Engagement With Unbelievers
383
A Broken Engagement
You may say, “But I have given my promise, and shall I now retract
it?” I answer, If you have made a promise contrary to the Scriptures,
by all means retract it without delay, and in humility before God repent
of the infatuation that led you to make so rash a pledge. Far better
take back such a promise, in the fear of God, than keep it, and thereby
dishonor your Maker.
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Remember, you have a heaven to gain, an open path to perdition to
shun. God means what He says. When He prohibited our first parents
from eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge, their disobedience
opened the floodgates of woe to the whole world. If we walk contrary
to God, He will walk contrary to us. Our only safe course is to render
obedience to all His requirements, at whatever cost. All are founded
in infinite love and wisdom.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:361-365
.
Mature Judgment Essential
The good of society, as well as the highest interest of the students,
demands that they shall not attempt to select a life partner while their
own character is yet undeveloped, their judgment immature, and while
they are at the same time deprived of parental care and guidance....
Those who are seeking to shield the youth from temptation and
to prepare them for a life of usefulness are engaged in a good work.
We are glad to see in any institution of learning a recognition of the
importance of proper restraint and discipline for the young. May the
efforts of all such instructors be crowned with success.—
Fundamentals
of Christian Education, 62, 63
.
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