True Love or Infatuation
35
of unbelievers because of their boldness, their lack of reserve and
womanly modesty. The young boys are likewise left to have their own
way. They have scarcely entered their teens before they are by the side
of little girls of their own age, accompanying them home and making
love to them. And the parents are so completely in bondage through
their own indulgence and mistaken love for their children that they
dare not pursue a decided course to make a change and restrain their
too-fast children in this fast age
Counsel to a Romantic, Lovesick Girl—You have fallen into the
sad error which is so prevalent in this degenerate age, especially with
women. You are too fond of the other sex. You love their society;
your attention to them is flattering, and you encourage, or permit, a
familiarity which does not always accord with the exhortation of the
apostle, to “abstain from all appearance of evil.” ...
Turn your mind away from romantic projects. You mingle with
your religion a romantic, lovesick sentimentalism, which does not
elevate, but only lowers. It is not yourself alone who is affected;
[53]
others are injured by your example and influence.... 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.
There is much of this low sentimentalism mingled with the reli-
gious experience of the young in this age of the world. My sister, God
requires you to be transformed. Elevate your affections, I implore
you. Devote your mental and physical powers to the service of your
Redeemer, who has bought you. Sanctify your thoughts and feelings
that all your works may be wrought in God
Caution to a Youthful Student—You are now in your student’s
life; let your mind dwell upon spiritual subjects. Keep all sentimen-
talism apart from your life. Give to yourself vigilant self-instruction,
and bring yourself under self-control. You are now in the formative
period of character; nothing with you is to be considered trivial or
unimportant which will detract from your highest, holiest interest, your
efficiency in the preparation to do the work God has assigned you
12
Ibid., 2:460
.
13
Ibid., 248-251
.
14
Letter 23, 1893
.