598
Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
stead of being a school of morality and virtue, as is so often claimed, it
is the very hotbed of immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propensities
are strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments. Low songs,
lewd gestures, expressions, and attitudes, deprave the imagination and
debase the morals. Every youth who habitually attends such exhi-
bitions will be corrupted in principle. There is no influence in our
land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious
impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober
realities of life than theatrical amusements. The love for these scenes
increases with every indulgence, as the desire for intoxicating drinks
strengthens with its use. The only safe course is to shun the theater,
the circus, and every other questionable place of amusement.
There are modes of recreation which are highly beneficial to both
mind and body. An enlightened, discriminating mind will find abun-
dant means for the entertainment and diversion, from sources not only
innocent, but instructive. Recreation in the open air, the contemplation
of the works of God in nature, will be of highest benefit.
The great God, whose glory shines from the heavens, and whose
divine hand upholds millions of worlds, is our Father. We have only to
love Him, trust in Him, as little children in faith and confidence, and
He will accept us as His sons and daughters, and we shall be heirs to
all the inexpressible glory of the eternal world. All the meek will He
guide in judgment, the meek will He teach His way. If we will walk
in obedience to His will, learn cheerfully and diligently the lessons
of His providence, by and by He will say: Child, come home to the
heavenly mansions I have prepared for you.
[654]