Marriages, Wise and Unwise
393
It is Satan’s studied effort to secure the youth in sin; for then he
is sure of the man. The enemy of souls is filled with intense hatred
against every endeavor to influence the youth in the right direction.
He hates everything that will give correct views of God and of Christ.
His efforts are especially directed against those who are placed in a
position favorable for receiving light from heaven; for he knows that
any movement on their part to come into connection with God will
give them power to resist his temptations. As an angel of light he
comes to the youth with his specious devices, and too often succeeds
in winning them, step by step, from the path of duty.
Proper Association
Young persons who are thrown into one another’s society may
make their association a blessing or a curse. They may edify,
strengthen, and bless one another, improving in deportment, in dispo-
sition, in knowledge; or, by permitting themselves to become careless
[455]
and unfaithful, they may exert only a demoralizing influence.—
The
Youth’s Instructor, August 10, 1899
.
Hasty Marriages
Satan is constantly busy to hurry inexperienced youth into a mar-
riage alliance. But the less we glory in the marriages which are now
taking place, the better. When the sacred nature and the claims of
marriage are understood, it will even now be approved of Heaven, and
the result will be happiness to both parties, and God will be glorified....
True religion ennobles the mind, refines the taste, sanctifies the
judgment, and makes its possessor partaker of the purity and influences
of Heaven; it brings angels near, and separates more and more from
the spirit and influence of the world.—
Testimonies for the Church
2:252, 253
.
Influenced to Marriage by Satan
Satan is busily engaged in influencing those who are wholly un-
suited to each other to unite their interests. He exults in this work,
for by it he can produce more misery and hopeless woe to the human