Mind, Character, and Personality Vol. 2 - Second Advent Revival

opposition to that of God.--5T 310, 311 (1885). {2MCP 589.2}
Diet Affects the Imagination.--Intemperance commences at our tables in the use of
unhealthful food. After a time, through continued indulgence, the digestive organs
become weakened, and the food taken does not satisfy the appetite. Unhealthy
conditions are established, and there is a craving for more stimulating food. Tea, coffee,
and flesh meats produce an immediate effect. Under the influence of these poisons the
nervous system is excited, and in some cases, for the time being, the intellect seems to
be invigorated and the imagination to be more vivid.--3T 487 (1875). {2MCP 589.3}
Effect of Tea, Coffee, and Other Popular Beverages. --Tea acts as a stimulant
and, to a certain extent,
590
produces intoxication. The action of coffee and many other popular drinks is similar.
The first effect is exhilarating. The nerves of the stomach are excited; these convey
irritation to the brain, and this in turn is aroused to impart increased action to the heart
and short-lived energy to the entire system. Fatigue is forgotten; the strength seems to
be increased. The intellect is aroused, the imagination becomes more vivid.--MH 326
(1905). {2MCP 589.4}
Popular Revivals and Imagination.--Popular revivals are too often carried by
appeals to the imagination, by exciting the emotions, by gratifying the love for what is
new and startling. Converts thus gained have little desire to listen to Bible truth, little
interest in the testimony of prophets and apostles. Unless a religious service has
something of a sensational character, it has no attractions for them. A message which
appeals to unimpassioned reason awakens no response. The plain warnings of God's
Word, relating directly to their eternal interests, are unheeded.--GC 463 (1888). {2MCP
590.1}
Theater Depraves the Imagination.--Among the most dangerous resorts for
pleasure is the theater. Instead of being a school of morality and virtue, as is so often
claimed, it is the very hotbed of immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propensities are
strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments. Low songs, lewd gestures,
expressions, and attitudes deprave the imagination and debase the morals. Every youth
who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle. {2MCP 590.2}
There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy
religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober
realities of life than theatrical amusements. The love for these scenes increases with
every indulgence, as the desire for intoxicating drink strengthens with its use. The only
safe course is to shun the theater, the circus, and every other questionable place of
amusement.-- 4T 652, 653 (1881).
591 {2MCP 590.3}
Fiction Creates an Imaginary World.--You have indulged in novel and story