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A Critique of the Book Prophetess of Health - Contents
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    Chapter 6—Short Skirts 1Note: The reader is directed to the presentation on the “reform dress” in The Story of Our Health Message. Chapters 9, 10, 11, and its “Appendix,” and to Ellen G. White and Her Critics , pp. 136-160. And Sex

    The chapter on “Short Skirts and Sex” opens in Prophetess of Health on page 129 with two headnotes:CBPH 65.1

    “God would not have His people adopt the so-called reform dress.”—EGW 1863.CBPH 65.2

    “God would now have His people adopt the reform dress ...”—EGW 1867.CBPH 65.3

    In the footnote to the second of these quotations, the book makes a much-needed distinction between the “so-called reform dress” and the “reform dress.” However, this distinction is blurred in the chapter itself. Ellen White was not referring to the same costume in these two statements.CBPH 65.4

    The “so-called reform dress” is the style of attire disapproved by Ellen White in 1863. On the other hand, she commended the “reform dress” in 1865 and onward. The phrase “so-called” is not a chance one, but is used consistently by Ellen White over a period of years in characterizing the American Costume. Unfortunately, Prophetess of Health persistently confuses these two terms throughout this chapter.CBPH 65.5

    Ellen White referred to those who adopted the American Costume as “so-called” dress reformers. She wrote in 1865 in her sixth of the How to Live articles:CBPH 65.6

    There is still another style of dress which will be adopted by a class of so-called dress reformers. They will wear the cap, pants, vest, coat, and boots, the last of which is the most sensible part of the costume. Those who adopt and advocate this style of dress, are carrying the so-called dress reform to very objectionable lengths. Confusion will be the result.—How to Live, # 6, p. 62 (Selected Messages 2:477).CBPH 65.7

    In contrast with this she described a style of dress which she hoped might be developed. It would include the following features:CBPH 65.8

    The female form should not be compressed in the least with corsets and whalebones. The dress should be perfectly easy that the lungs and heart may have healthy action. The dress should reach somewhat below the top of the boot; but should be short enough to clear the filth of the sidewalk and street, without being raised by the hand. A still shorter dress than this would be proper, convenient, and healthful for females, in doing their housework, and especially, in view of those women who are obliged to perform more or less out of door labor. With this style of dress, one light skirt, or, at most two, are all that is necessary, and these should be buttoned on to a waist, or suspended with straps.CBPH 65.9

    Whatever may be the length of the dress, females should clothe their limbs as thoroughly as the males. This may be done by wearing lined pants gathered into a band and fastened about the ankle, or made full and tapering at the bottom; and these should come down long enough to meet the shoe. The limbs and ankles thus clothed are protected against a current of air.—How to Live #6, pp. 63-64 (In Selected Messages 2:478, 479).CBPH 65.10

    Here Ellen White described a healthful style of dress that would allow women to maintain their distinctive feminine appearance, yet was appropriate for northern climates. The principles she outlined soon led to the development of the reform dress adopted by many Seventh-day Adventist women within the next two or three years.CBPH 65.11

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