Counsel #10 — Hard Sayings: Death From Cosmetics

Picture: Counsel #10 — Hard Sayings: Death From CosmeticsCCW 162.1

In an article describing unhealthful fashions, Ellen G. White included the following statement:CCW 162.2

"Many are ignorantly injuring their health and endangering their life by using cosmetics…. Many lives have been sacrificed by this means alone" (The Health Reformer, October 1, 1871, par. 20).CCW 162.3

You might be wondering how the use of cosmetics alone could prove fatal. In today's world, with government testing and consumer safety guidelines, adverse reactions to cosmetics are essentially limited to skin irritation and allergies. But this was not the case in the 19th century. In such an environment, it is not surprising that Ellen White should alert her readers to the real life and health threats posed by the poisonous cosmetics of her era.^{[242]https://blog.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/dangerous-beauty-hazardous-chemicals-and-poisons-in-historic-cosmetics/}CCW 162.4

“Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:3, 4 NKJVCCW 162.5

“The pure religion of Jesus requires of its followers the simplicity of natural beauty and the polish of natural refinement and elevated purity, rather than the artificial and false.” Ellen White in Child Guidance, p. 424CCW 162.6

Reflect: Think about the qualities you admire most in others. Are they primarily physical qualities, or are they more about character, intelligence, spiritual influence, or achievements? Why?CCW 162.7