Prohibited Amusements
[
Testimonies for the Church 4:652, 653
(1881).]
Those who are engaged in study should have relaxation. The
mind must not be constantly confined to close thought, for the delicate
mental machinery becomes worn. The body as well as the mind must
have exercise. But there is great need of temperance in amusements,
as in every other pursuit. And the character of these amusements
should be carefully and thoroughly considered. Every youth should
ask himself, What influence will these amusements have on physical,
mental, and moral health? Will my mind become so infatuated as to
forget God? Shall I cease to have His glory before me?
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. 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. There is heard the unseemly
jest, the low, vile talk, which lowers and destroys the true dignity of
manhood. These games are the most senseless, useless, unprofitable,
and dangerous employments the youth can have. Those who engage
in card playing become intensely excited, and soon lose all relish for
useful and elevating occupations. 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
[198]
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.
Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater. In-
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
210