Chapter 83—The Lure of Pleasure
The Natural Heart Seeks Pleasure—The natural mind leans to-
ward 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 infec-
tious. Given up to this, the mind hurries from one point to another,
ever seeking for some amusement
Worldly pleasures are infatuating; and for their momentary enjoy-
ment 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
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 amuse-
ment. The mind becomes trifling and frivolous because it is not accus-
tomed 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
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
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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
1
Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students, 337
.
2
The Review and Herald, January 29, 1884
.
3
The Review and Herald, December 6, 1881
.
4
The Health Reformer, December, 1872
.
398