Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

love for truth and purity and goodness be early implanted in the soul, and the
youth will seek the society of those who possess these characteristics.
Cautions to Those Contemplating Marriage
The youth trust altogether too much to impulse. They should not give
themselves away too easily, nor be captivated too readily by the winning
exterior of the lover. Courtship as carried on in this age is a scheme of
deception and hypocrisy, with which the enemy of souls has far more to do
than the Lord. Good common sense is needed here if anywhere; but the fact
is, it has little to do in the matter.
Imagination, lovesick sentimentalism, should be guarded against as
would be the leprosy. Very many of the young men and women in this age of
the world are lacking in virtue; therefore great caution is needed.
There is much of this low sentimentalism mingled with the religious
experience of the young in this age of the world. My sister, God requires you
to be transformed. Elevate your affections, I implore you. Devote your
mental and physical powers to the service of your Redeemer, who has
bought you. Sanctify your thoughts and feelings that all your works may be
wrought in God.
Satan's angels are keeping watch with those who devote a large share of
the night to courting. Could they have their eyes opened, they would see an
angel making a record of their words and acts. The laws of health and
modesty are violated. It would be more appropriate to let some of the hours
of courtship before marriage run through the married life. But as a general
thing, marriage ends all the devotion manifested during the days of
courtship.
Satan knows just what elements he has to deal with, and he displays his
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