628
Counsels on Health
that if continued its sure results will be utter shipwreck of body and
mind. Man, the noblest being upon the earth, formed in the image of
God, transforms himself into a beast! He makes himself gross and
corrupt. Every Christian will have to learn to restrain his passions and
be controlled by principle. Unless he does this, he is unworthy of the
Christian name.
Some who make a high profession do not understand the sin of
self-abuse and its sure results. Long-established habit has blinded
their understanding. They do not realize the exceeding sinfulness
of this degrading sin, which is enervating the system and destroying
their brain nerve power. Moral principle is exceedingly weak when it
conflicts with established habit. Solemn messages from Heaven cannot
forcibly impress the heart that is not fortified against the indulgence
of this degrading vice. The sensitive nerves of the brain have lost
their healthy tone by morbid excitation to gratify an unnatural desire
for sensual indulgence. The brain nerves which communicate with
the entire system are the only medium through which Heaven can
communicate to man, and affect his inmost life. Whatever disturbs
the circulation of the electric currents in the nervous system, lessens
the strength of the vital powers, and the result is a deadening of the
sensibilities of the mind. In consideration of these facts, how important
that ministers and people who profess godliness should stand forth
clear and untainted from this soul-debasing vice!
[617]
My soul has been bowed down with anguish as I have been shown
the weak condition of God’s professed people. Iniquity abounds, and
the love of many waxes cold. There are but few professed Chris-
tians who regard this matter in the right light and who hold proper
government over themselves when public opinion and custom do not
condemn them. How few restrain their passions because they feel
under moral obligation to do so, and because the fear of God is before
their eyes! The higher faculties of man are enslaved by appetite and
corrupt passions.
Some will acknowledge the evil of sinful indulgences, yet will
excuse themselves by saying that they cannot overcome their passions.
This is a terrible admission for any person to make who names Christ.
“Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”
2 Timothy 2:19
. Why is this weakness? It is because the animal
propensities have been strengthened by exercise, until they have gained