Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

ways into their soul--they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing
anything that will suggest impure thoughts. This will require earnest
prayer and always being carefully alert. We must be helped by the
abiding influence of the Holy Spirit, which will attract the mind
higher to think on pure and holy things. "How can a young man
cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word." "Your
word," says the psalmist, "I have hidden in my heart, that I might
not sin against You" (Psalm 119:9, 11).
Israel's sin at Beth Peor brought the judgments of God on the
nation. The same sins may not be punished as quickly now, but
nature has set terrible penalties, penalties that will come to every
transgressor sooner or later. These sins more than any other have
caused the fearful physical and moral decline of the human race and
the weight of disease and misery with which the world is cursed.
People may succeed in hiding their sin from others, but they will
reap the result in suffering, disease, or death. And beyond this life
stands the judgment. "Those who practice such things will not
inherit the kingdom of God," but will have their part with Satan and
the evil angels in that "lake of fire" which "is the second death"
(Galatians 5:21; Revelation 20:14).
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