56
Last Day Events
which may be studied and practiced through the day. Questions may
be asked, a few earnest, interesting remarks made, or [an] incident,
short and to the point, may be brought in by way of illustration. At
least a few verses of spirited song may be sung, and the prayer offered
should be short and pointed. The one who leads in prayer should not
pray about everything, but should express his needs in simple words,
and praise God with thanksgiving.—
Child Guidance, 521, 522
(1884).
Guard Association With the World
[
Revelation 18:1-3
, quoted.] While this message is sounding, while
the proclamation of truth is doing its separating work, we as faithful
sentinels of God are to discern what our real position is. We are not to
confederate with worldlings, lest we become imbued with their spirit,
lest our spiritual discernment become confused and we view those who
have the truth and bear the message of the Lord from the standpoint
[85]
of the professed Christian churches. At the same time we are not to
be like the Pharisees and hold ourselves aloof from them.—EGW’88
1161 (1893).
Those who are watching and waiting for the appearing of Christ in
the clouds of heaven will not be mingling with the world in pleasure
societies and gatherings merely for their own amusement.—Ms 4,
1898.
To bind ourselves up by contracts or in partnerships or business
associations with those not of our faith is not in the order of God.—
The
Review and Herald, August 4, 1904
.
We should unite with other people just as far as we can and not
sacrifice principle. This does not mean that we should join their lodges
and societies, but that we should let them know that we are most
heartily in sympathy with the temperance question.—
Temperance,
220
(1884).
Recreation That Christ Approves
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.—
Messages to Young People, 364
(1871).