Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

to God for the impressions they make, and the
influence they cast, in all their associations in life.
If this influence is such as shall have a tendency to
draw the minds of others away from God and
attract them into the channel of vanity and folly,
leading them to seek their own pleasure in
amusements and foolish indulgences, they must
give an account for this. And if these persons are
men and women of influence, if their position is
such that their example will affect others, then a
greater sin will rest upon them for neglecting to
regulate their conduct by the Bible standard.
The occasion we are enjoying today is just
according to my ideas of recreation. I have tried to
give my views upon this subject, but they are better
illustrated than expressed. I was on this ground
about one year ago when there was a gathering
similar to this. Nearly everything passed off very
pleasantly then, but still some things were
objectionable. Considerable jesting and joking
were indulged in by some. All were not
Sabbathkeepers, and an influence was manifest that
was not as pleasant as we could wish.
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