Section 17—Relaxation and Recreation

Chapter 79—Recreation is Essential

Extreme Views Regarding Recreation—There are persons with a diseased imagination to whom religion
is a tyrant, ruling them as with a rod of iron. Such are constantly mourning over their depravity and
groaning over supposed evil. Love does not exist in their hearts; a frown is ever upon their
countenances. They are chilled by the innocent laugh from the youth or from anyone. They consider all
recreation or amusement a sin and think that the mind must be constantly wrought up to just such a
stern, severe pitch. This is one extreme. Others think that the mind must be ever on the stretch to
invent new amusements and diversions in order to gain health. They learn to depend on excitement and
are uneasy without it. Such are not true Christians. They go to another extreme. The true principles of
Christianity open before all a source of happiness, the height and depth, the length and breadth of
which are immeasurable.1

To Refresh the Spirits and Invigorate the Body—It is the privilege and duty of Christians to seek to
refresh their spirits and invigorate their bodies by innocent recreation, with the purpose of using their
physical and mental powers to the glory of God. Our recreations should not be scenes of senseless mirth,
taking the form of the nonsensical. We can conduct them in such a manner as will benefit and elevate
those with whom we associate, and better qualify us and them to more successfully attend to the duties
devolving upon us as Christians.2

I was shown that Sabbathkeepers as a people labor too hard without allowing themselves change or
periods of rest. Recreation is needful to those who are engaged in physical labor and is still more
essential for those whose labor is principally mental. It is not essential to our salvation, nor for the glory
of God, to keep the mind laboring constantly and excessively, even upon religious themes.3

With the question of recreation the surroundings of the home and the school have much to do. In the
choice of a home or the location of a school these things should be considered. Those with whom
mental and physical well-being is of greater moment than money or the claims and customs of society
should seek for their children the benefit of nature's teaching and recreation amidst her surroundings.4

Recreation Is Essential to Best Work—The time spent in physical exercise is not lost.... A proportionate
exercise of all the organs and faculties of the body is essential to the best work of each. When the
brain is constantly taxed while the other organs of the living machinery are inactive, there is a loss of
strength, physical and mental. The physical system is robbed of its healthful tone, the mind loses its
freshness and vigor, and a morbid excitability is the result.5

Care needs to be exercised in regard to the regulation of hours for sleeping and laboring. We must take
periods of rest, periods of recreation, periods for contemplation.... The principles of temperance have
a wider range than many think.6

Students Need Relaxation—Those who are engaged in study should have relaxation. The mind must not
be constantly confined to close thought, for the delicate mental machinery becomes worn. The body as
well as the mind must have exercise.7

Attention to recreation and physical culture will at times, no doubt, interrupt the regular routine of
schoolwork; but the interruption will prove no real hindrance. In the invigoration of mind and body, the
fostering of an unselfish spirit, and the binding together of pupil and teacher by the ties of common
interest and friendly association, the expenditure of time and effort will be repaid a hundredfold. A
blessed outlet will be afforded for that restless energy which is so often a source of danger to the young.
As a safeguard against evil, the preoccupation of the mind with good is worth more than unnumbered
barriers of law and discipline.8

Office Workers Who Needed Days for Recreation—I saw that but few realize the constant, wearing labor
of those who are bearing the responsibilities of the work in the office. They are confined within doors
day after day and week after week, while a constant strain upon the mental powers is surely
undermining their constitutions and lessening their hold on life. These brethren are in danger of
breaking suddenly. They are not immortal, and without a change they must wear out and be lost to the
work.

We have precious gifts in Brethren A, B, and C. We cannot afford to have them ruin their health through
close confinement and incessant toil....

They have had scarcely any variation except what fevers and other sickness have given them. They
should have a change frequently, should often devote a day wholly to recreation with their families, who
are almost entirely deprived of their society. All may not be able to leave the work at the same time; but
they should so arrange their work that one or two may go, leaving others to supply their places, and
then let these in their turn have the same opportunity.

I saw that these brethren, A, B, and C, should as a religious duty take care of the health and strength
which God has given them. The Lord does not require them just now to become martyrs to His cause.
They will obtain no reward for making this sacrifice, for God wants them to live.9

Seek Means for Innocent, Instructive Recreation—There are modes of recreation which are highly
beneficial to both mind and body. An enlightened, discriminating mind will find abundant means for
entertainment and diversion, from sources not only innocent, but instructive. Recreation in the open
air, the contemplation of the works of God in nature, will be of the highest benefit.10

I believe that, while we are seeking to refresh our spirits and invigorate our bodies, we are required of
God to use all our powers at all times to the best purpose. We may associate together as we do here
today, [Note: Portion of an address to a company of about two hundred, enjoying a season of recreation
at Lake Goguac, near Battle Creek, Michigan, in May, 1870.] and do all to the glory of God. We can and
should conduct our recreations in such a manner that we shall be fitted for the more successful
discharge of the duties devolving upon us, and that our influence shall be more beneficial upon those
with whom we associate. Especially should it be the case upon an occasion like this, which should be of
good cheer to us all. We can return to our homes improved in mind and refreshed in body, and
prepared to engage in the work anew, with better hope and better courage.11

God's Invitation to Youth—God's invitation comes to each youth, “My son, give Me thine heart; I will
keep it pure; I will satisfy its longings with true happiness.” God loves to make the youth happy, and that
is why He would have them give their hearts into His keeping, that all the God-given faculties of the
being may be kept in a vigorous, healthful condition. They are holding God's gift of life. He makes the
heart beat; He gives strength to every faculty. Pure enjoyment will not debase one of God's gifts.12

Chapter 80—What Shall We Play?

