Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Recreation for Christians 475the whole day be given to recreation. Exercise in the open air forthose whose employment has been withindoors and sedentary will bebeneficial to health. All who can, should feel it a duty to pursue thiscourse. Nothing will be lost, but much gained. They can return to theiroccupations with new life and new courage to engage in their laborwith zeal, and they are better prepared to resist disease.I saw that but few realize the constant, wearing labor of thosewho are bearing the responsibilities of the work in the office. Theyare confined withindoors day after day and week after week, while aconstant strain upon the mental powers is surely undermining theirconstitutions and lessening their hold on life. These brethren are indanger of breaking suddenly. They are not immortal, and without achange they must wear out and be lost to the work.We have precious gifts in Brethren A, B, and C. We cannot affordto have them ruin their health through close confinement and incessanttoil. Where can we find men with their experience to supply theirplaces? Two of these brethren have been fourteen years connectedwith the work in the office, laboring earnestly, conscientiously, andunselfishly for the advancement of the cause of God. They have hadscarcely any variation except what fevers and other sickness have giventhem. They should have a change frequently, should often devote aday wholly to recreation with their families, who are almost entirelydeprived of their society. All may not be able to leave the work at thesame time; but they should so arrange their work that one or two maygo, leaving others to supply their places, and then let these in their turnhave the same opportunity.I saw that these brethren, A, B, and C, should as a religious duty [516]take care of the health and strength which God has given them. TheLord does not require them just now to become martyrs to His cause.They will obtain no reward for making this sacrifice, for God wantsthem to live. They can serve the cause of present truth far better bytheir lives than by their death. If any one of these brethren shouldbe suddenly prostrated by disease, no one should regard it as a directjudgment from the Lord. It will be only the sure result of the violationof nature’s laws. They should take heed to the warning given, lest theytransgress and have to suffer the heavy penalty.I saw that these brethren could benefit the cause of God by attending,as often as practicable, convocation meetings at a distance from