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part toward her or toward her parents. Through secret communications
and meetings he may gain an influence over her mind, but in so doing
he fails to manifest that nobility and integrity of soul which every child
of God will possess. In order to accomplish their ends, they act a part
that is not frank and open and according to the Bible standard, and
prove themselves untrue to those who love them and try to be faithful
guardians over them. Marriages contracted under such influences are
not according to the word of God. He who would lead a daughter away
from duty, who would confuse her ideas of God’s plain and positive
commands to obey and honor her parents, is not one who would be
true to the marriage obligations.
“Thou shalt not steal” was written by the finger of God upon the
tables of stone, yet how much underhand stealing of affections is
practiced and excused! A deceptive courtship is maintained, private
communications are kept up, until the affections of one who is inex-
perienced, and knows not whereunto these things may grow, are in a
measure withdrawn from her parents and placed upon him who shows
by the very course he pursues that he is unworthy of her love. The
Bible condemns every species of dishonesty.
Professed Christians, whose lives are marked with integrity, and
who seem sensible upon every other subject, make fearful mistakes
here. They manifest a set, determined will that reason cannot change.
They become so fascinated with human feelings and impulses that they
have no desire to search the Bible and come into close relationship
with God. When once the barriers of female modesty are removed,
the basest licentiousness does not appear exceeding sinful. Alas, what
terrible results of woman’s influence for evil may be witnessed in the
world today! Through the allurements of “strange women,” thousands
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are incarcerated 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