Infatuation and Blind Love
237
of unbelievers because of their boldness, their lack of reserve and
womanly modesty.
The young boys are likewise left to have their own way. They
have scarcely entered their teens before they are by the side of little
[299]
girls of their own age, accompanying them home and making love
to them. And the parents are so completely in bondage through their
own indulgence and mistaken love for their children that they dare not
pursue a decided course to make a change and restrain their too-fast
children in this fast age.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:460
(1870).
Clandestine Courtships—The young have many lessons to learn,
and the most important one is to learn to know themselves. They should
have correct ideas of their obligations and duties to their parents and
should be constantly learning in the school of Christ to be meek and
lowly of heart. While they are to love and honor their parents, they are
also to respect the judgment of men of experience with whom they are
connected in the church.
A young man who enjoys the society and wins the friendship of a
young lady, unbeknown to her parents, does not act a noble Christian
part toward her or toward her parents. Through secret communications
and meetings he may gain an influence over her mind; but in so doing
he fails to manifest that nobility and integrity of soul which every child
of God will possess. In order to accomplish their ends they act a part
that is not frank and open and according to the Bible standard, and
prove themselves untrue to those who love them and try to be faithful
guardians over them. Marriages contracted under such influences are
not according to the Word of God. He [a young man] who would lead
a daughter away from duty, who would confuse her ideas of God’s
plain and positive commands to obey and honor her parents, is not
one who would be true to the marriage obligations.—
The Review and
Herald, January 26, 1886
. (
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 101,
102
.)
Not to Trifle With Hearts—To trifle with hearts is a crime of
no small magnitude in the sight of a holy God. And yet some will
show preference for young ladies and call out their affections, and
then go their way and forget all about the words they have spoken
[300]
and their effect. A new face attracts them, and they repeat the same
words, devote to another the same attentions.—
The Review and Herald,
November 4, 1884
. (
The Adventist Home, 57
.)