Substitute the Innocent for the Sinful—Youth cannot be made as sedate and grave as old age, the child
as sober as the sire. While sinful amusements are condemned, as they should be, let parents, teachers,
and guardians of youth provide in their stead innocent pleasures which will not taint or corrupt the
morals. Do not bind down the young to rigid rules and restraints that will lead them to feel themselves
oppressed and to break over and rush into paths of folly and destruction. With a firm, kind, considerate
hand hold the lines of government, guiding and controlling their minds and purposes, yet so gently, so
wisely, so lovingly, that they will still know that you have their best good in view.1

There are amusements, such as dancing, card playing, chess, checkers, etc., which we cannot approve
because Heaven condemns them. These amusements open the door for great evil. They are not
beneficial in their tendency, but have an exciting influence, producing in some minds a passion for those
plays which lead to gambling and dissipation. All such plays should be condemned by Christians, and
something perfectly harmless should be substituted in their place.2

While we restrain our children from worldly pleasures that have a tendency to corrupt and mislead, we
ought to provide them innocent recreation, to lead them in pleasant paths where there is no danger. No
child of God need have a sad or mournful experience. Divine commands, divine promises, show that this
is so. Wisdom's ways “are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.”3

While we shun the false and artificial, discarding horse racing, card playing, lotteries, prize fights, liquor
drinking, and tobacco using, we must supply sources of pleasure that are pure and noble and
elevating.4

The Useful Place of the Gymnasium—Gymnastic exercises fill a useful place in many schools, but without
careful supervision they are often carried to excess. In the gymnasium many youth, by their attempted
feats of strength, have done themselves lifelong injury.

Exercise in a gymnasium, however well conducted, cannot supply the place of recreation in the open air,
and for this our schools should afford better opportunity.5

Games With a Ball—Basic Guiding Principles—I do not condemn the simple exercise of playing ball; but
this, even in its simplicity, may be overdone.

I shrink always from the almost sure result which follows in the wake of these amusements. It leads to
an outlay of means that should be expended in bringing the light of truth to souls that are perishing out
of Christ. The amusements and expenditures of means for self-pleasing, which lead on step by step to
self-glorifying, and the educating in these games for pleasure produce a love and passion for such things
that is not favorable to the perfection of Christian character.

The way that they have been conducted at the college does not bear the impress of heaven. It does not
strengthen the intellect. It does not refine and purify the character. There are threads leading out
through the habits and customs and worldly practices, and the actors become so engrossed and
infatuated that they are pronounced in heaven lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. In the place
of the intellect becoming strengthened to do better work as students, to be better qualified as Christians
to perform the Christian duties, the exercise in these games is filling their brains with thoughts that
distract the mind from their studies....
Is the eye single to the glory of God in these games? I know that this is not so. There is a losing sight of
God's way and His purpose. The employment of intelligent beings, in probationary time, is superseding
God's revealed will and substituting for it the speculations and inventions of the human agent, with
Satan by his side to imbue with his spirit.... The Lord God of heaven protests against the burning
passion cultivated for SUPREMACY in the games that are so engrossing.6

The Problem of Many Athletic Sports—Vigorous exercise the pupils must have. Few evils are more to be
dreaded than indolence and aimlessness. Yet the tendency of most athletic sports is a subject of anxious
thought to those who have at heart the well-being of the youth. Teachers are troubled as they consider
the influence of these sports both on the student's progress in school and on his success in afterlife. The
games that occupy so much of his time are diverting the mind from study. They are not helping to
prepare the youth for practical, earnest work in life. Their influence does not tend toward refinement,
generosity, or real manliness.

Some of the most popular amusements, such as football and boxing, have become schools of brutality.
They are developing the same characteristics as did the games of ancient Rome. The love of
domination, the pride in mere brute force, the reckless disregard of life, are exerting upon the youth a
power to demoralize that is appalling.

Other athletic games, though not so brutalizing, are scarcely less objectionable because of the excess to
which they are carried. They stimulate the love of pleasure and excitement, thus fostering a distaste
for useful labor, a disposition to shun practical duties and responsibilities. They tend to destroy a
relish for life's sober realities and its tranquil enjoyments. Thus the door is opened to dissipation and
lawlessness with their terrible results.7

When Life Was Less Complex—In early ages, with the people who were under God's direction, life was
simple. They lived close to the heart of nature. Their children shared in the labor of the parents and
studied the beauties and mysteries of nature's treasure house. And in the quiet of field and wood they
pondered those mighty truths handed down as a sacred trust from generation to generation. Such
training produced strong men.

In this age life has become artificial, and men have degenerated. While we may not return fully to the
simple habits of those early times, we may learn from them lessons that will make our seasons of
recreation what the name implies—seasons of true upbuilding for body and mind and soul.8

Family Outings—Let several families living in a city or village unite and leave the occupations which have
taxed them physically and mentally, and make an excursion into the country, to the side of a fine lake, or
to a nice grove where the scenery of nature is beautiful. They should provide themselves with plain,
hygienic food, the very best fruits and grains, and spread their table under the shade of some tree or
under the canopy of heaven. The ride, the exercise, and the scenery will quicken the appetite, and they
can enjoy a repast which kings might envy.

On such occasions parents and children should feel free from care, labor, and perplexity. Parents should
become children with their children, making everything as pleasant for them as possible. Let the whole
day be given to recreation. Exercise in the open air for those whose employment has been within doors
and sedentary will be beneficial to health. All who can should feel it a duty to pursue this course.
Nothing will be lost, but much gained. They can return to their occupations with new life and new
courage to engage in their labor with zeal, and they are better prepared to resist disease.9

Find Happiness in the Charms of Nature—Do not think that God wishes us to yield up everything which it
is for our happiness here to retain. All He requires us to give up is that which would not be for our
good and happiness to retain.

