and adultery, but also against all uncleanness and loose conduct. All such things would debar a Christian from gaining everlasting life. (Gal. 5:19-21) His understanding of this matter and his serious concern with it are seen from the way he counseled his friend Timothy about such things. He admonished Timothy to treat older women as he would treat his own mother, with respect and kindness, and the younger women in the congregation as his own fleshly sisters. And how is that? “With all chasteness.” Later, when writing Timothy a second time, he felt it necessary to counsel Timothy again along this line, saying: “Flee from the desires incidental to youth, but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, along with those who call upon the Lord out of a clean heart.” If the heart is filled with unclean thoughts or fantasies, how can one call upon Jehovah God in prayer out of a pure heart?​—1 Tim. 5:2; 2 Tim. 2:22.

The very idea of romance is appealing to many married persons whose mates may be unresponsive, unimaginative or too preoccupied with business. But romance is a snare if it is outside of marriage or is not intended to lead to marriage. Thus Dr. Mace, in his book Marriage​—East and West, tells of what an Oriental woman said in regard to her friend who was having an extramarital affair: “Please don’t misunderstand me. I love my husband and value my home and have no intention of following her example.” Then smiling, she added, “But it is a bit romantic, don’t you think?”

The remedy? Above all, there is the need to guard the heart by being careful what the mind feeds upon. (Prov. 4:23) Avoid entertainment that countenances unchristian conduct; avoid reading about such things in newspapers, magazines or books. Instead of dwelling on “romantic” episodes, heed the apostolic advice: “Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things.” What an antidote for romantic daydreaming!​—Phil. 4:8.

From God’s Word we learn that such romantic liaisons are wrong, are bad, and it also tells us to hate what is bad. (Ps. 97:10) Even if we never translate romantic fantasies or daydreaming into actions, they still do harm. How so? In that they are bound to weaken one’s love and respect for one’s mate, cause one to grow careless as to pleasing the Creator in other matters, result in a guilty conscience and weaken one’s zeal for righteousness.

Truly the Word of God clearly points out where the course of wisdom lies​—not in yielding to unwise feelings and inclinations—​but in disciplining ourselves, in following right principles, in taking delight in the law of God, meditating on it and being guided by it.​—Ps. 1:1-6; Prov. 2:1-9.

Annual Meeting, October 1, 1973

The annual meeting of the members of Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 1, 1973, at the Society’s Office located at 4100 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213. Will those brothers who are members of the Corporation please now see to it that the Secretary’s Office has their present mailing addresses so that the regular letters of notice and the proxies can be sent to them to reach them shortly after September 1. The proxies should be returned so as to reach the Office of the Secretary of the Society not later than September 15. As each member knows, he should complete and return his proxy promptly whether he is going to be at the annual meeting personally or not.