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Counsels on Health
order. Courtship and marriage occupy the mind to the exclusion of
higher and nobler thoughts.
The associations chosen by the workers are determining their des-
tiny for this world and for the next. Some who were once conscientious
and faithful have sadly changed; they have disconnected from God,
and Satan has allured them to his side. They are now irreligious and
irreverent, and they have an influence upon others who are easily
molded. Evil associations are deteriorating character; principle is
being undermined. “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but
a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
Proverbs 13:20
.
Avoid Flirtation
The young are in danger, but they are blind to discern the ten-
dencies and result of the course they are pursuing. Many of them are
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engaged in flirtation. They seem to be infatuated. There is nothing
noble, dignified, or sacred in these attachments; as they are prompted
by Satan, the influence is such as to please him. Warnings to these
persons fall unheeded. They are headstrong, self-willed, defiant. They
think the warning, counsel, or reproof does not apply to them. Their
course gives them no concern. They are continually separating them-
selves from the light and love of God. They lose all discernment of
sacred and eternal things; and while they may keep up a dry form of
Christian duties, they have no heart in these religious exercises. All
too late, these deceived souls will learn that “strait is the gate, and
narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find
it.”
Matthew 7:14
.
Words and actions and motives are recorded; but how little do
these light, superficial heads and hard hearts realize that an angel of
God stands writing down the manner in which their precious moments
are employed. God will bring to light every word and every action.
He is in every place. His messengers, although unseen, are visitors
in the workroom and in the sleeping apartment. The hidden works
of darkness will be brought to light. The thoughts, the intents and
purposes of the heart, will stand revealed. All things are naked and
open to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
The workers should take Jesus with them in every department of
their labor. Whatever is done should be done with an exactness and