That God who has planted the noble trees and clothed them with their rich foliage, and given us the
brilliant and beautiful shades of the flowers, and whose handy and lovely work we see in all the realm of
nature, does not design to make us unhappy; He does not design that we shall have no taste and take
no pleasure in these things. It is His design that we shall enjoy them. It is His design that we shall be
happy in the charms of nature, which are of His own creating.10

Profitable Social Gatherings—Gatherings for social intercourse are made in the highest degree profitable
and instructive when those who meet together have the love of God glowing in their hearts, when they
meet to exchange thoughts in regard to the word of God or to consider methods for advancing His work
and doing good to their fellow men. When the Holy Spirit is regarded as a welcome guest at these
gatherings, when nothing is said or done to grieve Him away, God is honored, and those who meet
together are refreshed and strengthened.11

Our gatherings should be so conducted, and we should so conduct ourselves, that when we return to
our homes, we can have a conscience void of offense toward God and man, a consciousness that we
have not wounded or injured in any manner those with whom we have been associated, or had an
injurious influence over them.12

Jesus Found Pleasure in Scenes of Innocent Happiness—Jesus reproved self-indulgence in all its forms,
yet He was social in His nature. He accepted the hospitality of all classes, visiting the homes of the rich
and the poor, the learned and the ignorant, and seeking to elevate their thoughts from questions of
commonplace life to those things that are spiritual and eternal. He gave no license to dissipation, and no
shadow of worldly levity marred His conduct; yet He found pleasure in scenes of innocent happiness and
by His presence sanctioned the social gathering. A Jewish marriage was an impressive occasion, and its
joy was not displeasing to the Son of man.... To the mind of Jesus the gladness of the wedding festivities
pointed forward to the rejoicing of that day when He shall bring home His bride to the Father's house,
and the redeemed with the Redeemer shall sit down to the marriage supper of the Lamb.13

His Example in Conversation and Conduct—When invited, as His work commenced, to a dinner or feast
by Pharisee or publican, He accepted the invitation.... On such occasions Christ controlled the table talk
and gave many precious lessons. Those present listened to Him; for had He not healed their sick,
comforted their sorrowing, taken their children in His arms and blessed them? Publicans and sinners
were drawn to Him, and when He opened His lips to speak, their attention was riveted on Him.

Christ taught His disciples how to conduct themselves when in the company of those who were not
religious and those who were. He taught them by example that when attending any public gathering,
they need not want for something to say. But His conversation differed most decidedly from that which
had been listened to at feasts in the past. Every word He uttered was a savor of life unto life to His
hearers, and they listened with subdued attention as though desirous of hearing to a purpose.14
Ellen G. White and a Pleasant Social Gathering—At the close of my long journey east, I reached my
home in time to spend New Year's Eve in Healdsburg. The college hall had been fitted up for a Sabbath
school reunion. Cypress wreaths, autumn leaves, evergreens, and flowers were tastefully arranged; and
a large bell of evergreens hung from the arched doorway at the entrance to the room. The tree was well
loaded with donations, which were to be used for the benefit of the poor and to help purchase a bell....
On this occasion nothing was said or done that need burden the conscience of anyone.

Some have said to me, “Sister White, what do you think of this? Is it in accordance with our faith?” I
answer them, “It is with my faith.”15

Draw Youth With a Winning Power—God would have every household and every church exert a winning
power to draw the children away from the seducing pleasures of the world and from association with
those whose influence would have a corrupting tendency. Study to win the youth to Jesus.16

Chapter 81—Recreation that Yields Enduring Satisfactions

Exercise That Develops Hand, Mind, and Character—The greatest benefit is not gained from exercise
that is taken as play or exercise merely. There is some benefit derived from being in the fresh air and
also from the exercise of the muscles; but let the same amount of energy be given to the performance
of helpful duties, and the benefit will be greater, and a feeling of satisfaction will be realized; for such
exercise carries with it the sense of helpfulness and the approval of conscience for duty well done.1

In the children and youth an ambition should be awakened to take their exercise in doing something
that will be beneficial to themselves and helpful to others. The exercise that develops mind and
character, that teaches the hands to be useful and trains the young to bear their share of life's burdens,
is that which gives physical strength and quickens every faculty. And there is a reward in virtuous
industry, in the cultivation of the habit of living to do good.2

No recreation helpful only to themselves will prove so great a blessing to the children and youth as that
which makes them helpful to others. Naturally enthusiastic and impressible, the young are quick to
respond to suggestion.3

Jesus’ Example as a Youth—The life of Jesus was filled with industry, and He took exercise in performing
varied tasks in harmony with His developing physical strength. In doing the work that was marked out
for Him, He had no time for indulgence in exciting, useless amusements. He took no part in that which
would poison the moral and lower the physical tone, but was trained in useful labor and even for the
endurance of hardship.4

In His earth life Christ was an example to all the human family, and He was obedient and helpful in the
home. He learned the carpenter's trade and worked with His own hands in the little shop at Nazareth....

