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every noble, elevated power of the mind are brought under the slavery
of passions. The man who is bound in the chains of this infatuation is
too often deaf to the voice of reason and conscience; neither argument
nor entreaty can lead him to see the folly of his course
True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. On the contrary,
it is calm and deep in its nature. It looks beyond mere externals, and
is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating, and its
devotion is real and abiding
Love, lifted out of the realm of passion and impulse, becomes
spiritualized, and is revealed in words and acts. A Christian must have
a sanctified tenderness and love in which there is no impatience of
fretfulness; the rude, harsh manners must be softened by the grace of
Christ
Sentimentalism to Be Shunned as Leprosy—Imagination,
lovesick sentimentalism, should be guarded against as would be the
leprosy. Very many of the young men and women in this age of the
world are lacking in virtue; therefore great caution is needed.... Those
who have preserved a virtuous character, although they may lack in
other desirable qualities, may be of real moral worth
There are persons who have for some time made a profession of
religion who are, to all intents and purposes, without God and without
a sensitive conscience. They are vain and trifling; their conversation
is of a low order. Courtship and marriage occupy the mind, to the
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exclusion of higher and nobler thoughts
The young are bewitched with the mania for courtship and mar-
riage. Lovesick sentimentalism prevails. Great vigilance and tact are
needed to guard the youth from these wrong influences
Daughters are not taught self-denial and self-control. They are
petted, and their pride is fostered. They are allowed to have their
own way, until they become headstrong and self-willed, and you are
put to your wits’ end to know what course to pursue to save them
from ruin. Satan is leading them on to be a proverb in the mouth
6
The Signs of the Times, July 1, 1903
.
7
Testimonies For The Church 2, 133
.
8
Testimonies For The Church 5, 335
.
9
Testimonies For The Church 5, 123
.
10
Testimonies For The Church 4, 589
.
11
Ibid., 5:59
.