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Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce
First Place in a Husband’s Affections—To married men I am
instructed to say, “It is to your wives, the mothers of your children,
that your respect and affection are due. Your attentions are to be
given to them, and your thoughts are to dwell upon plans for their
happiness....”
My brother U, remember that the woman who receives the least
manifestation of affection from a man who is the husband of another
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woman, shows herself to be in need of repentance and conversion.
And the man who allows his wife to occupy the second place in his
affections is dishonoring himself and his God. This thing is one of
the signs of the last days. But surely you do not desire to fulfill this
sign. This is the part that the wicked are to act. Christ will take charge
of the affections of those who love and honor God, causing them to
center upon proper objects.
My brother, your wife has her faults, but so have you. She is your
wife still. She is the mother of your children, and you are to respect,
cherish, and love her. Guard yourself carefully, that impurity may not
abide in mind or heart....
True as Steel to the Marriage Vow—Brother U, your case was
presented to me some time ago, but I have delayed writing, thinking
that I might see you and talk with you. You are being imprisoned with
a dangerous sentimentalism, and this has nearly spoiled you and the
one also who has permitted you to make her your favorite. You need
not ask God to bless you in pursuing this course. In this matter your
mind has been worked by the enemy who stands ready to control those
who give place to spiritualistic affection.
You have a wife, and you are bound to her by the law of God. “Ye
have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit
adultery: but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to
lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart....
It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her
a writing of divorcement: but I say unto you, That whosoever shall
put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her
to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced
committeth adultery” (
Matthew 5:27-32
).
May the Lord help you is my prayer. Now is the time to fight the
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good fight of faith. Now is the time to wrestle against the prompting
of the natural heart. Now is your time to be as true as steel to your