Chapter 87—Recreation for Christians
I was shown that Sabbathkeepers as a people labor too hard without
allowing themselves change or periods of rest. Recreation is needful
to those who are engaged in physical labor and is still more essential
for those whose labor is principally mental. It is not essential to our
salvation, nor for the glory of God, to keep the mind laboring constantly
and excessively, even upon religious themes. There are amusements,
such as dancing, card playing, chess, checkers, etc., which we cannot
approve, because Heaven condemns them. These amusements open
the door for great evil. They are not beneficial in their tendency, but
have an exciting influence, producing in some minds a passion for
those plays which lead to gambling and dissipation. All such plays
should be condemned by Christians, and something perfectly harmless
should be substituted in their place.
I saw that our holidays should not be spent in patterning after the
world, yet they should not be passed by unnoticed, for this will bring
dissatisfaction to our children. On these days when there is danger
that our children will be exposed to evil influences, and become cor-
rupted by the pleasures and excitement of the world, let the parents
study to get up something to take the place of more dangerous amuse-
ments. Give your children to understand that you have their good and
happiness in view.
Let several families living in a city or village unite and leave the
occupations which have taxed them physically and mentally, and make
an excursion into the country to the side of a fine lake or to a nice
grove where the scenery of nature is beautiful. They should provide
themselves with plain, hygienic food, the very best fruits and grains,
and spread their table under the shade of some tree or under the canopy
of heaven. The ride, the exercise, and the scenery will quicken the
appetite, and they can enjoy a repast which kings might envy.
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On such occasions parents and children should feel free from
care, labor, and perplexity. Parents should become children with their
children, making everything as pleasant for them as possible. Let
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