Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

Esau lusted for a favorite dish, and sacrificed
his birthright to gratify appetite. After his lustful
appetite had been gratified he saw his folly, but
found no space for repentance though he sought it
carefully and with tears. There are very many who
are like Esau. He represents a class who have a
special, valuable blessing within their reach,—the
immortal inheritance, life that is as enduring as the
life of God, the Creator of the universe, happiness
immeasurable, and an eternal weight of glory,—but
who have so long indulged their appetites,
passions, and inclinations, that their power to
discern and appreciate the value of eternal things is
weakened.
Esau had a special, strong desire for a particular
article of food, and he had so long gratified self
that he did not feel the necessity of turning from
the tempting, coveted dish. He thought upon it,
making no special effort to restrain his appetite,
until the power of appetite bore down every other
consideration and controlled him, and he imagined
that he would suffer great inconvenience, and even
death, if he could not have that particular dish. The
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