Amusements in Our Sanitariums
[
Testimonies for the Church 4:577-579
(1881).]
Those who bear the responsibility at the sanitarium should be
exceedingly guarded that the amusements shall not be of a character
to lower the standard of Christianity, bringing this institution down
upon a level with others and weakening the power of true godliness in
the minds of those who are connected with it. Worldly or theatrical
entertainments are not essential for the prosperity of the sanitarium
or for the health of the patients. The more they have of this kind of
amusements, the less will they be pleased unless something of the kind
shall be continually carried on. The mind is in a fever of unrest for
something new and exciting, the very thing it ought not to have. And
if these amusements are once allowed, they are expected again, and
the patients lose their relish for any simple arrangement to occupy the
time. But repose, rather than excitement, is what many of the patients
need.
As soon as these entertainments are introduced, the objections to
theatergoing are removed from many minds, and the plea that moral
and high-toned scenes are to be acted at the theater breaks down the
last barrier. Those who would permit this class of amusements at the
sanitarium would better be seeking wisdom from God to lead these
poor, hungry, thirsting souls to the Fountain of joy and peace and
happiness.
When there has been a departure from the right path, it is difficult
to return. Barriers have been removed, safeguards broken down. One
step in the wrong direction prepares the way for another. A single glass
of wine may open the door of temptation which will lead to habits of
drunkenness. A single vindictive feeling indulged may open the way
[241]
to a train of feelings which will end in murder. The least deviation
from right and principle will lead to separation from God and may end
in apostasy.... It takes less time and labor to corrupt our ways before
God than to ingraft upon the character habits of righteousness and
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