is residing in New York, which occurs both day and night when conditions are harmonious. These manifestations to which I refer are the presentation of shadows and forms, life size, and are recognized as the departed loved of those who had been present. These forms require no cabinet, but are close beside the medium, sometimes reclining on his shoulder, at others holding his hand and moving about his parlors in the presence of the circle. They are seen to smile and nod when recognized, and on two occasions have spoken. The doctor has been extremely ill, during the time in which these developments have taken place, and, as I have been his constant attendant, I have witnessed the appearing of these beautiful forms. I feel that those interested in this subject would be greatly pleased to know of these wonderful developments. On one occasion the husband and daughter of a lady present were recognized, which afforded them unspeakable joy. The husband of another lady has manifested quite frequently, to her entire identification. Her sister, a young lady, has frequently appeared floating about the rooms some distance from the medium.”

“On Saturday, Dec. 9, a number of friends called on the doctor to make some inquiries concerning his beautiful gift, when he was influenced, and, in an entranced state, gave them a beautiful test by announcing their friends as present, who presented themselves as tangibly as if in the mortal form. All present beheld these manifestations alike.”

We learn from the papers that many new phases of spiritual phenomena have been manifested within a few months. And the spirits everywhere declare that in a short time greater wonders will be seen, and great changes will take place. And this is entitled to credit, because they have truly (and this is about all the truth they have given us) prophesied their own advancement. Each succeeding wonder has been heralded by them in advance. From the same paper quoted above, we learn that it is making rapid strides in England.

John Chapman, of Liverpool, writes:—

“Spiritualism is attracting attention in Liverpool. Mediums are being developed, and table-tipping is practiced in a great many families in the town. About fifty circles are held every Sunday night. Preachers are getting alarmed. The Rev. J. Jones has preached and published a sermon against spiritualism, calling it the ‘work of demons.’ The first sentence in his sermon says, ‘Spiritualism is coming to the front in the town of Liverpool, as in other places, and the ministers of religion had better deal with it in time; for they assuredly will have to deal with it ultimately.’”

“We see from the Banner that we are a long way behind the Americans in spiritualism, but some of us are looking forward to the time when (as a spirit said through a medium last Sunday night) ‘Spiritualism would so far advance that ministers would give place to mediums who would take their pulpits.’”

Fifty circles every Sunday night in Liverpool and the clergy wake up, and conclude it is best to deal with it in time! Too late, Mr. Jones; they have slept over this matter too long. The spirits have already taken the liberty to perform in the most popular pulpit in America. Babylon is fallen, and is fast becoming a hold of foul spirits. Satan has come down with great power, and the mighty tide of “strong delusion” is sweeping the world. By an earnest effort a few only can be saved from the awful deception.

Mrs. M. S. Townsend Hoadley, writes from Lynn, Mass.

“I am again in Lynn, speaking to crowded houses, many going away evenings for want of room; and while speaking to these people, under the inspirations that give me utterance, I seem to see the great tide of progressive force that is rolling over the world, carrying before it the rubbish of Old Theology, as manifested in government, the religious and social world. A glorious tribute was paid by the controlling spirit, yesterday, to Mrs. V. C. Woodhull, as an instrument in the hands of those whose determination is to raise humanity from their present degradation with truth and love. Also, thanking God that the spirits were recognized in Beecher’s church, as they would be in Chapin’s and all others, until the teachers of Christ’s love would acknowledge the truths of spiritualism as revealed in the Bible, as well as otherwise.”—Banner, Jan. 6, 1872.

It seems that the spirits propose to raise humanity from their present degradation, through the notorious Mrs. V. C. Woodhull, by “truth and love.”

It will be important to inquire what sort of love Mrs. Woodhull proposes to exercise in the exaltation of mankind.

The N. Y. Herald reports Mrs. Woodhull as follows:—

“Yes! I am a free lover! I believe I have an inalienable right to change my husband every day if I like. I trust I am understood, for I mean what I say and nothing else. I claim that freedom means to be free.”

When these sentiments were uttered in New York City, Mr. Theo. Tilton introduced the speaker to the audience, saying that he considered it the “noblest act of his life.”

Judge Tilden of Cleveland, Ohio, and the Reporter, inquired of Mrs. Woodhull if the Herald reported her correctly, and she replied, “Yes, I said those words, and I meant what I said.”

The following report of Mrs. Woodhull in Cleveland, is found in the Banner of Light of Dec. 16, 1871.

HENRY WARD BEECHER’S INDORSEMENT.

Mr. Parsons. “Rumor has it that you read your lecture on ‘Social Freedom’ to Mr. Beecher, prior to its delivery. Is that so?”

