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Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students - Ellen G. White

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unbelieving in these societies does not make saints<br />

of sinners. When God’s people voluntarily unite<br />

with the worldly <strong>and</strong> the unconsecrated, <strong>and</strong> give<br />

them the pre-eminence, they will be led away from<br />

Him by the unsanctified influence under which<br />

they have placed themselves. For a short time there<br />

may be nothing seriously objectionable; but minds<br />

that have not been brought under the control of the<br />

Spirit of God will not take readily <strong>to</strong> those things<br />

which savor of truth <strong>and</strong> righteousness. If they had<br />

had here<strong>to</strong>fore any relish for spiritual things they<br />

would have placed themselves in the ranks of Jesus<br />

Christ. The two classes are controlled by different<br />

masters <strong>and</strong> are opposites in their purposes, hopes,<br />

tastes, <strong>and</strong> desires. The followers of Jesus enjoy<br />

sober, sensible, ennobling themes, while those who<br />

have no love for sacred things cannot take pleasure<br />

in these gatherings, unless the superficial <strong>and</strong><br />

unreal constitute a prominent feature of the<br />

exercises. Little by little the spiritual element is<br />

ruled out by the irreligious, <strong>and</strong> the effort <strong>to</strong><br />

harmonize principles which are antagonistic in<br />

their nature proves a decided failure.<br />

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