Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

accomplish this most desirable work.
Excessive study, by increasing the flow of blood to the brain, creates
morbid excitability that tends to lessen the power of self-control, and too
often gives sway to impulse or caprice. Thus the door is opened to impurity.
The misuse or nonuse of the physical powers is largely responsible for the
tide of corruption that is overspreading the world. "Pride, fullness of bread,
and abundance of idleness," are as deadly foes to human progress in this
generation as when they led to the destruction of Sodom.
Indulgence of the baser passions will lead very many to shut their eyes
to the light, for they fear that they will see sins which they are unwilling to
forsake. All may see if they will. If they choose darkness rather than light,
their criminality will be none the less.
Death before dishonor or the transgression of God's law should be the
motto of every Christian. As a people professing to be reformers, treasuring
the most solemn, purifying truths of God's word, we must elevate the
standard far higher than it is at the present time. Sin and sinners in the church
must be promptly dealt with, that others may not be contaminated. Truth and
purity require that we make more thorough work to cleanse the camp from
Achans. Let those in responsible positions not suffer sin in a brother. Show
him that he must either put away his sins or be separated from the church.
The youth may have principles so firm that the most powerful
temptations of Satan will not draw them away from their allegiance. Samuel
was a child surrounded by the most corrupting influences. He saw and heard
things that grieved his soul. The sons of Eli, who ministered in holy office,
were controlled by Satan. These men polluted the whole atmosphere which
surrounded them. Men and women were daily fascinated with sin and wrong,
yet Samuel walked untainted. His robes of character were spotless. He did
not fellowship, or have the least delight in, the sins which filled all Israel
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