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Counsels for the Church
leaving a heavier task for the remaining to perform, which disorders
nature’s fine arrangement; and there is often a sudden breaking down
of the constitution, and death is the result.
To take one’s life instantly is no greater sin in the sight of heaven
than to destroy it gradually, but surely. Persons who bring upon
themselves sure decay, by wrongdoing, will suffer the penalty here,
and without a thorough repentance, will not be admitted into heaven
hereafter any sooner than the one who destroys life instantly. The will
of God establishes the connection between cause and its effects.
We do not include all the youth who are feeble as guilty of wrong
habits. There are those who are pure-minded and conscientious who
are sufferers from different causes over which they have no control.
[111]
Secret vice is the destroyer of high resolve, earnest endeavor, and
strength of will to form a good religious character. All who have any
true sense of what is embraced in being a Christian know that the
followers of Christ are under obligation as His disciples to bring all
their passions, their physical powers and mental faculties into perfect
subordination to His will. Those who are controlled by their passions
cannot be followers of Christ. They are too much devoted to the service
of their master, the originator of every evil, to leave their corrupt habits
and choose the service of Christ
When the young adopt vile practices while the spirit is tender,
they will never obtain force to fully and correctly develop physical,
intellectual, and moral character
The only hope for those who practice vile habits is to forever leave
them if they place any value upon health here and salvation hereafter.
When these habits have been indulged in for quite a length of time, it
requires a determined effort to resist temptation and refuse the corrupt
indulgence
The only sure safety for our children against every vicious practice
is to seek to be admitted into the fold of Christ and to be taken under
the watch care of the faithful and true Shepherd. He will save them
from every evil, shield them from all dangers, if they will heed His
voice. He says, “My sheep hear my voice, ... and they follow me.” In
Christ they will find pasture, obtain strength and hope, and will not
170
Child Guidance, 444-446
171
Testimonies for the Church 2:351
172
Child Guidance, 464