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society. Their attentions are to them flattering, and they encourage, or
permit, a familiarity which does not always accord with the exhortation
of the apostle, to “abstain from all appearance of evil.”—
The Review
and Herald, March 12, 1872
.
No Time for Corrupt Impulses—Our probation is short at best.
We have no time to spend in indulging corrupt impulses. The familiar-
ity of married men with married women and young girls is disgusting
in the sight of God and holy angels. The forwardness of young girls
in placing themselves in the company of young men, hanging around
where they are at work, entering into conversation with them, talking
common, idle talk, is belittling to womanhood. It lowers them, even in
the estimation of those who themselves do such things.—
Testimonies
on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 245 (1888)
.
Proper Use of One’s Talents—All have not the same work. There
are distinct and individual duties for each to perform; yet with these
varied duties there may be a beautiful harmony, binding the work of
all together in perfect fitness. Our heavenly Father requires of none
to whom He has given but one talent, the improvement of five. But
if the one be wisely used, the possessor will soon have gained more,
and may continually increase her power of influence and sphere of
usefulness by making the best use of the talents which God has given
her. Her individuality may be distinctly preserved, and yet she be part
of the great whole in advancing the work of reform so greatly needed.
Woman, if she wisely improves her time and her faculties, relying
upon God for wisdom and strength, may stand on an equality with
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her husband as adviser, counselor, companion, and coworker, and yet
lose none of her womanly grace or modesty. She may elevate her own
character, and just as she does this she is elevating and ennobling the
characters of her family and exerting a powerful though unconscious
influence upon others around her.—
The Health Reformer, June 1,
1880
.
Reaching One’s Full Potential—Why should not women culti-
vate the intellect? Why should they not answer the purpose of God
in their existence? Why may they not understand their own powers,
and realizing that these powers are given of God, strive to make use
of them to the fullest extent in doing good to others, in advancing the
work of reform, of truth and real goodness in the world? Satan knows