Church Social Life
259
and naturally incline to follow the example of others. Thus they come
under the influence of those who have never had the divine touch on
heart or mind.—
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 85
.
Take a balanced view of recreation—There are persons with a
diseased imagination to whom religion is a tyrant, ruling them as with
a rod of iron. Such are constantly mourning over their depravity and
groaning over supposed evil. Love does not exist in their hearts; a
frown is ever upon their countenances. They are chilled by the innocent
laugh from the youth or from anyone. They consider all recreation or
amusement a sin and think that the mind must be constantly wrought
up to just such a stern, severe pitch. This is one extreme. Others think
that the mind must be ever on the stretch to invent new amusements and
diversions in order to gain health. They learn to depend on excitement
and are uneasy without it. Such are not true Christians. They go to
another extreme. The true principles of Christianity open before all a
source of happiness, the height and depth, the length and breadth of
which are immeasurable.—
The Adventist Home, 493
.
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