Imagination
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performance of impure actions. If the mind were educated to con-
template elevating subjects, the imagination trained to reflect upon
pure and holy things, it would be fortified against this terrible, de-
basing, soul-and-body-destroying indulgence. It would, by training,
become accustomed to linger upon the high, the heavenly, the pure,
and the sacred, and could not be attracted to this base, corrupt, and
vile indulgence.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:470
(1870).
Dreamings of the Mind Lead to Self-exaltation—If the
thoughts, the dreamings of the mind, are of great purposes in which
self figures, there will be revealed in words and actions self-exaltation,
a lifting up of self. These thoughts are not such as lead to a close walk
with God. Those who move without thoughtful consideration move
unwisely. They make fitful efforts, strike out here and there, catch
at this and that, but it amounts to nothing. They resemble the vine;
its tendrils untrained and left to straggle out in every direction will
fasten upon any rubbish within their reach; but before the vine can be
of any use, these tendrils must be broken off from the things they have
grasped and trained to entwine about those things which will make
them graceful and well formed.—Lt 33, 1886.
Controlling the Imagination—Had you trained your mind to
dwell upon elevated subjects, meditating upon heavenly themes, you
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could have done much good. You could have had an influence upon the
minds of others to turn their selfish thoughts and world-loving disposi-
tions into the channel of spirituality. Were your affections and thoughts
brought into subjection to the will of Christ, you would be capable of
doing good. Your imagination is diseased because you have permitted
it to run in a forbidden channel, to become dreamy. Daydreaming and
romantic castle-building have unfitted you for usefulness. You have
lived in an imaginary world; you have been an imaginary martyr and
an imaginary Christian.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:251
(1869).
Keep Off Satan’s Enchanted Ground (counsel to a self-
centered family)—You should keep off Satan’s enchanted ground and
not allow your minds to be swayed from allegiance to God. Through
Christ you may and should be happy and should acquire habits of
self-control. Even your thoughts must be brought into subjection to
the will of God and your feelings under the control of reason and
religion. Your imagination was not given you to be allowed to run riot
and have its own way without any effort at restraint or discipline. If