- Foreword
- Ellen G. White A Brief Biographical Sketch
- Faith in God
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- Parental Responsibility
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- Treasure in Heaven
- The Shaking
- God's Proving
- Houses of Worship
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- Surety for Unbelievers
- Oath Taking
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- Our Denominational Name
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- The Future
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- The Prayer of David
- Proper Observance of the Sabbath
- Life Insurance
- Health and Religion
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- Wiles of Satan
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- Christian Zeal
- Responsibilities of the Young
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- Why God Reproves His Own People
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- Christian Recreation
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- Unbalanced Minds
- Faithfulness in Home Duties
- Vain Thoughts
- Consideration for the Erring
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- The Health Reform
- Danger of Applause
- Labor for the Erring
- Love and Duty
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- The Power of Prayer in Temptation
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- Worldly Interests and Heavenly Treasures
- The Galling Yoke of Selfishness
- The Parable of the Talents
- Self-Denial and Sacrifice
- The Tithing System
- Co-workers With God
- From the Days of Adam
- A Tenth of the Increase
- No Irksome Burden
- Treasure on Earth
- For Man's Benefit
- Accountability of the Poor
- A Caution to the Wealthy
- Undivided Allegiance
- The Blessing of Benevolence
- Into All the World
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- The Efficacy of Christ's Blood
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- Grafted Into Christ
- A Lesson in Humility
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- Duty of Parents to the College
- College Students
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- Faithful Workers
- Into the Maze of Skepticism
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- Simplicity in Dress
- The Wedding Ring
- Forming Character
Influence of Worldly Alliance
Many are now losing their interest and confidence in the truth because they have taken unbelief into close connection with themselves. They breathe the atmosphere of doubt, of questioning, of infidelity. They see and hear unbelief, and finally they cherish it. Some may have the courage to resist these influences, but in many cases their faith is imperceptibly undermined and finally destroyed. Satan has then succeeded in his plans. He has worked through his agents so silently that the barriers of faith and truth have been swept away before the believing ones have had any thought of where they were drifting.1TT 573.3
It is a dangerous thing to form a worldly alliance. Satan well knows that the hour that witnesses the marriage of many young men and women closes the history of their religious experience and usefulness. They are lost to Christ. They may for a time make an effort to live a Christian life, but all their strivings are made against a steady influence in the opposite direction. Once it was a privilege and joy to them to speak of their faith and hope; but they become unwilling to mention the subject, knowing that the one with whom they have linked their destiny takes no interest in it. As the result, faith in the precious truth dies out of the heart, and Satan insidiously weaves about them a web of skepticism.1TT 574.1
It is carrying that which is lawful to excess that makes it a grievous sin. Those who profess the truth trample on the will of God in marrying unbelievers; they lose His favor and make bitter work for repentance. The unbelieving may possess an excellent moral character; but the fact that he or she has not answered to the claims of God, and has neglected so great salvation, is sufficient reason why such a union should not be consummated. The character of the unbelieving may be similar to that of the young man to whom Jesus addressed the words, “One thing thou lackest;” that was the one thing needful.1TT 574.2
The plea is sometimes made that the unbeliever is favorable to religion and is all that could be desired in a companion except in one thing—he is not a Christian. Although the better judgment of the believer may suggest the impropriety of a union for life with an unbeliever, yet, in nine cases out of ten, inclination triumphs. Spiritual declension commences the moment the vow is made at the altar; religious fervor is dampened, and one stronghold after another is broken down, until both stand side by side under the black banner of Satan. Even in the festivities of the wedding, the spirit of the world triumphs against conscience, faith, and truth. In the new home the hour of prayer is not respected. The bride and bridegroom have chosen each other and dismissed Jesus.1TT 574.3
At first the unbelieving one may make no show of opposition in the new relation; but when the subject of Bible truth is presented for attention and consideration, the feeling at once arises: “You married me, knowing that I was what I am; I do not wish to be disturbed. From henceforth let it be understood that conversation upon your peculiar views is to be interdicted.” If the believer should manifest any special earnestness in regard to his faith, it might seem like unkindness toward the one who has no interest in the Christian experience.1TT 575.1
The believing one reasons that in his new relation he must concede somewhat to the companion of his choice. Social, worldly amusements are patronized. At first there is great reluctance of feeling in doing this, but the interest in the truth becomes less and less, and faith is exchanged for doubt and unbelief. No one would have suspected that the once firm, conscientious believer and devoted follower of Christ could ever become the doubting, vacillating person that he now is. Oh, the change wrought by that unwise marriage!1TT 575.2