Basic HTML Version
78
Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers
meet together will be refreshed and strengthened. “Then they that
feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened,
and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him
for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. And
they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make
up My jewels.”
But there has been a class of social gatherings in Battle Creek 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 he takes possession of
[83]
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 inspiration; 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.
Effect of such Gatherings
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.
Bicycle Sport
Turn to another scene. In the streets of the city is a party gathered
for a bicycle race. [
See appendix.
] In this company also are those
who profess to know God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. But