The Bible says of Jesus, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the
grace of God was upon Him.” As He worked in childhood and youth, mind and body were developed. He
did not use His physical powers recklessly, but gave them such exercise as would keep them in health,
that He might do the best work in every line. He was not willing to be defective, even in the handling of
tools. He was perfect as a workman, as He was perfect in character. By precept and example Christ has
dignified useful labor.5
Refreshment Through Variation of Labor—Young men should remember that they are accountable for
all the privileges they have enjoyed, for the improvement of their time, and for the right use of their
abilities. They may inquire, Shall we have no amusement or recreation? Shall we work, work, work,
without any variation?6

A change from physical labor that has taxed the strength severely may be very necessary for a time, that
they may again engage in labor, putting forth exertion with greater success. But entire rest may not be
necessary or even be attended with the best results so far as their physical strength is concerned. They
need not, even when weary with one kind of labor, trifle away their precious moments. They may then
seek to do something not so exhausting but which will be a blessing to their mother and sisters. In
lightening their cares by taking upon themselves the roughest burdens they have to bear, they can find
that amusement which springs from principle and which will yield them true happiness, and their time
will not be spent in trifling or in selfish indulgence. Their time may be ever employed to advantage, and
they be constantly refreshed with variation, and yet be redeeming the time so that every moment will
tell with good account to someone.7

Many claim that it is necessary for the preservation of physical health to indulge in selfish amusement. It
is true that change is required for the best development of the body, for mind and body are refreshed
and invigorated by change; but this object is not gained by indulgence in foolish amusements, to the
neglect of daily duties which the youth should be required to do.8

A Program for Students That God Blessed—We are to educate the youth to exercise equally the mental
and the physical powers. The healthful exercise of the whole being will give an education that is broad
and comprehensive.

We had stern work to do in Australia in educating parents and youth along these lines; but we
persevered in our efforts until the lesson was learned that in order to have an education that was
complete, the time of study must be divided between the gaining of book knowledge and the securing
of a knowledge of practical work.

Part of each day was spent in useful work, the students learning how to clear the land, how to cultivate
the soil and to build houses in time that would otherwise have been spent in playing games and seeking
amusement. And the Lord blessed the students who thus devoted their time to learning lessons of
usefulness.9

God has provided useful employments for the development of health, and these useful employments
will also qualify students to be a help to themselves and to others.10

In the place of providing diversions that merely amuse, arrangements should be made for exercises that
will be productive of good.11

Missionary Activity Is an Ideal Exercise—There are plenty of necessary, useful things to do in our world
that would make the pleasure amusement exercise almost wholly unnecessary. Brain, bone, and muscle
will acquire solidity and strength in using them to a purpose, doing good, hard thinking, and devising
plans which shall train them to develop powers of intellect and strength of the physical organs, which
will be putting into practical use their God-given talents with which they may glorify God.12
It is our duty ever to seek to do good in the use of the muscles and brain God has given to youth, that
they may be useful to others, making their labors lighter, soothing the sorrowing, lifting up the
discouraged, speaking words of comfort to the hopeless, turning the minds of the students from fun and
frolic which often carries them beyond the dignity of manhood and womanhood to shame and disgrace.
The Lord would have the mind elevated, seeking higher, nobler channels of usefulness.13

The same power of exercise of mind and muscle might invent ways and means of altogether a higher
class of exercise, in doing missionary work which would make them laborers together with God, and
would be educating for higher usefulness in the present life, in doing useful work, which is a most
essential branch in education....

Is not this the work that every youth should be seeking to do, working in Christ's lines? You have Christ's
help. The ideas of the students will broaden. They will be far reaching, and the powers of usefulness,
even in your student's life, will be continually growing. The arms, the hands, which God has given, are to
be used in doing good which shall bear the signet of heaven, that you can at last hear the “Well done,
thou good and faithful servant.”14

A Prescription for Invalids—I have been instructed that as the sick are encouraged to leave their rooms
and spend time in the open air, tending the flowers or doing some other light, pleasant work, their
minds will be called from self to something more health giving. Open-air exercise should be prescribed
as a beneficial, life-giving necessity.15

We can but be cheerful as we listen to the music of the happy birds and feast our eyes upon flourishing
fields and gardens. We should invite our minds to be interested in all the glorious things God has
provided for us with a liberal hand. And in reflecting upon these rich tokens of His love and care, we may
forget infirmities, be cheerful, and make melody in our hearts unto the Lord.16

For years I have from time to time been shown that the sick should be taught that it is wrong to suspend
all physical labor in order to regain health. In thus doing the will becomes dormant, the blood moves
sluggishly through the system and constantly grows more impure. Where the patient is in danger of
imagining his case worse than it really is, indolence will be sure to produce the most unhappy results.
Well-regulated labor gives the invalid the idea that he is not totally useless in the world, that he is at
least of some benefit. This will afford him satisfaction, give him courage, and impart to him vigor, which
vain mental amusements can never do.17

God's Provision for Finding True Pleasures—God has provided for everyone pleasure that may be
enjoyed by rich and poor alike—the pleasure found in cultivating pureness of thought and unselfishness
of action, the pleasure that comes from speaking sympathizing words and doing kindly deeds. From
those who perform such service, the light of Christ shines to brighten lives darkened by many
sorrows.18

Chapter 82—How the Christian Chooses His Recreation

Christian Recreation Versus Worldly Amusement—There is a distinction between recreation and

amusement. Recreation, when true to its name, re-creation, tends to strengthen and build up. Calling us
aside from our ordinary cares and occupations, it affords refreshment for mind and body and thus
enables us to return with new vigor to the earnest work of life.
Amusement, on the other hand, is sought for the sake of pleasure and is often carried to excess; it
absorbs the energies that are required for useful work and thus proves a hindrance to life's true
success.1

Between the associations of the followers of Christ for Christian recreation and worldly gatherings for
pleasure and amusement will exist a marked contrast. Instead of prayer and the mentioning of Christ
and sacred things will be heard from the lips of worldlings the silly laugh and the trifling conversation.
Their idea is to have a general high time. Their amusements commence in folly and end in vanity.2

There is great need of temperance in amusements, as in every other pursuit. And the character of these
amusements should be carefully and thoroughly considered. Every youth should ask himself, What
influence will these amusements have on physical, mental, and moral health? Will my mind become so
infatuated as to forget God? Shall I cease to have His glory before me?3

A Rule by Which Lawful Pleasures May Be Recognized—Let us never lose sight of the fact that Jesus is a
wellspring of joy. He does not delight in the misery of human beings, but loves to see them happy.

