How the Christian Chooses His Recreation
395
the soul one virtuous or holy sentiment. On the contrary, they destroy
all relish for serious thought and for religious services. It is true that
there is a wide contrast between the better class of select parties and
the promiscuous and degraded assemblies of the low dance house. Yet
all are steps in the path of dissipation
David’s Dancing Not a Precedent—David’s dancing in reverent
joy before God has been cited by pleasure lovers in justification of the
fashionable modern dance, but there is no ground for such an argument.
In our day dancing is associated with folly and midnight reveling.
Health and morals are sacrificed to pleasure. By the frequenters of the
ballroom God is not an object of thought and reverence; prayer or the
song of praise would be felt to be out of place in their assemblies. This
test should be decisive. Amusements that have a tendency to weaken
the love for sacred things and lessen our joy in the service of God are
not to be sought by Christians. The music and dancing in joyful praise
to God at the removal of the ark had not the faintest resemblance to the
dissipation of modern dancing. The one tended to the remembrance
of God and exalted His holy name. The other is a device of Satan to
cause men to forget God and to dishonor Him
Card Playing—a Prelude to Crime—Card playing should be
prohibited. The associations and tendencies are dangerous. The prince
of the powers of darkness presides in the gaming room and wherever
there is card playing. Evil angels are familiar guests in these places.
[518]
There is nothing in such amusements beneficial to soul or body. There
is nothing to strengthen the intellect, nothing to store it with valuable
ideas for future use. The conversation is upon trivial and degrading
subjects.... Expertness in handling cards will soon lead to a desire to
put this knowledge and tact to some use for personal benefit. A small
sum is staked, and then a larger, until a thirst for gaming is acquired,
which leads to certain ruin. How many has this pernicious amusement
led to every sinful practice, to poverty, to prison, to murder, and to the
gallows! And yet many parents do not see the terrible gulf of ruin that
is yawning for our youth
The Fear of Being Singular—Professed Christians who are su-
perficial in character and religious experience are used by the tempter
15
The Review and Herald, February 28, 1882
.
16
Patriarchs and Prophets, 707
.
17
Testimonies For The Church 4, 652
.