The Osceola times., 1876-05-27
Fashion, Folly and Health.

We seek out for ourselves many de-
vices which entail misery and death
upon the race. Refusing to follow the
suggestions of common sense, we waste
our earnings and our lives at the shrine
of fashion. II religion and philanthropy
received tithe of the contributions
which are gladly given to fashion, the
improvement in the morals and the
health of the people would be great
Well, what are we going to say about itY
Only this, and that only with the hope
that few may be induced to give at.
tention to the subject: The partnership
between fashion and health is continu-
ously injurious 10 vigorous life, and is
apt TO end in bankruptcy of purse and
person. We are aware that few enter
prises are ~ hopeless as a contest with
fashion, but still more may he deferred
from following that goddess blndly.
Medical men tell us that diseases are
multiplying, that new arrangements OF
the system are manifcsting themselves in
way which requires new remedies and
new thought for their treatment. In
the science of medicine great progress
has been made since the beginning of the
century, but human stupidity and folly
have advanced more rapidly. With the
invention Of the sewing machine (Which.
rightly used, is Of incalculable benefit 10
society," came in new danger to health
and life. Our grandmothers were CON
tented with six or seven yards of mate
rial for dress; their granddaughter
will not look at anything less than three
times as much; and all this bundle of
dry goods is suspended from the wasp
like waist instead of the shoulders
Where such unaccountable folly pre-
walls is it any wonder that diseases are
increasing, that half the children die
under five years of age and that the
percentage of people who 20 through life
afflicted with ali serts of maladies is
greater than ever? Family life is rem
dered unenjoyable and almost impossible
by fashion and its wastage of money,
health and life.
We are not now alluding TO those
thoughtless creatures with draggletails
who are in the habit Of spending their
nights at the poisonous opera and the
theater, but to the same class of peacocks.
who are on the church rolls. Here is
where we look for light and example, but
we look in vain; and when we look we
see the world pointing its finger of scorn
at us and asking: Where is the difference
between the church and the world? The
miserable sinner" of each are upon a
par. Fashion commands 10 revel the
most OF the night in overheated, crowded.
and badly ventilated rooms, and many
obey. The most Of the next day they
slumber away in apartments that are no,
managed ON hygenic principles. Is it
any wonder ~ many are in physical
trouble and die as the fool dieth? The
balmy fresh air invites us to its embrace,
but we are too languid to accept the
cheerful and kindly invitation.
Fashionable society calls such course
enjoyment and too many Christians (per-
haps only in name) fret that they can
not, with the fullest freedom, mingle
with the devotees of fashion. Are not
the evil things the natural things, and
do not the majority take TO them rs a
duck TO the water? Fashion is the god
dess that empties the purse, ruins the
body, and destroys the soul. "Place
before me" said the dying and impeni.
tent actress, my jewels and wardrobes,
that may take a last look at them ere
die"
With the return of spring the question
in almost every household is again about
the spring bonnet and the new dress
II is not only waists and toes that are
subjected to Chinese pressure, but every
part OF the system is thrown out of
healthful equilibrium by the blind fol.
lowing after fashion which seems to be
fastening itself upon us more firmly than
ever with it's dreadful incubus. Is there
Q remedy? Yes; and il is to be found in
religion and common sense.-N T. Witness.