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Last Day Events
Television and the Theater
Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater. In-
stead of being a school of 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 cor-
rupted 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.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:652, 653
(1881).
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
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such a place. No one would wish to be found there when Christ shall
come.—
Messages to Young People, 398
(1882).
The only safe amusements are such as will not banish serious and
religious thoughts. The only safe places of resort are those to which
we can take Jesus with us.—
Our High Calling, 284
(1883).
Dress and Adornments
There is no need to make the dress question the main point of your
religion. There is something richer to speak of. Talk of Christ, and
when the heart is converted everything that is out of harmony with the
Word of God will drop off.—
Evangelism, 272
(1889).
If we are Christians, we shall follow Christ, even though the path in
which we are to walk cuts right across our natural inclinations. There is
no use in telling you that you must not wear this or that, for if the love
of these vain things is in your heart your laying off your adornments
will only be like cutting the foliage off a tree. The inclinations of
the natural heart would again assert themselves. You must have a
conscience of your own.—
Child Guidance, 429, 430
(1892).
I beg of our people to walk carefully and circumspectly before
God. Follow the customs in dress so far as they conform to health
principles. Let our sisters dress plainly, as many do, having the dress