p. 9 | The Choice of Proper Amusements

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 12, 1914

The Choice of Proper Amusements

THE editor of the Sabbath Recorder of Jan. 26, 1914, presents the following principles which should govern in the choice of amusements. They are well worthy of consideration:—

“There are a few things on the general question of amusements which should be kept well in mind: 1. Those amusements are best which have a positive elevating influence. If they offer advantages beyond the mere matter of supplying pleasant pastime, so much the better. All amusements should be compatible with high character, and should tend to promote such a character. 2. The true idea of recreation in amusements calls for that which restores the waste and makes the body healthier and the mind clearer. Every one should seek amusement for these purposes, and to neglect such recreation is often disastrous. But whatever play or pleasure tends to inflame the evil passions of our nature is a sinful amusement. 3. No amusement is right which unfits us in a positive way for the duties of life. 4. While we have a doubt of mind or a qualm of conscience in regard to the right or wrong of any amusement, we cannot afford to engage in it. Give God the benefit of the doubt. 5. Any amusement for the Christian in which thoughts of God and of the higher life seem out of place and troublesome, and in which we seem to be gradually won away from the Bible, from prayer and churchgoing, cannot be right. 6. If entering into any amusement becomes a matter of stumbling to others, and if one’s “liberty,” however innocent it may seem to him, causes another to go astray, then as a Christian he is bound to give it up. 7. Any amusement is wrong into which we cannot carry a clean conscience and our Master’s smile.