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The Adventist Home
Avoid the First Downward Step—When one commandment of
the Decalogue is broken, the downward steps are almost certain. When
once the barriers of female modesty are removed, the basest licen-
tiousness does not appear exceeding sinful. Alas, what terrible results
of woman’s influence for evil may be witnessed in the world today!
[59]
Through the allurements of “strange women,” thousands are incarcer-
ated in prison cells, many take their own lives, and many cut short the
lives of others. How true the words of Inspiration, “Her feet go down
to death; her steps take hold on hell.”
Beacons of warning are placed on every side in the pathway of life
to prevent men from approaching the dangerous, forbidden ground;
but, notwithstanding this, multitudes choose the fatal path, contrary to
the dictates of reason, regardless of God’s law, and in defiance of His
vengeance.
Those who would preserve physical health, a vigorous intellect,
and sound morals must “flee ... youthful lusts.” Those who will put
forth zealous and decided efforts to check the wickedness that lifts its
bold, presumptuous head in our midst are hated and maligned by all
wrongdoers, but they will be honored and recompensed of God
Sow Wild Oats—Reap a Bitter Crop—You must not imperil
your souls by sowing wild oats. You cannot afford to be careless in
regard to the companions you choose
A little time spent in sowing your wild oats, dear young friends,
will produce a crop that will embitter your whole life; an hour of
thoughtlessness, once yielding to temptation, may turn the whole
current of your life in the wrong direction. You can have but one
youth; make that useful. When once you have passed over the ground,
you can never return to rectify your mistakes. He who refuses to
connect with God, and puts himself in the way of temptation will
surely fall. God is testing every youth. Many have excused their
carelessness and irreverence because of the wrong example given them
[60]
by more experienced professors. But this should not deter any from
right doing. In the day of final accounts you will plead no such excuses
as you plead now
[61]
8
The Signs of the Times, July 1, 1903
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9
Messages to Young People, 164
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10
Testimonies For The Church 4, 622, 623
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