242
Mind, Character, and Personality Volume 1
about the soul, and it becomes bewitched, infatuated. Reason lets fall
the reins of self-control upon the neck of lust; unsanctified passion
bears sway, until, too late, the victim awakens to a life of misery and
bondage. This is not a picture drawn by the imagination but a recital
of facts. God’s sanction is not given to unions which He has expressly
forbidden.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:365, 366
(1885).
Definition of an Unbeliever—Though the companion of your
choice were in all other respects worthy (which he is not), yet he has
not accepted the truth for this time; he is an unbeliever, and you are
forbidden of Heaven to unite yourself with him. You cannot, without
peril to your soul, disregard this divine injunction.—
Testimonies for
the Church 5:364
(1885).
The Forbidden Ground of Unholy Fancies (counsel to a min-
ister)—You have been represented to me as being in great peril. Satan
is on your track, and at times he has whispered to you pleasing fables
and has shown you charming pictures of one whom he represents as
a more suitable companion for you than the wife of your youth, the
mother of your children.
Satan is working stealthily, untiringly, to effect your downfall
through his specious temptations. He is determined to become your
teacher, and you need now to place yourself where you can get strength
to resist him. He hopes to lead you into the mazes of spiritualism. He
hopes to wean your affections from your wife and to fix them upon
another woman. He desires that you will allow your mind to dwell
upon this woman until through unholy affection she becomes your
god.
The enemy of souls has gained much when he can lead the imagi-
[306]
nation of one of Jehovah’s chosen watchmen to dwell upon the possi-
bilities of association, in the world to come, with some woman whom
he loves, and of there raising up a family. We need no such pleasing
pictures. All such views originate in the mind of the tempter....
It is presented to me that spiritual fables are taking many captive.
Their minds are sensual, and unless a change comes, this will prove
their ruin. To all who are indulging these unholy fancies, I would say,
Stop; for Christ’s sake, stop right where you are. You are on forbidden
ground. Repent, I entreat of you, and be converted.—
Letter 231,
1903
.