Adherence to Principle
[
Testimonies for the Church 4:576, 577
(1881).]
The temptations by which Christ was beset in the wilderness—
appetite, love of the world, and presumption—are the three great
leading allurements by which men are most frequently overcome. The
managers of the sanitarium will often be tempted to depart from the
principles which should govern such an institution. But they should
not vary from the right course to gratify the inclinations or minister to
the depraved appetites of wealthy patients or friends. The influence
of such a course is only evil. Deviations from the teachings given in
the lectures or through the press have a most unfavorable effect upon
the influence and morals of the institution and will, to a great extent,
counteract all efforts to instruct and reform the victims of depraved
appetites and passions and to lead them to Christ, the only safe refuge.
The evil will not end here. The influence affects not only the
patients, but the workers as well. When the barriers are once broken
down, step after step is taken in the wrong direction. Satan presents
flattering worldly prospects to those who will depart from principle
and sacrifice integrity and Christian honor to gain the approbation of
the ungodly. His efforts are too often successful. He gains the victory
where he should meet with repulse and defeat.
Christ resisted Satan in our behalf. We have the example of our
Saviour to strengthen our weak purposes and resolves; but notwith-
standing this, some will fall by Satan’s temptations, and they will not
fall alone. Every soul that fails to obtain the victory carries others
down through his influence. Those who fail to connect with God and
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to receive wisdom and grace to refine and elevate their own lives will
be judged for the good they might have done, but failed to perform
because they were content with earthliness of mind and friendship
with the unsanctified.
All heaven is interested in the salvation of man, and is ready to pour
upon him her beneficent gifts, if he will comply with the conditions
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