Marital Duties and Privileges
91
minded, that they might be partakers together of the divine nature, hav-
ing escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. The power
of influence can be great to lead the mind to high and noble themes,
above the low, sensual indulgences for which the heart unrenewed
by grace naturally seeks. If the wife feels that in order to please her
husband she must come down to his standard, when animal passion is
the principal basis of his love and controls his actions, she displeases
God; for she fails to exert a sanctifying influence upon her husband. If
she feels that she must submit to his animal passions without a word
of remonstrance, she does not understand her duty to him nor to her
God
Our Bodies a Purchased Possession—The lower passions have
their seat in the body and work through it. The words “flesh” or
“fleshly” or “carnal lusts” embrace the lower, corrupt nature; the flesh
of itself cannot act contrary to the will of God. We are commanded
to crucify the flesh, with the affections and lusts. How shall we do it?
[128]
Shall we inflict pain on the body? No; but put to death the temptation
to sin. The corrupt thought is to be expelled. Every thought is to be
brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. All animal propensities are to
be subjected to the higher powers of the soul. The love of God must
reign supreme; Christ must occupy an undivided throne. Our bodies
are to be regarded as His purchased possession. The members of the
body are to become the instruments of righteousness
[129]
[130]
18
Ibid., 2:475-477
.
19
Manuscript 1, 1888
.