Recreation for Christians
475
the whole day be given to recreation. Exercise in the open air for
those whose employment has been withindoors and sedentary will be
beneficial to health. All who can, should feel it a duty to pursue this
course. Nothing will be lost, but much gained. They can return to their
occupations with new life and new courage to engage in their labor
with zeal, and they are better prepared to resist disease.
I saw that but few realize the constant, wearing labor of those
who are bearing the responsibilities of the work in the office. They
are confined withindoors day after day and week after week, while a
constant strain upon the mental powers is surely undermining their
constitutions and lessening their hold on life. These brethren are in
danger of breaking suddenly. They are not immortal, and without a
change they must wear out and be lost to the work.
We have precious gifts in Brethren A, B, and C. We cannot afford
to have them ruin their health through close confinement and incessant
toil. Where can we find men with their experience to supply their
places? Two of these brethren have been fourteen years connected
with the work in the office, laboring earnestly, conscientiously, and
unselfishly for the advancement of the cause of God. They have had
scarcely any variation except what fevers and other sickness have given
them. They should have a change frequently, should often devote a
day wholly to recreation with their families, who are almost entirely
deprived of their society. All may not be able to leave the work at the
same time; but they should so arrange their work that one or two may
go, leaving others to supply their places, and then let these in their turn
have the same opportunity.
I saw that these brethren, A, B, and C, should as a religious duty
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take care of the health and strength which God has given them. The
Lord does not require them just now to become martyrs to His cause.
They will obtain no reward for making this sacrifice, for God wants
them to live. They can serve the cause of present truth far better by
their lives than by their death. If any one of these brethren should
be suddenly prostrated by disease, no one should regard it as a direct
judgment from the Lord. It will be only the sure result of the violation
of nature’s laws. They should take heed to the warning given, lest they
transgress and have to suffer the heavy penalty.
I saw that these brethren could benefit the cause of God by attend-
ing, as often as practicable, convocation meetings at a distance from