Periods of Relaxation
[
Testimonies for the Church 1:514, 515
(1867).]
I was shown that Sabbathkeepers as a people labor too hard, with-
out allowing themselves change or periods of rest. Recreation is
needful to those who are engaged in physical labor, and is still more
essential for those whose labor is principally mental. It is not essential
to our salvation, nor for the glory of God, to keep the mind labor-
ing constantly and excessively, even upon religious themes. There
are amusements, such as dancing, card playing, chess, checkers, etc.,
which we cannot approve, because Heaven condemns them. These
amusements open the door for great evil. They are not beneficial
in their tendency, but have an exciting influence, producing in some
minds a passion for those plays which lead to gambling and dissipation.
All such plays should be condemned by Christians, and something
perfectly harmless should be substituted in their place.
I saw that our holidays should not be spent in patterning after the
world, yet they should not be passed by unnoticed, for this will bring
dissatisfaction to our children. On these days when there is danger that
our children will be exposed to evil influences and become corrupted by
the pleasures and excitement of the world, let the parents study to get
up something to take the place of more dangerous amusements. Give
your children to understand that you have their good and happiness in
view.
Let several families living in a city or village unite and leave the
occupations which have taxed them physically and mentally and make
an excursion into the country to the side of a fine lake or to a nice
grove, where the scenery of nature is beautiful. They should provide
themselves with plain, hygienic food, the very best fruits and grains,
[196]
and spread their table under the shade of some tree or under the canopy
of heaven. The ride, the exercise, and the scenery will quicken the
appetite, and they can enjoy a repast which kings might envy.
207