Ellen G. White addressed the topic of masturbation, which she referred to using terms common in the 19th century, such as "self-abuse," "secret habits," "self-pollution," and "moral pollution." She considered it a serious sin with significant spiritual, mental, and physical consequences.
Here are the key points from her writings on the subject:
* **A Debasing Vice:** She described the practice as a "disgusting, soul-and-body-destroying vice" (
2T 347.1). She wrote that it debases the mind, taints the soul, and leads to impure thoughts that "seize and control the imagination" (
2T 470.1).
* **Physical Consequences:** White warned of severe physical repercussions, stating, "The practice of secret habits surely destroys the vital forces of the system" (
SA 74.2). She linked it to weakness, exhaustion, and susceptibility to diseases like consumption, explaining that the "drain upon the system is great" (
2T 470.1).
* **Spiritual and Mental Impact:** According to her writings, this habit hinders spiritual growth. She stated, "When persons are addicted to the habit of self-abuse, it is impossible to arouse their moral sensibilities to appreciate eternal things or to delight in spiritual exercises" (
2T 470.1). She also noted that it weakens moral and intellectual faculties while strengthening "animal passions" (
2T 470.1).
* **A Call to Purity:** She urged individuals, especially the young, to live a life controlled by principle rather than passion. "Every Christian will have to learn to restrain his passions and be controlled by principle. Unless he does this he is unworthy of the Christian name" (
2T 347.1).
* **Hope and Recovery:** Despite the strong warnings, she offered a path to victory through divine help. She encouraged individuals to repent and seek God's strength, writing, "If they in humility entreat God for purity of thought, and a refined and sanctified imagination, he will hear them, and grant their petitions" (
ApM 22.2). She assured that "a merciful God will accept true heart repentance, and will bless their endeavors to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit" (
ApM 22.2).