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Moral Pollution
311
and be controlled by principle. Unless he does this he is unworthy
of the Christian name.
Some who make a high profession do not understand the sin of
self-abuse and its sure results. Long-established habit has blinded
their understanding. They do not realize the exceeding sinfulness
of this degrading sin, which is enervating the system and destroy-
ing their brain nerve power. Moral principle is exceedingly weak
when it conflicts with established habit. Solemn messages from
heaven cannot forcibly impress the heart that is not fortified against
the indulgence of this degrading vice. The sensitive nerves of the
brain have lost their healthy tone by morbid excitation to gratify an
unnatural desire for sensual indulgence. The brain nerves which
communicate with the entire system are the only medium through
which Heaven can communicate to man and affect his inmost life.
Whatever disturbs the circulation of the electric currents in the ner-
vous system lessens the strength of the vital powers, and the result is
a deadening of the sensibilities of the mind. In consideration of these
facts, how important that ministers and people who profess godliness
should stand forth clear and untainted from this soul-debasing vice!
My soul has been bowed down with anguish as I have been shown
the weak condition of God’s professed people. Iniquity abounds,
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and the love of many waxes cold. There are but few professed
Christians who regard this matter in the right light and who hold
proper government over themselves when public opinion and custom
do not condemn them. How few restrain their passions because they
feel under moral obligation to do so and because the fear of God
is before their eyes! The higher faculties of man are enslaved by
appetite and corrupt passions.
Some will acknowledge the evil of sinful indulgences, yet will
excuse themselves by saying that they cannot overcome their pas-
sions. This is a terrible admission for any person to make who names
Christ. “Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from
iniquity.” Why is this weakness? It is because the animal propensi-
ties have been strengthened by exercise until they have gained the
ascendancy over the higher powers. Men and women lack principle.
They are dying spiritually because they have so long pampered their
natural appetites that their power of self-government seems gone.
The lower passions of their nature have taken the reins, and that