Christians have many sources of happiness at their command, and they may tell with unerring accuracy
what pleasures are lawful and right. They may enjoy such recreations as will not dissipate the mind or
debase the soul, such as will not disappoint and leave a sad after-influence to destroy self-respect or bar
the way to usefulness. If they can take Jesus with them and maintain a prayerful spirit, they are perfectly
safe.4

Any amusement in which you can engage asking the blessing of God upon it in faith will not be
dangerous. But any amusement which disqualifies you for secret prayer, for devotion at the altar of
prayer, or for taking part in the prayer meeting is not safe, but dangerous.5

Amusements That Unfit for Ordinary Duties—We are of that class who believe that it is our privilege
every day of our lives to glorify God upon the earth, that we are not to live in this world merely for our
own amusement, merely to please ourselves. We are here to benefit humanity and to be a blessing to
society; and if we let our minds run in that low channel that many who are seeking only vanity and folly
permit their minds to run in, how can we be a benefit to our race and generation? How can we be a
blessing to society around us? We cannot innocently indulge in any amusement which will unfit us for
the more faithful discharge of ordinary duties.6

The welfare of the soul should not be endangered by the gratification of any selfish desire, and we
should shun any amusement which so fascinates the mind that the ordinary duties of life seem tame
and uninteresting. By indulgence in such pleasure the mind becomes confirmed in a wrong direction,
and Satan so perverts the thoughts that wrong is made to appear as right. Then restraint and submission
to parents, such as Christ rendered to His parents, seem unbearable.7

Objectionable Social Gatherings Depicted—There are many things which are right in themselves, but
which, perverted by Satan, prove a snare to the unwary.8

As ordinarily conducted, parties of pleasure ... are a hindrance to real growth, either of mind or of
character. Frivolous associations, habits of extravagance, of pleasure seeking, and too often of
dissipation are formed that shape the whole life for evil. In place of such amusements parents and
teachers can do much to supply diversions wholesome and life giving.9
There has been a class of social gatherings in——, ... parties of pleasure that have been a disgrace to our
institutions and to the church. They encourage pride of dress, pride of appearance, self-gratification,
hilarity, and trifling. Satan is entertained as an honored guest, and he takes possession of those who
patronize these gatherings.

A view of one such company was presented to me, where were assembled those who profess to believe
the truth. One was seated at the instrument of music, and such songs were poured forth as made the
watching angels weep. There was mirth, there was coarse laughter, there was abundance of enthusiasm
and a kind of inspiration; but the joy was such as Satan only is able to create. This is an enthusiasm and
infatuation of which all who love God will be ashamed. It prepares the participants for unholy thought
and action. I have reason to think that some who were engaged in that scene heartily repented of the
shameful performance.

Many such gatherings have been presented to me. I have seen the gaiety, the display in dress, the
personal adornment. All want to be thought brilliant, and give themselves up to hilarity, foolish jesting,
cheap, coarse flattery, and uproarious laughter. The eyes sparkle, the cheek is flushed, conscience
sleeps. With eating and drinking and merrymaking, they do their best to forget God. The scene of
pleasure is their paradise. And Heaven is looking on, seeing and hearing all.10

Gatherings for amusement confuse faith and make the motive mixed and uncertain. The Lord accepts no
divided heart. He wants the whole man.11

Few Popular Amusements Are Safe—Many of the amusements popular in the world today, even with
those who claim to be Christians, tend to the same end as did those of the heathen. There are indeed
few among them that Satan does not turn to account in destroying souls. Through the drama he has
worked for ages to excite passion and glorify vice. The opera, with its fascinating display and bewildering
music, the masquerade, the dance, the card table, Satan employs to break down the barriers of principle
and open the door to sensual indulgence. In every gathering for pleasure where pride is fostered or
appetite indulged, where one is led to forget God and lose sight of eternal interests, there Satan is
binding his chains about the soul.12

The true Christian will not desire to enter any place of amusement or engage in any diversion upon
which he cannot ask the blessing of God. He will not be found at the theater, the billiard hall, or the
bowling saloon. He will not unite with the gay waltzers or indulge in any other bewitching pleasure that
will banish Christ from the mind.

To those who plead for these diversions we answer, We cannot indulge in them in the name of Jesus of
Nazareth. The blessing of God would not be invoked upon the hour spent at the theater or in the dance.
No Christian would wish to meet death in such a place. No one would wish to be found there when
Christ shall come.13

The Theater the Hotbed of Immorality—Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater.
Instead of being a school for morality and virtue, as is so often claimed, it is the very hotbed of
immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propensities are strengthened and confirmed by these
entertainments. Low songs, lewd gestures, expressions, and attitudes deprave the imagination and
debase the morals. Every youth who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle.
There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious
impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life than theatrical
amusements. The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence as the desire for intoxicating
drink strengthens with its use. The only safe course is to shun the theater, the circus, and every other
questionable place of amusement.14

Dancing—a School of Depravity—In many religious families dancing and card playing are made a parlor
pastime. It is urged that these are quiet home amusements, which may be safely enjoyed under the
parental eye. But a love for these exciting pleasures is thus cultivated, and that which was considered
harmless at home will not long be regarded dangerous abroad. It is yet to be ascertained that there is
any good to be obtained from these amusements. They do not give vigor to the body nor rest to the
mind. They do not implant in the soul one virtuous or holy sentiment. On the contrary, they destroy all
relish for serious thought and for religious services. It is true that there is a wide contrast between the
better class of select parties and the promiscuous and degraded assemblies of the low dance house. Yet
all are steps in the path of dissipation.15

