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Messages to Young People
have led them. They lose interest in the prayer meeting, and in every-
thing that pertains to religion. They are wholly infatuated with each
other, and the duties of life are neglected, as if they were matters of
little concern. Night after night, these young people burn the midnight
oil to talk with each other,—in reference to subjects of serious and
solemn interest?—O no. Rather of frivolous things that are of no
importance.
Violating the Laws of Health and Modesty
Satan’s angels are keeping watch with those who devote a large
share of the night to courting. Could they have their eyes opened, they
would see an angel making a record of their words and acts. The laws
of health and modesty are violated. It would be more appropriate to
let some of the hours of courtship before marriage run through the
married life. But as a general thing, marriage ends all the devotion
manifested during the days of courtship!
These hours of midnight dissipation, in this age of depravity, fre-
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quently lead to the ruin of both parties thus engaged. Satan exults,
and God is dishonored when men and women dishonor themselves.
The good name of honor is sacrificed under the spell of this infatua-
tion, and the marriage of such persons cannot be solemnized under
the approval of God. They are married because passion moved them,
and when the novelty of the affair is over, they will begin to realize
what they have done. In six months after the vows are spoken, their
sentiments toward each other have undergone a change. Each has
learned in married life more of the character of the companion chosen.
Each discovers imperfections that, during the blindness and folly of
their former association, were not apparent. The promises at the altar
do not bind them together. In consequence of hasty marriages, even
among the professed people of God, there are separations, divorces,
and great confusion in the church.
Disregard for Counsel
This kind of marrying and giving in marriage is one of Satan’s
special devices, and he succeeds in his plans almost every time. I have
the most painful sense of helplessness when parties come to me for