Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

knows, too, that in no way can he better stamp his own hateful image upon
their offspring, and that he can thus mold their character even more readily
than he can the character of the parents.
Men and women, you will one day learn what is lust and the result of its
gratification. Passion of just as base a quality may be found in the marriage
relation as outside of it.
What is the result of giving loose rein to the lower passions? The
bedchamber, where angels of God should preside, is made unholy by unholy
practices. And because shameful animalism rules, bodies are corrupted;
loathsome practices lead to loathsome diseases. That which God has given as
a blessing is made a curse.
Sexual excess will effectually destroy a love for devotional exercises,
will take from the brain the substance needed to nourish the system, and will
most effectively exhaust the vitality. No woman should aid her husband in
this work of self-destruction. She will not do it if she is enlightened and has
true love for him.
The more the animal passions are indulged, the stronger do they
become, and the more violent will be their clamors for indulgence. Let Godfearing
men and women awake to their duty. Many professed Christians are
suffering with paralysis of nerve and brain because of their intemperance in
this direction.
Husbands to Be Considerate
Husbands should be careful, attentive, constant, faithful, and
compassionate. They should manifest love and sympathy. If they fulfill the
words of Christ, their love will not be of a base, earthly, sensual character
that will lead to the destruction of their own bodies and bring upon their
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