Chapter 69—Effects of Harmful Practices
Vital Energy Is Depleted—The practice of secret habits surely
destroys the vital forces of the system. All unnecessary vital action
will be followed by corresponding depression. Among the young the
vital capital, the brain, is so severely taxed at an early age that there is
a deficiency and great exhaustion, which leaves the system exposed to
disease of various kinds
Foundation Laid for Various Diseases Later in Life—If the
practice is continued from the ages of fifteen and upward, nature
will protest against the abuse she has suffered, and continues to suffer,
and will make them pay the penalty for the transgression of her laws,
especially from the ages of thirty to forty-five, by numerous pains
in the system and various diseases, such as affection of the liver and
lungs, neuralgia, rheumatism, affection of the spine, diseased kidneys,
and cancerous humors. Some of nature’s fine machinery gives way,
leaving a heavier task for the remaining to perform, which disorders
nature’s fine arrangement; and there is often a sudden breaking down
of the constitution, and death is the result
The Sixth Commandment Is Thoughtlessly Violated—To take
one’s life instantly is no greater sin in the sight of heaven than to
destroy it gradually, but surely. Persons who bring upon themselves
sure decay, by wrongdoing, will suffer the penalty here, and without
a thorough repentance, will not be admitted into heaven hereafter
any sooner than the one who destroys life instantly. The will of God
[445]
establishes the connection between cause and its effects
Pure-minded Also Subject to Disease—We do not include all the
youth who are feeble as guilty of wrong habits. There are those who
are pure-minded and conscientious who are sufferers from different
causes over which they have no control
1
An Appeal to Mothers, 28
.
2
An Appeal to Mothers, 18
.
3
An Appeal to Mothers, 26
.
4
An Appeal to Mothers, 23
.
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