Mrs. Woodhull. “Yes it is true. For once, Madam Rumor is truthful. Mr. Beecher read it, and he said to me, ‘Mrs. Woodhull, that is a high-toned address, and would reflect credit on any pulpit in the land; deliver it; I will stand by you to the end.’”

Mr. Parsons. “Good!”

Judge Tilden. “Well—well; that is grand.”

Mr. Armstrong. (Who up to this time had been a silent listener, opened his eyes very wide.) “Mr. Beecher is a good man.”

Reporter. “I wish I could go to Plymouth Church once in a while.”

Mrs. Woodhull. (Looking at him smilingly.) “You would enjoy it, my young friend.”

The popular indorsement of the sentiments of this noted spiritualist and free lover, is a significant sign of the times. Truly, the harvest of the earth is ripening up fast, and wicked spirits in high places are now to be wrestled against.

Mr. Beecher seeks popularity, and he is sharp enough to see that spiritualism is destined to take the “kings of the earth and the whole world.” And so he indorses it in advance. Truly these are solemn times, and it behoves all now to shake off indifference, and come up to the “help of the Lord against the mighty.”

M. E. Cornell.

San Francisco, Jan. 28.

The Religious Amendment of the Constitution.

By Editor

THIS movement, and the recent National Convention in Cincinnati, are eliciting many comments from the press of the whole country. While a very few pass it by with a slur as a mere temporary sensation of little or no consequence, it is generally regarded as a work of growing strength and importance, both by its advocates and opposers. Petitions and remonstrances are both being circulated with activity, and shrewd observers, who have watched the movement with a jealous eye, and heretofore hoped it would amount to nothing, now confess that it “means business.” No movement of equal magnitude of purpose has ever sprung up and become strong and secured favor so rapidly as this. Indeed, none of equal magnitude has ever been sprung upon the American mind, as this aims to remodel the whole framework of our government, and give to it a strong religious cast—a thing which the framers of our Constitution were careful to exclude from it. They not only ask that the Bible, and God, and Christ shall be recognized in the Constitution, but that it shall indicate this as “a Christian nation, and place all Christian laws, institutions, and usages in our government on an undeniable legal basis in the fundamental law of the nation.”

Of course, appropriate legislation will be required to carry such amendments into effect, and somebody will have to decide what are “Christian laws and institutions.” From what we know of such movements in the past in other countries, and of the temper of the churches of this, and of human nature when it has power suddenly conferred upon it, we look for no good from this movement. From a lengthy article in the Lansing State Republican we take the following extract:

“Now there are hundreds and thousands of moral and professedly Christian people in this nation to-day who do not recognize the doctrine of the Trinity, do not recognize Jesus Christ the same as God. And there are hundreds and thousands of men and women who do not recognize the Bible as the revelation of God. The attempt to make any such amendment to the Constitution would be regarded by a large minority, perhaps a majority, of our nation as a palpable violation of liberty of conscience. Thousands of men, if called upon to vote for such an amendment, would hesitate to vote against God, although they may not believe that the amendment was necessary or that it is right; and such men would either vote affirmatively or not at all. In every case such an amendment would be likely to receive an affirmative vote, which would by no means indicate the true sentiment of the people. And the same rule would hold good in relation to the adoption of such an amendment by Congress or by the Legislatures of three-quarters of the States. Men who make politics a trade would hesitate to record their names against the proposed Constitutional amendment, advocated by the leaders of the great religious denominations of the land, and indorsed by such men as Bishop Simpson, Bishop McIlvaine, Bishop Eastburn, President Finney, Prof. Lewis, Prof. Seeley, Bishop Huntington, Bishop Kerfoot, Dr. Patterson, Dr. Cuyler, and many other divines who are the representative men of their respective denominations.”

Not only the representative men of the churches are pledged to this movement, but Governors, Judges, and many of the most eminent men of the land are working for it. Who doubts the power of the “representative men of the denominations” to rally the strength of their denominations to sustain this work, at their call? We utter no prophecy of the future; it is not needed. Events transpire in these days faster than our minds are prepared to grasp them. Let us heed the admonition to “watch!” and, with reliance upon God, prepare for “those things which are coming on the earth.”

Dress Reform Convention.

By James White; J. H. Waggoner

The Convention assembled in the house of worship in Battle Creek, Mich., Feb. 16, at 6, P. M. Eld. James White was elected Chairman, and J. H. Waggoner, Secretary. A Committee, which had been appointed at a preliminary meeting, reported as follows:—

REPORT OF COMMITTEE.

