Imagination
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flesh meats produce an immediate effect. Under the influence of these
poisons the nervous system is excited, and in some cases, for the time
being, the intellect seems to be invigorated and the imagination to be
more vivid.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:487
(1875).
Effect of Tea, Coffee, and Other Popular Beverages—Tea acts
as a stimulant and, to a certain extent, produces intoxication. The
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action of coffee and many other popular drinks is similar. The first
effect is exhilarating. The nerves of the stomach are excited; these
convey irritation to the brain, and this in turn is aroused to impart
increased action to the heart and short-lived energy to the entire system.
Fatigue is forgotten; the strength seems to be increased. The intellect
is aroused, the imagination becomes more vivid.—
The Ministry of
Healing, 326
(1905).
Popular Revivals and Imagination—Popular revivals are too of-
ten carried by appeals to the imagination, by exciting the emotions,
by gratifying the love for what is new and startling. Converts thus
gained have little desire to listen to Bible truth, little interest in the
testimony of prophets and apostles. Unless a religious service has
something of a sensational character, it has no attractions for them. A
message which appeals to unimpassioned reason awakens no response.
The plain warnings of God’s Word, relating directly to their eternal
interests, are unheeded.—
The Great Controversy, 463
(1888).
Theater Depraves the Imagination—Among the most dangerous
resorts for pleasure is the theater. Instead of being a school of morality
and virtue, as is so often claimed, it is the very hotbed of immorality.
Vicious habits and sinful propensities are strengthened and confirmed
by these entertainments. Low songs, lewd gestures, expressions, and
attitudes deprave the imagination and debase the morals. Every youth
who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle.
There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imag-
ination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for
the tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life than theatrical amuse-
ments. The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence, as
the desire for intoxicating drink strengthens with its use. The only safe
course is to shun the theater, the circus, and every other questionable
place of amusement.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:652, 653
(1881).
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Fiction Creates an Imaginary World—You have indulged in
novel and story reading until you live in an imaginary world. The