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With Recreation That Results in Joy, June 19
But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever
shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love
thy name be joyful in thee.
Psalm 5:11
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The enemy of righteousness has every kind of pleasure prepared for
youth in all conditions of life; and they are not presented alone in crowded
cities, but in every spot inhabited by human beings. Satan loves to secure
the youth in his ranks as soldiers. The arch fiend well knows with what
material he has to deal; and he has displayed his infernal wisdom in
devising customs and pleasures for the youth which will separate their
affections from Jesus Christ. The various amusements of society have
been the ruin of thousands and tens of thousands who, had it not been for
these attractions, would have been obedient children, respectful to their
parents, upright, pure, and noble in their pursuits and in their character
Should Christ come among the assembly who were absorbed in their
plays and frivolous amusements, would the solemn melody of His voice
be heard in benediction, saying, “Peace be to this house”? How would the
Saviour of the world enjoy these scenes of gaiety and folly
Pride and ambition are never satisfied, but those who are truly wise
will find substantial and elevating pleasure in the sources of enjoyment
that God placed within the reach of all
It is the privilege and duty of Christians to seek to refresh their spirits
and invigorate their bodies by innocent recreation, with the purpose of
using their physical and mental powers to the glory of God. Our recre-
ations should not be scenes of senseless mirth, taking the form of the
nonsensical. We can conduct them in such a manner as will benefit and
elevate those with whom we associate, and better qualify us and them to
more successfully attend to the duties devolving upon us as Christians....
The religion of Christ is cheering and elevating in its influence
[178]
60
The Youth’s Instructor, January 5, 1887
.
61
The Review and Herald, October 13, 1874
.
62
Patriarchs and Prophets, 50
.
63
Messages to Young People, 364
.
182