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Walk in the Way of Good Men, July 29
Recreation and Amusements
Walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.
Proverbs 2:20
There are modes of recreation which are highly beneficial to both
mind and body. An enlightened, discriminating mind will find abundant
means for entertainment and diversion, from sources not only innocent,
but instructive. Recreation in the open air, the contemplation of the
works of God in nature, will be of the highest benefit.
While we are seeking to refresh our spirits and invigorate our bodies,
we are required of God
to use all our powers at all times to the best pur-
pose. We may associate together as we do here today, [
From an address
given at an outdoor recreational gathering at Goguac Lake, Michigan.
]
and do all to the glory of God. We can and should conduct our recre-
ations in such a manner that we shall be fitted for the more successful
discharge of the duties devolving upon us, and that our influence shall be
more beneficial upon those with whom we associate. Especially should
it be the case upon an occasion like this, which should be of good cheer
to us all. We can return to our homes improved in mind and refreshed
in body, and prepared to engage in the work anew, with better hope and
better courage.
We believe that it is our privilege every day of our lives to glorify
God upon the earth; that we are not to live in this world merely for our
own amusement, merely to please ourselves. We are here to benefit
humanity, to be a blessing to society....
We here behold the beauties of nature.... As we behold these works
of nature we should let the mind be carried up higher, to nature’s God; let
it be elevated to the Creator of the universe, and then adore the Creator
who has made all these beautiful things for our benefit and happiness.
We must take periods of rest, periods of recreation, periods for con-
templation.
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