We believe that it is our duty to effect a reform in dress, as well as in diet; and that this reform should extend to our clothing, boots and shoes, and hats; and to secure uniformity and relieve our sisters from perplexity, we offer the following recommendations:—

1. The dress should be nine or ten inches from the floor, according to the hight and age of the wearer. Aged persons should have them longer, or retain the long dress at their own discretion. The pants should be straight, tapering so as to meet the shoe at the instep. The dress about the waist should be loose enough to give perfect freedom to the lungs, and to avoid a cramped or trammeled action in the motions of the body. We recommend uniformity in color, as far as possible, avoiding large plaids, and gay colors. Plain and substantial cloth should be preferred.

2. The hat, or head-dress, should have a rim varying from two to two and three-fourths inches in width, and a crown from two to two and a half in hight. Aged sisters should have a plain bonnet that will serve as a protection to the head.

3. The present style of shoes and boots is not adapted to the shape of the foot, and consequently they are not fit to wear. The high, small heels throw the body out of balance, give awkwardness to the gait and strain the muscles, and are, therefore, a great cause of ill health. Shoes should be of material heavy enough, and have soles thick enough, to protect from the weather. And their shape and size should be such as to leave the foot free in motion, and to retain the natural position in standing.

4. The dress should be worn from principle, and when once adopted should not be laid aside, or changed for the long dress, for the sake of convenience or for pride, either for traveling, or for other purposes.

We believe that this reform is, in the hands of God, the means for distinguishing, and separating us from the world and its fashionable follies, as much as the ribbon of blue distinguished the children of Israel from the surrounding nations; and that yielding the principles of the dress reform has been the means of stifling convictions of duty, and a fruitful source of backsliding, and of yielding other principles which we hold near and dear to us as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This report was accepted.

It was moved and voted that a Dress Reform Association be formed.

Several spoke on the subject of the report of the committee, mostly fully endorsing the principles set forth. The Chairman called for a vote of the male portion of the audience to show that all the brethren were in favor of the dress reform and the report of the committee.

It was moved and voted to appoint a Committee on Organization.

U. Smith, B. Salisbury, P. M. Lamson, Aurora B. Lockwood, and Jennie Trembley, were appointed that committee.

Also voted to have a Committee on Nominations. The same committee was appointed to act as such.

Adjourned till next day, at 10:30, A. M.

SECOND SESSION.

Committee on Organization reported progress. Report was accepted, and matter referred back for further action.

Reported on nominations. Report accepted, and persons nominated as a Board of Directors were elected, as follows: James White, Ira Abbey, H. S. Woolsey, E. H. Root, E. G. White, P. M. Lamson, Addie Chamberlain, Emma H. Woolsey, Aurora B. Lockwood.

After remarks by quite a number of the brethren and sisters present, the meeting adjourned to 6½, P. M.

The Committee on Organization further reported. The report was accepted.

After a third reading, the following constitution, recommended by the committee, was adopted:—

CONSTITUTION.

In order to carry out the principles of the Dress Reform, to secure uniformity and consistency of action, and to enable those who believe in this Reform to procure the proper materials and styles for apparel, we hereby form ourselves into an Association, and adopt the following Constitution:

ARTICLE I.

This Association shall be called the Dress Reform Association, and shall be located in Battle Creek, Michigan.

ARTICLE II.

The officers of this Association shall consist of a Board of nine Directors, who shall choose a President, Secretary, and Treasurer, from their own number; and they shall be elected annually.

ARTICLE III.

Any person may become a member of this Association by subscribing to the principles adopted at its organization.

ARTICLE IV.

It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to establish supply depots of materials, dress patterns, hats, boots and shoes, &c. And for this purpose they may raise funds in such ways as they may consider expedient, and therewith establish a store under their own direction, or they may establish it on the basis of a union store.

ARTICLE V.

It shall devolve upon the Secretary, in addition to his ordinary duties, to keep, in a book suitable for that purpose, a list of the names of all the members of the Association.

ARTICLE VI.

SEC. 1. The first annual meeting of this Association shall be held in connection with the next annual meeting of the Health Reform Institute, and the term of office of the Directors shall thereafter co-incide with that of the Directors of the Health Institute.

SEC. 2. Due notice of each annual meeting, stating the time and place, shall be given by the Directors.

SEC. 3. Special meetings may be called at the option of the Directors.

ARTICLE VII.

This Constitution may be amended by a vote of two-thirds of the members present at any regular meeting of the Association.

There being no other business to come before the meeting, the convention adjourned sine die.

JAMES WHITE, Chairman.

J. H. WAGGONER, Sec’y.

Continue reading: The Cincinnati Convention