330
Messages to Young People
Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater. In-
stead of being a school for morality and virtue, as is so often claimed,
it is the very hotbed of immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propen-
sities are strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments. Low
songs, lewd gestures, expressions, and attitudes, deprave the imagina-
tion and debase the morals. Every youth who habitually attends such
exhibitions will be corrupted 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 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. The only safe
course is to shun the theater, the circus, and every other questionable
place of amusement.
There are modes of recreation which are highly beneficial to both
body and mind. An enlightened, discriminating mind will find abun-
dant means for entertainment and diversion, from sources not only
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innocent, but instructive. Recreation in the open air, the contempla-
tion of the works of God in nature, will be of the highest benefit.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:651-653
.
Provide Innocent Pleasures
Youth cannot be made as sedate and grave as old age, the child as
sober as the sire. While sinful amusements are condemned, as they
should be, let parents, teachers, and guardians of youth provide in their
stead innocent pleasures, which will not taint or corrupt the morals.
Do not bind down the young to rigid rules and restraints that will lead
them to feel themselves oppressed, and to break over and rush into
paths of folly and destruction. With a firm, kind, considerate hand,
hold the lines of government, guiding and controlling their minds and
purposes, yet so gently, so wisely, so lovingly, that they will still know
that you have their best good in view.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers,
and Students, 335
.