Another Kind of Social Gathering by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 27, 1913

Another Kind of Social Gathering

By F. M. W.

LAST week we referred to one of the model social gatherings which it was our privilege to attend. We regret that all have not been of this character. The experience of the writer, unfortunately, has been the experience of others of his ministering brethren who have been unwittingly led to the acceptance of invitations from their friends to gatherings of a sort that did not minister to godliness.

One of these occurring some years ago we vividly recall. It was a social gathering at the home of one of the members of the church. Apparently the direction of the evening’s entertainment had been left to the study and planning of young and immature minds. After an hour of idle chit-chat, joking and laughing and more or less gossiping regarding matters in the church and neighborhood, the formal program of the evening was rendered. This consisted of the singing of several worldly songs, the recitation of two or three comic and ridiculous pieces, and the recital of several laughable and ludicrous incidents which had occurred in the experience of the narrators. Following this a game called the spider’s web was played, consisting of the tracing of various threads of twine which had been interlaced and crossed, running from room to room and point to point, throughout the house. Next came the event of the evening, a feast of rich cakes and highly seasoned viands rendered all the more indigestible by the lateness of the hour and the weariness of the guests.

There was nothing in the spirit of the occasion that ministered to spirituality or even to sobriety. It seemed to be the purpose of the majority of those present to crowd into the passing hour as much of wild mirth as possible. Christ and the claims of his service were apparently forgotten. There was nothing in the occasion that could be recalled upon the morrow with feelings of pleasurable remembrance.

Some were present who could neither find pleasure in the exercises nor participate therein. As invited guests they did not feel free to withdraw, and the occasion was not one fitting for expostulation or kindly admonition. We know that many, both old and young, have been drawn into gatherings of this character as unsuspectingly as were we, and have felt sad at heart for being present.

The spirit of prophecy affords us a vivid description of the character of such gatherings. The servant of the Lord speaks very plainly. From the tract “Recreation” we quote:—

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 he takes possession of those who patronize these gatherings.

A view of one such company was presented to me, where there 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.

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 merry-making, they do their best to forget God. The scene of pleasure is their paradise. And heaven is looking on, seeing and hearing all.

Both pleasure and profit may be found in Christian fellowship and well-regulated social enjoyment; but, as we have stated before, such gatherings in order to be profitable must be arranged as a result of prayer and earnest study. The counsel of mature judgment and of Christian fathers and mothers must have a strong, molding influence. Let us seek to avoid those places and those associations that tend to draw us away from God, and seek more earnestly those that make for our mental and spiritual upbuilding.

F. M. W.