How the Christian Chooses His Recreation
393
amusements parents and teachers can do much to supply diversions
wholesome and life giving
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
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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
Gatherings for amusement confuse faith and make the motive
mixed and uncertain. The Lord accepts no divided heart. He wants the
whole man
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
9
Education, 211
.
10
Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students, 339, 340
.
11
Ibid., 345
.