Recreation
211
amusement which springs from principle and which will yield them
true happiness, and their time will not be spent in trifling or in selfish
indulgence. Their time may be ever employed to advantage, and they
be constantly refreshed with variation, and yet be redeeming the time,
so that every moment will tell with good account to someone
Many claim that it is necessary for the preservation of physical
health to indulge in selfish amusement. It is true that change is required
for the best development of the body, for mind and body are refreshed
and invigorated by change; but this object is not gained by indulgence
in foolish amusements, to the neglect of daily duties which the youth
should be required to do
[164]
Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater. In-
stead of being a school for morality and virtue, as is so often claimed,
it is the very hotbed of immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propen-
sities are strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments. Low
songs, lewd gestures, expressions, and attitudes, deprave the imagina-
tion and debase the morals. Every youth who habitually attends such
exhibitions 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 drink
strengthens with its use. The only safe course is to shun the theater,
the circus, and every other questionable place of amusement
David’s dancing in reverent joy before God has been cited by plea-
sure 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 Chris-
tians. 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
228
Testimonies for the Church 3:223
229
The Adventist Home, 508
230
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 334, 335