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The Adventist Home
that you cannot discern the high claims that God has upon you as a
Christian
Satan’s angels are keeping watch with those who devote a large
share of the night to courting. Could they have their eyes opened, they
would see an angel making a record of their words and acts. The laws
of health and modesty are violated. It would be more appropriate to
let some of the hours of courtship before marriage run through the
married life. But as a general thing, marriage ends all the devotion
manifested during the days of courtship.
These hours of midnight dissipation, in this age of depravity, fre-
quently lead to the ruin of both parties thus engaged. Satan exults and
God is dishonored when men and women dishonor themselves. The
good name of honor is sacrificed under the spell of this infatuation, and
the marriage of such persons cannot be solemnized under the approval
of God. They are married because passion moved them, and when the
novelty of the affair is over, they will begin to realize what they have
done
Satan knows just what elements he has to deal with, and he displays
his infernal wisdom in various devices to entrap souls to their ruin.
He watches every step that is taken, and makes many suggestions,
and often these suggestions are followed rather than the counsel of
God’s word. This finely woven, dangerous net is skillfully prepared
[57]
to entangle the young and unwary. It may often be disguised under a
covering of light; but those who become its victims pierce themselves
through with many sorrows. As the result, we see wrecks of humanity
everywhere
Trifling With Hearts—To trifle with hearts is a crime of no small
magnitude in the sight of a holy God. And yet some will show prefer-
ence for young ladies and call out their affections, and then go their
way and forget all about the words they have spoken and their effect.
A new face attracts them, and they repeat the same words, devote to
another the same attentions.
This disposition will reveal itself in the married life. The marriage
relation does not always make the fickle mind firm, the wavering
steadfast and true to principle. They tire of constancy, and unholy
3
Testimonies For The Church 3, 44, 45
.
4
The Review and Herald, September 25, 1888
.
5
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 103, 104
.