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Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce
God, regardless of consequences. They would break down the barriers
of the marriage relation, that they may form new connections.
God gave only one cause why a wife should leave her husband, or
the husband leave his wife, which was adultery. Let this ground be
prayerfully considered. Marriage was from the creation constituted by
God a divine ordinance. The marriage institution was made in Eden.
The Sabbath of the fourth commandment was instituted in Eden, when
the foundations of the world were laid, when the morning stars sang
together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. Then let this, God’s
institution of marriage, stand before you as firm as the Sabbath of the
fourth commandment.
We inquire, What can be said or done to stop the moral declension
that has been taking root in the Health Retreat? May God forgive
those who have had the experience of years in connection with the
cause and work of God, and yet will by practice bring in a state of
things that will endanger virtue and modesty and self-respect of girls
and women. I must urge upon you that which I know, from the light
which God has been pleased to give me. I have been shown that men
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and women enjoying the religion of Jesus Christ will not be uneasy,
restless, discontented, changeable; the peace of Christ in the heart will
give solidity to character.
Sacredness of the Marriage Covenant—I was in the night sea-
son in my dreams brought in connection with the Health Retreat. I
felt grieved to see you unhappy and much discouraged.... But while I
was distressed over this revelation to me, there was One speaking with
you, Dr. Q. His words reproved you, but were mingled with tender
compassion. I cannot write the exact words as He spoke them. I will
try my best to give you the import of them. He said:
“You are nourishing despondency, but in this you are
not wise; you will become weak and inefficient. This will
give the enemy advantage over you. God would have you
grow nearer and closer to Himself, to resemble the image
and character of Christ. Your heart is the seat of many
tumultuous feelings, which you do not strive vigorously to
overcome. You do not put your full heart and will into the
work of cleansing the soul temple. Your mind is unwisely
exercised on the subject of divorce from your wife. God