David's Dancing Not a Precedent—David's dancing in reverent joy before God has been cited by pleasure
lovers in justification of the fashionable modern dance, but there is no ground for such an argument. In
our day dancing is associated with folly and midnight reveling. Health and morals are sacrificed to
pleasure. By the frequenters of the ballroom God is not an object of thought and reverence; prayer or
the song of praise would be felt to be out of place in their assemblies. This test should be decisive.
Amusements that have a tendency to weaken the love for sacred things and lessen our joy in the service
of God are not to be sought by Christians. The music and dancing in joyful praise to God at the removal
of the ark had not the faintest resemblance to the dissipation of modern dancing. The one tended to the
remembrance of God and exalted His holy name. The other is a device of Satan to cause men to forget
God and to dishonor Him.16

Card Playing—a Prelude to Crime—Card playing should be prohibited. The associations and tendencies
are dangerous. The prince of the powers of darkness presides in the gaming room and wherever there is
card playing. Evil angels are familiar guests in these places. There is nothing in such amusements
beneficial to soul or body. There is nothing to strengthen the intellect, nothing to store it with valuable
ideas for future use. The conversation is upon trivial and degrading subjects.... Expertness in handling
cards will soon lead to a desire to put this knowledge and tact to some use for personal benefit. A small
sum is staked, and then a larger, until a thirst for gaming is acquired, which leads to certain ruin. How
many has this pernicious amusement led to every sinful practice, to poverty, to prison, to murder, and
to the gallows! And yet many parents do not see the terrible gulf of ruin that is yawning for our youth.17

The Fear of Being Singular—Professed Christians who are superficial in character and religious
experience are used by the tempter as his decoys. This class are always ready for the gatherings for
pleasure or sport, and their influence attracts others. Young men and women who have tried to be Bible
Christians are persuaded to join the party, and they are drawn into the ring. They do not prayerfully
consult the divine standard to learn what Christ has said in regard to the fruit to be borne on the
Christian tree. They do not discern that these entertainments are really Satan's banquet, prepared to
keep souls from accepting the call to the marriage supper of the Lamb and preventing them from
receiving the white robe of character, which is the righteousness of Christ. They become confused as to
what it is right for them as Christians to do. They do not want to be thought singular, and naturally
incline to follow the example of others. Thus they come under the influence of those who have never
had the divine touch on heart or mind.18

Avoid the First Step Toward Indulgence—You may see no real danger in taking the first step in frivolity
and pleasure seeking and think that when you desire to change your course, you will be able to do right
as easily as before you yielded yourselves to do wrong. But this is a mistake. By the choice of evil
companions many have been led step by step from the path of virtue into depths of disobedience and
dissipation to which at one time they would have thought it impossible for them to sink. A Clear
Declaration of Christian Principles—If you truly belong to Christ, you will have opportunities for
witnessing for Him. You will be invited to attend places of amusement, and then it will be that you will
have an opportunity to testify to your Lord. If you are true to Christ then, you will not try to form
excuses for your nonattendance, but will plainly and modestly declare that you are a child of God, and
your principles would not allow you to be in a place, even for one occasion, where you could not invite
the presence of your Lord.20

It is God's purpose to manifest through His people the principles of His kingdom. That in life and
character they may reveal these principles, He desires to separate them from the customs, habits, and
practices of the world....

Wonderful scenes are opening before us; and at this time a living testimony is to be borne in the lives of
God's professed people so that the world may see that in this age, when evil reigns on every side, there
is yet a people who are laying aside their will and are seeking to do God's will—a people in whose hearts
and lives God's law is written.

God expects those who bear the name of Christ to represent Him. Their thoughts are to be pure, their
words noble and uplifting. The religion of Christ is to be interwoven with all that they do and say.... God
desires His people to show by their lives the advantage of Christianity over worldliness, to show that
they are working on a high, holy plane.

Chapter 83—The Lure of Pleasure

The Natural Heart Seeks Pleasure—The natural mind leans toward pleasure and self-gratification. It is
Satan's policy to manufacture an abundance of this. He seeks to fill the minds of men with a desire for
worldly amusement, that they may have no time to ask themselves the question, How is it with my soul?
The love of pleasure is infectious. Given up to this, the mind hurries from one point to another, ever
seeking for some amusement.1

Worldly pleasures are infatuating; and for their momentary enjoyment many sacrifice the friendship of
Heaven, with the peace, love, and joy that it affords. But these chosen objects of delight soon become
disgusting, unsatisfying.2

Millions Flock to Places of Amusement—In this age of the world there is an unprecedented rage for
pleasure. Dissipation and reckless extravagance everywhere prevail. The multitudes are eager for
amusement. The mind becomes trifling and frivolous because it is not accustomed to meditation or
disciplined to study. Ignorant sentimentalism is current. God requires that every soul shall be cultivated,
refined, elevated, and ennobled. But too often every valuable attainment is neglected for fashionable
display and superficial pleasure.3
The exciting amusements of our time keep the minds of men and women, but more especially the
youth, in a fever of excitement, which is telling upon their stock of vitality in a far greater degree than all
their studies and physical labors, and have a tendency to dwarf the intellect and corrupt the morals.4

The youth are swept away by the popular current. Those who learn to love amusement for its own sake
open the door to a flood of temptations. They give themselves up to social gaiety and thoughtless mirth.
They are led on from one form of dissipation to another, until they lose both the desire and the capacity
for a life of usefulness. Their religious aspirations are chilled; their spiritual life is darkened. All the
nobler faculties of the soul, all that link man with the spiritual world, are debased.5

