Social Purity
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are perpetuated in their children. Satan seeks to lower the standard of
purity, and to weaken the self-control of those who enter the marriage
relation, because he knows that while the baser passions are in the
ascendency, the moral powers grow steadily weaker, and he need have
no concern as to their spiritual growth. He knows, too, that in no way
can he better stamp his own hateful image upon their offspring, and
that he can thus mould their character even more readily than he can
the character of the parents.
As I have been shown the dangers of those who profess better
things, and the sins that exist among them,—a class who are not
suspected of being in any danger from these polluting sins,—I have
been led to inquire, “Who, O Lord, shall stand when thou appearest?”
Only those who have clean hands and a pure heart shall abide in the
day of his coming. O that I could make all understand their obligation
to preserve the body in the best condition to render perfect service to
their Maker!
[131]
I feel impelled by the Spirit of the Lord to urge my sisters who
profess godliness to cherish modesty of deportment and a becoming
reserve, “with shamefacedness and sobriety.” [
1 Timothy 2:9
.] The
liberties allowed in these corrupt times should be no criterion for
Christ’s followers. The exhibitions of familiarity which the world
tolerates, should not exist among Christians fitting for immortality. If
lasciviousness, vice, and crime are the order of the day among those
who refuse to be controlled by the principles of God’s word, how
important that those professing to be followers of Christ, closely allied
to God and angels, should show them a better and nobler way! How
important that by their chaste conduct they should stand in marked
contrast to the class who are controlled by base passion!
My sisters, avoid even the appearance of evil. In this fast age
you are not safe unless you stand on your guard. Virtue and modesty
are rare. I appeal to you as followers of Christ, in view of your high
profession, to cherish the priceless gem of modesty. As you hope to
be finally exalted to join the society of sinless angels, and to live in an
atmosphere where there is not the least taint of sin, seek purity; for
nothing else will abide the searching test of the day of God, and be
received into a pure and holy heaven.
The slightest insinuation of evil, the least approach to unwar-
rantable familiarity, from whatever source it may come, should be