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The Adventist Home
alarming fact that but few succeed in escaping from his wiles. They
see no danger and do not guard against his devices. He prompts them
to fasten their affections upon one another without seeking wisdom
of God or of those whom He has sent to warn, reprove, and counsel.
They feel self-sufficient and will not bear restraint
Counsel to a Teen-age Youth—Your boyish ideas of love for
young girls does not give anyone a high opinion of you. By letting
your mind run in this channel, you spoil your thoughts for study. You
will be led to form impure associations; your ways and the ways of
others will be corrupted. This is just as your case is presented to
me, and as long as you persist in following your own way, whoever
will seek to guide, influence, or restrain you will meet with the most
determined resistance because your heart is not in harmony with truth
and righteousness
Disparity in Age—The parties may not have worldly wealth, but
they should have the far greater blessing of health. And in most cases
there should not be a great disparity in age. A neglect of this rule
[82]
may result in seriously impairing the health of the younger. And often
the children are robbed of physical and mental strength. They cannot
receive from an aged parent the care and companionship which their
young lives demand, and they may be deprived by death of the father or
the mother at the very time when love and guidance are most needed
[83]
8
Ibid., 105, 106
.
9
Manuscript 15a, 1896
.
10
The Ministry of Healing, 358
.