Among Pleasure Lovers Are Many Church Members—Many are eagerly participating in worldly,
demoralizing amusements which God's word forbids. Thus they sever their connection with God and
rank themselves with the pleasure lovers of the world. The sins that destroyed the antediluvians and the
cities of the plain exist today—not merely in heathen lands, not only among popular professors of
Christianity, but with some who profess to be looking for the coming of the Son of man. If God should
present these sins before you as they appear in His sight, you would be filled with shame and terror.6

The desire for excitement and pleasing entertainment is a temptation and a snare to God's people and
especially to the young. Satan is constantly preparing inducements to attract minds from the solemn
work of preparation for scenes just in the future. Through the agency of worldlings he keeps up a
continual excitement to induce the unwary to join in worldly pleasures. There are shows, lectures, and
an endless variety of entertainments that are calculated to lead to a love of the world; and through this
union with the world, faith is weakened.7

Satan, a Skillful Charmer—The young generally conduct themselves as though the precious hours of
probation, while mercy lingers, were one grand holiday and they were placed in this world merely for
their own amusement, to be gratified with a continued round of excitement. Satan has been making
special efforts to lead them to find happiness in worldly amusements and to justify themselves by
endeavoring to show that these amusements are harmless, innocent, and even important for health.8

He [Satan] presents the path of holiness as difficult, while the paths of worldly pleasure are strewn with
flowers. In false and flattering colors he arrays the world with its pleasures before the youth. But the
pleasures of earth will soon come to an end, and that which is sown must also be reaped.9

He is in every sense of the word a deceiver, a skillful charmer. He has many finely woven nets, which
appear innocent, but which are skillfully prepared to entangle the young and unwary.10

Education Is Dwarfed by the Love of Pleasure—Parents make a mistake in rushing their children into
society at an early age, fearing that they will not know anything unless they attend parties and mingle
with those who are lovers of pleasure. Even while they are at school, they allow their children to attend
parties and mingle in society. This is a great mistake. In this way children learn evil much faster than they
do the sciences, and their minds are filled with useless things, while their passion for amusement is
developed to such an extent that it is impossible for them to obtain a knowledge of even the common
branches of education. Their attention is divided between education and a love of pleasure, and as the
love of pleasure predominates, their intellectual advancement is slow.11

Like Israel of old, the pleasure lovers eat and drink and rise up to play. There is mirth and carousing,
hilarity and glee. In all this the youth follow the example of the authors of the books placed in their
hands for study. The greatest evil of it all is the permanent effect that these things have upon the
character.12

God's Last Message Regarded With Indifference—As the time of their probation was closing, the
antediluvians gave themselves up to exciting amusements and festivities. Those who possessed
influence and power were bent on keeping the minds of the people engrossed with mirth and pleasure,
lest any should be impressed by the last solemn warning. Do we not see the same repeated in our day?
While God's servants are giving the message that the end of all things is at hand, the world is absorbed
in amusements and pleasure seeking. There is a constant round of excitement that causes indifference
to God and prevents the people from being impressed by the truths which alone can save them from the
coming destruction.13

Sabbathkeepers Will Be Tested and Proved—Young Sabbathkeepers who have yielded to the influence
of the world will have to be tested and proved. The perils of the last days are upon us, and a trial is
before the young which many have not anticipated. They will be brought into distressing perplexity, and
the genuineness of their faith will be proved. They profess to be looking for the Son of man, yet some of
them have been a miserable example to unbelievers. They have not been willing to give up the world,
but have united with the world in attending picnics [Note: The simple outdoor gathering of families or
church members is not referred to here, but that in which church members “united with the world” in a
carnival type of community gathering quite common then.] and other gatherings for pleasure, flattering
themselves that they were engaging in th and carousing, hilarity and glee. In all this the youth follow the
example of the authors of the books placed in their hands for study. The greatest evil of it all is the
permanent effect that these things have upon the character.12

God's Last Message Regarded With Indifference—As the time of their probation was closing, the
antediluvians gave themselves up to exciting amusements and festivities. Those who possessed
influence and power were bent on keeping the minds of the people engrossed with mirth and pleasure,
lest any should be impressed by the last solemn warning. Do we not see the same repeated in our day?
While God's servants are giving the message that the end of all things is at hand, the world is absorbed
in amusements and pleasure seeking. There is a constant round of excitement that causes indifference
to God and prevents the people from being impressed by the truths which alone can save them from the
coming destruction.13

Sabbathkeepers Will Be Tested and Proved—Young Sabbathkeepers who have yielded to the influence
of the world will have to be tested and proved. The perils of the last days are upon us, and a trial is
before the young which many have not anticipated. They will be brought into distressing perplexity, and
the genuineness of their faith will be proved. They profess to be looking for the Son of man, yet some of
them have been a miserable example to unbelievers. They have not been willing to give up the world,
but have united with the world in attending picnics [Note: The simple outdoor gathering of families or
church members is not referred to here, but that in which church members “united with the world” in a
carnival type of community gathering quite common then.] and other gatherings for pleasure, flattering
themselves that they were engaging in innocent amusement. Yet it is just such indulgences that
separate them from God and make them children of the world....

