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Chapter 19—Amusements at the Institute
When the amusements were introduced into the Institute, some
in-----manifested their superficial character. They were well pleased
and gratified; their frivolous turn of mind was just suited. The
things recommended for invalids they thought good for themselves;
and Dr. C is not accountable for all the results accruing from the
counsel given to his patients. Those in different churches abroad,
who were unconsecrated, seized upon the first semblance of an
excuse to engage in pleasure, hilarity, and folly. As soon as it was
known that the physicians at the Institute had recommended plays
and amusements in order to divert the minds of the patients from
themselves into a more cheerful train of thought, it went like fire
in the stubble; the young in-----and other churches thought that
they had need of just such things, and the armor of righteousness
was laid off by many. As they were no longer held in by bit and
bridle, they engaged in these things with as much earnestness and
perseverance as though everlasting life depended upon their zeal
in this direction. Here was an opportunity to discern between the
conscientious followers of Christ and those who were self-deceived.
Some had not the cause of God at heart. They had not the work
of true holiness wrought in the soul. They had failed to make God
their trust, and were unstable, and only needed a wave to raise them
from their feet and toss them to and fro. Such showed that they
possessed but little stability and moral independence. They had not
an experience for themselves, and therefore walked in the sparks of
others’ kindling. They had not Christ in their hearts to confess to the
world. They professed to be His followers, but earthly and temporal
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things held their frivolous, selfish hearts in subjection.
There were others who did not seem to possess anxiety in regard
to the amusement question. They felt such confidence that God
would make all right that their peace of mind was not disturbed. They
decided that a prescription for invalids was not for them, therefore
they would not be troubled. Whatever others in the church or in the
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