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

the electric currents in the nervous system lessens
the strength of the vital powers, and the result is a
deadening of the sensibilities of the mind. In
consideration of these facts, how important that
ministers and people who profess godliness should
stand forth clear and untainted from this souldebasing
vice!
My soul has been bowed down with anguish as
I have been shown the weak condition of God's
professed people. Iniquity abounds, and the love of
many waxes cold. There are but few professed
Christians who regard this matter in the right light
and who hold proper government over themselves
when public opinion and custom do not condemn
them. How few restrain their passions because they
feel under moral obligation to do so and because
the fear of God is before their eyes! The higher
faculties of man are enslaved by appetite and
corrupt passions.
Some will acknowledge the evil of sinful
indulgences, yet will excuse themselves by saying
that they cannot overcome their passions. This is a
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