Moral Standards
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the grace of God, which will attract the mind upward and habituate it
to meditate upon pure and holy things
There is no safety for any man, young or old, unless he feels the
necessity of seeking God for counsel at every step. Those only who
maintain close communion with God will learn to place His estimate
upon men, to reverence the pure, the good, the humble, and the meek.
The heart must be garrisoned as was that of Joseph. Then temptations
to depart from integrity will be met with decision: “How then can I do
this great wickedness, and sin against God?” The strongest temptation
is no excuse for sin. No matter how severe the pressure brought to
bear upon you, sin is your own act. The seat of the difficulty is the
unrenewed heart
In view of the dangers of this time, shall not we, as God’s
commandment-keeping people, put away from among us all sin, all
iniquity, all perverseness? Shall not the women professing the truth
keep strict guard over themselves, lest the least encouragement be
given to unwarrantable familiarity? They may close many a door of
temptation if they will observe at all times strict reserve and propriety
of deportment
Women Must Uphold High Standard of Conduct—I write with
a distressed heart that the women in this age, both married and unmar-
ried, too frequently do not maintain the reserve that is necessary. They
act like coquettes. They encourage the attentions of single and married
men, and those who are weak in moral power will be ensnared. These
things, if allowed, deaden the moral senses and blind the mind so that
crime does not appear sinful. Thoughts are awakened that would not
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have been if woman had kept her place in all modesty and sobriety. She
may have had no unlawful purpose or motive herself, but she has given
encouragement to men who are tempted, and who need all the help
they can get from those associated with them. By being circumspect,
reserved, taking no liberties, receiving no unwarrantable attentions,
but preserving a high moral tone and becoming dignity, much evil
might be avoided
12
Testimonies For The Church 2, 478, 479
.
13
Manuscript 19a, 1890
.
14
Testimonies For The Church 5, 601, 602
.
15
Manuscript 4a, 1885
.