Testimonies for the Church Volume 1 - A New You Ministry

Chap. 87 - Recreation for ChristiansI was shown that Sabbathkeepers as a people labor too hard without allowingthemselves change or periods of rest. Recreation is needful to those who are engagedin physical labor and is still more essential for those whose labor is principally mental.It is not essential to our salvation, nor for the glory of God, to keep the mind laboringconstantly and excessively, even upon religious themes. There are amusements, suchas dancing, card playing, chess, checkers, etc., which we cannot approve, becauseHeaven condemns them. These amusements open the door for great evil. They are notbeneficial in their tendency, but have an exciting influence, producing in some minds apassion for those plays which lead to gambling and dissipation. All such plays shouldbe condemned by Christians, and something perfectly harmless should be substitutedin their place.I saw that our holidays should not be spent in patterning after the world, yet theyshould not be passed by unnoticed, for this will bring dissatisfaction to our children.On these days when there is danger that our children will be exposed to evil influences,and become corrupted by the pleasures and excitement of the world, let the parentsstudy to get up something to take the place of more dangerous amusements. Give yourchildren to understand that you have their good and happiness in view.Let several families living in a city or village unite and leave the occupations whichhave taxed them physically and mentally, and make an excursion into the country tothe side of a fine lake or to a nice grove where the scenery of nature is beautiful. Theyshould provide themselves with plain, hygienic food, the very best fruits and grains,and spread their table under the shade of some tree or under the canopy of heaven. Theride, the exercise, and the scenery will quicken the appetite, and they can enjoy a repastwhich kings might envy.514