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Safeguarding the Moral Powers, July 9
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.
1 Peter 2:11
.
There is an alarming commonness in conversation at the present day,
which shows a low state of thoughts and morals. True dignity of character
is very rare. True modesty and reserve are seldom seen. There are but
few who are pure and undefiled.... God looks upon these things with
displeasure....
Polluted thoughts harbored become habit, and the soul is scarred and
defiled. Once do a wrong action and a blot is made which nothing can
heal but the blood of Christ; and if the habit is not turned from with firm
determination, the soul is corrupted and the streams flowing from this
defiling fountain corrupt others.
There are men and women who invite temptation; they place them-
selves in positions where they will be tempted, where they cannot but be
tempted, when they place themselves in society that is objectionable. The
best way to keep safe from sin is to move with due consideration at all
times and under all circumstances, never to move or act from impulse.
Move with the fear of God ever before you and you will be sure to act
right; then leave your reputation with God. Slander cannot then sully your
character one particle. No one can degrade our character but ourselves,
by our own course of action....
The mind must be kept meditating upon pure and holy subjects. An im-
pure suggestion must be dismissed at once, and pure, elevating thoughts,
holy contemplation, be entertained, thus obtaining more and more knowl-
edge of God, by training the mind in the contemplation of heavenly things.
God has simple means open to every individual case, sufficient to secure
the great end, the salvation of the soul.
Resolve to reach a high and holy standard; make your mark high; act
with earnest purpose, as did Daniel, steadily, perseveringly, and nothing
that the enemy can do will hinder your improvement. Notwithstanding
inconveniences, changes, perplexities, you may constantly advance in
mental vigor and moral power.
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