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Worldly Amusements
275
But there has been a class of social gatherings in—of an entirely
different character, parties of pleasure that have been a disgrace to
our institutions and to the church. They encourage pride of dress,
pride of appearance, self-gratification, hilarity, and trifling. Satan is
entertained as an honored guest and takes possession of those who
patronize these gatherings.
A view of one such company was presented to me, where were
assembled those who profess to believe the truth. One was seated
at the instrument of music, and such songs were poured forth as
made the watching angels weep. There was mirth, there was coarse
laughter, there was abundance of enthusiasm, and a kind of inspi-
ration; but the joy was such as Satan only is able to create. This is
an enthusiasm and infatuation of which all who love God will be
ashamed. It prepares the participants for unholy thought and action.
I have reason to think that some who were engaged in that scene
heartily repented of the shameful performance.
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Many such gatherings have been presented to me. I have seen
the gaiety, the display in dress, the personal adornment. All want
to be thought brilliant and give themselves up to hilarity, foolish
jesting, cheap, coarse flattery, and uproarious laughter. The eyes
sparkle, the cheek is flushed, conscience sleeps. With eating and
drinking and merrymaking, they do their best to forget God. The
scene of pleasure is their paradise. And Heaven is looking on, seeing
and hearing all....
The tenor of the conversation reveals the treasure of the heart.
The cheap, common talk, the words of flattery, the foolish witticism,
spoken to create a laugh, are the merchandise of Satan, and all
who indulge in this talk are trading in his goods. Impressions are
made upon those who hear these things, similar to that made upon
Herod when the daughter of Herodias danced before him. All these
transactions are recorded in the books of heaven, and at the last great
day they will appear in their true light before the guilty ones. Then
all will discern in them the alluring, deceptive workings of the devil,
to lead them into the broad road and the wide gate that opens to their
ruin.
Satan has been multiplying his snares in-----; and professed
Christians who are superficial in character and religious experience
are used by the tempter as his decoys. This class are always ready