God does not own the pleasure seeker as His follower. Those only who are self-denying and who live
lives of sobriety, humility, and holiness are true followers of Jesus. And such cannot enjoy the frivolous,
empty conversation of the lover of the world.14
The All-Important Consideration—Let none begin to believe that amusements are essential and that a
careless disregard of the Holy Spirit during hours of selfish pleasure is to be looked upon as a light
matter. God will not be mocked. Let every young man, every young woman, consider: “Am I prepared
today for my life to close? Have I the heart preparation that fits me to do the work which the Lord has
given me to do?”15

Chapter 84—Directing Juvenile Thinking Regarding Recreation

Standards Are Being Lowered—Christian parents are giving way to the world-loving propensities of their
children. They open the door to amusements which from principle they once prohibited.1

Even among Christian parents there has been too much sanctioning of the love of amusements. Parents
have received the world's maxim, have conformed to the general opinion that it was necessary that the
early life of children and youth should be frittered away in idleness, in selfish amusements, and in foolish
indulgences. In this way a taste has been created for exciting pleasure, and children and youth have
trained their minds so that they delight in exciting displays; and they have a positive dislike for the
sober, useful duties of life. They live lives more after the order of the brute creation. They have no
thoughts of God or of eternal realities, but flit like butterflies in their season. They do not act like
sensible beings whose lives are capable of measuring with the life of God, and who are accountable to
Him for every hour of their time.2

Mothers to Invent and Direct Amusements—Instead of sending her children from her presence, that she
may not be troubled with their noise and be annoyed with the numerous attentions they would desire,
she will feel that her time cannot be better employed than in soothing and diverting their restless, active
minds with some amusement or light, happy employment. The mother will be amply repaid for the
efforts she may make and the time she may spend to invent amusement for her children.

Young children love society. They cannot, as a general thing, enjoy themselves alone; and the mother
should feel that, in most cases, the place for her children when they are in the house is in the room she
occupies. She can then have a general oversight of them and be prepared to set little differences right,
when appealed to by them, and correct wrong habits or the manifestation of selfishness or passion, and
can give their minds a turn in the right direction. That which children enjoy they think mother can be
pleased with, and it is perfectly natural for them to consult mother in little matters of perplexity. And
the mother should not wound the heart of her sensitive child by treating the matter with indifference or
by refusing to be troubled with such small matters. That which may be small to the mother is large to
them. And a word of direction or caution, at the right time, will often prove of great value.3

Do Not Deny Innocent Pleasures—For lack of time and thought many a mother refuses her children
some innocent pleasure, while busy fingers and weary eyes are diligently engaged on work designed
only for adornment, something that, at best, will serve only to encourage vanity and extravagance in
their young hearts. As the children approach manhood and womanhood, these lessons bear fruit in
pride and moral worthlessness. The mother grieves over her children's faults but does not realize that
the harvest she is reaping is from seed which she herself planted.

Some mothers are not uniform in the treatment of their children. At times they indulge them to their
injury, and again they refuse some innocent gratification that would make the childish heart very happy.
In this they do not imitate Christ; He loved the children; He comprehended their feelings and
sympathized with them in their pleasures and their trials.4

How Mrs. White Restrained Her Children—When the children will beg that they may go to this company
or join that party of amusement, say to them: “I cannot let you go, children; sit right down here, and I
will tell you why. I am doing up work for eternity and for God. God has given you to me and entrusted
you to my care. I am standing in the place of God to you, my children; therefore I must watch you as one
who must give an account in the day of God. Do you want your mother's name written in the books of
heaven as one who failed to do her duty to her children, as one who let the enemy come in and
preoccupy the ground that I ought to have occupied? Children, I am going to tell you which is the right
way, and then if you choose to turn away from your mother and go into the paths of wickedness, your
mother will stand clear, but you will have to suffer for your own sins.”

This is the way I did with my children, and before I would get through, they would be weeping, and they
would say, “Won't you pray for us?” Well, I never refused to pray for them. I knelt by their side and
prayed with them. Then I have gone away and have pleaded with God until the sun was up in the
heavens, the whole night long, that the spell of the enemy might be broken, and I have had the victory.
Although it cost me a night's labor, yet I felt richly paid when my children would hang about my neck
and say, “Oh, Mother, we are so glad that you did not let us go when we wanted to. Now we see that it
would have been wrong.”

Parents, this is the way you must work, as though you meant it. You must make a business of this work if
you expect to save your children in the kingdom of God.5

Problems of the Perplexing Teen Ages—In the present state of society it is no easy task for parents to
restrain their children and instruct them according to the Bible rule of right. Children often become
impatient under restraint and wish to have their own way and to go and come as they please. Especially
from the age of ten to eighteen they are inclined to feel that there can be no harm in going to worldly
gatherings of young associates. But the experienced Christian parents can see danger. They are
acquainted with the peculiar temperaments of their children and know the influence of these things
upon their minds; and from a desire for their salvation, they should keep them back from these exciting
amusements.6

Vigilance Is Especially Needed After Conversion—When the children decide for themselves to leave the
pleasures of the world and to become Christ's disciples, what a burden is lifted from the hearts of
careful, faithful parents! Yet even then the labors of the parents must not cease. These youth have just
commenced in earnest the warfare against sin and against the evils of the natural heart, and they need
in a special sense the counsel and watchcare of their parents.7

The Secret of Guarding the Children From Worldly Attractions—How many parents are lamenting the
fact that they cannot keep their children at home, that they have no love for home! At an early age they
have a desire for the company of strangers; and as soon as they are old enough, they break away from
that which appears to them to be bondage and unreasonable restraint and will neither heed a mother's
prayers nor a father's counsels. Investigation would generally reveal that the sin lay at the door of the
parents. They have not made home what it ought to be—attractive, pleasant, radiant with the sunshine
of kind words, pleasant looks, and true love.
The secret of saving your children lies in making your home lovely and attractive. Indulgence in parents
will not bind the children to God nor to home; but a firm, godly influence to properly train and educate
the mind would save many children from ruin.8

It is the duty of parents to watch the going out and the coming in of their children. They should
encourage them and present inducements before them which will attract them at home and lead them
to see that their parents are interested for them. They should make home pleasant and cheerful.9