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Establishing Right Principles in the Youth
271
There are modes of recreation which are highly beneficial to
both mind and body. An enlightened, discriminating mind will
find abundant means for entertainment and diversion, from sources
not only innocent, but instructive. Recreation in the open air, the
contemplation of the works of God in nature, will be of the highest
benefit.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:648-653
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* * * * *
Youth cannot be made as sedate and grave as old age, the child
as sober as the sire. While sinful amusements are condemned,
as they should be, let parents, teachers, and guardians of youth
provide in their stead innocent pleasures, which will not taint or
corrupt the morals. Do not bind down the young to rigid rules and
restraints that will lead them to feel themselves oppressed and to
break over and rush into paths of folly and destruction. With a firm,
kind, considerate hand, hold the lines of government, guiding and
controlling their minds and purposes, yet so gently, so wisely, so
lovingly, that they will still know that you have their best good in
view.
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