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Pastoral Ministry
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.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:586
.
Problems
Some social gatherings are a disgrace to the church—But there
has been a class of social gatherings in Battle Creek of an entirely
different character, parties of pleasure that have been a disgrace to our
institutions and to the church. They encourage pride of dress, pride of
appearance, self-gratification, hilarity, and trifling. Satan is entertained
as an honored guest, and he takes possession of those who patronize
these gatherings. A view of one such company was presented to me,
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where were assembled those who profess to believe the truth. One
was seated at the instrument of music, and such songs were poured
forth as made the watching angels weep. There was mirth, there was
coarse laughter, there was abundance of enthusiasm, and a kind of
inspiration; but the joy was such as Satan only is able to create. This
is an enthusiasm and infatuation of which all who love God will be
ashamed. It prepares the participants for unholy thought and action. I
have reason to think that some who were engaged in that scene heartily
repented of the shameful performance.—
Testimonies to Ministers and
Gospel Workers, 82
.
Superficial Christians, always ready for pleasure or sport,
may lead Bible Christians to conform—Satan has been multiplying
his snares in Battle Creek; and professed Christians who are superficial
in character and religious experience are used by the tempter as his
decoys. This class are always ready for the gatherings for pleasure
or sport, and their influence attracts others. Young men and young
women who have tried to be Bible Christians are persuaded to join
the party, and they are drawn into the ring. They did not prayerfully
consult the divine standard, to learn what Christ had said in regard
to the fruit to be borne on the Christian tree. They do not discern
that these entertainments are really Satan’s banquet, prepared to keep
souls from accepting the call to the marriage supper of the Lamb; they
prevent them from receiving the white robe of character, which is the
righteousness of Christ. They become confused as to what it is right
for them as Christians to do. They do not want to be thought singular,