Church Social Life
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tion, nor for the glory of God, to keep the mind laboring 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
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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 harm-
less should be substituted in their place.—
Testimonies for the Church
1:514
.
It is the privilege and duty of Christians to seek innocent
recreation—It is the privilege and duty of Christians to seek to refresh
their spirits and invigorate their bodies by innocent recreation, with
the purpose of using their physical and mental powers to the glory of
God. Our recreations should not be scenes of senseless mirth, taking
the form of the nonsensical. We can conduct them in such a manner
as will benefit and elevate those with whom we associate, and better
qualify us and them to more successfully attend to the duties devolving
upon us as Christians. We cannot be excusable in the sight of God if
we engage in amusements which have a tendency to unfit us for the
faithful performance of the ordinary duties of life, and thus lessen our
relish for the contemplation of God and heavenly things. The religion
of Christ is cheering and elevating in its influence. It is above every-
thing like foolish jesting and joking, vain and frivolous chit-chat. In
all our seasons of recreation we may gather from the Divine Source of
strength fresh courage and power, that we may the more successfully
elevate our lives to purity, true goodness, and holiness.—
The Review
and Herald, July 25, 1871
.
Ellen White spoke approvingly to a group gathered for recre-
ation at Lake Goguac in Michigan—But I believe that, while we
are seeking to refresh our spirits and invigorate our bodies, we are
required of God to use all our powers at all times to the best purpose.
We may associate together as we do here today, and do all to the glory
of God. We can and should conduct our recreations in such a manner
that we shall be fitted for the more successful discharge of the duties
devolving upon us, and that our influence shall be more beneficial
upon those with whom we associate. Especially should it be the case
upon an occasion like this, which should be of good cheer to us all.